Off the Beaten Track in Coastal Florida: Beaches, Barrier Islands and Historic

Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in sunny Florida and there’s not a moment to waste. On today’s agenda: a walking tour through Coconut Grove with a clued-up local resident-guide. Hugging the scenic Biscayne Bay, the boater’s paradise of Coconut Grove is famous for being the oldest neighbourhood in the city. What was originally just a simple village is today a bohemian and tropical district known and adored for its leafy avenues, upmarket eateries and historic charm. During the walk you’ll discover the history of the original village and admire the many different buildings built by Bahamians and the many characterful anecdotes relating to them. The rest of today is yours to spend as you please. You can continue savouring the city’s delights at your own leisure, or, if you’ve worked up an appetite, we can arrange for you to head off for a foodie walking tour in vibrant Little Havana.

It’s time to get off the beaten track and get some miles under your belt on this coastal road trip through Florida. Your next destination is Naples, an affluent and very beautiful city adored for its coastal setting and high-end feel. The journey takes just two hours, however you’ll be stopping off along the way for a boat ride around the enchanting Ten Thousand Islands, a chain of mangrove islets just off the coast of southwest Florida. The islands are tucked away in the heart of the Everglades National Park, one of the only American parks to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the exceptional variety of wildlife, including varied bird species, reptiles and rarer species such as the manatee. From here you’ll continue onto Naples, where you’ll settle in for the night in a luxurious beachside hotel full of lovely facilities.

Your coastal adventure continues today with a two-and-a-half hour drive north to St. Pete Beach, a charming resort city nestled on a barrier island nicknamed Florida’s ‘Sunshine City’ in reference to its balmy tropical climate. On arrival, settle in for three nights in a small and elegant hotel and spend the rest of today relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beach and swimming in the turquoise waters.

After a delicious breakfast this morning, drive twenty minutes to the vibrant neighbouring city of Saint Petersburg to visit a world-renowned museum entirely dedicated to Salvador Dalí. Located in a futuristic three-story building on St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront, the museum is a wonder inside and out. You can easily lose track of time admiring masterpieces such as the Hallucinogenic Toreador and the Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, which form part of the world's most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dalí’s art outside of Spain. We could also arrange for you to visit the beautifully-curated Morean Arts Centre.

After a day of culture yesterday, it’s time to turn your sights once again to the immense natural splendour of your surroundings. Today you’ll be heading to Shell Key Preserve, an idyllic uninhabited archipelago home to soft white-sand beaches, warm crystalline waters and an abundance of wildlife. You’ll be exploring this coastal landscape from the comfort of a clear-bottom kayak, which makes it possible to see the beautiful marine life beneath you, which includes turtles and manatees.

The time has come to bid farewell to St. Pete Beach and hit the road again. Your next destination is Crystal River, a small coastal city surrounded by masses of unspoilt nature. On arrival, settle in for the night in a grand property surrounded by gardens and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the hotel’s facilities. If, however, you fancy getting straight out into nature, then we can also arrange for you to spend the afternoon swimming with manatees in hot spring waters.

Today you’ll be swapping the rural coastline of Crystal River for the vibrant cultural hub of Gainesville, located an hour’s drive away. Your home here for the next two nights is an elegant Victorian property well-located for exploring on foot. Once you’ve settled in and freshened up, head out to soak in the charming ambience of the city, which combines its youthful spirit (there’s a popular university here) with the gentle Floridian way of life. A big attraction here is the architecture; there is a distinctive Victorian feel in the facades of the many properties and a vast number of the central buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the former US Federal Building, now home to the Hippodrome State Theatre.

Besides its architectural charm and youthful glow, Gainesville also dazzles visitors with its proximity to immense natural treasures. You can swim in the turquoise water of the Blue Hole, a secluded spring set in the heart of Ichetucknee Springs National Park; observe bison and wild horses in the Paynes Prairie Preserve; or simply rent bikes and discover the many green parks of the city itself. As for this evening, you can keep the natural theme of the day going by eating out in a ‘farm-to-table’ restaurant (check in with our local Concierge for recommendations) and an evening drink in one of the many local micro-breweries.

Your road trip through the ‘Sunshine State’ continues today with an hour-and-a-half drive to St. Augustine, a beautiful city on the northeastern coast that lays claim to being the nation’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement. On arrival, settle in for the night in a historic property oozing with charm and spend the rest of today soaking in the city’s cultural offerings. You can stroll the networks of narrow lanes that make up the old town, admire the very Spanish-looking properties with their adorable overhanging balconies, learn more about the city’s history at the many museums and visit historic landmarks, such as Castillo de San Marcos, an old masonry fort.

Today you’ll be heading off to your final destination in Florida: the very beautiful Amelia Island, just northeast of Jacksonville, an hour-and-a-half’s drive away. Your home for the next two nights here is a large beachside Victorian property overlooking an idyllic stretch of white sand and the beautiful ocean beyond. The rest of today is yours to spend soaking in your new coastal oasis. Relax on the beach and take a dip in the water before settling in for a sunset aperitif on the porch.

Forming part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands, Amelia Island has become a luxurious destination showcasing the best of Florida’s diverse culture, all set against the backdrop of pristine coastal scenery. In between all the beachside relaxation you can visit prestigious art galleries, dine in renowned restaurants and enjoy a spot of tennis or golf at the island’s many excellent sports facilities. Make sure to also check in with our local Concierge while you’re here to find out what special events are going on; Amelia Island hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, from art and music to seafood festivals.