The economy of this barrier island is based on fishing and tourism, yet this is a relaxing, untouristy kind of place. You won't find any drive-through restaurants, just the occasional pileated woodpecker or osprey.
People here are proud of the fact that they're still friendly.
You get two parks in one here. One is just a small waterside pull-off and parking area where you can wade out into Pine Island Sound with your pooch. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day if you can overlook the fact that it's so small. We met a sandy-haired boy named Jason, about seven years old, who hurried home to get his mutt, Buddy. Jason and Buddy swim here all the time.