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    Home » On the Road

    The 10 Best Florida Vacation Resorts – A Local’s Guide to Old Florida Hospitality

    Published: Oct 4, 2018 · Modified: Nov 15, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley

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    How to Find the Best Old Florida Vacation Resorts-

    Chef Dennis at Daytona Beach in front of the ocean wearing a Daytona beach ball cap and sunglasses

    Living in Florida has taught me many things. Shade is your friend, weather is unpredictable, and taking a nap in the middle of the day when it’s the hottest can be a very good thing. What I wasn’t expecting to learn was that Old Florida Hospitality and Comfort still existed. If you knew where to look for it.

    About a year after I arrived in the Orlando area I was introduced to the Superior Small Lodging of Florida. This unique lodging group is made up of individually owned small hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, cottages and luxury condos. And the owners/innkeepers are committed to providing each guest with an extraordinary vacation experience.

    That my friends is key to you enjoying your vacation. “Old Florida Lodging and Hospitality” is alive and well, you just have to know where to look.

    Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at many of the best resorts in Florida and these are ten of my favorites (in no particular order).

    Florida’s Atlantic Coast:

    Along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, you’ll find miles and miles of pristine beaches, with a diverse variety of accommodations and towns. From Old Florida beach communities to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, you’ll find something for everyone in Florida. Just relax and enjoy the diversity of our Florida way of life and embrace the experience.

    First on my list is a Tuckaway Shores Resort, a quiet little motel in Indialantic, just a few miles from Cocoa Beach. It’s a great location for day trips to Cape Canaveral and the Merritt Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Or just lazing on the beach.

    TuckAway Shores Room view , old florida

    Tuckaway Shores Resort is a sweet little motel that boasts some of the best Ocean Front property in the area. The best choice of rooms are their oceanfront suites with a 180-degree view of the ocean. Third-floor suites offer a 9 ft. wide European “folding” glass door system and Juliet balcony when a traditional balcony just isn’t good enough.

    Traveling down the Atlantic Coast we come to Pompano Beach and The Bahama Beach Club.

    pompano beach, old florida

    This sweet little property is one of four locations offered by the owner of Beach Location Rentals. It’s located just two short blocks from the nationally certified Blue Wave beach.

    Pier on Pompano Beach, old florida

    Miles of shoreline allow for long, uninterrupted runs or walks. Looking north, you’ll see a fishing pier and lighthouse. It’s a short walk to dozens of great local restaurants and shops. You’ll also find boat rentals, diving/snorkeling, party and charter fishing and so much more.

    As we drive further down the coastline to West Palm Beach, we come to the Casa Grandview.

    Casa Grandview, West Palm Beach, Superior Small Lodging, old florida

    The Casa Grandview is a tropical oasis located in the middle of a residential community. It’s within walking distance of the city and a convenient trolley system that takes you all over the town of West Palm Beach.

    Casa Grandview, West Palm Beach, Superior Small Lodging, old florida

    The Casa Grandview is a Bed and Breakfast and each morning you’ll be greeted with a sumptuous breakfast that will more than fuel your daily outings. Just across the bridge you’ll find Palm Beach in all its glory. Take a stroll down Worth Avenue and enjoy a bite at Ta-boo. You never know who might stop in, while you’re there.

    Just a few miles south on the Atlantic Coast we come to Lauderdale by the Sea and the Windjammer Resort and Beach Club.

    lauderdale by the sea beach at the windjammer resort, old florida

    Lauderdale-by-the-sea is known as the dive coast and  You’ll find crystal clear waters and white sand beaches to spend your days relaxing at this tropical paradise.

    Lauderdale by the sea, Windjammer Resort and Beach Club, old florida

    Located right on the beach with everything you could possibly need within walking distance, the Windjammer will be the vacation spot you’ll always return to.

    And if you like a little bit more of the nightlife, just a few more miles down the coast is Fort Lauderdale and the Manhattan Tower Apartment Hotel.

    Manhattan Tower Apartment, old florida

    Located on the intercoastal waterway, you have spectacular views and a delightful breeze to keep you cool. They even have a water taxi stop that will take you into town, for dining or just strolling along the avenues.

    Manhattan Tower Apartment Hotel, old florida

    Each room at the Manhattan Tower has its own personality and reflects the colorful lifestyle found in the old Southern Florida hotels. And the beach is just a few short blocks away if you’d like to spend some time in the surf and sun.

    Our last stop on the Atlantic Coast is just a few miles further down in Dania Beach where we find the Desoto Oceanview Inn.

    Superior Small Lodging, Hollywood Beach Florida, old florida

    The Desoto is not only located steps from the beach, but they also have a thriving eco-system built into their resort. They’re very serious about their commitment to the environment with eco-friendly products and a Florida Friendly landscape.

    The Desoto Oceanview Inn Beach , old florida

    Where the Desoto ends the beach begins. What more could you ask for than your own private beach, the perfect spot to set up your sand chairs and just relax!

    The Gulf Coast of Florida:

    I will admit to being partial to the Gulf Coast of Florida. The calm waters, the relaxed less hurried feeling. And of course being a Texas Boy the gulf was my first exposure to the beach. As with the Atlantic coast, you’ll find each area you visit full of local flavor and deliciousness. These are a few of my favorites.

    10 Best Old florida Vacation spots

    Located on the Gulf side of Florida, but without any real beach front you’ll find The Plantation on Crystal River.

    10 best old florida vacation spots

    With waterfront views teeming with wildlife (manatees included) you’ll find a relaxing old Florida Inn, complete with its own golf course and a full service spa. The Plantation Marina next door can arrange kayaking, swimming in the local springs and a day of fishing on the gulf.

    Gulf Coast Beaches:

    Clearwater beach is rated as the #1 beach in the nation and St. Pete Beach is ranked #3. Nestled between those two beaches you’ll find miles of beautiful beaches with the same qualities you’ll find in our nationally ranked beaches. But what you won’t find are the crowds.

    Along this stretch of beach, you’ll find The Colonial Court Inn  at Indian Rocks. Located right on the beach these spacious well-appointed apartments have everything you need to make your vacation extra special.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    With restaurants and shoppes within walking distance, you can leave your car parked. And if you’d like to explore the area PSTA Trolley system will take you from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete’s.

    Indian Rocks Beach, Superior Small Lodging

    A little further down this same stretch of pristine beach, you’ll find Madeira Beach and the Island Paradise Cottages.

    Island Paradise Cottages of Madeira Beach

    The cottages have everything you need for a short vacation or an extended stay. One of the best things about staying at a family run “Old Florida Resort” is the attention to detail that is given to every aspect of your stay. That personal touch adds so much to the experience. Of course being close to a beautiful white sands beach doesn’t hurt.

    Island Paradise Cottages

    When you really want to get away from it all, Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island is the place to be. You won’t find one traffic light on the island, just a tropical paradise. You’ll also find an amazing restaurant at the resort, where you’ll be wined and dined by their attentive and friendly culinary staff.

    Tarpon Lodge, Pine Island

    Peace and quiet, gentle breezes and stunning sunsets. If that’s not reason enough to visit The Tarpon Lodge, you can also find world class fishing in the waters surrounding the island.

    Tarpon Lodge, Pine Island

    Old Florida Hospitality, makes memories that last a lifetime.

    If you enjoyed my post about Old Florida Lodging please leave a comment, I love hearing from you!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kristy.

      January 26, 2021 at 11:17 am

      Love your advice!

      Reply
    2. Jacob L Conway

      August 10, 2019 at 3:45 pm

      Those Pictures! I love the images and I’m guessing you have a pretty good camera. This makes me want to jump in my car and head to Cocoa Beach! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. torviewtoronto

      October 16, 2018 at 5:43 pm

      lovely pictures and these places look awesome to visit.

      Reply
    4. GiGi Eats

      October 05, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      My husband loves FL – I am totally on the fence. I feel like he and I should venture over to FL and hit up some of these resorts! Perhaps it will convince me that I like it!

      Reply
    5. Pat

      August 25, 2018 at 6:35 pm

      Thanks for the great guide

      Reply
    6. Florida

      April 20, 2017 at 6:12 am

      I’ve only been to Florida once and for a super short period of time, so bookmarking this for future reference when I come back

      Reply
    7. Betsi

      February 21, 2017 at 10:53 am

      Hi Dennis – fantastic piece! I live in Ft. Pierce and travel extensively throughout Florida – I loved the coverage of the Gulf side properties ~ I’ll have to make plans to visit soon. Thanks for this extensive guide 🙂

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        February 23, 2017 at 8:42 am

        Hi Betsi

        You are very welcome and thank you for stopping by. Those properties are some of my favorite spots to enjoy the beauty that Florida offers!

        Reply
    8. Dana Freeman

      November 08, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      What a great resource! Bookmarking. I find myself in Florida a lot lately.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 08, 2016 at 6:24 pm

        Thank you Dana, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my post!

        Reply
    9. Toni | BoulderLocavore.com

      July 05, 2016 at 12:44 pm

      What a fantastic blog post and travel resource! I know this will be so helpful to many travelers.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        July 05, 2016 at 1:18 pm

        Thank you Toni! I really enjoyed staying at each and every one of these properties!

        Reply

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