How to Pick Your Next Florida Vacay
By Chase Nicholson & Anabella
With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich history, Florida is an excellent vacation destination year round (and with Ron DeSantis as governor, it just might be the greatest state in the union). There are many TC Girls who are lucky to call Florida home. Whether you live in the Sunshine State or are just trying to escape the cold (or communism), there are some spots in the interior and along both coasts that you’ll need to visit. We hope you like them as much as we do!
A bit of history
America’s oldest city, St. Augustine is chock full of things to see and do. From its history to its lively bar scene and great restaurants, St Augustine has it all. The most notable attraction is Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental U.S., which was built by the Spanish in 1672 as a defense against the British. This is just the tip of the iceberg; St. Augustine is also home to the Fountain of Youth and the first schoolhouse in America. If you do stop to take a drink at the famous fountain, wash it down afterwards at one of the many fun and unique alcohol tasting sites around the historic district. While you’re checking out the landmarks, you’ll walk through a boulevard of shops, bars, and restaurants where you’ll pick up souvenirs and even better memories. We recommend stopping at The Floridian for lunch and Columbia Restaurant for dinner!
Trump-approved
A mecca of shopping and fine dining, Palm Beach is the land of tropical extravagance. It’s a socialite’s haven but it’s open to all. It makes a lovely day trip for anyone looking for some retail therapy. From the iconic Worth Avenue to Royal Poinciana Plaza to teeny-tiny Vias lined with local boutiques, Palm Beach is the place to galavant in fashion. We recommend eating at Ta-boo Restaurant or Palm Beach Grill for a little recharge after a long day of perusing the designers in the Florida heat. When you need a little break from the impulse-buying, the resorts around the island boast amazing golf courses, an abundance of tennis courts, and stately pools and spas. In Palm Beach, you live large, even if just for a day. For us, the pièce de résistance is Mar-A-Lago, the former winter White House and habitat of the Trump family. Palm Beach earns President Trump’s stamp of approval. What else is there to say?
Stateside safari
What Florida trip would be complete without a quick visit to the Everglades? All of Florida’s best natural features manifest here. If you’re sporty, Shark Valley is a great trail for biking, walking, or running that leads to a lookout point. While there aren’t any sharks in Shark Valley, lots of gators line the path, sometimes obstructing the road as they bask in the sun. For those who are more adventurous, you can camp in the park, kayak, or hike. A must-do experience in the Everglades is an airboat ride. Topping off around 60 miles per hour, these high-speed tours will give you an adrenaline rush and wide view of the Everglades’ terrain and animal species.
Beach-bound
Only accessible by seaplane or ferry, Dry Tortugas National Park is a historic paradise just 70 miles off the coast of Key West. The park is comprised of seven islands and spans about 100 square miles, but what is most enchanting about it is Fort Jefferson. A 19th century fort, smack-dab in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Jefferson was used during the Civil War and World War I and was later decommissioned but is still intact. The fort and its surrounding reefs now boast beautiful marine life and tropical birds. The park serves as a playground for outdoor-lovers and history-buffs alike. Get ready to put down your phone and forget about work, as Dry Tortugas offers no shortage of activities such as camping, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and, of course, exploring the gorgeous fort.
Family getaway
A favorite among out-of-state visitors, Seaside is as picturesque as it gets. This quaint beach town on Florida’s panhandle is filled with pastel-colored houses, white picket fences, and angel sand beaches. Seaside cultivates a resort community feel which makes it perfect for multi-generational family trips. The coastal village offers a low-key vacation for those who simply want to relax. From beaches to biking around town to shopping at the local boutiques, Seaside offers a break from the fast pace of everyday life. In case you needed more convincing, Seaside was where the Truman Show was filmed! It is so picture-perfect that it served as a movie set.
Miami adventure
There’s more to Miami than South Beach. With its art deco style and fabulous nightlife, South Beach is typically the hallmark of a Miami vacation, but if you’re looking to try something else, we’ve got a few spots that will bring your trip to the next level. If you like art, you’ll have to stop by the Design District, where artwork greets you at every corner. From murals on the Wynwood Walls to paintings on the street, and plenty of good restaurants, it’s a great place to spend the day and get some pics for the Instagram feed. The Perez Art Museum is a ten minute drive away and sits right next to the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum if you’re traveling with kids. Another spot we recommend is Key Biscayne. Just the drive out there is enough to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Gorgeous beaches, the downtown skyline, and all of the surrounding excitement, Key Biscayne is the perfect place to relax and get acquainted with Florida’s natural landscape in the middle of the big city.
Photo via Team Member Erin Spellman
