Technically its still winter, but spring break and summer vacations are just around the corner. That means you should be getting your trip planning in order now. I wanted to share some of my favorite Florida beaches you guys. Whether you are looking for nightlife or nothing but beach, we have it all here. Break out the sunscreen and lap tops folks, time to plan that next beach vacation. (I’m probably biased because I love living here, but that’s OK.)
1. Naples
Naples’ soft sandy beaches, dramatic green hedges surrounding stunning luxury homes, and chic selection of restaurants and boutique shops are just some of the reasons why snowbirds from around the world flock to these turquoise waters on Florida’s southwest coast each winter. Crowds and prices are highest between November and April, but you can start getting some great deals on hotels during the first week of May. Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the focal points for Naples shopping in the historic downtown area. Be sure to check out the Naples Pier to look for dolphins and take in dramatic sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Vero Beach
Located about an hour and a half southeast of Orlando on Florida’s east coast, Vero Beach is a great family destination, with eclectic shops in the old downtown strip by the ocean. With low key beaches, nature tours and a variety of hotels, this is a great family destination that is also within reach of the Central Florida attractions. There you’ll find Disney’s Vero Beach Resort which is great for family travel with the kiddos, but I admit I’m totally obsessed with the midcentury glam of Gloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este resort, which perfect for couples getaway or girls weekend.
3. Palm Beach
When I think of Palm Beach, I start day dreaming about the vintage boutique shops, the towering palm trees lining Worth Avenue, and the enormous hedges trying their best to hide the glamorous mansions on Florida’s southeast coast. When I visit Palm Beach, sometimes I splurge and stay at The Breakers. Opening in 1926, this resort was modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome, so much so that 75 artisans were brought in from Italy to help complete the detailed paintings upon the ceilings in the lobby. The old school European flair, beautiful pools and proximity to the beach can’t be beat. A little further south, there are some other lovely resorts at slightly more reasonable prices.
4. Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach has an easy, low key vibe that’s perfect for relaxing with a beer at a beach bar and listening to country music. The water is a brilliant aqua color that I have only seen before in the Caribbean. While browsing on Instagram one evening I saw a photo of a building lined street that looked like it was from a little town in coastal Spain, but when I read location tag it said Rosemary Beach, and with that we decided that would be our Griswold style family vacation. This is an amazing destination for families, and renting a house here is definitely the way to go. I’ve included a link HERE to a blog post that I did last year with all sorts of info about Rosemary Beach.
5. South Beach
Looking for the beach for night life? The glitter and glam of South Beach will be just your ticket. Break out your favorite bikini, your favorite dancing shoes, and get ready to try some of that amazing Cuban coffee. South Beach boasts existing night clubs, high end shopping, and tasty cafes around the funky art deco architecture and boutique hotels. Prime 112 steakhouse is a great spot for dinner, and be sure to take a stroll through dramatic lobby of the Delano Hotel to the lounge deck by the swimming pool for an after dinner night cap.