South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island

For the simplicity seeker, this island has no stoplights, billboards, fast food joints, or buildings higher than the tallest palm tree. Located off the southwest coast of Florida, Captiva is known as the “shell capital of the United States” with more than 400 rare species.

Play all day: Grab a pail and beachcomb for shells! Tennis, golf, and swimming in one of the resort’s 11 pools are on-site. The resort-sponsored Tiva Kids Camp provides supervised activities such as kayaking and family fishing. Or sign up for a beach walk with naturalist Vince McGrath, who’s been spotting rare birds and shells for more than 22 years.

Explore: Hop a boat to Cabbage Key, and hit the Dollar Bill Bar for a famous cheeseburger—eulogized in Jimmy Buffett’s song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

Family photo op: Ask a guide to snap a photo of your group kayaking through mangroves.

Get a deal: Rates start at $349 per night for a family of four and include a guided shelling excursion, enrollment in the GO! Fish program for kids, and a kayak excursion (available June 1 through September 30); southseasislandresort.com.