Tag Archives: Miami Beach

Florida, Miami Beach Boardwalk
Clearwater Beach, Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Plan, Trip Ideas

Florida’s Fabulous Boardwalks

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Florida has reinvented the traditional boardwalk, creating some easy- going and beautifully landscaped public walkways that go beyond seaside breezes and vistas. Though the views are quite spectacular, you’ll find public spaces where you can meet people, dine on seafood, do a bit of shopping, dance under the stars and even rest your head at a luxury hotel.

Hollywood

In 2007 Hollywood Beach, tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, unveiled its 2.5-mile Broadwalk. The paved path that butts up against the sand and shore added a new spark to this retro beach town, which dates back to the 1920s. Lining its west side are the old-school beach cafes, bars and pizzerias where locals have been eating and drinking for years. Only now these mom-and-pop places like Little Venice and Jake’s on the Beach are packed more than ever. Walk it, bicycle it, jog it or just sit at an alfresco table and take in the scene. During season, November to April, Canadian vacationers, who for decades have fancied Hollywood as a winter getaway destination, join the locals, who descend from nearby high-rises. Almost every night, a toe-tapping crowd of all ages finds music and dancing at the Hollywood Beach Theatre, yes you can boogey under the stars at this band shell located on the Broadwalk at Johnson Street. Watch for the arrival of its new neighbor, the Margaritaville Beach Resort, and a spiffed-up band shell in spring 2015.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, Bicyclist, Florida

Hollywood Beach’s Broadwalk has re-ignited this retro town, which is now one of South Florida’s most popular gathering spots both day and night. Photo: City of Hollywood

Clearwater Beach

From the sky, the Beach Walk in Clearwater Beach looks like a snake wiggling its way up the Gulf Coast, with white sands to the west and green swaths dotted with rows of feathery palms to the east. Clearwater Beach has always been a family-friendly beach town, and the paved path has made it super easy for adults and kids to access the sands and stop at points along the way. The Beach Walk starts at the iconic Pier 60, a fishing pier and park where entertainers and vendors gather nightly for the Sunsets at Pier 60 event. As you head south alongside Gulf View Blvd., you’ll pass the pink Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, before you come upon Surf Style, a trendy one-stop beach store that’s home to the indoor FlowRider wave machine for wannabe surfers. The path ends just south of 5th Street near the Marina District, where dive, fishing and sightseeing vessels dock and Crabby Bill’s serves up the fresh catch. Beach Walk has not only marked the beginning of this seaside community’s rebirth, but has triggered plans to revitalize the Marina District, including the Beach Walk’s extension to the Intracoastal side of Clearwater Beach and a facelift for Pier 60 Park in 2015.

Clearwater Beach, Florida, Beachwalk Pier

Designed extra wide, the Beach Walk along the Gulf of Mexico makes Clearwater Beach one of Florida’s most walkable towns, where shops, restaurants and its pier are easy to reach. Photo: City of Clearwater Beach

Miami Beach

For the visitor who wants to get acquainted with Miami Beach’s long stretch of golden sand, the boardwalk, running along the Atlantic Ocean from 21st to 78th streets, is a great place to start. This commercial-free stretch puts you in touch with nature and is ideal for an early morning run as the sun reflects on the water. Towering palms and sea grape trees give the elevated walk its tropical beachside vibe and lining its other side is a mix of art-deco buildings and modern hotels, with icons like the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc at 45th Street. It’s easy to peek into the pool areas of these glamorous hotels as you stroll the boardwalk alongside buff runners in flashy workout clothes and moms pushing designer baby strollers. But if you listen carefully you’ll hear a medley of languages spoken, as the boardwalk is a favorite with international visitors staying at the big-name hotels. To make the boardwalk user friendly the city has marked the wooden poles every quarter mile so you can calculate your jog or let friends know what part of the beach you are closest too.

Miami Beach, Florida Boardwalk, Florida’s Fabulous Boardwalks

Beautifully landscaped, Miami Beach’s boardwalk skirts the art-deco buildings in South Beach, separating the beach from its cityscape. Photo: iStock

 

 

South Walton Paddleboarding, Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida
Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Miami Beach, South Beach, South Walton

Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida

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With 1,197 miles of coastal waters, plus numerous rivers, lakes and an Intracoastal Waterway, Florida is a mecca for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) enthusiasts who want to hone their skills in various types of water. But even with so many options, outfitters are coming up with new ways to enjoy the sport. How about gliding the seas on a clear- bottom paddleboard, doing yoga moves on a board, yes, on the board, or engaging in a full workout while balancing? You can even join a group for Nightboarding—and don’t tell me you never heard of Nightboarding.

Key West

Day or night the waters around Key West are nature’s playground for both man and fish. Backcountry guided tours on a stand-up paddleboard offer a different perspective—and viewing—from that of a traditional kayak. Quietly glide along the edges of mangrove islands and spy into the prop roots of the red mangrove trees, which serve as rookeries to ibis, herons, pelican and their fledglings. For underwater viewing, rent one of the clear-bottom boards and observe fish in the sea grass below. The mangroves happen to be the perfect setting for a yoga session because the area is protected from wind and tides. Using breathing techniques and an om or two, you can work at improving your balance, gaining core strength and connecting with nature during a yoga SUP session offered by several area outfitters. Those up for an after-dark adventure can go Nightboarding with Ibis Bay Paddle Sports. The group sets out for the open ocean 20 minutes after sunset on paddleboards equipped with the NOCQUA 2000, a white LED light system that attaches to the board. The powerful LED lights shine into the crystal-clear water below, illuminating the ocean floor where at night you’ll see nocturnal creatures and activity you normally don’t see in the daytime. Lobsters, crabs, colorful sponges and tropical fish are among the sea life to keep an eye out for.

Miami Beach

If you enjoy the sport but want a more urban experience, paddleboarding Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay is a great way to sightsee. From a stand-up paddleboard, you can admire downtown Miami’s skyline of swooping steel and glass towers and the million-dollar manses that sprout up on the Intracoastal islands nestled between Miami Beach and the Miami mainland. You can even take in the slow-moving boat traffic, which usually includes sleek yachts and powerboats. At dusk, Miami Beach Paddleboard offers Neon Tours that depart from South Beach on boards outfitted with those dazzling purple, green and orange neon lights that not only scream SoBe, but actually allow you to see 5 feet underwater and 15 feet around the board. If you want to venture into Biscayne Bay, you can join TKS Miami on a tour and glide past the waterfront of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, where industrialist James Deering’s historic 1922 mansion and boat dock are in clear view.

South Walton

Paddleboarders hit the jackpot when they visit South Walton in Northwest Florida. Here you can choose from the Gulf of Mexico’s flat waters and a chance to see dolphins, the protected Choctawhatchee Bay, crystal-clear springs, flowing rivers and placid 6,000-year-old dune lakes that blend fresh water and saltwater. Does it get any better? In fact of all the Florida destinations, the beach communities skirting the panhandle and the Gulf may be among the best spots in the state for a SUP adventure. Several outfitters rent boards for the day and deliver them free of charge. A great spot for beginners to get out on a board is at the Watercolor Inn & Resort’s Boathouse, where the YOLO Board company rents the equipment. Here you can launch into protected waters to practice and then venture into the Western Lake. Yoga SUP and Run SUP, which involves a mile run followed by a paddle, are regularly scheduled events at the Boathouse.

St. Regis Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Florida
Florida, Miami Beach, Plan, Trip Ideas

Miami Beach: 10 Reasons to Go

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We’re talking Miami Beach (not South Beach) that gorgeous stretch of golden sand where the beaches are less crowded, the resorts more luxurious and the pace slower and more relaxed. The long slender barrier island is tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. While super-sleek towers, a mix of residential condominiums and skyscraper hotels, skirt the shore side, marinas and recreational watercraft make the inland waterway a favorite with those out for a day of boating fun.

1  The Ultimate Drive

Head north on Collins Avenue out of the congested South Beach area to discover the rest of Miami Beach. Driving the palm tree-studded barrier island you’ll pass through one amazing neighborhood after another, each with its own personality, architectural style, history and beach. This is where smaller communities like North Beach, jam-packed with local color, a band shell for evening concerts and mom-and-pop shops, rub shoulders with newer upscale stretches like Sunny Isles Beach, where contemporary high-rises create a sparkling skyline against the Atlantic Ocean.

2  The Icons

Topping the list of Miami Beach icons is the Fontainebleau hotel. A major renovation in 2008 refreshed this architecturally significant property (think 1950s modern style) and preserved design elements created by its original architect, Morris Lapidus. The exterior’s signature cheese-hole design and a black-and-white bow tie-patterned lobby floor, designed after Lapidus’ sartorial style of always wearing a bow tie, are still impressive after all these years. On this same stretch from 22nd to 63rd streets, Millionaire’s Row and a hotbed for luxury real estate, sits the Eden Roc, another mid-century Lapidus resort hotel.

3  Beachside Boardwalks

Power walk, jog or just stroll along the boardwalk that begins at Indian Beach Park at 46th Street and Collins Avenue and runs south to 23rd Street. Sea grape trees and blooming scrub cover the dunes that separate the boardwalk from the beach. The backyards of Collins Avenue hotels skirt the other side, so you can take a peek at poolside glamour—or just gaze at the gorgeous water- and-sand vistas.

4  High-Rise Heaven

Ultra-slick 50-story condominiums and hotels rise up between the asphalt and the Atlantic Ocean in Sunny Isles Beach, a town that calls itself Florida’s Riviera. Its progressive architecture is mind-boggling. And it’s no surprise that Donald Trump is one of the forces behind these magnificent buildings. You’ll ooh and aah at the soft curves and oval shapes of his Trump Palace and Trump Royale that stand apart from old-school straight lines. But also keep an eye out for the newest tower construction that promises cutting-edge designs in this beachfront community recognized for its outrageous architecture.

5  The Quieter Stretch

Once north of South Beach, the long golden shoreline of Miami Beach is less hectic. Vintage hotels mix with newbies as you travel Collins Avenue all the way to Golden Beach. The scenery changes from shops and restaurants to parks, green space and marinas and on every resort’s beach, you’ll find plenty of lounge chairs, water sports and sand castles.

6  Well-Heeled

The Bal Harbour enclave has always been a luxurious destination, where spending lots of moola at the Bal Harbour Shops, as high-style fashion models parade around in the latest designer duds, is de rigueur. But with the new over-the-top St. Regis opening its doors across the street, visitors have more good reasons to put Bal Harbour on their lists. The resort’s art collection alone is worth a visit, but then there’s the hotel’s signature Bloody Mary served at the iconic King Cole Bar that’s impossible to resist.

7  Catching the Big One

Haulover Park Marina has quick access to the deep seas of the Atlantic Ocean (two minutes from the ocean, six minutes from fishing), which means get ready to cast a line and reel in some serious game fish. Charter boats, with all the bells and whistles, line the Intracoastal side of the marina and head out daily.

8  Pamper Palaces

There’s no shortage of luxury spas on Miami Beach. You’ll find the most innovative spas in the mega resorts starting with the Fontainebleau where a ritual water journey, including a rain tunnel and deluge shower, gives you a new appreciation for H2O. Or book yourself into the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, a health resort totally dedicated to your well-being.

9  Reach-for-the-Sky Views

Ride the elevator, enter your room, pull back the draperies and gasp. The taller hotels with breathtaking views of beach and cityscape stand ramrod tall on Collins Avenue north of South Beach. The Setai (38 floors), One Bal Harbour (18 floors), St. Regis Bal Harbour (27 floors), Trump International Beach Resort (32 floors) and Acqualina Resort & Spa (52 floors).These hotels are favorites with anyone looking for big doses of luxury and style.

10  North Beach

Not quite on the tourist’s radar, North Beach is known with the locals for its reasonably priced restaurants. So if you want a break from trendy, cool, hip dining establishments, this unassuming neighborhood on Miami Beach has some Latin American restaurants, pasta places, beer gardens and even weekly food truck gatherings that will surprise.

gale south beach, best boutique hotels in florida
Amelia Island, Florida, Key West, Miami, Miami Beach, Naples, South Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas

Top Boutique Hotels in Florida

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Big is not always better, especially when it comes to finding the right accommodations. We scoured the state to find the places that offer all the amenities you need for a great vacation in a setting that’s just the right size. So if you prefer more intimate hotels, where you don’t have to wait in long check-in lines or fight for a poolside lounge, then these Florida gems are perfect for you.

Gale South Beach

Photo: Gale South Beach, Best Small Hotels in Florida

The Gale South Beach’s rooftop pool provides views of art-deco architecture and the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: CoreyWeiner/The Gale South Beach

Transforming two 1940s art-deco hotels into one very cool SoBe hot spot is what put the Gale South Beach on the hipster map. The five-story boutique hotel sits on the corner of 17th Street and Collins Avenue, right smack in the middle of the scene with neighbors like the iconic Delano and the oh so trending SLS Hotel. Walk into a lobby where elements of art deco—a chrome backlit front desk—blend with modern white leather chairs and mirrored windows. Black-and-white photos of 1950s Miami Beach are a nostalgic reminder of a former heyday. The hotel’s 87 rooms have raised ceilings for spaciousness, and balconies with faux green-leaf walls provide a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Enter through the former Regent Hotel on James Avenue and you’re in the cozy Regent Cocktail Club where mixologists whip up retro drinks like Negronis and Mai Tais. As for the beach? It’s just across the street. 

Inn on Fifth, Naples

Inn on Fifth, Naples Fl

The Inn on Fifth’s prime location offers easy access to downtown Naples restaurants and boutiques. Photo: Inn on Fifth

This elegant three-story hotel sits on Fifth Avenue South, downtown Naples’ palm tree-lined six-block shopping-and-dining stretch. Despite its urban location, the Inn on Fifth is just minutes away from the white-sand beach and fishing pier thanks to a complimentary shuttle. A 2013 redo and expansion gave the hotel a fresh modern décor of red and gray with geometric accents, along with a second building across the street. Book a second-story poolside room and sneak out the door at midnight for a hot-tub soak. If you really want to splurge, the Club Level suites in the new building are huge with balconies overlooking the avenue. Everything old is new again at this meticulous gem in Old Naples. 

The Reach, Key West

The Reach Resort, Key West

Located on Key West’s quieter side, The Reach has private balconies with direct ocean views. Photo: The Reach Resort, Key West

Set off from all the hustle and bustle of Duval Street, Key West’s main drag, The Reach is an intimate and sophisticated hideaway. Painted a cheerful yellow with white trimming, the four-story Waldorf Astoria property sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Cross the front yard—a carpetlike lawn with rows of palm trees, delicate flowers and a life-size chess set—to reach the private beach (the 450-foot-long stretch is a real find on Key West), where a weather-worn pier with its own gazebo extends into the water. It’s the ideal spot for sunset gazers. Crisply decorated rooms, with contemporary furnishings that blend neutrals with bursts of orange and rust, have balconies that look out over the ocean or courtyard. The pool below was designed for sunbathing, and there’s no competition for a lounger since the resort has only 150 rooms. Contrasting with the property’s sunny island vibe is the hotel’s Strip House restaurant. Red walls, mood lighting and provocative photography that picks up on the steak house’s name make for a cozy, and somewhat seductive, dining experience. 

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Florida

A Nantucket vibe and direct ocean views make Elizabeth Pointe an attractive year-round escape.  Photo: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Deviating with the Sunshine State’s tropical image, this northeast coastal hideaway on Amelia island surprises with its 1890s Nantucket shingle-style main house. Enjoy coffee in a rocking chair on the big wraparound porch facing a shore populated by long slender sea oats and the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Whether you stay in the main house where a turn-of-the-20th-century décor mirrors the Victorian homes in nearby downtown Fernandina Beach, or opt for a room in the newer West Indies-style Ocean House, the relaxed elegance of Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is always present. With 13 miles of beach right in front of you, a sunrise or moonrise stroll is always in order. 

Bentley South Beach

Photo: Bentley South Beach

The Bentley is just steps from all of the action, dining and nightlife of Ocean Drive.   Photo: Bentley South Beach

Across the street from the Atlantic’s shore, the Bentley South Beach sits on the corner of Fifth Street and Ocean Drive. It’s a favorite with Europeans and South Americans who appreciate the smaller surroundings. Yet despite its size, all of the rooms, from studios to one- or two-bedroom options, are designed as suites with living space. Plus you score a kitchenette where you can prepare your own mojitos. The Bentley is one of the few SoBe hotels to actually have a rooftop pool, in fact make that a lap pool where you can get some serious swimming in or just cool off with a nice soak. The views of sunrises and sunsets are a bonus. If you’re the beach type, stroll over to the hotel’s private beach club, where beach butlers set up your lounger—as well as serve you cocktails. Located near the edge of the less frenetic South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, the Bentley is walking distance, past art-deco buildings, to landmark restaurants like Joe’s Stone Crab and celeb-fave Prime One Twelve. Or you can head north into the heart of Ocean Drive, where alfresco tables spill onto sidewalks and music blares from crowded bars.