Atlantic Coast Adventures
Calling all adventure lovers! Do you like excitement, exploration, and relaxation? Then the Atlantic Coast of Florida should be your next destination. Whether you prefer to be in nature, hit the beach, or check out a big city, there’s something for every adventurer.
Nature Adventures
Get Into the Great Outdoors in: Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches
Primarily known by pet owners as a lovely spot to bring your furry friend, as well as nature lovers as a place to get in touch with the earth, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is located along a stretch of the scenic A1A and offers the perfect blend of golf resorts, delightful hotels, and nature preserves. Relaxation is at its height here for both humans and animals.
The beaches of the Palm Coast 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 - which is uncommon for most public beaches). From luxurious resorts to camping beneath the stars, there’s an accommodation style for the way you relax.
When you want to get away from all the noise and hurry of the modern life, we recommend one of this Coast’s parks; the hush of the forest trails, the smell of the fresh air, and the joy of being outside under the clear sky will relax and refresh your soul. Although the formal gardens are the centerpiece of this park, Washington Oaks is also famous for the unique shoreline of coquina rock formations that line its Atlantic beach. The gardens make remarkable use of native and exotic species, from azaleas and camellias to the exquisite bird of paradise, sheltered within a picturesque oak hammock. Visitors can picnic and fish from either the beach or the seawall along the Matanzas River. A number of short trails provide opportunities for hiking and bicycling.
If you have brought your pet and you want to stay on the beach, then you need to check out several resorts along the sands: firstly, 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. Looking for something super cozy? Try: Island Cottage Inn, your perfect romantic getaway where peaceful and playful go hand in hand. You'll adore the oceanfront location with private beach access, dramatic views, and tranquil grounds. At Island Cottage Inn, you'll find the intimacy and charm of a B&B combined with the modern amenities of a boutique hotel - including pet friendly rooms!
floridastateparks.org
hammockbeach.com
islandcottageinn.com
Eco Adventures in Martin County
Martin County is a hidden gem of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, slowly but surely being discovered by visitors who enjoy exploring the natural side of Florida. This is a rare place in this modern world, with bountiful 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. Accordingly, 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!
Martin County is home to several Florida Superior Small Lodging designated hotels and lodges. Florida SSLs provide an exceptional vacation value. Economical and comfortable efficiency studios and one and two bedroom suites/villas with full kitchens are available at most properties. Located on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in the quaint village of Tequesta next to Jupiter and minutes from the historic Jupiter Lighthouse, the Jupiter Waterfront Inn features 38 newly renovated water view suites, 10 with Jacuzzis, a large heated outdoor pool, spa and sundeck and a 240 foot fishing pier with mini gazebo.
sunshinewildlifetours.com
zekessurfandpaddle.com
jupiterwaterfrontinn.com
Beach Adventures
A Classic Destination 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, 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.
You can’t visit Daytona Beach without trying their world famous local seafood - whether you catch it yourself, or have it at a restaurant. After a day of surf fishing, exploring Tomoka State Park or simply bicycling on the beach, the Daytona Beach waterfront restaurants listed below will satisfy your craving for local flavor and fresh seafood. You’ll find amazing views served up at Daytona Beach pier restaurants, too: Joe’s Crab Shack and The Roof are on the Main Street Pier and Crabby Joe’s Bar and Grill is on Sunglow Pier. Enjoy a side of stars with your waves? Daytona Beach restaurants on the beach are perfect places to ditch the flip flops and enjoy a barefoot stroll after dessert.
Want to stay on 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
joescrabshack.com
crabbyjoesdaytona.com
oceansidedaytona.com
bestflbeachhouse.com
Surfside Sensations at Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s destination with gentle, comforting 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. Surfers from around the world come here to visit the planet’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.
There’s more to this destination than surfing: 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.
Tying into the surf culture is the beautiful Beachside Hotel, where you can unwind and relax in spacious one bedroom suites and easily accessible ground floor rooms, which are just steps from the sparkling shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Grab a floaty and a drink and lounge in the lazy river, or hit up the poolside Duck Dive bar. and free beach rentals, you'll never want to leave!
ronjonsurfshop.com
mainstreetcocoabeach.com
studiosofcocoabeach.org
beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com
Happiness in Florida’s Hollywood
In Florida’s Hollywood, you’re the star of your own adventure. While only a short distance from both big cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, this cheerful oceanside city is a refreshing beach getaway that combines urban enjoyment with beach town vibes. Enjoy strolling down the 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.
Offering the arts and culture scene of a much larger city, we 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. The ArtsPark at Young Circle is located in a 10 acre circle named after the City's founder, Joseph Wesley Young, and offers plenty of arts and entertainment activities throughout the year - including Arts Park Movie Nights every Friday.
If a boutique hotel suits your fancy, you’ll love the 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. Is a luxurious beach resort more your style? Check out The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, a perfect getaway with two beachside pools, a Dip & Slide splash pad for kids, and 1,000 linear feet of alabaster beach. Savor stunning views, delicious dining options, and endless sunshine
artandculturecenter.org
muzartstudios.com
hollywoodfl.org
riptidehotel.com
diplomatresort.com
City Adventures
Pampered Pets Love The Palm Beaches
A luxurious vacation destination for humans many decades, The Palm Beaches is also an excellent spot for pampered pets. The iconic beaches are what most commonly draw visitors, with nearly 30 tropical beach parks which span 47 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, from Jupiter Beach to Boca Raton. If you can bring yourself to get away from the beach, the shopping in this area is global level, 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.
As a historic destination, 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. At Morikami, you will be presented with Japanese cultural experiences that include the museum’s exhibitions rooms, surrounding an open air courtyard. Celebrating 33 years this summer, The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival presents the Bard’s “Measure for Measure” (July 20-23).
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. If you’re looking for something a little more bespoke, check out the boutique hotel Grandview Gardens. The largest landmarked Inn and Residence located in the popular Grandview Heights Historic District, adjacent to downtown West Palm Beach and just minutes from the Grandview Public Market and Norton Museum of Art. The hotel also offers a sister property, a two bedroom guest house, perfect for larger family groups.
morikami.org
pbshakespeare.org
tidelineresort.com
grandview-gardens.com
Cruise to Relaxation in Fort Lauderdale
As a 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. From the Riverwalk, you can stroll right to the The Riverwalk Hotel. This is where Old Florida charm meets warm, personalized service. Unwind in a comfortable room adorned with Old Florida design or settle into a suite in the executive tower, where spectacular city or river views await.
porteverglades.net
lagomar.com
goriverwalk.com
riverwalkactivities.com
riversidehotel.com
A Big City Escape in Miami
Known around the world for being the perfect party city combined with a shopping destination and culture magnate, Miami offers something for everyone: sunny beaches, flavorful eateries, trendy nightlife, plush hotels, and vibrant entertainment. We recommend taking in the city’s magnificence with the aid of guides, such as the Miami Tour Company - the #1 rated tour company on TripAdvisor. They offer both half and full day tours of the city aboard an air conditioned bus, with several tour options. If you want to see a specific part of the city and get in touch with the local culture, try something like Little Havana Food and Walking Tour.
Are you a retail aficionado? You’ve come to the right place! Shoppers from around the globe come here to see 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!
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 or the Intracoastal Waterways.
miamitourcompany.com
viator.com/tours/Miami
miamidesigndistrict.net
balharbourshops.com
slsbrickell.com
trumpmiami.com
