Get your permit online.

Park off the Pinellas Byway before you get to the DeSoto bridge, paddle between Summer Resort Key and Sister Key and you're there. One of the easiest island paddles out there - just a little over a mile. Pick a spot on the beach and you're good to go (in the green area public use area, see map attached).

The key is right across from South Beach at DeSoto so you're bound to hear some loud music from motor boats during the day, but it clears out and feels super remote by evening.

Excellent weekend trip.