Cabbage Key is a small, car-free island in southwest Florida, reachable only by boat. It’s known for its rustic inn, the famous Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant, and the tradition of hanging dollar bills from the walls and ceiling. This guide covers what to expect, how to get there, what to do, and where to eat, so you can plan a perfect day trip or overnight stay.
Getting to Cabbage Key
- By private boat: The island has a marina with transient slips. Call ahead for reservations during season (November–April).
- By ferry from Pine Island: The Cabbage Key Ferry departs from Pineland Marina on Pine Island. The ride takes about 30 minutes. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance.
- By tour boat from Fort Myers Beach or Captiva: Several companies offer half-day or full-day excursions that include a stop at Cabbage Key. These often include lunch at the restaurant.
- By kayak or paddleboard: For the adventurous, you can paddle from nearby Cayo Costa or Useppa Island, but be aware of tides and currents.
What to Do on Cabbage Key
- Visit the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant: The main attraction. Walk through the bar and see the thousands of signed dollar bills covering every inch of the walls and ceiling. Add your own if you like—tape and pens are provided.
- Take the nature trail: A short, shaded loop (about 0.5 miles / 0.8 km) that winds through the island’s interior. You’ll see native plants, mangroves, and maybe some wildlife like gopher tortoises or ospreys. Wear bug spray—the mosquitoes can be fierce.
- Climb the water tower: The old water tower has a viewing platform at the top. It’s a bit of a climb, but the panoramic view of the Gulf and Pine Island Sound is worth it.
- Relax on the beach: The island has a small, shell-strewn beach. It’s not a sandy swimming beach like those on Captiva, but it’s a quiet spot to watch boats go by.
- Fish from the dock: You can fish off the marina dock or the seawall. No license is needed for saltwater fishing from shore in Florida, but check current regulations.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Cabbage Key Inn Restaurant: The only restaurant on the island. Known for its grouper sandwich, conch fritters, and key lime pie. It’s casual and family-friendly. The bar is a popular spot for boaters.
- What to know: The restaurant is cash-only? No, it’s not. But it’s a good idea to bring cash anyway, as the ATM on the island may be out of order. They do accept credit cards.
- Picnic areas: There are a few picnic tables near the beach. You can bring your own food, but there’s no grocery store or market on the island.
Tips for Your Visit
- Pack essentials: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. There are no stores on the island, so you must bring everything you need.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The nature trail is dirt and roots. Sandals are fine for the dock and restaurant, but you’ll want closed-toe shoes for the trail.
- Check the weather: Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off the water by early afternoon, or at least have a rain jacket.
- Make reservations for the ferry: The ferry can fill up, especially on weekends and holidays. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Serving Suggestions
While Cabbage Key is not a recipe, the “serving” here is the experience. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours on the island. Most visitors come for lunch and then explore. If you’re staying overnight, the inn has a few rooms and cottages, but they book up months in advance. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner; dinner is a more relaxed, sit-down affair.
Variations
If you can’t make it to Cabbage Key, you can get a taste of the experience at other Florida Gulf Coast islands:
- Useppa Island: A private island nearby with a more upscale resort and restaurant. You can visit by boat or ferry, but it’s more exclusive.
- Cayo Costa State Park: A pristine, uninhabited barrier island accessible only by boat. It has miles of beach, camping, and no development.
- Boca Grande: A charming town on Gasparilla Island with shops, restaurants, and a historic lighthouse. You can drive there, so it’s easier to reach.
Storage and Reheating
This article doesn’t involve food storage. For your trip, remember to take all trash with you when you leave. There are no trash cans on the island, and you must pack out what you pack in. Leftover food from the restaurant can be taken with you, but you’ll need to keep it in a cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Cabbage Key? The only way to reach Cabbage Key is by boat. You can take a private boat, a ferry from Pine Island, or a tour boat from Fort Myers Beach or Captiva. There is no bridge or road access.
Is there an entrance fee? No, there is no entrance fee to visit Cabbage Key. You only pay for transportation (ferry or fuel) and anything you buy at the restaurant or gift shop.
Can I stay overnight on Cabbage Key? Yes, the Cabbage Key Inn has a few rooms and cottages for rent. They are simple and rustic, but comfortable. Reservations are essential, especially during the winter season.
Is the restaurant expensive? The restaurant is moderately priced for a tourist spot. Expect to pay around $15–$25 per person for lunch and $25–$40 for dinner. The food is good, and the atmosphere is unique.
Are there restrooms on the island? Yes, there are public restrooms near the marina and the restaurant.
What is the best time of year to visit? The dry season (November–April) offers cooler temperatures and less rain. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms. The island is open year-round, but the ferry schedule may be reduced in the off-season.
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