Sizzling Atlantic Coast
Summer is here, and the Atlantic Coast is sizzling! Not just from the tropical sunshine, but from the hotspots, happenin’ attractions, and hip hotels. Lay out on an oceanfront beach, sinking into the soft cinnamon sand; or go exploring in town and get caught up in the calienté arts and culture scene. Whether it’s a river tour of Jacksonville, a visit to the Surf Museum, paddling along a wild river, or staying at the top of a luxurious hotel overlooking the ocean — these are the sizzling places to visit on the Atlantic Coast.
Jacksonville and the Beaches
If you have the spirit of an adventurer, but the body temperature threshold of a northerner, then Jacksonville and the Beaches will suit you just fine. The city’s main downtown area and its beach area are spread wide across the Florida landscape, offering many different ways to cool down. Thanks to the city’s perfect location along the St. Johns River, you can take a tour of the downtown area while staying right on the water! Not only do tour boats sail these waters, but this is also one of the coolest ways to get from place to place thanks to the St. Johns River Taxi. They run continuously and loop approximately every 30 minutes.
jaxrivertaxi.com
Sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to stay inside — and have a cold drink! Fortunately for you, Jacksonville is home to one of the five national Budweiser breweries that is open for tours and tastings, and is also part of an expanding craft brewery scene. To get on the Jax Ale Trail, just visit one of the breweries and pick up your ‘passport’; then start drinking your way through the city! Of their 13 local breweries, including Engine 15 Brewing Co., Intuition Ale Works, Aardwolf Brewing Co., Veterans United Craft Brewery, and Pinglehead Brewing Company, all of them won medals at the Best Florida Beer Championship in 2016.
visitjacksonville.com/jax-ale-trail
There are many hotels and resorts in both the urban and the beach areas, but we certainly recommend a beach hotel for this particular time of year. Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront it an excellent choice for keeping cool in the summer sun, thanks to their spectacular signature lagoon-style pool complete with waterfalls in the center! There is also a private beach access to enjoy some time on the sand. Rooms and suites are equipped with modern amenities, and you can recharge each morning with a hot breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy meals and drinks at their onsite Tides Beach Bar and Grill.
hamptoninn3.hilton.com
Cocoa Beach
One of the most popular surf areas in Florida, Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s destination with forgiving waves, surf schools, and has produced champion surfers like 11-time ASP World Tour Champion, Kelly Slater, whose bronze statue graces Cocoa Beach’s main thoroughfare, A1A. You can learn more about Kelly and other wave-riders at the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves and documents the unique history and culture of Florida surfing through exhibits, events, and programs. The museum is part of the world-famous (and world’s largest) Ron Jon Surf Shop, with 52,000 square feet filled floor to ceiling with merchandise; you can get your beach and surf essentials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with rentals available at their watersports store a half block away.
mainstreetcocoabeach.com
Most of Cocoa Beach’s accommodations are found by the water, ranging from high-end hotels to family-owned resorts. International Palms Resort & Conference Center Cocoa Beach is a resort with a long name that’s just a short drive from the downtown area. Set on 13 oceanfront acres, the resort offers a complete getaway from the cares of life. Relax in your retro-chic guest room or villa. Lounge by the pool in a cool cabana. Watch the kids splash through the pirate-themed pool area (or splash along with them).
internationalpalmscocoabeach.com
Martin County
An Atlantic Coast treasure that has, for many years, remained a hidden gem, Martin County is quickly being discovered as one of the best places in Florida’s east for a relaxing getaway. Of course, one of the most popular things to do here, road tripping its incredibly scenic backroads, is a great way to stay cool if you want to remain in the air-conditioning of your vehicle. But you cannot pass up the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and see why this is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Florida. Paddlesports are quite popular here, thanks to the many lovely waterways that wind through the county, and is the perfect way to stay cool on the water and beneath the mangrove tunnels and live oaks. To combine paddling with an eco tour, check out Zeke’s Surf, Skate, and Paddleboarding Tours. They put an active twist on the typical nature tour, getting you out on the water while you learn about wildlife. Choose a sunset excursion for an extra thrill!
zekessurfandpaddle.com
Thanks to this county’s dedication to natural preservation, the beaches here are gorgeous, pristine, and relaxing. And the hotels that dot the shoreline are here to help you cool off in relax. In Jensen Beach, the Hutchison Shores Resort & Spa takes beach relaxation to the next level, thanks to indulgent massage, skin care, and body treatments available in their spa - be sure to take advantage of their specials and packages. The resort’s rooms will help you chill as well, with views of the sunset, pool, or ocean, and you can enjoy onsite dining, pool, and activities.
hutchinsonshores.com
Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches
Just north of Daytona Beach is the Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, which stretch along the scenic A1A and offer the perfect blend of golf resorts and nature preserves. The beaches offer 19 miles of uncrowded, cinnamon-sugar sand that are just waiting for you to sink your toes into (and don’t forget to bring your pet, because they can join you here).
From luxurious resorts to camping beneath the stars, there’s an accommodation style for the way you relax. If you have brought your pet and you want to stay on the beach, then you need to check out the Hammock Beach Resort! This elegant resort offers guest rooms or villas (depending on your party size) as well as golf and spa treatments — and, best of all, pet-friendly options.
hammockbeach.com
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has been an iconic beach destination for decades, sporting 23 miles of beautiful sand beaches, there are plenty of easy access points as well as the Main Street Pier, with restaurants, an ice cream shop, and more. In fact, if you could spend your entire getaway on the beach, and we wouldn’t blame you. There’s even a great performance venue right on the beach! The Daytona Beach Bandshell amphitheater was first built of coquina in 1937, and features a colorful lineup that runs from big band and folk to blues and contemporary.
daytonabandshell.com
Want to stay in the beach? In Daytona Beach, you’ve got your choice of beachfront accommodations. Oceanside Daytona offers 165 spacious rooms, including one-bedroom and Penthouse suites, as well as a freshwater pool that is a delight to swim in. Looking to stay for a long while? Beachside Rentals Property Management is an award-winning, private beach vacation home that accommodates up to 16 people, with flexible rates based on the number of rooms that you reserve.
bestflbeachhouse.com
Fort Lauderdale
While this area was formerly known for its Spring Break reputation, over recent years, Fort Lauderdale has earned itself a name amongst the reputable vacation destinations of Florida, thanks to its ever-growing art scene and inclusion of many family activities throughout the area. As more visitors flock here, more people are discovering the natural side of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area; in fact, it has one of the best park systems of any city in the state. One of its most beautiful parks is actually a prime place for kayaking: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, in Fort Lauderdale Beach. In the middle of the concrete jungle sits a once-great estate, now the park, that shows you what this area looked like before it turned urban. Take a relaxing paddle in a kayak or paddleboard as you navigate to the freshwater lagoon, beneath the cool shade of live oaks and palmettos.
floridastateparks.org
One of the most fantastic things about Fort Lauderdale is its array of high-rise hotels that line the oceanfront — which is not only beautiful from the street view, but provides amazing views from the hotel rooms! Directly on Fort Lauderdale beach is the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, with more than half of the rooms and suites sporting ocean views and 7,500 sq. ft. of event space also facing the ocean. Enjoy dinner at their onsite restaurant, OCEAN2000 with spectacular outdoor seating, keep your tummy happy at their ice cream parlor, or spend the whole day floating in the pool or lazy river.
pelicanbeach.com
Hollywood
In Florida’s Hollywood, you’re the star! Enjoy strolling down this oceanfront city’s beautiful Broadwalk, a unique beachfront promenade that spans 2.5 miles and was named one of America’s Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine. You’ll also have your choice of over 50 restaurants to suit any taste, 30 boutiques and shops, and over 30 incredible local lodgings. Though they are technically a small beach town, do not underestimate their arts and culture offerings. We highly recommend a visit to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, which presents contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and high-quality education programs for adults and children. Housed in a beautiful, Mediterranean Revival building from 1924, it is one of the first structures built in South Florida.
artandculturecenter.org
Hollywood puts an emphasis on checking out their Superior Small Lodging (SSL) options for a true Florida experience during your vacation. Riptide Hotel, which is right on the beach and adjacent to the Broadwalk, features 21 oceanfront suites, all spacious and tastefully decorated to exude a vibe of barefoot elegance.
riptidehotel.com
Miami and the Beaches
Internationally recognized as one of the hottest vacation spots in the world, Miami offers something for everyone: sunny beaches, flavorful eateries, trendy nightlife, plush hotels, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. But do not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of Miami’s offerings; instead, use the beginning of your stay to take a tour of the city and get a feel for the kinds of places that you want to visit. Miami Tour Company offers half and full day tours of the city aboard an air-conditioned bus, with several tour options.
miamitourcompany.com
The neighborhood of Brickell, surrounding the busy Brickell Avenue, has risen in trendiness the past few years. One of the most stylish hotels in the area is the SLS Brickell, with an exterior looks like a colorful art piece and interiors with contemporary decor. If the beach is calling, then you must answer - with a stay at a beachfront hotel! Rising 31 stories above Sunny Isles Beach, Trump International Beach Resort Miami elevates the Miami experience with luxe coastal cool. The 355 guest rooms each offer a private balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean and/or the Intracoastal Waterways.
slsbrickell.com
trumpmiami.com
Homestead
Only 30 minutes south of Miami, Homestead is a small town with big offerings. It’s the jumping-off point for all kinds of nearby attractions including the Florida Keys, and is even adjacent to two national parks: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. Homestead is also offers its own points of interest, including the Coral Castle Museum — one of the most intriguing places you may ever visit. Prepare to be amazed and astounded as you visit this stone sculpture garden, whose construction is shrouded in mystery. Features of the Coral Castle Museum include a nine ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs — all made entirely of stone. Don’t miss this architectural wonder!
coralcastle.com
As a gateway for adventures, Homestead offers hearty accommodations to suit any style. The Inn of Homestead is a no-frills accommodation that perfectly suits any kind of getaway, with spacious and airy rooms, as well as a refreshing pool ideal for sunbathing or swimming, and a free breakfast each morning to fuel your adventures of the day!
theinn.ofhomestead.com
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