This Remote Gem in Florida Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel

In a world seemingly consumed with instant gratification and packed itineraries, a new travel movement is quietly gaining momentum: slow travel. But when we really think about travel, it shouldn’t be about how many landmarks we can cram into a weekend or how many countries we can cross off our list as quickly as we can. Instead, slow travel invites us to pause, breathe, and deeply connect with a place—its nature, culture, and rhythm. And if there’s one Florida destination that perfectly embodies this movement, it’s the quiet, car-free sanctuary of Hontoon Island State Park.

At its core, slow travel is about quality over quantity. It’s a mindset that encourages travelers to linger longer, immerse themselves in local life, and favor experiences that nurture connection over consumption. Think scenic hikes instead of Instagram stops, paddleboarding through cypress-lined canals instead of battling beach crowds, and watching the sunset just because, not because it’s on a list.

Situated in the St. Johns River near DeLand, Hontoon Island is only accessible by boat or ferry, and that’s just the beginning of its charm. This 1,648-acre state park is surrounded by water on all sides—bordered by the St. Johns River, Hontoon Dead River, and Snake Creek. There are no cars, no traffic, and no towering hotels. Just whispering pines, shaded hammocks, and the sounds of native wildlife going about their day.

The island’s remoteness is its greatest luxury. Once you step onto the ferry (which departs from a small mainland outpost), the pace of life shifts. Cell service is spotty at best, but that’s the point. It’s a place that encourages you to unplug and explore the wild Florida that existed long before theme parks and beachfront resorts.

The beauty of Hontoon Island lies in its simplicity. There are no roller coasters, fancy restaurants, or curated experiences. What you will find is:

• Miles of Hiking Trails: Hit the trails through palm and oak hammocks, across pine flatwoods, and into lush cypress swamps. The most popular hike is the 3.4-mile round-trip trail to a Native American shell midden—an archaeological site that hints at the island’s deep human history.
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Bring your own vessel or rent one and paddle along the waterways that wrap around the island.
• Camping and Cabins: For the ultimate slow travel experience, book a rustic cabin or pitch a tent at one of the island’s peaceful campsites. At night, the only sounds are those of tree frogs and the occasional owl.
• Birding and Wildlife Viewing: Look for herons, egrets, otters, raccoons, and even the elusive barred owl. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to spot wildlife.
• Fishing: Anglers can drop a line in the St. Johns River and try their luck with bass, catfish, and sunfish. Just make sure to bring your own gear and a valid Florida fishing license.

Long before it became a state park, Hontoon Island was home to Native American groups, particularly the Mayaca people. The shell midden mentioned earlier is one of the island’s most fascinating features—essentially an ancient trash heap made up of shells and other remnants, telling stories of people who lived and thrived here centuries ago.

Even today, the park preserves this sacred history with interpretive signage and an emphasis on conservation. Walking among the trees, it’s easy to imagine life on the island before modern development—quiet, sustainable, and deeply in tune with nature.

Hontoon Island State Park is the antidote to over-tourism. It’s wild, uncrowded, and gloriously quiet. It invites you to tune in to the natural world, to forget what time it is, and to let your mind wander in the best way possible. It’s Florida, unplugged—and that’s what makes it so revolutionary.