A Familiar Love for Florida
Having visited Florida multiple times throughout my life, I was no stranger to the Sunshine State’s popular destinations. From college Spring Breaks spent in Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona, and Miami to cruise vacations and work trips to Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville, I had seen quite a bit of the state.
The allure of Florida’s stunning coastlines had drawn me in time and time again. I had cruised along the entire Gold Coast and the Emerald Coast from Tampa to Destin, but this time my Florida adventure would be very different.
A New Beginning on the Road
In March 2022, I found myself at a significant turning point and deciding to travel full time once again.
After “cashing out” for the second time in my life, selling my house and most possessions, I updated from a technically advanced Land Rover to a roomier, newer, and more reliable and traditional Ford Explorer, in the event of a possible breakdown during what I knew would be a trip of thousands of miles.
I prepared myself for an epic road trip across the United States after selling my beach home in Virginia Beach and planned to end my state-side journey on the West Coast before venturing to Asia.
With my clothes, cooler, and trusty fat-tire beach bike on board, I set off to explore the beautiful East Coast beaches from Virginia to Key West.
Making a fast drive south to Florida, I explored Jacksonville Beach and several other nearby beaches on the northeast coast of Florida before making my first weeks-long stop in Cocoa Beach.
Rockets Over the Space Coast
I was able to witness two launches during my stay on the “Space Coast” in Cocoa Beach.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 4–14 rocket launched a batch of 53 Starlink satellites into orbit. And one morning at 3:52 AM, I watched the SpaceX Falcon 9, USCV-4, carrying a NASA crew of four to the International Space Station.
I wasn’t close enough to feel the heat, but to walk out onto the beach and see these launches was amazing. Unfortunately, the pictures cannot convey the experience.
Life on the Beach
For outdoor enthusiasts and avid adventurers, there’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of biking along sandy beaches, with the salty breeze in your hair and the sun warming your skin.
I spent weeks in the Fort Lauderdale area, loving the beach life and riding my bike along the beautiful oceanfront beach boardwalks while staying at various hotels.
Miami: Baseball, Music & Cuban Flavors
Further down, I ventured to Miami, taking in a baseball game, a concert, an F1 race, meeting new friends, and digging the deep Cubano vibes and foods.
It was another side of Florida and another collection of experiences added to what was becoming an unforgettable journey.
I also got to see an NBA Playoff Game on a beautiful night in downtown Miami.
The Florida Adventure Continues
I spent a wonderful few months biking and exploring along the east coast of Florida, but my Florida adventure was not over yet.
I had farther south to go, and the west side of Florida was beckoning me back for yet another visit.
Where I Stayed:
Jacksonville Beach Fairfield
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Beach was a particularly convenient base for my time along the coast. It was close enough to the beach for easy access and within a short bike ride of a good selection of restaurants and bars, which made getting around without constantly using the car easy. Jacksonville Beach has a lively oceanfront atmosphere, and I enjoyed being able to combine beach time with casual rides around the area. For a traveler looking to stay near the beach without being right in the middle of the busiest tourist areas, this was a comfortable and practical choice.
Jacksonville Marriott
The Jacksonville Marriott gave me a completely different experience from my smaller beachside hotels. Located in downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River, the hotel offered a convenient base for exploring the city and enjoying the Riverwalk. The views over the river and Jacksonville skyline added a nice touch, while its central location put restaurants, entertainment venues, and the city’s sports facilities within easy reach. It was a good place to experience the more urban side of Jacksonville after spending so much time along the beaches.
Jacksonville SpringHill Suites
The SpringHill Suites Jacksonville was located in the Southside area, surrounded by an impressive selection of restaurants and shopping. One of the things that stood out was how easy it was to find places to eat without having to drive far, with more than 25 restaurants and a movie theater within walking distance. The spacious suite-style rooms also gave me more room to spread out than a typical hotel room. It was particularly convenient for exploring Jacksonville, with the beaches less than 20 minutes away and St. Johns Town Center only about 10 minutes away.
Jacksonville Airport Residence Inn
The Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport was a convenient place to stay while passing through the Jacksonville area, particularly with its location just off I-95 and only about a mile from Jacksonville International Airport. The suite-style accommodations were designed more for longer stays, with kitchens that made it possible to prepare some meals rather than eating out every time. It was also close to River City Marketplace and the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, which made it useful for a traveler with a car and plenty of places to explore. The combination of extra space and an easy location made this one of those hotels that simply worked well on a road trip.
Saint Augustine Fairfield Inn
The Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Augustine I-95 was a practical base on the outskirts of the historic city. Located near the I-95 corridor and World Golf Village, it was especially convenient for traveling by car and continuing on to other parts of Florida. The hotel offered spacious studio-style suites, along with refrigerators and microwaves, which are always useful when you’re moving around as much as I was. It was less about being immersed in historic St. Augustine and more about having a comfortable and convenient place to stop while exploring the area.
Saint Augustine Hampton Inn
The Hampton Inn St. Augustine US1 North was a convenient stopping point for exploring America’s oldest city. Its location on North Ponce de Leon Boulevard put me within easy reach of the historic attractions, including Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, while Vilano Beach was just a short drive away. After a day exploring the old city, having an outdoor pool and hot tub made it an easy place to relax. It was a practical choice for combining St. Augustine’s history with some Florida beach time.
Saint Augustine Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn St. Augustine Historic District was another convenient base for exploring the fascinating streets of St. Augustine. It sits within walking distance of attractions such as the Old Jail Museum and St. Augustine History Museum, with the Castillo de San Marcos just over a mile away. I liked being close enough to the historic district to spend time exploring without having to make the hotel itself the center of the experience. The property also has an on-site restaurant and outdoor pool, making it a comfortable place to return to after a day of sightseeing.
Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
The Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach was one of my favorite stops during this part of the journey, and I stayed here for many nights. Its location right along Cocoa Beach made it an excellent base for getting out on my fat-tire bike and riding up or down the beach whenever I felt like exploring. The hotel also has direct beach access and is close to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, making it particularly well positioned for experiencing the Space Coast. Being able to step out and ride along the Atlantic whenever the mood struck was a big part of what made this stay memorable.
Mizner Place at Weston Town Center
I stayed at Mizner Place at Weston Town Center for a full week, and the location made it easy to settle into a slower routine. The resort is right in the heart of Weston, with restaurants, shops, and other Town Center attractions within walking distance. One of my favorite things was taking morning walks around the large lake near the resort before the day heated up. With spacious one- and two-bedroom-style accommodations and the Town Center right outside, it felt much more like having a temporary home in South Florida than simply staying at another hotel.
Fort Lauderdale Marina Renaissance
The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina was a convenient place to stay while spending time in Fort Lauderdale. Located near Port Everglades and the Broward County Convention Center, it was also only a short distance from the beach and offered easy access to the city’s waterways and attractions. I particularly liked the resort-style pool area surrounded by tropical landscaping, which gave the property a more relaxed Florida feel. The nearby Water Taxi was another convenient way to get around and experience Fort Lauderdale from the water.
The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale
The Dalmar was one of the more memorable hotels of my Florida journey, especially because I had a premium suite with a wraparound balcony. The hotel’s modern, mid-century-inspired design and floor-to-ceiling windows gave it a completely different feel from the traditional beach hotels where I had been staying. Its downtown location put me close to Las Olas Boulevard, while the rooftop infinity pool and Sparrow rooftop bar added another dimension to the stay. Having that balcony to step outside onto and take in the Fort Lauderdale surroundings made this stay stand out from the rest.
Embassy Suites Boca Raton
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Boca Raton for an entire week, giving me plenty of time to enjoy the property rather than simply using it as a place to sleep between road trips. The suite-style accommodations gave me extra room to spread out, while the included made-to-order breakfast and evening reception made the longer stay especially convenient. There was also an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant, so I could easily have a relaxed day without having to go anywhere. After moving through so many different Florida destinations, spending a full week in one place gave me a welcome chance to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
Sheraton Jacksonville
The Sheraton Jacksonville gave me another comfortable base for exploring the city and surrounding area. Located near the St. Johns River and Jacksonville’s business and shopping districts, it was well positioned for getting around. The familiar Sheraton atmosphere made it an easy place to relax between adventures. Jacksonville’s combination of riverfront neighborhoods and nearby beaches made the area particularly enjoyable to explore.
Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk
The Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk was ideally situated along Jacksonville’s Southbank, close to the Riverwalk and the St. Johns River. The location made it easy to enjoy the waterfront and reach downtown attractions, while the hotel itself offered an outdoor pool and modern rooms. I particularly liked being near the river, where Jacksonville’s skyline and waterfront activity provided a constantly changing backdrop. The property is now part of Delta Hotels by Marriott.
Beach Place Towers
Beach Place Towers was a very different type of accommodation from the traditional Marriott hotels on my travels. Its location put me close to the beach and gave me the opportunity to experience Florida from a more residential, vacation-oriented setting. Having more space than a typical hotel room made it feel like a temporary home rather than simply a place to sleep. It was a relaxing change of pace during my Florida travels.
TownePlace Suites Naples
The TownePlace Suites Naples gave me a comfortable base for exploring the Naples area and Florida’s Gulf Coast. The extended-stay style of the property made it particularly convenient when I wanted more of a home-away-from-home experience. Naples offered a completely different atmosphere from the busier cities farther north, with beautiful beaches, restaurants, and a more relaxed pace. I enjoyed having the freedom to explore the area at my own speed.
Tampa Airport Marriott
The Tampa Airport Marriott was especially convenient because of its location right at Tampa International Airport. The property has been renovated and provides a surprisingly comfortable place to stay despite being at such a busy transportation hub. For a traveler constantly moving from one destination to another, that kind of convenience is hard to beat.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine was easily one of the more memorable hotels of my travels. Originally built in 1888, this historic property sits right in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, within walking distance of Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, and St. George Street. The hotel combines its Old World character with Moroccan-inspired décor, chandeliers, artwork, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Staying here felt like becoming part of the history of America’s oldest city rather than simply checking into another hotel.
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach was an entirely different kind of Florida experience. Located right next to the legendary TPC Sawgrass, the resort gave me a front-row connection to one of the world’s best-known golf destinations, while its four pools and extensive grounds provided plenty to do away from the course. The resort also has the Sawgrass Spa and a private Cabana Beach Club on the Atlantic, reached by complimentary shuttle. With golf, beach, pools, and the spa all in one place, this was much more than just a hotel—it was a destination in itself.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island was a stay on one of Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands. The resort sits directly along Amelia Island’s Atlantic coastline, giving it an entirely different atmosphere from the busy cities farther south. The setting combines miles of sandy beach with the relaxed character of Amelia Island, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the coast. It was one of those stays where the setting itself became an important part of the travel experience.
Sheraton Gainesville Hotel
The Sheraton Gainesville Hotel gave me a comfortable base in north-central Florida and put me within easy reach of the University of Florida and the attractions around Gainesville. The area has a distinctly college-town atmosphere, but Gainesville is also surrounded by Florida’s natural springs, lakes, and forests. I enjoyed having a quieter place to return to after exploring the area. It was a convenient stop as I continued my travels through Florida.
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
The St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater was a convenient Gulf Coast base, located just a few minutes from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Although it sits in a quiet business district rather than directly on the beach, its location made it easy to reach St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and the Gulf beaches. The hotel also offered a complimentary airport shuttle, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and a concierge lounge for eligible Marriott Bonvoy members. It turned out to be a practical combination of convenience and comfort while I explored the Tampa Bay area.
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