Summer Getaway Guide For Orlando Residents

FLORIDA’S FORGOTTEN COAST

Embrace the Pace Along Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Tucked away along Florida’s Northern Gulf coast is a two-lane coastal highway that meanders through the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, Eastpoint and Alligator Point. This is Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a protected oasis with quiet beaches, wooded trails and deep-water access to excellent year-round fishing and boating. Located about an hour south

Located about an hour south of Tallahassee, Franklin County is a protected oasis with quiet beaches, wooded trails and scenic paddling sloughs. The string of rural communities that stretch along the coast is the last vestige of the Florida you remember from childhood. Today’s nature based tourism businesses in the area are committed to preserving and sustaining that coastal heritage and environment. As a result, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is attracting a new generation of visitors looking to embrace the pace of a Florida remembered.

WHAT TO DO HERE?

Love water? Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the many river sloughs, sandy coves and salt marshes and bay shallows of the area. Fall is great fishing along Florida’s Forgotten Coast – book a charter or take a relaxing sunset tour of Apalachicola’s historic waterfront aboard one of several eco-tour boats.

Wildlife abounds – The area is one of the most productive biospheres in the world and is a seasonal flyway for several migrating birds and butterflies. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Visitor Center in Eastpoint features a wooded boardwalk trail and touch tanks and displays for children to get up close and personal to marine life.

Beach lovers will appreciate that the St. George Island State Park Beach is consistently ranked among the top in the country by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a Dr. Beach). This beach park features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline with accessibility amenities and has some of the region’s finest fall birdwatching opportunities and camping facilities.

The towns of Apalachicola and Carrabelle feature unique boutiques and fine restaurants. The area’s beauty has inspired a thriving artist community and a blossoming of art galleries. The area hosts several other events including the annual Florida Seafood Festival, an Oyster Cookoff and Chili Cookoff on St. George Island. There are accommodations throughout the county to suit every taste.

Historic Lighthouses. Franklin County features two historic lighthouses – one on St. George Island and one along Highway 98 east of Carrabelle. Both are important maritime landmarks with a colorful past.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is the perfect drive-time getaway to get away from it all this summer. Signup on Floridasforgottencoast.com/embrace for a chance to win a getaway.

DAYTONA BEACH

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

From the historic Clocktower and bandshell to the fishing pier and boardwalk, the oceanfront has fun and activities for everyone. The Daytona International Speedway and One Daytona complexes offer excitement and luxury shopping and entertainment. Plus, historic Main Street and Beach Street have a variety of boutique shops and restaurants that come alive with the culture of the fresh & new Daytona Beach.

Amidst the fun of the city is the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. As one of the largest resorts in the region, the oceanfront Hilton has a multitude of amenities available.

Outdoor amenities include two resort pools with cascading waterfalls, life-size checkers, beach cruisers and boogie boards.

In-room options include romance offerings like chocolate and champagne and snack packs with cheese, crackers, and fruit.

For business needs, a FedEx Office offers all printing, shipping, packing services. Plus, two guest business centers complete with Mac and PC computers are available.

A newly renovated Spa and Fitness center offer state-of-the-art equipment for all exercise and relaxation needs.

Orlando residents can enjoy our oceanfront rooms for less! We offer a Florida Resident’s Rate starting at $119. Learn more at daytonahilton.com/florida

THE PALM BEACHES

The Original. The One. The Only.

As America’s First Resort Destination®, The Palm Beaches have been renowned as the warm-weather getaway by discerning guests for over 125 years. Visitors can immerse themselves in the colorful culture and nightlife of West Palm Beach, soak up the unspoiled beauty of Jupiter, travel back in time to the Gilded Age in historic Palm Beach, and sample the boundless art and culinary treasures of Boca Raton. In between, dozens more coastal towns await —from funky Delray Beach to the golf haven of Palm Beach Gardens.

Here, you’ll find historic four- and five-star resorts, plus boutique hotels, where elegant pools, lavish spas and gourmet dining are just the beginning of the experience. Upgrade the vacation by booking at one of the multiple recently renovated properties like The Boca Raton, PGA National Resort, or the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.

Our 47 miles of coastline invites families to snorkel vibrant reefs, go for a paddle, hop in a boat or build sandcastles. The Palm Beaches are the closest place in North America to the Gulf Stream current, an oceanic conveyor belt of warm, clear water. This unique proximity to the Gulf Stream maintains comfortable ocean temperatures for divers and casual beachgoers alike.

For shopaholics, The Palm Beaches have an abundance of outdoor shopping venues. World renowned Worth Avenue, designed by Addison Mizner, spans three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Walk in the footsteps of legends on more than 160 sun-soaked golf courses designed by the greatest architects in the game, such as The Palm Beach Par 3 Course, where the first nine holes lie on the Intracoastal Waterway and the back nine border the Atlantic Ocean. The Palm Beaches are Florida’s Cultural Capital®, home to more than 200 art, entertainment, and historical venues, from world-class museums and breathtaking outdoor sculpture gardens to premier theaters and performance spaces.

Experience the unexpected in The Palm Beaches with fewer crowds, gentler beaches, and exceptional offerings. Plan your trip at thepalmbeaches.com.

PALM COAST AND THE FLAGER BEACHES

Just an hour away from the theme parks of Orlando lies a seaside haven filled with laid-back and active pursuits where surfers come to shred blue-green waves and families build castles on the cinnamon-colored sand. Shoppers are free to browse the works of over 60 talented artists at the Gallery of Local Art. And no matter what travelers choose to enjoy, the area’s famous 19-mile stretch of uninterrupted beach is never far away, inviting them to bring their dog, park for free and find a wide-open spot to spend the day.

Nature stars in this beautiful place, where all are free to watch dolphins frolic offshore and the more adventurous can plunge into an up-close-and personal experience with them at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Those wishing to explore can go aquatic and paddle the Intracoastal Waterway on a kayak from Ripple Effect EcoTours or ride a bike (brought along or easily rented) on a stretch of the 125-mile trail network that ranges from shady, paved paths to the double black diamond mountain biking trail at Mala Compra Park. Families can also choose to try horseback riding on the beach with Equestrian Adventures or at the Florida Agricultural Museum where they’ll learn about the state’s rural roots. They can witness the wildlife at Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. And in summer, park rangers offer tours to observe turtles nesting along the dunes.

When the time comes to dine, dozens of restaurants line A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, where patrons can watch fishermen unload the catch of the day while chefs expertly prepare dish after dish. In Palm Coast, European Village offers a distinctly different experience with a cobblestone central plaza surrounded by eight eateries, ten shops, and five bars. On Sundays, stroll through the Village’s outdoor artisan and farmers market and enjoy live music.

For anyone seeking a Florida vacation that’s a step off the beaten path and decidedly outside the box, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches awaits. Plan a family trip today at VisitFlagler.com.

CLEARWATER BEACH

Shephard’s Beach Resort

Shephard’s Beach Resort is Florida’s Premier Entertainment Resort! Located on South Clearwater Beach, it features large balconies with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. The Resort’s centerpiece is the Famous Tiki Beach Bar and Concert Stage, perched over their white sand beach. Enjoy local and international bands performing daily while watching the dramatic sunsets. Dine outside on the large Tiki Deck. Dance the night away in the Wave Night, the area’s only beachside club. Exclusively for the resort guests is the SOAK BAR featuring a wide variety of tropical drinks. Private poolside cabanas are available for your added enjoyment.

So don’t just come for the SUN, TROPICAL POOL, WHITE SAND BEACH, WATERSPORTS, MUSIC, DANCING, TROPICAL DRINKS, GREAT FOOD, and AWESOME ROOMS; also come for the excellent service and loads of FUN! Mention the code “BEACH” when booking to receive breakfast for 1-4 people.

Call 800.237.8477 or visit Shephards.com – Use Promo Code: BEACH– Promo available Monday to Thursday only. 2-night min. Valid until 10.26.23.

ST. AUGUSTINE | PONTE VEDRA

Discover the Many Gems of Florida’s Historic Coast

It’s hard pleasing everyone when it comes to planning a trip. Luckily, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra makes it easy. Home to more than 60 historic sites and attractions ranging from ziplines to 42 miles of pristine beaches, finding something to do won’t be a problem, deciding what to do just might be.

Filled with charm and elegance, Florida’s Historic Coast provides a flawless, picturesque backdrop for your family getaway, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Situated a world away from a traditional family beach vacation, you’ll experience everything from old-world charm to new-world cuisine and perfect beach days filled with warm sun and just the right amount of adventure.

So, whether you’re a history or architecture buff, an outdoor adventure seeker, a golf enthusiast, a shopping maven or a foodie with a big appetite, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com to learn more.

MARTIN COUNTY

Find your inspiration and chase your destiny in Martin County, Florida.

Nestled along Florida’s Treasure Coast, the stars align in this under-the-radar hideaway. Here, you can forge new memories surrounded by “Old Florida” charm. No matter what mood you’re in, you’re always in the mood for Martin. Bask in the breathtaking beauty of our sun-drenched shores while exploring unspoiled natural wonders. Boasting more than 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, there are countless adventures waiting to be discovered.

Spend your days strolling through enchanting downtown districts teeming with eclectic galleries, picturesque cafés, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. You’ll find unforgettable eco-adventures, dynamic family-friendly attractions, world-class fishing, endless golfing, plus so much more. And don’t forget about our enticing culinary scene, with flavors ranging from farm-to-table fare to international favorites.

Choose from every accommodation style under the sun, including oceanfront resorts, quaint inns, rustic campgrounds, and all your favorite hotel brands. Whether you’re in need of a romantic retreat, a fun-filled family vacation, or a wellness-focused weekend, let Martin County provide the picture-perfect backdrop for your next getaway

So, what does your future hold? There’s only one way to find out. See what’s written in the stars and begin planning your escape at MoodforMartin.com.