Cabbage Key Inn
Atop an ancient Calusa shell mound and accessible only by boat, the friendly, somewhat quirky inn built by novelist and playwright Mary Roberts Rinehart in 1938 welcomes guests seeking peace and isolation. It's surrounded by 100 acres of tropical vegetation, through which a natural trail runs. In addition to the inn rooms, there are cottages scattered throughout the property, some of which have kitchens and can accommodate up to eight guests. Rooms range from bare-bones to more modern and family-friendly. There's a full-service marina and a restaurant whose dining room is papered with thousands of dollar bills. One of the many perks of staying here is proximity to the remote and pristine beach of Cayo Costa, a short boat trip from Cabbage Key. Note, however, that 2022's Hurricane Ian made its initial landfall on Cayo Costa, which was heavily damaged; access to it was limited long after the storm.
