Adventure on the Atlantic Coast
When you want adventure, we highly recommend Florida’s Atlantic Coast - from big cities rich with history and culture to quiet, family friendly natural areas, adventure awaits you!
These exciting destinations include Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, Daytona Beach, and Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Hutchinson Island
Jacksonville
If you’re looking for luxury at an affordable price, Jacksonville is the top choice. Perfectly situated on the Atlantic coastline, it is also home to the longest stretch of the St. Johns River (hence its nickname, “River City by the Sea”). The city features more than 20 miles of wide and uncrowded beaches, and close to 40 miles of the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway canal. Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, with 10 state and national parks for you to explore. The vast urban area also welcomes you to adventure through its busy streets to find incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment - and you have to check out its thriving craft beer scene and colorful nightlife.
There’s 840 square miles of Jacksonville to explore - which might seem like a daunting task, if it wasn’t for tour guides like those at AdLib Luxury Tours. They have many options to choose from when it comes to discovering the city. Their thrilling “Top to Bottom Walking Tour” lets you hear the best stories of the River City starting at the tallest building in the city and working your way down to the secret underground tunnels, including behind-the-scenes looks at some of Jacksonville’s top attractions.
adlibtours.com
You may not know that Jacksonville is one of the Top 25 Art Destinations in the entire U.S., with a thriving arts and culture scene that draws art lovers from all over the world. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is home to a brilliant collection of world class art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, and includes exciting special exhibitions from around the world. Their stunning gardens are a unique example of early 20th century garden design, with reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, and sculptures that are a delight to tour in the cool morning hours before heading inside during the warmer parts of the day. A more contemporary choice is the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) one of the Southeast’s largest contemporary art institutions. The Museum’s permanent collection consists of nearly 1,000 works of art, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography.
cummermuseum.org
mocajacksonville.unf.edu
As far as accommodations go, Jacksonville has plenty to offer, with some of the most desirable and luxury hotels being located on the St. Johns River. The Omni Hotel Jacksonville is one such hotel, situated just steps from the lovely St. Johns Boardwalk. Recent renovations blend both a modern and elegant ambiance, reimagining the art of Southern hospitality. Imagine the luxury of relaxing at the rooftop pool with views of the river and the city skyline, indulge in the culinary delights of the hotel’s bar and bistro, or enjoy waking up to the invigorating treats of the coffee bar. Your room itself will make you feel like hotel royalty, with oversized windows that overlook the landscapes below and opulent amenities like in-room Keurig coffee machines, fluffy bathrobes, and a fully-stocked refreshment center.
omnihotels.com/hotels/jacksonville
St. Augustine
This historic city has long been a gateway for visitors, founded by Spanish explorers in the 1500s (hence its title, “The Nation’s Oldest City”) to build on four centuries of history that saw the influence of Spanish and English, Greeks, Native Americans, and African Americans, to culminate a rich, diverse blend of cultures that you can enjoy in many different ways. Gorgeous architecture, historic homes, archaic forts, and more await your visit.
In the Colonial Quarter, you can experience the thrill of living like the Colonial Spanish and British with a two acre, revamped attraction that takes you back in time with a Historic Adventure Tour, and other interactive and immersive adventures. Brush up on your musket skills, get in a serious workout climbing to the top of a 17th century watchtower replica, and feast in Colonial fashion at the taverns and restaurants. See boatwrights craft boats, inspect artifacts, and learn the flags of the many different nations that controlled the city through its 450 years of existence. Get ready to get your Colonial on!
colonialquarter.com
Throughout St. Augustine are amazing, unique places to stay, with many boutique hotels and B&Bs being popular thanks to so many historic homes being transformed into one-of-a-kind accommodations. Bayfront Westcott House is one of the most popular (and perhaps one of the most romantic) B&Bs in the city, with every room having its own private entrance and most with a Jacuzzi and fireplace! Built in 1880 and renovated to restore its elegance, the inn is decorated in rich, sophisticated style with each room being distinctive. You’ll wake up to a basket of delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast foods every morning, you can relax on a private balcony or the inn’s front porch, and you can select from several romance packages to let your special someone know how much you care. Enjoy being in the fabulous historic district, near amazing shops, cafes, historic sites, and more!
westcotthouse.com
Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches
If you’re looking for a great family destination on the Atlantic Coast, look no further than Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches. This area is considered by many to be one of Florida’s finest natural areas, with over 19 miles of soft, cinnamon colored sand and refreshing Atlantic waters that are ideal for swimming, fishing, and water sports. The easy-going vibe here is great for kids who just want to free-play all day, and you’re more likely to see a dolphin or turtle than rowdy crowds. And, Palm Coast is pet friendly - so your furry family members will love it here, too!
There’s so much to see and explore here year-round, with miles of hiking trails, scenic waterways to paddle, and almost 50 parks to visit. Ripple Effect Outfitters takes you to some of the most beautiful natural areas in Florida, with a variety of eco-tours to choose from, including their new Eco-Explorer Boat Tours on the "Ripple Effect 1,” an ingenious eco-friendly boat that actually runs on recycled vegetable oil gathered from local restaurants! Imagine floating through lush, unadulterated nature and learning about the many different plants and animals that call Florida home.
rippleeffectecotours.com
With so much nature being so precious to this community, it’s important to know that many of the accommodations here are certified ‘Green’! This means that they take extra steps to make eco-friendly choices, keeping their natural surroundings beautiful and healthy! One such green hotel is Island Cottage Oceanfront Inn & Spa, a gorgeous oceanfront retreat that lets you relax in Caribbean-style comfort. Rooms are bright but elegant in a beach-chic style, with the best of amenities. Swim in the heated pool that overlooks the beach and ocean, or relax in the bubbly Jacuzzi. Walk though the courtyard, taste wines and pick out handmade jewelry and soaps in the gift shop, or indulge in a sensational massage at the onsite spa.
islandcottagevillas.com
Daytona Beach
While most people know Daytona for its speedway, you should also know it for all of the incredible adventures that await you here! One of its biggest attractions is its incredible beaches, as well as historic sites, museums, and even its world class golf! The nightlife is fantastic as well, so you can start the day soaking in the sun and end the evening soaking in the local culture.
Between the great weather and the breathtaking landscapes, the Daytona Beach environment is primed for incredible golf, making it one of the fastest growing golf destinations. In fact, Golf Digest recently rated it in the top 15 places to play golf. Indigo Lakes Golf Course is an excellent example of the courses here, with mature trees that line its undulating fairways. This 7100-yard/par-72 course was designed to challenge players of all skill levels, and it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife as you play. Their clubhouse has lovely views of the Indigo Lakes, and offers a full service bar and eatery.
indigolakesgolf.com
You can’t miss out on one of Daytona Beach’s oceanfront hotels and resorts. The Daytona Beach Hotel and Resort towers high above the dazzling Atlantic waves, with airy suites that let in the sunlight and feature clean, beach chic decor. Enjoy the body relaxing amenities like their sauna and hot tubs, delight in onsite dining from their upscale restaurant to poolside snacks, and swim your stresses away in one of their four pools. Enjoy being right on Atlantic Avenue, which takes you to all the best of Daytona Beach.
daytonabeachresort.com
Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Hutchinson Island
As urban as Port St. Lucie is, it has retained its Old Florida charm that makes it so intrinsically special. Here you can come to relax in natural beauty, hiking environmental preserves, paddling lush rivers, riding horses on nearby beaches, and playing golf surrounded by tropical flowers and wildlife. It’s also a great place for gamers and lovers of culture, with live theater, art venues, and performing arts!
Gamers flock to this area because it has one of the few remaining jai-alai frontons in Florida, Fort Pierce Jai-Alai and Poker. Jai-Alai is known as he "fastest game on Earth,” and this complex not only holds live games, but also a poker room, betting, bars, and live entertainment. It’s also a host for tournaments and the best High Hand Promotions in the area, keeping your night ultra exciting.
casinomiamijaialai.com
You can choose to stay in the lively urban environment, or get away to an island escape on the quiet and quaint Hutchinson Island, where the brisk salt air blows your worries away. There are many Old Florida style hotels to choose from, like the Beachfront Inn. Their spacious suites are a great home-base for all of your island adventures and city excursions, with plenty of room for a family stay and great views of the beaches and ocean. Their onsite restaurant sits right off the beach, serving you fresh seafood and fine wines and cocktails for a truly relaxed setting.
thebeachfrontinn.com
Whether you choose smooth sailing on the river in Jacksonville, exploring the Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine, exploring the Palm Coast with your pet pal, relaxing on the beach in Daytona, or playing jai-alai in Fort Pierce, you are bound for a great adventure!
