CABBAGE KEY FLORIDA
Be prepared to totally relax when you get to Cabbage Key. Here you'll find a lush 100 acre tropical island filled with exotic trees, plants and flowers, the wonderful restaurant with accommodations and waterfront cottages.
Cabbage Key provides a panoramic view of Pine Island Sound from the front porch of the Inn, which sits on top of a 38 foot Indian shell mound.
The Inn was built in 1938 by Mary Roberts Rinehart, a novelist and playwright.
Getting To Cabbage Key
This wonderful island is only accessible by boat. There are no roads or cars here. There's absolutely nothing to spoil the serenity of the island. But, there ARE beautiful, picturesque nature trails, gorgeous water views and plenty of relaxation.
Below is a view of
Useppa Island
across Pine Island Sound.
You Can Take The Ferry From Pine Island, Fl
Of course you can bring your own boat and pull up to the dock in front of the restaurant. You can also do what most folks do and take a regularly scheduled cruise boat to Cabbage Key. The Tropic Star out of Pineland Marina on Pine Island, Fl. makes a lunch trip every day. There are also daily lunch trips from Punta Gorda and Captiva Island.
Things to Do on Cabbage Key
After you dock, it will probably be time for lunch. Enjoy a cheeseburger, or shrimp salad.
After lunch make sure to take a stroll on the nature trail. The path is marked with the names of the flora and fauna here. While on your stroll, take a walk to the water tower and climb up to get the best view of the expansive water.
Cabbage Key Inn
Jimmy Buffett Wrote Cheeseburger In Paradise After Visiting
Here's my son walking into the Cabbage Key Inn. Rumor has it that Jimmy Buffett wrote the song Cheeseburger in Paradise after one of his visits to this lush tropical island.
Once inside you'll see the unbelievable sight of more than 70,000 dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceilings.
If you are traveling on your own boat, you'll pass a beautiful waterfront home before getting to the restaurant. This is a great lunch trip. Attached to the dock is the gift shop. Make sure to stop in.
Unfortunately, shelling and swimming are not available on Cabbage Key due to the lack of beaches.
Accommodations
You can stay in one of the 6 charming, refurbished rooms in the historic Inn, which also houses the restaurant.
Each room has a unique flavor and is beautifully decorated in the old Florida style. All rooms have a private bath, have air conditioning, are easily accessible to the lounge and restaurant and are non-smoking rooms.
Perhaps you'd prefer to stay in one of the island's private cottages. All of the cottages are air conditioned with basic TV service.
There are 7 cottages to choose from. You'll just need to decide how many bedrooms you'd like and if you'll need a fully equipped kitchen. But, remember, that the restaurant in the Inn serves 3 meals a day. Prices of the cottages range from $140.00 to $389.00 per night.
- Doll House Cottage
Referred to as the Honeymoon Cottage, the Doll House is a one bedroom cottage with a sofa bed in the living room. There are gorgeous view of Pine Island Sound from the private dock and screened front porch. - Rinehart Cottage
The Rinehart Cottage overlooks the marina and has a wonderful view from the screened front porch. There are 2 bedrooms, one bathroom with a queen bed in each bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room.
- Cabbage Patch Cottage
The Cabbage Patch Cottage is located on the water with a private dock, screened porch with a wonderful view of Pine Island Sound. There are 2 bedrooms, one with a king bed, the other with a queen bed, plus a sofa bed in the living room, 2 baths and a fully equipped kitchen.
- Tarpon Cottage
The Tarpon Cottage is on the water and has a private dock, screened porch and fabulous view of Pine Island Sound. There is 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms, each with a queen bed plus a sofa bed in the living room. There is also a fully equipped kitchen.
- Brown House
The Brown House has a large screened porch with a beautiful marina view. There is 1 bathroom and 2 bedrooms, each with a queen bed, plus a daybed in the living room and a fully equipped kitchen.
- Snook Cottage
The Snook Cottage is a 2 level stilt cottage with a screened porch, a private dock and beautiful water views. There are 3 bedrooms and sleeps 8. There is a queen bed in 1 upstairs bedroom, 2 twin beds in the other upstairs bedroom, a king bed in the first level bedroom, 2 baths and a fully furnished kitchen.
- Harborview Cottage
The Harborview Cottage is the most spacious of the cottages. It is on the water with a private dock and great water views. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Each of the 2 upstairs bedrooms has a queen bed and private bath. There are 4 twin beds downstairs, which share the third bath. There is a fully equipped kitchen.
I hope you decide to take a trip to Cabbage Key, if only for lunch. It's a destination that will bring you fond memories for many years!
Do You Have a Story About Your Trip?
Take a look at what others have to say about this great little island. Please share your own story about your trip.
Return from Cabbage Key to The Best Florida Beaches
