When you live in the state where everyone else comes to vacation, where do Floridians go to get away?
Usually they like to keep it a secret — but the editors of Southern Living have spilled the beans, selecting Alys Beach, Florida, as one of the country’s most romantic coastal escapes for couples.
As the weather warms, couples begin to yearn for a romantic weekend getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Well, yearn no longer — because located on Florida’s panhandle, nestled between Pensacola and Panama City Beach, on a stretch of white sand, lies Alys Beach.
Stories by Jennifer Torres
Named for Alys Stephens, a lifelong patron of the arts, this relatively new community just spouted up in 2004. It sits upon 158 acres and has a population of about 14,472.
Its amenities include a private beach with cabanas, parks, nature trails and courtyard fire pits. Known for its gourmet dining options and Greek village-style homes, Alys Beach also plays host to Digital Graffiti, a weekend for artists from around the world to showcase their work on whitewalls.
Here’s what Southern Living has to say about Alys Beach:
“With its manicured courtyards, turquoise waters, and stark white buildings inspired by Bermudian architecture, Alys Beach offers Florida sunshine and shorelines, but looks like some place else entirely. Located off of Highway 30A, Alys Beach has a more secluded and slower-paced vibe than nearby towns like Rosemary Beach and Seaside. Part of this is due to the lack of hotels and high-rises. If you stay here, it will be in a beautifully appointed house or condo. Not only will you have more privacy, you’ll feel a bit like a local as you stroll the quaint boutiques and dine at the charming George’s At Alys Beach.”