If you have followed along on Instagram this year you may have caught some of my stories taking you along on our family vacations to our family’s favorite spot: Useppa Island. Useppa is a tiny island off the west coast of Florida in the Boca Grande / Pine Island Area. One of my favorite parts of Useppa is that it is only accessible by boat and there are no cars, only golf carts! I love how it makes us slow down and enjoy a peaceful, beachy, very outdoor-focused vacation. My family has been coming to Useppa since I was in Middle School and I am so excited my girls are now making memories on this magical island.
SEE
Cayo Costa State Park: You can only get there by boat or kayak and it is an absolutely beautiful unspoiled beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Think beach meets wilderness! It is the perfect day trip for shelling and a picnic.
SHOP
Ariel’s on Boca Grande. Amazing selection, the nicest staff, and of course they carry DL!
SLEEP
Rent a house on Useppa Island! My family did this for years before we had our own spot. With Useppa being small we spend a lot of nights making family dinners, and hanging out so it is really nice to have a comfortable home base.
SIP
I LOVE the cocktails at the Pink Elephant on Boca Grande, the perfect casual spot to stop for a cold drink after shopping at Ariel’s and before the boat ride back to Useppa. You have to try the Spicy Elephant!
SAVOR
Cabbage Key: we love boating over here for a cheeseburger! It is rumored that this is the spot that inspired Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. Bring a dollar bill to put your name on and add to the wall!
STYLE
Duffield Lane Skorts - My favorite is the Sherri Skort in Navy diamond. As you can imagine, a vacation to Useppa involves a lot of boating! Not just to get to the island but to explore the surrounding islands, I love our skorts (and pullovers which are all UPF 50+) as they are great for hopping on and off the boat and still look polished and cute to go shopping or grab a drink in town!
