Florida has plenty of famous beach resorts, but if they are too big and boisterous for you, take heart – there are many others that prove that small can be beautiful, more relaxed … and full of surprises. Here are five of my favourites:
DELRAY BEACH: DOWNTOWN FUN
Delray Beach’s Deck 84 overlooks the water
About 60 miles north of Miami, the glorious sands of Delray Beach have long been a draw, but now the transformation of downtown’s Atlantic Avenue has turned ‘low-key’ into ‘bustling’ fun. In fact, in 2012, this coastal community was awarded the Most Fun Small Town in America title by USA Today. As well as the ‘Avenue’s’ shops, there are informal restaurants, including Johnnie Brown’s and Deck 84, right on the water and often with live bands. Drama, music and art are all on offer at the Arts Garage and the renovated Old School Square complex, which encompasses the Crest Theatre, Cornell Art Museum and the Pavilion, with its Free Friday concerts. West of downtown, the galleries and tranquil gardens at the Morikami Museum recall the Japanese farmers, who settled locally in 1904.
Stay: The family-owned and run Colony Hotel and Cabaña Club has been a landmark since 1926.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH: OLD FLORIDA, NEW VIBE
Beachside bikers at New Smyrna Beach
If you yearn for Florida’s simple pleasures, head for Noo Sa-murna, as locals pronounce this town on Florida’s Space Coast, 30 miles from Orlando/Sanford International Airport. On 13 miles of soft white sands, you can catch a wave for surfing, cycle in the water on fat-tyred bikes and even park your car on the beach. Restaurants abound, from the funky Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen to the CorkScrew Bar & Grille and Little Drug Co, a 90-year-old pharmacy and soda fountain, with burgers and malted milkshakes. As for Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, the waters are a natural aquarium, with dolphins, manatees and, perhaps, sea turtles. There’s also an added incentive to visit this year – founded by a Scot, Dr Andrew Turnbull, New Smyrna marks its 250th birthday throughout 2018.
Stay: Five minutes from the beach, the Inn On The Avenue B&B is a charmer.
FERNANDINA BEACH: VICTORIAN DELIGHT
Proudly displaying the day’s catch at Fernandina Beach
Neither as steamy in summer, nor as warm in winter as southern Florida, Amelia Island, an hour from Jacksonville, is delightful. And in the state’s north-east corner, one of the best spots is Fernandina Beach. This lovingly-preserved Victorian village comes with palm trees, oaks and brick sidewalks along Centre Street, where shops offer antiques, jewellery and books. Backed by unspoiled dunes, the clean Atlantic beaches are tempting for lazing, walking or horse riding, while nearby Fort Clinch provides a Civil War connection. As for food, go casual at Café Karibo or more upmarket at 29 South, where the ‘fresh and local’ mantra reflects Chef Scott Schwartz’s own garden. But be sure to order shrimp – it’s locally-caught and delicious!
Stay: In the Historic District, The Addison on Amelia Island scores for elegance, serious comfort and gourmet breakfasts.
CRYSTAL RIVER: HOME OF THE MANATEE
Exploring the waterways in the Crystal River area
In winter, when the Gulf of Mexico cools down, manatees head for a spa – the natural springs of Crystal River, with their constant 22°C/72°F warmth. An hour or so north of Tampa, the self-styled ‘Manatee Capital of the World’ is a great place for watching these gentle creatures … and for joining them in the water, as this is the only place in North America where you can swim with them legally. But, you can also see them from canoes and paddleboards, which are fun ways to explore Three Sisters Springs and the National Wildlife Refuge. Afterwards, relax in restaurants on Crystal River’s waterfront; the seafood comes straight off boats tied up alongside.
Stay: The 50-year-old Plantation on Crystal River overlooks Kings Bay, home to 400 manatees each season.
BONITA SPRINGS: FAMILY TIME
Enjoying a water slide at Bonita Springs’ Coconut Point Resort
‘Three-generation holidays’ are becoming ever-more popular and Bonita Springs fits the bill. Sited between pricey Naples and Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport, which also serves popular Sanibel Island, the town offers a mix of activity and relaxation. Think safe, easy kayaking on calm Estero Bay and wildlife watching in nature preserves, such as Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Savour a cone at Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream (Cupid’s Love Potion anyone?); book ahead for The Other Side Bistro, a gem in the middle of a strip mall; or stay put and play in a resort hotel, with everything provided.
Stay: On 26 acres, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa has pools and water slides, a private island beach, gym, spa and five restaurants.
