Atlantic Coast Adventures
Whether you’re looking for serene and secluded, adventurous or historic, Florida’s 360-mile Atlantic Coast has it all! The slow-crashing waves off the shore and diverse mix of quaint small towns, bustling cities and elegant opulence on Florida's easternmost shores offers a unique combination that will pique anyone’s interest. Dive in for three very different itineraries and find your perfect way to enjoy this side of the Sunshine State!
Historic Adventure
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the nation. Dubbed the Ancient City, it boasts important cultural sites that pre-date Jamestown and The Mayflower, centuries-old architecture, and pristine beaches. St. Augustine is a history buff’s dream, yet its proximity to uncrowded shores and abundant wildlife make this destination a no-brainer!
St. Augustine is rich in history, and in the late 1800s, "rich" was the operative word. It was a grand time of magnates, marvels, and magnificent monuments, theatrical resorts, lavish architecture, and conspicuous luxury. Once a sparsely inhabited near-wilderness, the little town burgeoned as a premier resort destination for well-to-do northerners. It all began in 1883, with an auspicious visit by Henry Morrison Flagler. He came for his honeymoon and it was love at first sight. The wealthy visionary saw the city’s potential as a sparkling tourist destination, and returned soon after to polish this diamond in the rough. His wildly successful ventures spurred on other developers of like minds and means. Flagler’s transformation of sleepy St. Augustine had launched the Gilded Age, forever changing the face of Florida. Flagler built the Hotel Ponce de Leon, now Flagler College, as well as ornate churches and railroads that eventually connected north to south, terminating in Key West.
Be sure to visit the Lightner Hotel, Formerly the elegant Hotel Alcazar, another of Flagler’s finest projects. Unlike its predecessor, The Ponce De Leon Hotel, this hotel was built to attract the middle class and was slightly less expensive. Its popularity surged as guests enjoyed Russian and Turkish baths, a cold plunge pool, tropical gardens, bowling, tennis courts, a café, concert rooms, and bicycling. Today,the museum is home to one of the premier collections of fine and decorative 19th-century and early 20th-century art in the country. The five floors display furnishings, paintings, Victorian art glass, cut and blown glass, and natural history specimens.
floridashistoriccoast.com
lightnermuseum.org
After you've taken a up-close look at the grandeur of the early 20th century, take your trip even further back in time to the beginning of St. Augustine at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, where you can hear the cannons firing in the distance as you sip from the Spring of Eternal Hope. The mind-shattering blast will take you back in time as you learn about the first Spanish settlers who came here in the 1600s and the native Timucuans who were here to greet them. With a working archaeological dig on site, as well as several re-created Spanish and Timucuan buildings and dwellings, the park is bursting with history. At 15 acres, the archeological park is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the views. Look out over the water from the 600 foot Founders Riverwalk or from the Observation and let the kids roam a little with the peacocks as they feed them.
fountainofyouth.com
Don't miss one of the oldest protectors on the continent! For the last 350 years, Castillo de San Marcos has stood sentry over the nation’s oldest city. The Spanish strategically positioned the fort on Matanzas Bay to protect the city from invaders. After the previous nine wooden forts were burned by attackers, the Spanish militia took on the formidable task of creating the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. out of locally sourced coquina, a limestone-like stone that was quarried nearby. The coquina fort did what is was designed to do, and in the time since its construction was completed in 1695, the fort has remained impenetrable. Be sure to check on tours before heading to this popular tourist attraction.
nps.gov
visitstaugustine.com
Before you leave St. Augustine, be sure to wander off the beaten path to Aviles Street, the oldest street in the nation, which is known for its art galleries and romantic restaurants.Nearby, you can find the Oldest Wooden School House. The cedar and cypress planks of this historical building are weathered by more than 200 years of history. Learn about how the schoolmaster and his wife lived above the classroom see some of the textbooks kids would have used centuries ago.A few blocks away from St. George Street, visit the Oldest House, the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in St. Augustine. Evidence exists that the house site has been occupied since the 1600s, the current house has been standing since the early 1700s.
floridashistoriccoast.com
Eco-Friendly Adventure
Homestead & the National Parks (Everglades and Biscayne)
Just thirty miles south of Miami, Homestead is a charming small town with plenty to offer. Abundant dining and locally-owned shopping abound in its cozy town center, and serves as the perfect introduction to the surrounding wealth of natural beauty that make Homestead really special. The city is adjacent to not one, but TWO National Parks and is just north of the Florida Keys.
Ten miles to the west of Homestead is Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Spanning 1.5 million acres of unparalled landscapes, the park protects several endangered species such as the American crocodile, manatee and elusive Florida panther who call South Florida home. Entrance to the park can be accessed in three places—Miami, Everglades City, and of course, Homestead— with Royal Palm marking its Main Entrance. Accessing the park through Homestead will offer the easiest access to campgrounds and the visitor’s center, where you can learn the history of the park, and about the Natives who once inhabited the land.
Once inside, there are many ways to enjoy the Everglades! Biking, bird watching, boating, camping, paddlesports (canoe and kayak rentals are available), fishing, geocaching, hiking are all popular activities in the park.
If you’re serious about staying dry and seeing the most wildlife, plan your trip between November and March, during the park’s dry season. You’re more likely to see the migratory birds that made their way south, and the predators that are after them.
nps.gov/everglades
If sleeping indoors sounds like the perfect way to end a day exploring nature, look no further than Paradise Farms. This idyllic five-acre organic farm in the Redland is not only renowned for their amazing micro-greens and veggies, but also for their "Dinner in Paradise" events.
"Dinner in Paradise" is literally just that—dinner in paradise. Surrounded by lush tropical landscape, guests are served romantic six-course artisan dinners prepared by the finest chefs from greater Miami, paired with wine and all enjoyed beneath a blanket of stars. The best part is, Paradise Farms has recently launched a B&B option that includes a private zen bunalgow for two with breakfast and wifi. The new Farm Stay at Paradise Farms is seasonal — November through May, perfect for your dry season trip — and weekly rates are available. They also have outdoor massage, yoga, "Lunch in Paradise" and private tours. For more info, give them a call at 305-248-4181.
East of Homestead is Biscayne National Park. Made up of ninety-five percent water, the park encompasses the bay, barrier islands and coral reefs and more. Biscayne National Park also harbors evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoor enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay. The park provides a multitude of recreational opportunities including fishing, diving, camping, wildlife watching, boating and more. Since most of the park is covered by water and there is only one mile of paved roadway, some sort of watercraft is needed to get to most places. Explore coral reefs and experience the rare opportunity to visit undeveloped Florida Keys. Join an island tour, camp on a subtropical island or hike the length of Elliott Key.
The Biscayne National Park Institute provides eco-adventures including snorkeling at a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail and colorful coral reefs full of life, cruises to Boca Chita Key and lighthouse, sailing on beautiful Biscayne Bay, exploring the seldom seen wonders of Jones Lagoon, and more! Advance reservations are advised.
nps.gov/Biscayne
Adrenaline Junkie Adventure
Surfing, Hang Gliding, Skydiving & More
Most people come to Florida for some R&R with their toes in the sand and a margarita (or other cold, adult-friendly drink) in hand. They come to escape the pressures of everyday life, recharge and distress. But if that itinerary sounds straight up snooze-worthy for you, here are some heart-pumping, thrill seeking adventures I bet you didn’t know existed in Florida—celebratory margarita optional.
Surfs Up!
Florida’s Atlantic Coastline has more than a few notable surf spots. Cocoa Beach offers beaches with great amenities and great surf like the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. If you want more of a local feel, then the Streets near downtown Cocoa Beach or 2nd Light Beach are good breaks without the crowds. Melbourne and the Beaches have consistently better breaks and swell for the more advanced surfers. The Indialantic Boardwalk is a local favorite but the best break in the area is the legendary First Peak at the Sebastian Inlet State Park. This is the wave that all of the best local surfers, including Kelly Slater, cut their teeth at.
You’ve made the big-time when you surf here, so if you’re a beginner, check into lessons around the Vero Beach area instead.
Hang On!
Experience your Florida vacation from ten thousand feet in the air! Hang Glide Miami will be a memory you won’t soon forget. From the protected waters of south Biscayne Bay their custom designed boat will tow you, in the pilot harness, and our certified instructor safely into the air. When released from the towline at over 1,000 feet, you will literally glide across the air, getting a bird’s eye view of Miami and the keys, the way they were meant to be seen, by water and by air. Their introductory class is perfect for first-time flyers, offering a tandem flight with an experienced pilot. Plan for several hours of flight time, depending on weather conditions. On a good day, an experienced pilot won’t have to land until sundown.
miamihanggliding.com
If being in the air for hours makes me a little uncomfortable, head north up the coast — perhaps Florida Adventure Sports has a glide more your speed. Operating a light sport trike, this powered hang glide adventure offers twenty minute flights, forty minute flights or sixty minute flights. Each flight is with a certified pilot in an open-air trike with a wing, or sail, looming above. This is definitely an excursion to put on the bucket list!
florida-adventure-sports.com
Let’s jump!
If you're looking for the rush of your life, Skydive Amelia Island is the home of the premier beach-side Florida skydive. Enjoy your tandem skydive over beautiful Amelia Island just 2.3 miles from the sandy beaches of Amelia Island over the Atlantic Ocean. Take a scenic 15-minute plane ride to altitude over the Florida coastline before exiting the aircraft securely attached to an experienced United States Parachute Association-qualified instructor for an exhilarating skydive with a 120 miles per hour free-fall. Once the parachute is open, you and your instructor can enjoy the best views of the beaches while safely descending under a tandem parachute canopy.
For the ultra-thrill seeker, or NASA enthusiant, head a little ways south to Skydive Space Center, home of the world’s highest tandem skydive jump at 18,000 feet. Experience a unique opportunity to fly over the Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Launch Pads, the Main Assembly Building and the Shuttle Landing Runway on your flight to altitude. Of course, same rules apply; you’ll jump tandem with a certified instructor so no need to freak over the minute or so free-fall before you gently glide back to solid ground.
