10 Atlantic Coast Getaways
The Atlantic Coast of Florida offers quite a variety of destinations, which means they have every kind of getaway you could want! Awaiting you are historic elegance in our Nation’s Oldest City, pet-friendly beaches on the Palm Coast, surf fun in Cocoa Beach, and more! There are 10 amazing getaways you can have on the Gulf Coast.
Historic and Elegant Getaway in St. Augustine
Known as “The Nation’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine is the longest continually-inhabited European-founded city in the United States. Here you will see the story of early Florida, from Fort Matanzas National Monument to Gilded-Age hotels and even living museums like the Florida Agricultural Museum that let you get hands-on with history. Though it’s impossible to see all that the city has to offer in one day, you can get great overviews and juicy historical tidbits while taking a stroll with St. Augustine Historic Walking Tours or a relaxing ride with Old Town Trolley Tours.
Shopping is a delight here, and the city’s layout makes it easy to stroll from shop to shop (with a few places to eat in between). Visit the Arcade of Professional Artisans and Craftsmen, an open-air galleria where you can find handmade treasures. Artsy Abode Boutique on King Street contains amazing gifts, apparel, and jewelry that let you take home a little piece of Florida - in fact they’ve even been featured on First Coast Living. A few doors down on St. George is So MerMazing Boutique, which has pretty much everything that a modern-day mermaid could need: tumblers, tshirts, throw pillows, artwork, home decor, and whatever else you may mer-need.
The hotels in St. Augustine are just about as decadent and unique as the city itself. In the heart of the downtown is Casa Monica Resort and Spa, a Morrocan-themed hotel built in 1888 that boasts an ornate lobby, custom-designed rooms, some with romantic balconies or bubbling Jacuzzis. Or, try a laid-back yet elegant stay at the St. Francis Inn, located in a breathtaking, three-story historic home and grounds, the inn was built in the late 1700s. You can still experience the grandness of the old days without sacrificing on modern amenities, and the service is second-to-none.
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floridaagmuseum.org
staugustinehistorictours.com
trolleytours.com
artsyabode.com
somermazing.com
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stfrancisinn.com
Pet-Friendly Getaway in 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. Relaxation is at its height, and this is the perfect place to escape the cold of winter and the stresses of the everyday life.
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
Getaway with Sun, Sand, and Fun in 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.
We must recommend dusting off the sand to explore Daytona’s many cultural offerings. The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), Central Florida’s primary art, science and history museum, with an impressive American art collection, a Coca-Cola® and Americana collection, and more. Explore the area’s African-American heritage, where a large colony of freedmen was established in 1866; there are numerous places to learn more, including the African-American Museum of the Arts, the Black Heritage Museum, Freemanville Historic Site, and others.
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.
daytonabandshell.com
moas.org
africanmuseumdeland.org
blackheritage.org
oceansidedaytona.com
bestflbeachhouse.com
Authentic Surfside Getaway at 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.
It’s not just about surfing and beach life here; Downtown Cocoa Beach provides you with quaint shops and boutiques, as well as art galleries and charming local cafes and eateries. The surf shops of Cocoa Beach are tucked between completely unique shops like Another Planet Glass Custom Jewelry and Art, located right on Brevard Avenue (a main thoroughfare on this coast) which is a women’s boutique with specialty items; or Studios of Cocoa Beach, an art gallery filled with local artists’ work that rotates every couple of weeks, and also offers classes and events.
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). mainstreetcocoabeach.com
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internationalpalmscocoabeach.com
Hidden Gem of a Getaway in Martin County
Packed with history, nature, and scenic backroads, Martin County is a hidden gem of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. This is one of the last places to enjoy the great outdoors - this area not only offers tranquil beaches but also lush pastures, tree-lined backroads, and charming small towns that make it a favorite for roadtrippers.
You cannot visit this area without going on an eco-tour. This is one of the greatest places on Earth to learn about the importance of conservation and to see some of the purest, “realest” wild areas in the U.S. Sunshine Wildlife Tours takes you on a wild excursion aboard the Sirenia, a 35’ pontoon boat with seats in the shade, and even restrooms. Enjoy close up views of Bottlenose Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles and a vast array of endangered and threatened bird species and their rookeries, and a visit to Bird Island on every tour. Zeke’s Surf, Skate, and Paddleboarding Tours put an active twist on the typical nature tour, getting you out on the water while you learn about wildlife. You can also choose a sunrise or sunset excursion to add a little extra magic!
The arts and culture scene in Martin County preserves the legacy of Old Florida through dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and museums. Built in the 1920s as a silent movie house, The Lyric Theater, located in historic downtown Stuart, is host to plays, musicals, and also showcases big name talent. Also in Indiantown is the historic Seminole Inn, a beautiful boutique hotel built in the 1920s by Baltimore banker S. Davies Warfield and just renovated in 2018, today it brings to remembrance Southern elegance of times past with opulent guest suites, a farm-to-table restaurant, and breathtaking event spaces. sunshinewildlifetours.com
zekessurfandpaddle.com
lyrictheatre.com
seminoleinn.com
Luxurious Getaway in The Palm Beaches
A luxurious vacation destination for many decades, The Palm Beaches pays homage to the past while perfecting the present. Of course, no matter the popular travel trend of the day, it is always the beaches that draw visitors: nearly 30 tropical beach parks span 47 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, from Jupiter Beach to Boca Raton, and you could literally choose a beach based on your mood. Venturing away from the beach, the shopping here is top-drawer (pun intended), and the rising trend of including your pet on your trip is widely serviced by pet-friendly restaurants and hotels, as well as pet spas and plenty of dog-friendly parks and beaches.
The cultural offerings of this area are endless, from sensational seasonal festivals, to museums and theaters, to science centers and botanical gardens. Walk amongst the exotic blooms of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. While it may come as a surprise, you will discover here the century-old connection between Japan and South Florida, beginning when a group of young Japanese farmers created a community in the area. At Morikami, you will be presented with Japanese cultural experiences that include the museum’s exhibitions rooms, surrounding an open-air courtyard.
Posh pets and their parents cannot pass up a stay at Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, a beautifully contemporary oceanfront accommodation that leads way to a private white-sand beach and features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean - and, of course, pet-friendly suites.
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tidelineresort.com
Waterway Getaway in Fort Lauderdale
Visitors to Fort Lauderdale flock here from around the world, thanks to its many points of entry from different parts of the globe - in particular, the cruise port. Port Everglades sees thousands of international tourists coming and going every day. For those sailing out of the port, we encourage you to stay a little longer in the city to enjoy incredible hotel and resort deals thanks to so many special offers for cruisers from local accommodations. Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club, which sits on 10 acres of beachfront property and sports the largest private beach in the city, offers a delicious deal with their “Bed and Breakfast Special,” which includes a breakfast buffet for two so you can fuel up before your cruise.
It’s not just the oceanfront that you can cruise along - the river is full of life and culture in its own right. The vibrant community centered around the New River is best seen from the unforgettable Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. Not only is this a wonderful place for visitors, but also for the community. You can have fun and get fit with Riverwalk Recreation, which offers a variety of activities like kayak rentals, guided bike tours, yoga classes, and more. For something a bit more leisurely, you can relax in the Riverwalk Linear Park, visit a shop along the river, or dine at a waterfront restaurant.
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goriverwalk.com
riverwalkactivities.com
Beachfront Getaway in 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 Hollywood is a small beachfront community, their arts and culture scene resembles one of a larger city. In fact, 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. The arts and culture scene also extends to Hollywood’s younger occupants, with places like Muzart catering to creative children with creative outlets in drama, music, and more.
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. artandculturecenter.org
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riptidehotel.com
A Getaway with Great Variety in Miami
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.
Pretty much every shopper’s dream looks like Miami - all kinds of stores, from huge malls to small boutiques, and luxury designers to unique pieces. For fashionistas, the Design District is located between Midtown and Wynwood. Find a host of stores at the outdoor Miami mall, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cartier, Emilio Pucci, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and more. Perhaps one of the ritziest shopping districts in Florida can be found here at Bal Harbour Shops, where you might even have a celebrity sighting!
Just a short drive from Miami, over a scenic bridge, is the Biscayne National Park. The park’s Maritime Heritage Trail features a series of historic shipwrecks that cover nearly a century, from the iron-hulled steamer Arratoon Apcar built in 1861, to the steel-hull schooner Mandalay built in 1928 as a luxury cruise ship. Diving to explore these wrecks will seriously make you feel like a real-life treasure hunter, with some of the wrecks being in a surprisingly (and eerily!) good condition. Be sure to take the Biscayne Park ranger-led tour to learn more about the stories of the ships and how they met their demise, or rely on the knowledge of a local dive guide.
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.
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miamidesigndistrict.net
balharbourshops.com
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slsbrickell.com
trumpmiami.com
Adventurous Getaway in 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. 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!
Homestead is also offers its own points of interest, including The Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum, historic Seminole Theatre, and 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!
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townhallmuseum.org
seminoletheatre.org
coralcastle.com
theinn.ofhomestead.com
More Atlantic Coast Getaways
Simonton Court Historic Inn and Cottages offer two acres of me-ticulously crafted Key West experiences for every Guest to enjoy. You have the choice of a stay in their Bahemian mansion, charm-ingly restored cottage, breathtaking historic inn, manor house, or town house, all of which offer a tropical home-away-from-home with selected decor and amenities, gorgeous gardens to explore, amazing views, and dazzling pools to enjoy, as well as Key West attractions nearby.
simontoncourt.com
Beacher’s Lodge Oceanfront Suites is a unique, all-suite condo hotel that sits on the shores of Crescent Beach in St. Augustine. Discover ultimate beachfront relaxation when you choose an oceanfront suite, all of which feature a private balcony or patio facing the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for families or groups, suites offer kitchenettes, dining and sitting areas, and private bedrooms. Hit the beach, swim in the oceanfront pool, or take a drive into St. Augustine’s downtown.
beacherslodge.com
The Addison on Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast is comprised of three antebellum style houses built around the perimeter of the property to enclose an enchanting courtyard overlooked by the verandah, with understated hints of the tropics in the impeccably decorated guest rooms bringing to mind Old Florida elegance. Each room has a private bath, luxurious bed linens, and modern features such as free Wi-Fi. The inn offers bikes for a spin around the island, beach gear, and scrumptious breakfasts.
addisononamelia.com
Located on “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” otherwise known as Daytona, Fountain Beach Resort is perfectly situated to help you make your beach vacation dreams a reality. The resort’s rooms offer private balconies with ocean views, and their one bedroom suites are spacious enough to suit your family. Relax at the seasonally-heated pool, or enjoy a drink and live entertain-ment at the Oasis Tiki Bar & Grill. Shops, restaurants, and Day-tona attractions are minutes away.
daytonafountainbeach.com
Explore beautiful Fort Pierce nature when you stay at the Road Runner Travel Resort. Nestled in a 38 acre natural Florida ham-mock, and a short drive from Hutchison Island Beach, and the Indian River, you are surrounded by the ‘real Florida’! The resort offers 452 full hookup sites, all with modern conveniences that will make your stay a breeze. From RV and tent sites to rustic cabin suites, the resort is perfect for any traveler.
roadrunnertravelresort.com
