Florida has some oceanside resorts that seem like small cities. But it also has charming, lesser-known cabins, B&Bs and small hotels. Here are some beachfront getaways you should know about as you plan your next beach trip.
Bayfront Westcott House
146 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, 904-825-4602
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2 hours
Cost per night: $169-$399
Situated walking distance from historic St. Augustine and a short drive from St. Augustine Beach, guests at the Westcott can enjoy the best of both history and the beach. For those who enjoy delicious dining (and who doesn’t?) the B&B offers gourmet breakfast each morning, and is also walking distance from award-winning restaurants and cafes. The friendly B&B staff provide comfort and relaxation, ensuring that rooms are quiet and clean.
Photo via twinkie370/InstagramThe Moorings Village
123 Beach Road, Islamorada, 305-664-4708
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 5 hours
Cost per night: $210-$325
Spanish explorers named the archipelago “purple island” or Islamorada, for the wide spectrum of colors visible from the setting sun. The Moorings Village offers a unique opportunity to witness this natural beauty, which can also be seen on the Netflix series “Bloodline.” Islamorada is one of the sport fishing capitals of the world and is a secluded vacation destination in the Florida Keys.
Photo via notyouravgparty/InstagramTurtle Beach Resort & Inn
9049 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, 941-349-4554
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2.5 hours
Cost per night: $222-$395
The Turtle Beach Resort and Inn is an all-inclusive vacation located a short walk or drive away from not one but three world-class Siesta Key beaches. Amenities include hammocks, heated outdoor pools, and complimentary kayak and bike rentals. One can easily explore mangrove islands and secluded beaches. While the inn is exclusively for romantic getaways, the pet-friendly resort is perfect for those looking for a family vacation.
Photo via Turtle Beach Resort/FacebookWindemere Inn by the Sea
815 S. Miramar Ave., Indialantic, 321-728-9334,
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $195-$285
The Windemere Inn offers a coastal retreat on a barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian River Lagoon on the other. On-site masseuse services provide the perfect end to a day of enjoying the beach. Visitors are also eligible for discounted rates on Victory Casino Cruises.
Photo via Windemere Inn by the Sea/FacebookSeashell Suites Resort
8795 S. Highway A1A, Vero Beach, 321-409-0500
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2 hours
Cost per night: $225-$275
This private, gated Vero Beach vacation destination allows guests the opportunity to crush some waves on Seashell Suites’ complimentary surfboards. Boards come in small, medium and long sizes for all ages and statures of bodacious borders. If riding the waves doesn’t suit your fancy, take a complimentary bicycle to Sebastian Inlet State Park, then come back and enjoy the on-site sauna.
Photo via Seashell Suites Resort/FacebookSea Glass Inn Bed and Breakfast
514 Ocean Ave., Melbourne Beach, 321-725-7558
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $195-$295
Built in 1915, the Sea Glass Inn Bed and Breakfast was originally a boarding house. It has continued to have visitors pass through its doors, to experience the beach, the wildlife, and a slice of life on the beach.
Photo via SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast/FacebookRiver Lily Inn Bed and Breakfast
558 Riverside Drive, Daytona Beach, 386-253-5002
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 Hours
Cost per night: $129-$235
Guests can enjoy the historical rooms and gardens of the River Lily Inn Bed & Breakfast, which overlooks the Intracoastal Halifax River. Amidst one and a half acres of oak trees and palms, the River Lily Inn has a heart-shaped pool that adds to the already abundant old Florida charm. The owners work hard to make it a stress-free zone with delicious breakfasts and complimentary sodas and ice creams, and the ambiance is completed by the ocean breezes.
Photo via melissa_riesenberg/InstagramParrish Grove Inn
536 Delannoy Ave, Cocoa Village, 321-505-0404a
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1 hour
Cost per night: $125-$195
Located near Cocoa beach, Parrish Grove Inn is a cultural and historical hotspot located close to the Kennedy Space Center and the Cocoa Village Playhouse theater. With five rooms, the “old-world Florida” experience is sure to be cozy and intimate. The B&B is within walking distance from shops, restaurants, and Indian River Lagoon State Park.
Photo via Parrish Grove Inn & Wine Bar/FacebookNight Swan Intracoastal Bed & Breakfast
512 South Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, 386-423-4940,
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $139-$209
Night Swan Intracoastal B&B is pet-friendly, and also provides five boat slips at their deep water dock, should guests want to arrive by boat. New Smyrna, a top 20 National Geographic Surfing Town, is also known for its mom-and-pop eateries, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. The Canaveral National Seashore, Smyrna Dunes Park, and Marine Discovery Center, and boat and kayak trips provide plenty to explore.
Photo via eccprint/InstagramLarelle House Bed and Breakfast
237 Sixth Ave. NE, Saint Petersburg, 727-490-3575
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2 hours
Cost per night: $169-$199
Built in 1908, Larelle House is a block from Tampa Bay, and a short walk from shops and restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg. The house contains four guest rooms amongst lush gardens, and an in-ground hot tub covered by a gazebo to relax in after a day of exploring. Eating home-cooked meals with other guests is sure to be intimate, along with the entire stay at this hidden B&B.
Photo via marythegrey/InstagramIsland Cottage Oceanfront Inn
2316 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, 877-662-6232
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $239-$449
Self described as a quaint and quiet getaway on Flagler Beach, Island Cottage Oceanfront Inn and Spa is a choice destination for a romantic getaway. Awarded one of the top 10 most romantic Inns by B&B.com, features of the inn include, romantic fireplaces and two-person jacuzzis in the rooms.
Photo via islandcottagevillas.comHoyt House Bed & Breakfast Inn
804 Atlantic Ave., Amelia Island, 904-277-4300
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 3 hours
Cost per night: $228-$324
Hoyt House was built in 1905, and contains 10 guest rooms along with luxurious amenities. These include a swimming pool and hot tub, a made-to-order three-course breakfast, three public salons, and the Amelia lounge that allows alcoholic drinks either poolside or in-room. You can explore historic Fernandina Beach by horse-drawn carriage ride, or use the complimentary beach and bike equipment.
Photo via Hoyt House/FacebookFrenchy’s Oasis Motel
423 East Shore Drive, Clearwater Beach, 727-446-6835
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2 hours
Cost per night: $139-$199
Michael Preston, aka Frenchy, has spent years perfecting his seaside restaurants. In 2010, he bought and renovated what would become the retro 60s boutique Frenchy’s Oasis Motel. In addition to dining at the many restaurant options, activities include shopping, sports attractions, a movie theater, and of course, enjoying beautiful Clearwater beach, which is just three blocks away.
Photo via Frenchy’s Oasis Motel/FacebookEdison Beach House
830 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 800-399-2511
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 4 hours
Cost per night: $190-$430
See the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico from your private balcony at Edison Beach House. This is the perfect spot for all things ocean-related, including a private beach and a beachfront pool. Your suite, which includes a laundry facility and a fully-equipped kitchen, will feel like home. At night, walk to the shops and restaurants at the Times Square area and get to know Estero Island.
Photo via Edison Beach House/FacebookCoquina Inn
544 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach, 386-254-4969
Estimated drive time from Orlando: 1 hour
Cost per night: $99-$229
Coquina Inn was built in 1912, and the entire inn displays artwork from local Daytona Beach artists. The inn is pet-friendly for those wishing to go on vacation with the whole family. The inn has multiple seating areas to read or relax, and it is located close to sports facilities for tennis, golf, deep sea fishing, and boat and jet ski rentals. There is a five-course breakfast, and baked goods are available all day in the dining room. The inn is located a block away from shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
Photo via jayson1979/InstagramCedar Key Bed & Breakfast
810 3rd St., Cedar Key, 352-543-9000
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2.5 hours
Cost per night: $110-$200
Cedar Key is in the community of the Gulfshore village on the west coast of Florida known for its tranquility. Guests can easily walk to the coastal shores and downtown Cedar Key. Amenities include complimentary bikes for guests, golf cart rentals, books, games, puzzles with TV and DVDs in all the rooms. After indulging in the sweet treats and hot chocolate and tea, you can easily explore Cedar Key by boat tour, take a golf cart around, paddleboard or kayak, or shop in the downtown area.
Photo via emilyc.jpg/InstagramBlue Dolphin Cottages
4227 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island, 239-472-1600
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 4 hours
Cost per night: $129-$299
Be careful about taking a stroll down the beach, unless you want to come back with pockets full of beautiful sea shells. The Blue Dolphin property is secluded and affords a picturesque view of the crashing waves and local flora and fauna. With the complimentary bicycles, guests can get around easily and take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, relax on the shaded lounge chairs, and cook out on the grills.
Photo via bluedolphincottages.comBeach Place Guesthouses
1445 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 321-783-4045
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $229-$339
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Beach Place Guesthouses is a more secluded choice for lodging on Cocoa beach. With ample patio space for chairs and hammocks, you can relax by the on-site fire pits with some drinks or s’mores and enjoy the sounds of the waves after a day of swimming or enjoying nearby attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and the Cocoa Beach Pier. Guesthouses include a full-size kitchen, and the ocean is practically outside your doorstep.
Photo via triciah4/InstagramBlack Dolphin Inn
916 S Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, 386-410-4868
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 1.5 hours
Cost per night: $189-$339
Tucked away on the Intracoastal waterway, the Black Dolphin Inn, in addition to possessing dock facilities for boats and watercraft, is only minutes away from New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet, one of Surfer Magazine’s top spots to surf on the East coast.
Photo via blackdolphininn/InstagramThe Driftwood Resort
3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, 772-231-0550
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2 hours
Cost per night: $130-$220
Established in the early 1900s and named to the National Historic Places registry in 1994, the Driftwood Resort blends old Florida aesthetics with modern beachfront hospitality.
Photo via Driftwood Resort/FacebookHarrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast
5626 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 941-778-5444
Estimated drive time from Orlando: About 2.5 hours
Cost per night: $199-$849
The Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is nestled on the sugar-white sand of Holmes beach on Anna Maria Island. The Harrington House is close enough to walk to Bradenton beach where 150 feet or so off the shore line, submerged under the murky brine, is the wreck of the Regina Sugar Barge, a ship which sunk in the 1940s and is now one of Florida’s shipwreck underwater archaeological preserves. Dive or snorkel and see the wildlife now calling the wreck home or take advantage of the islands free trolley service to explore the island’s numerous food and shopping destinations.
Photo via theharringtonhouse/InstagramBeach Side Palms
10200 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-1459
Estimated drive time from Orlando: 2 hours
Cost per night: $80-$190
Beach Side Palms offers its guest “old Florida charm” with beachside cabanas, picnic and barbecue areas, and patio chaises longues and chairs right on the Gulf of Mexico. The newly redecorated rooms are named after different types of palm trees. After enjoying all the beach has to offer, guests can explore some of the many local attractions, which include deep-sea fishing, the Florida Aquarium, and Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
Photo via beachsidepalms.com
