Tag Archives: Florida

Florida Keys Seaplane

Florida Keys Seaplane Adventures

 

Once you view the Florida Keys from the window of a seaplane, it’s easy to believe that’s how the beauty of the tropical archipelago is truly meant to be appreciated. Taking in the palm tree-covered islands, the bridges that connect them and the emerald water that surrounds them from about 500 feet up is enough to impart a sensory overload of jaw- dropping scenery. Throw in a pillow-soft landing on the water and a picnic lunch on one of the uninhabited islands and you have a travel experience that will stand out in your mind forever.

Florida Keys Aerial, Florida Keys Seaplane Adventures

More than 1,700 islands make up the Florida Keys, including uninhabited spits of land and mangroves that look like fuzzy green puzzle pieces from the air. Photo: Robert Zehetmayer/iStock

Julie Ann Floyd and Nikali Pontecorvo of Key West Seaplanes (keywestseaplanes.com) help make these kinds of memories for guests every day. The duo owns and operates three luxury seaplanes in which they take travelers on island adventures throughout the Keys and beyond. “We’re taking seaplane travel to the next level,” says Floyd, “where everything is nice and comfortable.” One of their newest seaplanes, customized with extra-long wing tips and power modifications to the engine make for a smoother and safer ride, was named grand champion at the Sun-N-Fun air show in 2012, and the latest addition to the fleet was built to the same specifications.

Flights they offer range from 30-minute aerial tours of Key West, where you’ll get an amazing overview of the island and see sights like the Southernmost Point, Fort Zachary Taylor and Christmas Tree Island, to day-long island-hopping tours of the Keys. The amphibious planes can land at uninhabited islands for the ultimate private getaway or pull up at a dock for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Little Palm Island or the Moorings resorts, or anywhere in Islamorada, Key Largo and Ocean Reef, among other destinations. “When you come in by seaplane,” Floyd adds, “people know you’ve arrived.” Along the way you’ll buzz by iconic Keys landmarks like the Seven Mile Bridge and the Alligator Reef Lighthouse from a perspective few ever encounter. Passengers even spot dolphins, sea turtles and other sea life in the crystal-clear water below.

Want to go on a more international trip? No problem (as long as you have a passport). Key West Seaplanes picks up travelers in any city or any suitable body of water in the Keys or mainland Florida, and can head out for day trips to the Bahamas, including destinations like Bimini, Nassau, Freeport and Paradise Island. However long your flight or where your destination, the views alone will help make it the flight of a lifetime.

Key West Aerial

An aerial view of Key West with the Florida Keys in the distance. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Key West Sloppy Joes, Florida

Key West’s Infamous Duval Crawl

 

When the sun sets over Key West, the flicker of street lamps turning on in the dusky light means one thing: It’s time to start the Duval Crawl. There’s never a shortage of bars, cocktails or colorful characters on Duval Street, which cuts through the western part of the island’s Old Town neighborhood, but it’s after dark that the crazy comes out in full force to kick off the party. By getting an early start, you can sample the island fun without going full tilt and also avoid the crowds while still taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of Duval Street’s must-stops. Or you can start your crawl well after dark when the party is in full swing and the rousing crowds overflow onto the sidewalk and road and the sounds of laughter compete with blaring music.

Key West Duval Street, Florida Keys, Duval Crawl

Key West’s Duval Street is where the nightly party known as the Duval Crawl takes place, with crowds moving from one bar to the next. Photo: Mike Cherim/iStock

When it’s time to head out, simply walk north to the 200 block. Every Duval Street experience must include a stop at Sloppy Joe’s, a Key West icon made famous by author Ernest Hemingway back in the 1930s. Photos of Papa line the walls, and local bands strum island tunes, light rock and jumpin’ jazz. Slip into the adjacent Joe’s Tap Room for a taste of craft beers on draft before heading one door down to the Lazy Gecko. This is your place for a frozen daiquiri or a Gecko Rum Punch, which really packs a wallop. Watch for people dressed in oddball getups, with anything from neon wigs to fuzzy animal-print hats perched on their heads in an attempt to attract attention.

Cross the street and stroll into the Hog’s Breath Saloon to blend with Key West locals, known as “Conchs.” This famous pub prides itself for pouring strong drinks. Slightly quieter than other nearby bars, it’s a good stop for grabbing some munchies like fish nuggets and conch fritters. For a taste of authentic Old Town, you have to stop at the Bull. Murals of old Key West line the walls in this open-air bar, and the balcony of the upstairs room, dubbed the Whistle Bar, is a prime spot for gazing down on the antics of Duval Street while enjoying a finely crafted margarita. The truly adventurous can head to the Garden of Eden, a rooftop bar, which, true to Key West’s anything-goes spirit, is clothing optional.

When you need to soak up the alcohol with a bite to eat, turn south, away from the increasingly celebratory crowd, and onto the 900 block for the delectable offerings at Nine One Five. The chic setting of a Victorian home and an upscale menu belie the restaurant’s relaxed vibe. Dine alfresco on the porch and share plates of beef carpaccio and lamb loin or dive into rich entrees like duck confit with butternut squash or seared scallops with pine nuts. For a taste of local seafood, Blackfin Bistro serves up adventurous versions of Key West favorites. Instead of conch fritters, they have conch cakes served with a house-made remoulade, and their pan-roasted grouper comes with couscous and Key lime avocado tartar sauce, a tasty way to ensure you’ll be walking back to your room rather than crawling with the late-night crowd.

Key West Sloppy Joes, Florida Keys

The action on Duval Street in Key West is non-stop, with daytime shoppers and strollers and nighttime partiers doing the Duval Crawl, the popular bar-hopping scene. Photo: Raul A. Rodriguez/iStock

Depending on how close you want to be to Duval Street, accommodations run the gamut. An ideal base for a quieter Duval Crawl experience is the Southernmost on the Beach Hotel, set on the calmer, southern end of Duval. Although you’ll have to walk a few blocks for party action, it’s steps from the sands of South Beach. Here you can watch palms sway in the breeze and the tranquil Atlantic water lapping up against the sand while sipping a mojito or Rum Runner at the Southernmost Beach Café, which is a relaxing way to start the evening.

If your style is more party hard and fall into bed, then choose a hotel in the heart of Old Town on the opposite end of Duval. The Westin Key West Resort & Marina sits on the waterfront, three short blocks from Duval Street and next door to Mallory Square, where crowds gather nightly to celebrate the sunset. From here you’ll be doing the Duval Crawl in just minutes. The Ocean Key House Resort & Spa, with the address 0 Duval St., is at the very northern end of Duval, tucked between the Key West Harbor and Mallory Square. Staying here, you can start or finish your night on the resort’s Sunset Pier with food, drink, music and dancing.

 

Florida Keys Shipwreck Diving

Favorite Wreck Dives in the Florida Keys

 

It’s common to see visitors to the Florida Keys stand in awe as they gaze upon the sparklingly clear blue-green water that surrounds the island chain. Take a peek beneath the surface, though, and there’s much more to see. Not only does the water teem with vibrant coral reefs and schooling fish, but it’s a treasure trove of shipwrecks dating as far back as the 18th century. More than 10 ships make up the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail, or “wreck trek,” creating an underwater playground for snorkelers and divers. Local dive shops rent any gear you might need and can pair you with a dive buddy if you’re traveling solo.

Key Largo Favorites

Several of the wrecks lie off of Key Largo, where dive operators like Horizon Divers and Island Ventures take aquatic adventurers to explore the remains of these ships. The City of Washington sank in just 25 feet of water, making this a prime spot for snorkelers. Clear visibility means it’s easy to spot the moray eels and nurse sharks that call the area home and see the pieces of the ship, which sank in 1917. The wreckage is scattered along 325 feet of seafloor, but you can follow the outline of what’s left of the hull and watch schools of jacks and yellow-striped grunts swim through the engine mount and coral-covered pieces of deck ladders. The Benwood, which sank in a collision during World War II, is a diver’s paradise. The hull, fractured but intact up to the first deck, fills your entire view from the surface. Dive 25 feet and swim over the wreck to spot barracuda hovering above the deck and goliath grouper lurking in the cracks and crevices. Go down another 20 feet to swim along the hull and see a plethora of colorful hard corals and sea urchins that have attached themselves to the walls. Keep an eye out for the dye bomb from when the Benwood was used for aerial target practice.

Divers wanting to go bigger will also have to go a bit deeper to explore the massive superstructures of the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, which rises some 60 feet above a 130-foot-deep sand bottom. Put down after years of meticulous planning and preparation, this former Navy landing ship made headlines when it turned turtle a day before its planned sinking, then stubbornly refused to put its bow under. When it finally did sink, the ship came to rest on its side. Three years later a storm surge from Hurricane Dennis rolled it upright, and it has now become the Key’s favorite wreck.

Spiegel Grove diving Florida Keys

After a decade in the water, portions of the USS Spiegel Grove are now covered in a colorful carpet of corals and sponges, adding an extra degree of interest to the ship. Photo: Stephen Frink/Florida Keys News Bureau

Where to Stay: A waterfall pool, private beach and balconies overlooking the Florida Bay make the Hilton Key Largo Resort a prime spot for your time spent topside. Proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and marinas used by many Key Largo dive shops makes the Hilton a popular choice with visiting divers. But if your plan is to engage in more water-sports adventures than diving, you’ll find parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, along with Hobie Cat rentals at the resort’s beach. Exhausted and hungry at the end of the day, guests just head to the resort’s Treetops Bar & Grill for platters of seafood.

Marathon and Beyond

Head west to Marathon and hook up with Tilden’s Scuba Center for a trip to the resting place of the Adelaide Baker, just off of Duck Key. The only big piece that remains of this 1889 wreck is the main mast, but the debris lies in the midst of a thriving reef with visibility that snorkelers and divers crave. It’s just 20 feet deep, which gives snorkelers a clear view of the colorful parrotfish and porkfish that dart around the brain coral and sea fans the reef is known for. On the deep side of the reef, and a few miles to the west, the intentionally-sunk freighter Adolphus Busch serves as a fish haven and attracts divers comfortable at depths of 80 to 100 feet. To cap off a Key’s wreck adventure, divers can head to the end of the highway in Key West to discover the USNS Vandenberg, a former troop transport and missile-tracking ship that is the latest addition to the wreck trek. This 17,120-ton behemoth—the biggest wreck in the Keys—was sunk as an artificial reef about seven miles off of Key West in 2009. Today it’s a regular stop for most dive centers on the island. Open-water divers can swim over the massive radar dishes and antennae, which are visible in just 40 feet of water, and deepwater divers can explore the bridge, main deck and hull, which rest at 140 feet. Coral has already started to cover much of the ship’s surface, and sea life like barracuda, grouper and snapper have moved in.

Florida Keys Shipwreck Vandy

A group of divers descends on the USNS Vandenberg soon after its sinking. The large antenna dish in the background was used to track rocket launches during the space race. Photo: Haig Jacobs/Florida Keys News Bureau

Where to Stay: Hawks Cay Florida Keys Resort on Duck Key is smack in the middle of the Keys—the optimal place to base yourself for diving and snorkeling in the middle and lower Keys. Two-story villas with up to three rooms can house groups looking to get wet, and the on-site dive crew at the resort’s marina makes booking your boat a breeze. The resort’s saltwater lagoon, fed by the Atlantic and encircled by a sandy beach dotted with thatched huts and chaises, is the place to be when not out under the water. And at night a friendly crowd gathers around the poolside fire pit to toast the end of the day.

florida keys shipwreck

A diver examines images attached to the superstructure of the USNS Vandenberg. After gaining an underwater patina, this artwork was returned to the surface for exhibit. Photo: Andreas Franke/Florida Keys News Bureau

 

 

South Walton Florida Beach

South Walton: 10 Reasons to Go

The beach neighborhoods of Northwest Florida surprise with unexpected natural beauty-Gulf waters, coastal dune lakes, forested rivers-and the sophisticated accommodations here give it a style you won’t find elsewhere in Florida. Book a two-story beach house for a week, choose sun-bleached Mediterranean-style accommodations or reserve a room at a SoBe-style boutique hotel. Tucked in these fashionable beach communities are buzzy bars and restaurants, along with art galleries and trendy boutiques all run by some of the friendliest folks around.

1  No. 1 Reason: The Beach

The Gulf beaches in Northwest Florida are carved out of the whitest sand and when the sunlight hits them just right, they look like glistening snow drifts. Together with crystal-clear calm waters, transparent enough to see the soft bottom of the sea, the South Walton beaches will quickly become your favorite stretch after one visit. These are the ideal shores for walking, building sand castles and having a beach picnic. And when ready, take a plunge in the warm waters or rent a paddleboard and work out your muscles.

2  Beach Communities

Scenic Highway 30-A is a two-lane road that hugs the beachside as it zips through a collection of very cool beach communities, 16 in total and each with its own personality. Sand dunes and sea oats surround the eclectic houses that rise up. You’ll be hard pressed to pick your favorite neighborhood, so to start, check out our favorites: Seaside, Santa Rosa Beach, Alys Beach and Grayton Beach.

3  Vacation Rental, the Optimum Way to Go

Yes, you can come for the weekend, but with a huge selection of beach homes for rent it would be a shame not to stay longer. Two-story houses, with rooftop balconies perfect for cocktail hour and beach watching, line the Gulf. Smaller bungalows are tucked behind picket fences a couple of blocks from the shore, and homes with a bleached- white Mediterranean vibe pepper the offerings. Inside designers have perked up interiors with nautical decors, rustic country looks and colors that make you feel as if it’s summer year-round. Bonus: All are within walking distance of the shore and all worthy of a spot in Architectural Digest.

4  Taste of the Beach

When the summer crowds are gone, South Walton hosts Taste of the Beach, a full-blown foodie fest, in November when days are warm and nights are cool. With events from tastings to wine-paired dinners held throughout the area, you have your pick. Saturday’s Seeing Red tasting sprawls throughout Seaside with music on stage and hundreds of booths for sampling the latest vintages. A retail tent is brimming with cases of wine, so when you find your favorite vino, you can stock up right there.

5  YOLO Boarding

They say the sport of stand-up paddleboarding was introduced to Florida here by Jeff Archer and Tom Losee, who created the company YOLO Board (yes, you got it: “you only live once”)—and the perfectly designed paddleboard. These guys know the waterways well and happily direct vacationers to the best coastal dune lakes, forested rivers and of course the Gulf of Mexico for a super SUP experience.

6  Southern Vibe

Everything Southern—accents, hospitality, sweet tea and barbecue— can be found in South Walton. With its proximity to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, South Walton is a big draw for vacationers from the U.S. South in search of a beach town with style.

7  Teeing Off

For some, a vacation is never complete without a game of golf. The area boasts 207 holes of golf, and some of the prettiest courses sit near the Gulf. Camp Creek Golf Club blends nature’s blues and greens with watery scenes and plenty of native plants. There are even signs to identify the saw palmetto, marsh hay cordgrass, muhly grass, Gulf cordgrass and live oak that made this course so pleasant to play.

8  Seaside Stroll

One of the most popular neighborhoods is Seaside, where beach and commerce blend. Stop for lunch at Airstream Row, a line of silver trailers with food vendors serving everything from oozing grilled cheese sandwiches to fluffy cupcakes. Poke into the shops on Central Square and then meander over to Ruskin Artists Colony, where the first Friday of every month an art walk takes place. A Gulf-side open-air market is another fun stop where shoppers find sun hats and beach gear. At dusk join the sunset gazers on Bud & Alley’s deck for a cold beer, try the local brew Grayton IPA.

9  Eco Exploring

Forty percent of the land in South Walton is preserved for state parks, dune lakes and coastal forest. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has three miles of white quartz sand beaches with majestic dunes standing more than 25 feet tall; its trails are ideal for walking and biking. Morris Springs Park has a spring pool with cavities that lead to an underground chamber and is the area’s most popular dive spot. Grayton Beach State Park, with its sugar sands nestled between the Gulf’s emerald waters and rolling dunes covered with sea oats, is picturesque, but it’s also home to the Western Lake and a salt marsh ecosystem, making it a favorite spot with boaters.

10  Where to Sleep

WaterColor Inn & Resort may be the only mega property on Scenic Highway 30-A, but it certainly doesn’t feel big. As part of the WaterColor community, guests can bicycle the neighborhood, launch a kayak from the boathouse and find plenty of dining and shopping options steps from their room. In neighboring Grayton Beach, one of the first communities, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is a real find. Enjoy cozy Old Florida-style rooms and breakfast in the garden. Those looking for a cool SoBe-style vibe find it at the Pearl, a stunning boutique hotel tucked in Rosemary Beach. The second level overlooks the swimming pool, and its cabanas are comfy spots from which to admire the seashore and surrounding architecture.

St Pete Beach Don Cesar Hotel in Florida

St. Pete Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

Soft sugary sand contrasting with the glorious blue Gulf of Mexico is the only thing the communities along St. Pete Beach have in common. After that each stretch has its own mood and personality, so depending on what you want—action or relaxation—you’ll find it here. Kick it up a notch with a kiteboard lesson or let the captain lead the way on a fishing charter. Landlubbers can sightsee by trolley or hang out on the sands. Just take your pick because this beach town has plenty to offer.

1  A Beach for your Mood

From pristine to party central, St. Pete Beach delivers. Somewhere on the 15 blissful miles that extend south from Madeira Beach (Mad Beach, to locals) to Fort De Soto Park’s five islands, you’ll find spots that are frenetic and fun-loving, mild-mannered and mellow—most just a quick walk to a tiki bar or shopping. Surfers hang five or ten off the coast of Upham Beach, one of the few surfable areas along the Gulf. Fort De Soto’s beaches are best for families, thanks to a surf-taming sandbar, and boat-only Shell and Egmont keys are perfect for couples. The historic fishing town of Pass-A-Grille boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped beachfront sans high-rises.

2  Water Sports of all Sorts

Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of soaring above the water or tamer pursuits close to sea level, you’ll find your calling. Kayak dark and narrow mangrove tunnels in the 3,700-acre Weedon Island Preserve or paddleboard along the Gulf Coast. The more adventurous take to the sky on a kiteboard or windsurf at Pass-A-Grille. Want the ultimate water-borne experience? Tradewinds Island Resorts offers public rentals of its futuristic water-powered JetLev and electric surfboards.

3  Explore Pirate Lore

Truth be told, the legend of Gaspar, the notorious pirate said to have trolled the waters around the apropos named Treasure Island, is often disputed: Did he really exist? Nevertheless, St. Pete Beach embraces the swashbuckling past and the documented history of smugglers who did exist around Pass-A-Grille. The Pirate Ship at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk offers two-hour seafaring missions aboard a replica pirate ship flying the Jolly Roger and onboard water-gun battles, treasure hunts and plenty of pirate tales.

4  Gulf Sunsets

By land or by sea, you’ll be drawn to the Gulf come sunset. Salute the greatest show on earth with a Ka’Tiki Sunset shot at the tiki bar of the same name on Sunset Beach, one of the area’s most secluded and best- kept secrets. Join the nightly sunset celebration at Pass-A-Grille’s Paradise Grill or set sail aboard the Shell Key Shuttle’s sunset cruise with a picnic basket and favorite vintage.

5  Great Seafood

Madeira Beach claims the title “Grouper Capital of the World,” and local restaurants serve signature presentations of the Gulf-caught fish. Dockside Dave’s half-pound battered sandwich is legendary, earning kudos as best in the South. Billy’s Stonecrab, Seafood & Steaks, in Tierra Verde near Fort De Soto, prepares grouper five ways and is the go-to place for succulent stone crab claws during Florida’s October-to- May season. Other fish dishes to suit your palate include the smoked mullet at the cash-only Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, a St. Pete institution.

6  Drive Downtown

If you’re shocked by any recommendation to visit St. Petersburg’s bay- front downtown, chances are you haven’t ventured to the city recently. The past decades has seen the rise of towering condos, top-shelf locally owned restaurants and lounges, boutiques, speakeasies and the arts, all just 10 miles from the beach on Tampa Bay. Plan to spend at least a day.

7  For the Birds

Shell Key and Weedon Island preserves are just two of the stops along Florida’s 2,000-mile Great Birding Trail. Visit at dawn for your best chance of spotting snowy egrets, brown pelicans, pileated woodpeckers and the magnificent great blue heron, some reaching nearly 4 feet tall with 6-foot wingspans. Continue your bird immersion at Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in nearby Indian Shores, America’s largest nonprofit wild bird hospital and home to Isis, a red-tailed hawk who serves as the mascot, as well as an adorable burrowing owl and other feathered friends in rehab.

8  Stop Wishing, Get Fishing

St. Pete Beach is an angler’s dream with so many opportunities—from offshore deep sea, flats and coastal fishing—and experienced captains who know the best spots; you won’t go home with tales of the one that got away. Charter a boat at marinas anywhere along the coast in search of trout, snook, redfish, grouper and Florida’s No. 1 game fish: the mighty tarpon, appropriately nicknamed the silver king for its massive size and fight.

9  Ditch the Car

The Suncoast Beach Trolley spans the entire St. Pete Beach coast—from Madeira Beach to Pass-A-Grille—and operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. With such a convenience, it’s all the more reason to stop-hop during the day or check out the local nightlife at Postcard Inn on the Beach.

10  A Date with Your Dog

St. Pete is one of Florida’s friendliest cities for canine companions, and properties like the storied Loews Don CeSar Hotel and Tradewinds Island Resorts go out of their way to deliver creature comforts, including special play areas, spa services and gourmet dog-approved cuisine. Boutiques on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach’s downtown historic district cater specifically to pets, and restaurants along the coast have designated doggie decks. Fort De Soto’s off-leash beach and Paw Playground is the Disney of dogdom.

Clearwater beach island, florida

Clearwater Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

Clearwater Beach is the hippy to its tri-city sisters Tampa and St. Petersburg. With its laid-back, come as you are style, this Gulf of Mexico tropical island is super chill, friendly and continually receives kudos as one of the best beaches in the country. Recently named USA Today’s 2013 “Best Beach Town in Florida,” Clearwater Beach is an everyman’s place and a microcosm of the world, from bankers to bikers, lawmakers to laborers.

1  The Ultimate Beach Town

Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico about half way up Florida’s peninsula. Its 2.5 miles of white sandy beach and its average temperature of 73 degrees make it an attractive year-round destination. But what really earns it a ranking as one of Florida’s ultimate beach towns is its pedestrian-friendly Beach Walk. The 2008 beautification project introduced wide curvy sidewalks, sand dunes and tropical landscaping along the beach side of Gulf View Blvd. Cross over and the street is lined with swimwear boutiques, open-air cafes, bicycles shops and a marina, making this a great beach town where there’s more to do than just hang out on the sand.

2  Dolphins by Land and Sea

Follow the squeals of delight and chances are your fellow beachgoers have spotted one or more frolicking dolphin just offshore. Daily boat excursions from the municipal marina take passengers out in open water, creating dolphin-attracting wakes. On land, follow the growing trail of dolphin sculptures created by local artists, starting with the blue-and-silver sculpted wire trio near Clearwater’s landmark Pier 60, the gem-covered Jewel dolphin sculpture in the Hilton Clearwater Beach’s lobby, and Rush, Palm Pavilion Inn’s dolphin decked out in straw hat and tropical shirt.

3  Find Your Beach Style

Clear, shallow waters and super-observant lifeguards make Clearwater Beach ideal for families. Concessionaires sell ice cream and rent water-sports equipment, plus there’s a large beachfront playground to keep kids busy. Nearby restrooms and turtle-topped showers let you leave the sand at the beach. But for those in search of a little solitude, undeveloped Caldas Island sits just north of Clearwater Beach; here you can walk hours without seeing nary a soul. Anyone looking to rub elbows with the locals can head south and cross the bridge over Clearwater Pass to Sand Key, a more residential barrier island with a park and beach.

4  Life at the Pier

Pier 60 is the heartbeat of Clearwater Beach. With 1,080 feet jutting into the Gulf of Mexico, this public pier is populated with fishermen and sightseers. A bait house rents fishing gear and sells live bait so even if you didn’t plan ahead, you can cast a line. Nature lovers find this to be a good perch for spotting brown pelicans, long-legged waterfowl and an occasional dolphin. However, the best time to visit the pier is at dusk, when sunset celebrations happen nightly. Live bands and street performers, from fire eaters to break dancers, entertain while vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to artsy photos of the pier. Parents with youngsters in tow find magicians and balloon artists to keep the little ones enthralled.

5  Beachfront Tiki Bars

Nothing says you’re in a tropical locale better than your toes planted firmly in the sand with a frosty cocktail—umbrella optional—in hand and the thatched roof of a tiki hut overhead. Clearwater has the beach and vibe that’s perfect for tiki bars, and there are plenty beach-bum spots to indulge in libations. Take in the sunset at Tommy’s Tiki Bar at the Hilton Clearwater Beach, then dance the night away at Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar, where live reggae and rock bands occasionally jam an ’80s tune or two. “Electric Slide,” anyone?

6  Resorts of all Sorts

Humble little bungalows, charming cottages and mid-century motels verging on historic add charm to this beach town. But you’ll also find condos and ultra-luxurious resorts replete with heavenly spas, fine dining and suites with full kitchens for a weekend or extended-stay. Newer high-rises like the Sandpearl and Hyatt Regency resorts provide aerial views of the Gulf and its shoreline. Best thing, all the properties skirt the beach or the backwaters of Clearwater Bay. Distances in Clearwater Beach are judged by steps to the shore.

7  On the Water

The turquoise Gulf water is one of Clearwater Beach’s top attractions—whether you’re in it, on it or soaring above. Concessionaires and charters at the municipal Clearwater Beach Marina offer ample opportunities for power boating, parasailing, dive excursions and fishing charters. If slow is more your scene, opt for a dinner cruise, dolphin tour or sight-seeing boat trip. For those who want to be on the water in a quiet, relaxed setting, kayaking mangrove tunnels surrounded by nature is an activity accessible at nearby Caladesi Island, where rental equipment is available.

8  Downtown Diversion

Clearwater’s bluff-top downtown is just a causeway bridge away and its oak-lined streets juxtapose the beach scene just to the west. Leave the sand and surf behind and walk the pedestrian-friendly Memorial Causeway to the Cleveland Street District. Here you can dine alfresco at a café, deli or all-day breakfast diner. Then browse boutiques offering home decor, sports gear and luxe men and women’s fashions or catch a concert or classic movie at the 655-seat Capitol Theatre, built in 1921 and one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida.

9  Sync your Smartphone Calendar

No matter the month, even the day of the week, there’s always a special event on the beach or downtown. Your activity barometer will register from laid-back to super-charged with an abundance of annual events. Foodies like the totally hip, slip-off-your-shoes and walk-in-the-sand Clearwater Beach Uncorked wine and food fest, along with visits during Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week when they can try new dining spots for a fraction of the regular dinner bill. Sports-oriented visitors come for the Iron Girl half-marathon, Swim Across America’s Tampa Bay Open Water Swim and the Super Boat National Championship & Seafood Festival.

10  Go Greek

Hop on board Clearwater Beach’s Jolley Trolley for a ride north to neighboring Tarpon Springs, a Greek community with a history of sponge diving. The main street Dodecanese Boulevard runs along the Anclote River, where shrimp boats proudly flying the Greek flag dock. The boulevard is lined with restaurants, bakeries, souvlaki stands and gift shops that are owned and run by local Greeks. The food is authentic so don’t hesitate to order a dish of moussaka and stop in the bakery for syrupy phyllo pastries like baklava and kataifi. Even the Greek-centric souvenirs, reminders of the mother country, make shopping here fun.

 

Naples Beach Hotel Golf Club

Naples Best Golf Resorts

 

Resort courses are known for their enticing challenges that make the course not only a test of your skills, but also fun to play. Most have the input of big name golfers-turned-designers who leave their signatures on the fairways and greens. The resort courses in Naples have all that plus the advantage of being located in one of the top golf-vacation destinations, where ever-sunny skies and year-round lush tropical foliage make the collection of manicured greens even more impressive.

Naples Florida, Tiburon Ritz carlton golf, Naples best golf resorts

The 18th hole at the Greg Norman-designed Tiburón Golf Club, which is part of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. Photo: Ritz- Carlton

Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples

Greg Norman likes to call the resort’s Tiburón Golf Club home when he visits Naples. After all the Australian pro designed the course. Besides creating plenty of challenges that attracted the PGA Tour, he preserved the surrounding wetlands that sit on the northernmost tip of the Everglades, resulting in certification from Audubon International. Golfers can choose from two courses and five tees. On the Gold Course, which measures 7,288 yards from the tournament tees, the par-3 12th hole has an intimidating stacked sod wall bunker and water to the front and left of the green, creating challenging, yet fun, play. On the Black Course, which measures 7,005 yards, highlights include the par-5 18th hole, where not only a dogleg but a fairly large coquina waste area and spectacular lake run the length of the right side.

The Ritz-Carlton golf resort  is clearly a golfers’ retreat, but after a good game who doesn’t love a spot by the pool or a stool at the bar where you can compare notes. And if you’re a seasonal player who hasn’t picked up a club in a long time, you just might want to book a massage at the spa. Rooms are traditional luxe with goose-down comforters, Frette bed linens and views overlooking the sprawling fairways. Although the resort is set three miles from the beach, a shuttle will whisk you to the Gulf waters when you’re ready. 

Naples Beach hotel and golf club

The intense blues of the Gulf of Mexico and lush Florida greenery combine to create a picture- perfect setting for the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Photo: Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

A family-owned resort, the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club remains under the watchful eye of the Watkins family, which means there’s a lot of TLC. In 1946 Henry B. Watkins Sr. bought the original hotel and 9-hole golf course and today grandsons Michael and Henry Watkins run the property. What began as the first 18-hole course in Naples, set across the street from the Gulf, has been redesigned and refurbished over the decades, with the fairways last spruced up in 2011. Locals love this course, which ranks as one of Southwest Florida’s best public courses, and repeat guests, especially the ladies who like the 5,142 yards from the red tees, find it a must-play. Its holes run so close together that you might want to ditch the golf cart. Doglegs around lakes and towering palm trees make it a challenging and pretty course.

Besides golf, the resort has tennis facilities, a family pool along with an adults pool, and Naples’ only sunset bar that actually rests on the edge of the beach so you can dig your toes into the sand, drink rum and Coke and watch the sun disappear into the horizon. The rooms have a relaxed tropical vibe that you won’t find in most other Naples’ hotels. Lime green and shades of blue play up fish and sea coral patterns on throw pillows and bed linens, and wooden plantation shutters add a touch of beach-cottage style to the decor. 

Naples Florida La Playa Golf

For golfers who enjoy hitting over a water hazard, the Robert-Cupp designed course at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in Naples provides great challenges. Photo: La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

Perfectly manicured fairways flanked by Florida’s mangroves give the course at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort a mesmerizing effect, mirroring the exquisite landscaping that surrounds the hotel. An early morning tee time almost guarantees sightings of turtles, ibis and anhingas. The Bob Cupp-designed 6,900-yard, par-72 course is surrounded by a gently sloping terrain and 14 lakes and water features. It also has a David Leadbetter Golf Academy for anyone who wants to spend the whole day in this natural setting honing their game. Just a nine-minute ride from the resort, the course welcomes morning golfers with fruit and pastries—a nice touch.

Golfers who prefer more intimate resorts book at La Playa, which was elegantly refurbished in 2010. Think crystal chandeliers and floral patterns in the lobby. Rooms boast canopied beds draped by white privacy sheers hanging to the floor and bathrooms with tub- side windows looking out on the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of palm trees wrap the pool area, and nestled in between them are cabanas, with deep-cushioned recliners, ceiling fans and a teak dining table and chairs, where you can spend the entire day. 

Marco Island Florida, Marriott golf

The Rookery Course at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa is nestled into Florida wetlands, where numerous species of birds reside. Photo: David Hall/Marco Island Marriott

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Just south of Naples, Marco Island is a gem of a vacation destination, often in the shadow of more popular golfing spots. But for any player looking for two great courses to challenge their skill set, the Marriott Beach Resort delivers big time. Considering that the island borders on Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, a region of the Everglades brimming with wildlife, golfers can expect to play on fairways where bird-watching can easily become a second pastime. The Rookery, which actually means bird sanctuary, is a course nestled in shallow wetlands where waterfowl thrive, and its 7,100 yards promise generous fairways and oversize greens. The course also has five tees. Its sister Hammock Course is another natural beauty; it attracts players of all levels with its greens that offer a variety of approach shot options.

The resort is spacious, so if you’re traveling with non-golfers, they will be just as happy as you are on this tropical island. There’s something happening on the resort’s 3.5-mile crescent-shaped beach any time of day, from morning power walks to daytime paddleboarding to sunset finales. You can choose a guest room in the towers with floor-to-ceiling windows and a door that leads to a balcony for magnificent Gulf views or opt to be just steps from the beach and pool with a stay in a lanai suite, a one-story unit that feels like a cottage on the water’s edge. 

Naples Grand golf club waldorf astoria

The 11th hole at the Naples Grande Golf Club, part of the Waldorf Astoria Naples, allows players to navigate the course’s waterways. Photo: Gregory Heisler/Naples Grande Golf Club

 Naples Grande Beach Resort

The Naples Grande Golf Club at the Beach Resort was designed by Rees Jones to retain those parkland features appreciated by the more traditional golfer. It’s one of the area’s few courses that’s not in the shadows of looming residential homes and high-rises, so golfers can definitely enjoy the green space—Florida pine hammocks, live oak and grand cypress trees. Played from the back tees the course measures 7,078 yards, but isn’t as intimidating as one would expect. Navigating the waterways is a part of the design and challenge of this course. For those who want a lesson, the Durland Golf School offers instruction.

One of the nicest things about staying at the Waldorf Astoria Naples is the boardwalk hidden in the thick mangroves that skirts the property. A morning stroll to the beach, past Tarzan-like vines and giant ferns and through a shady tunnel of tangled branches, puts you in touch with Florida’s nature. The views from the top floors overlook Naples’ waterways and canals, where red-tiled roofs poke out of thick greenery and watercraft line the docks. Consider booking a room with a coastal view, not only for its panoramic vista but also for its generous size at 465 square feet. Crisp white linens and neutral tones give the décor a relaxed airy feel that’s perfect for a Florida stay. 

Naples Pier, Florida

Naples: 10 Reasons to Go

 

There’s a slew of reasons to visit Southwest Florida’s most elegant town, but our favorite ways to experience Naples include a game of golf, shopping Fifth Avenue South, dining under the stars, a rendezvous with the arts and always a trip to the beach where the sun, surf and sunsets never disappoint. This town set on the Gulf of Mexico seamlessly blends its 10-mile beach with a stylish urban setting that like a magnet attracts more millionaires than almost any other city in the country. Year-round residents, seasonal homeowners and snowbirds alike find Naples to be irresistible, especially during the winter months known as high season. The result is a meticulously kept town with some of the most expensive real estate, classiest golf clubs and wealthiest individuals.

1  Exquisite Golf Courses

Greg Norman designed the courses at the Tiburón Golf Club, part of Naples’ Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, and to this day the Australian pro golfer still considers it home. PGA TOUR events like the Franklin Templeton Shootout have been held here, and President H.W. Bush even played a round at Tiburón. Simply put, it’s where the powerful and wealthy come to play. But that’s only one of the fine courses you’ll find in Naples. This corner of Southwest Florida has boasting rights to some 90 courses, so naturally it likes to claim the title: Golf Capital of the World.

2  Fifth Avenue South

For a fresh take on shopping and eating, visit the indie boutiques and restaurants in downtown Naples. No chain stores here. A gathering spot of sorts, this five-block stretch of Fifth Avenue South dazzles with one sidewalk café after another, and if you come on the right night, street musicians add rhythm to your walk. Besides clothing shops, this pedestrian-friendly street has art galleries, an antique shop or two, and public squares with gardens and local art displays.

3  Third Street South

One of the coolest neighborhoods, Third Street South, named so after the main street that runs through it, is where you’ll find a mix of historic cottages and sophisticated manses, high-style designer boutiques and a municipal fishing pier. You can walk to it all, and while you’re at it peek into the courtyards where European-style fountains and meticulous landscaping create pretty vignettes. Sip cocktails at an open bar or dine at a white table-cloth restaurant. Day or night, this neighborhood is buzzing.

4  Beach Time

Find Naples’ Municipal Pier and you find the beach. A hot spot on weekends, the pier draws fishermen of all sorts who wheel their gear down the 1,000-foot-long pier to cast a line. Just below on the shore, kids play volleyball and families lounge about on the soft sands and wade in the warm water. Nobody leaves before dusk because the Gulf has a reputation of presenting spectacular sunsets.

5  Resorts that Spoil

You know that if a town can support two, not one, but two Ritz-Carlton properties, its roster of guests includes the rich and famous. And Naples no doubt attracts the stars in search of R&R, especially in high season (November to April). So here’s the lowdown on the biggies, starting with the Ritz-Carlton Naples and Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, followed by LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Waldorf Astoria Naples and Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. If you haven’t made your millions yet, visit during summer when rates are reduced or pop in for a cocktail or dinner at these resorts.

6  Gateway to Nature

Sitting just north of the Everglades region, Naples is a great home-base for day trips into Florida’s more wild terrain. Hike the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, 26,000 acres with a cypress forest where panthers, bobcats, black bears and other wildlife roam. Or explore the trail into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Kayakers can paddle deep into the Ten Thousand Islands on overnight camping excursions.

7  Artis-Naples

Cultural finds are plentiful in this Gulf city, starting with a visit to the Artis-Naples complex. This is the home of the Naples Philharmonic, so performances of classical music top the list, but Broadway shows, jazz quartets and so much more can be enjoyed here. It’s also the home of the Baker Museum, where the contemporary artwork, including the Persian Ceiling by glass artist Dale Chihuly, dominates the collection.

8  Boat to Your Island

Imagine finding your own private island if only for a couple of hours. Renting a boat and plying the waters from Naples down to the Ten Thousand Islands is one of the best ways to soak in Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. In this undeveloped region, that perfect white beach could be just around the next mangrove islet.

9  Flora and Fauna

Not one to trek the forest trails in search of wildlife and exotic species? No sweat. Naples brings the flora and fauna to you. At the Naples Botanical Garden you can walk through a tropical paradise and learn about the plants of Florida, Asia, Brazil and the Caribbean. Stop at the Naples Zoo, known for its family of cats—cheetahs, leopards, tigers and lions—plus the intriguing fossa, a rare catlike carnivorous mammal from Madagascar.

10  Architecture Row

Whether it’s the architecture or the lure of what millions can buy, a drive south on Gordon Drive to ogle Naples’ magnificent estates is a fun outing. Peek between the perfectly groomed sea grape trees and tall billowy oleanders for a glimpse of the turrets, columns and wrought-iron details that give these homes their regal appearance.

 

Florida keys waterfront homes

Florida Keys: 10 Reasons to Go

 

In a league of its own, the Florida Keys has an island vibe that makes you want to kick back and relish life – all at a much slower pace than on Florida’s mainland. With the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico on the west side, each island in this dangling string has its own personality. You’ll find great places to snorkel, fish, kayak and indulge in all sorts of water sports, as well as plenty of wildlife sightings along the way. Friendly bars and restaurants, ranging from fish shacks to fine dining, and a growing art scene, round out life in the Keys.

1  It’s the Lifestyle

Maybe your stay is only for a few days, but the main reason to visit the Keys is for its island lifestyle, and even a city slicker can easily fall into the rhythm and start promising themselves they’re moving here first chance they get. (Ask any local; they’ve heard the story many times.) Life slows down abruptly once you step foot onto this chain of tropical islands, so throw away any well-planned itinerary and just go with the flow.

2  Gone Fishing

Serious fishermen have been coming here for decades, and novices are always welcome. Take your pick: deep sea fishing out in the Atlantic Ocean, backcountry angling in the Florida Bay or bonefishing in the shallows of the flats. You’ll find top-notch fishing guides who know where the fish hang out so get ready to reel in a boat load.

3  Key Lime Pie

A signature taste, the Key lime pie has been around these islands since early Bahamians settled here more than 100 years ago and made pies with the juice from the islands’ citrus. Evolving over time, the creamy, sweet-but-tart dessert was made with either a traditional or graham- cracker crust and topped with either meringue or whipped cream. The debate goes on as to which is better, but you can decide for yourself. The pie is served at restaurants throughout the Keys, but the place local’s most often recommend is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen on Key Largo.

4  Paddle Time

The mangrove islands that sprout up off the main keys are ideal for kayakers on the lookout for Mother Nature’s children. Spot waterfowl like herons and egrets hiding in the tangled prop roots of the red mangroves and peer into the clear waters to see fish and crustaceans in their natural habitat. Outfitters provide kayaks, and guided trips are an ideal way to get acquainted with the islands’ natural side.

5  Diving Deep

The most popular dive and snorkel spot is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park off of Key Largo, where the reef gets all the attention. Stingrays, angelfish and barracuda are found here along with fan and boulder corals. For the more adventurous divers, shipwrecks and artificial reefs are plentiful in these southern waters as well. And for landlubbers, the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada can answer any questions about the sport’s past.

6  Lobster Lovers

Home to the Florida spiny lobster, the Keys is the place to get the freshest lobster dinner. But if you’re up for an adventure, you can catch your own in the wild during season, August through March. Most popular is the season’s kick-off, a two-day mini-season held the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Rules and limits on your take apply, so know before you go.

7  Seafood Feast

In all of Florida, the Keys is probably the best place to find the freshest seafood. Stone crabs are brought in from October through May and you can watch boats being unloaded at the Keys Fisheries in Marathon. Buy them at the adjacent market or enjoy them in the restaurant. On Stock Island just before crossing the bridge to Key West, Fishbusterz is where shrimpers and fishermen sell their catches. Look for yellowtail snapper, hogfish and all sorts of grouper, along with plump Key West pink shrimp and spiny lobsters in the market’s display case.

8  Tiny Deer

For nature lovers a sighting of a Key deer makes a trip through this chain of islands so rewarding. In the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, your chances of spotting the smallest North American deer are good. The Key deer live only in the Florida Keys and are known for swimming between islands. Residents are often surprised when they pop up in backyards.

9  Eclectic Accommodations

Nestled behind tropical greenery off U.S. Highway 1, the one road through the chain, are some really cool properties. Fishermen seeking luxury can book at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, where U.S. presidents have stayed during fishing trips. Boaters arriving by sea dock near their room or bungalow at La Siesta Resort & Marina on Islamorada. Romantics find hideaways tucked amongst blooming bougainvillea at Key Largo’s Kona Kai Resort, where escaping from life’s daily routine is totally possible. The whole family can hang out at Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key, a water-sports mecca. And for accommodations on the sand, book a two-level beach house at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort in Marathon.

10  Island Rentals

No kidding! Although it might be a bit extreme for most of us, you can rent a whole island. Seabird Key near Marathon is one option. The 10-acre island’s Old Florida-style cottage with its wraparound porch makes the perfect tropical getaway for a group of eight. Loll in a hammock strung between coconut palms or explore the surrounding waters in the 19-foot Boston Whaler provided for guests.

Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

 

An island of wealth, Palm Beach is the winter home of celebrities, politicians, moguls and folks with supersized bank accounts. Life is different here, and a visit to this elite island city, where shiny Rolls- Royce cars and pampered pedigree pooches are everyday sights especially during season, can be otherworldly.

1  Parade of Homes

Take a dreamy drive along Billionaire’s Row, South Ocean Shore Drive, where the most exclusive and luxurious estate properties rise up between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Entrances marked with ornate gateposts, carved stone finials and towering privacy hedges lead to homes priced upward from $10 million, with some reaching $70 million and climbing.

2  The First Millionaire

Palm Beach has been synonymous with high society since 1896 when oil tycoon Henry Flagler built his first luxury hotel on this slender 18-mile- long barrier island and lured those who had the means to escape winter’s wrath. The home he built for his third bride was named Whitehall, house of marble. Meticulously preserved, it is now the Flagler Museum and tells the story of not only Flagler’s accomplishments, but of life on Palm Beach during the Gilded Age, through its exquisite architecture and historic furnishings.

3  The Ultimate Shopping Experience

Worth Avenue has the most prestigious shops in the world—Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci to name a few—brimming with elegant merchandise. No doubt there’s some serious designer and brand- name shopping going on here. But even if you don’t have super-deep pockets, you’ll still find a few stores on the avenue or hidden in the vias, little gardenlike passageways, where a purchase or two won’t break the bank.

4  The Scene

Enjoy a cocktail, lunch or dinner at any of the restaurants on or around Worth Avenue that cater to the nip-and-tuck clientele sporting saucer- size sunglasses. The go-to lunch spot for decades is Ta-Boo, where a mixed crowd of regulars and visitors can always be found, and for cocktails, the Leopard Lounge, in the Chesterfield boutique hotel, is another traditional venue famous for its catlike decor. But other spots like chef Clay Conley’s Buccan keep the culinary offerings fresh and the vibe modern.

5  The Grandest of the Grande Dames

Palm Beach’s most famous hotel is the Breakers, a historic treasure still operated by Henry Flagler’s heirs. To experience this opulent property, book a night or two. But if that’s not in your budget, then come for Sunday brunch in the cavernous Circle Room where 30-foot frescoed ceilings and murals of Tivoli Gardens add even more opulence to the experience. Don’t leave without looking up: Renaissance-style artwork adorns the Breakers arched ceilings along with elaborate crystal chandeliers.

6  Winter Feasting

Quickly rising to the top of Florida’s list for foodie festivals, the December Palm Beach Food & Wine Fest draws top talent like chefs Daniel Boulud, Scott Conant and David Burke along with Food Network celebs. Chef talks, high tea and four-course dinners are held at the Four Seasons, the Breakers and other venues around town, with the Grand Tasting on Worth Avenue the most delicious finale.

7  Walk the Avenue

A dapperly dressed Rick Rose leads the curious on a Historical Walking Tour of Worth Avenue every Wednesday. Not just a famous shopping street, Worth Avenue has a fascinating history and Rose’s animated tours spill all. Expect the scoop on how eccentric Addison Mizner became the signature architect of old Palm Beach and why Lilly Pulitzer set up shop here to sell her rainbow-colored resort wear.

8  The Beach

With a bustling social scene, one can almost forget the beach. But that would be a shame, so you’ll want to head to the public stretch right off of Worth Avenue by the big tower clock. It’s perfect for a stroll and of course, if you stay at any of the oceanfront hotels you have a swath of sand and crashing waves.

9  Hotel Hopping

Palm Beach doesn’t have a huge inventory of hotels, but what it does have is some of the classiest properties. Shoppers prefer boutique hotels steps from Worth Avenue: the Chesterfield, where they can enjoy a high tea after shopping, the Colony, with evening cabaret shows at the Royal Room, and the Brazilian Court, a private spot hidden by tropical foliage on a side street. Big resorts from the Breakers to the Four Seasons and the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa to the Omphoy Ocean Resort provide the cabana and beach experience.

10  Summer Bargains

When temperatures rise, seasonal residents shift to the Hamptons. And that’s when Palm Beach is especially appealing to those of us further down the wealth spectrum. The weather may be hot, but the Gulf Stream ushers in a breeze. Resorts offer deep discounts, and Worth Avenue stores slash prices. All are good reasons to go.