South Beach (or SoBe) is located within Miami Beach and has been called the Art Deco playground and the American Riviera. Here you’ll find world-class shopping, culinary delights, and clear blue water with white sand beaches.

SoBe offers both casual and upscale experiences, but is generally for the well-dressed set. So, even if you’re hitting the beach, be sure to don a stylish hat and sunglasses before you walk out the door of your vacation rental home.

White Powder Sand and Turquoise Waters of South Beach

South Beach is a free public beach. There’s plenty of parking and the municipal parking garages offer the best deals. Locals suggest getting there early as garages and open beach space fill up fast. Rental shops offer chairs and umbrellas. For less than $40 you can have both. Lifeguards are on duty during the day. There’s no shortage of food and drink options available along the beach.

Lincoln Road

This miles-long outdoor mall has an open plan and is designed for pedestrians only. The promenade has top-notch fashion, art, architecture, and people-watching. Walk from Washington Avenue to Alton Road to discover a pop-up market where handcrafted jewelry, origami, and a variety of other handmade wares displayed casually on card tables or rugs laid on the ground. Lincoln Road also offers a boon of name brand stores and local shops and galleries.

Lunch with a Beach View

You can find an amazing lunch restaurant anywhere, but these offer spectacular views to remind you that you’re in dazzling South Beach. These beach views are coveted so make reservations ahead of time. Juvia is an upscale chic fusion restaurant blending Asian and Peruvian cuisines with a classic French flair. Celebrity-owned Larios on the Beach is made famous by its owners Gloria and Emilio Estefan and its spectacular views of South Beach and Ocean Drive. Their upscale Cuban food and mojitos make it perfect. Monty’s Sunset is located poolside and waterfront on the docks of Miami Beach Marina. Here casual dining means local fresh-caught seafood, a raw bar, and entertainment.

Art Deco District

Miami’s South Beach is home to the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s architecture in the world. It’s known as the Art Deco District. It’s recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and boasts 800 historical structures. The district draws visitors from around the globe.

Official Historic Tours of the Art Deco District

The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) offers the only official tours. Their Official Art Deco Walking Tour is a 90-minute tour that literally walks you through an introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (also known as MiMo) styles. Tours depart from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 10:30am Mondays through Sundays with an additional 6:30pm tour on Thursdays. Tours are $25 or $20 for seniors, veterans, and students. You can make advanced reservations, but they’re not required.

Happy Hour

Whether it’s from 5pm to 7pm during the week or 10pm to Midnight, there are always fun places you can drink and nosh on a dime. Streaming with light and perfectly chic, Byblos offers happy hour starting at 6pm with $8 cocktails and small bites for $12 and under. The comfortable Social Club is in the heart of Miami Beach and offers a late night happy hour with a flair for breakfast. It also offers $5 draft and 50% off wines by the glass. South Pointe Tavern’s happy hour offers 50% off beer, house wine, and cocktails.

If you’re thinking of heading to Florida in the winter, you’ll want to explore Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. From the “Emerald Coast” in the Upper Peninsula to the southern Florida Keys, you’ll hear the crash of waves, find friendly bars on the beach, and smell the warm, aromatic sea-salt air. Sounds like the perfect winter vacation, doesn’t it?

Here are the top 10 tourist activities along Florida’s sunny Gulf of Mexico side.

#1 Shell and Shark Teeth Hunting on Sanibel Island

While Sanibel Island is known for its superior shelling, you’ll also be able to find beautiful shells along any shoreline due to the Gulf of Mexico’s calm tides. Hunting for shark’s teeth is a nice change of pace if you’re looking for a challenge while combing the beach.

#2 Picturesque Beaches

All the Gulf Coast beaches are beautiful, but Bean Point Beach’s secluded, crystal blue water and white sand is just begging you to stop and lounge.

#3 Adventures Under the Gulf

Gulf Island National Seashore, St. Andrews State Park, and Destin-Fort Walton are all known as “designated snorkeling areas”, so go for a swim and explore what’s under the water.

#4 Arts and Culture

Florida’s Gulf side has a fantastic arts and theater scene. For example, Sarasota has several local live theatres and St. Petersburg’s Morean Arts Center has a spectacular permanent collection by sculptural glass artist Dale Chihuly.

#5 Self-Guided Kayak Expeditions on the Gulf

If you’re into kayaking, this is the spot for you. Offering calmer tides and warmer waters than the Atlantic side means a safer and more fun on the water. Plus, no waiting in line on a boat dock. Just find a safe spot to get in the water and you’re on your adventure.

#6 Farmer’s Markets 

For the foodie vacationing along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you can’t beat the areas Farmers Markets. Seasonal fare is practically year long and extremely abundant. This a great way to fully experience the local foods and take advantage of your vacation rental home’s kitchen.

#7 Catch Your Own Fish

Mahi Mahi, grouper, shrimp, and more. The seafood available from Florida’s Gulf is undeniably fresh. Feeling especially lucky? Try to make the catch of the day yourself with a chartered fishing excursion.

#8 Local Breweries

If sampling delicious brewskis is your idea of a good time, be sure to check out the area brewers like Jdub’s, Point Ybel, or Rip Tide. Please, always enjoy responsibly.

#9 Theme Parks and Amusements

Just a short jaunt from the Gulf side finds a variety of world-famous theme parks choices. Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and LEGOLAND are all are designed to entertain the young and the young at heart.

#10 The amazing weather

High temps generally range from the mid 60′s to the 80′s between November and March, depending on the area. Sounds better than below freezing, right?

Florida’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline is special because of these 10 things and more. The area’s variety of activities and attractions make it your best bet to beat the winter blues. Whether you’re touring the traditional shops on a boardwalk or observing the natural beauty of the beaches, you can be sure you made the right choice in vacation destination.

Instead of shoveling snow this winter, how about shoveling sand to make castles under that warm Florida sun.

The Florida Keys: Barefoot in Winter

New York is exciting, but the average low temperature in January is 14 degrees F. It’s a little warmer in San Francisco at 45 degrees, but also the height of their rainy season.

The key to a barefoot winter is the Florida Keys. Folks there don’t even call it “winter.” They say “the dry-cool season,” and it is: the average low is 65 degrees, the average high is 74. The Midwest has greater temperature swings over lunch.

Hurricanes? Nope: that’s in August, on the other end of the year.

Getting Your Feet Wet

While everyone else is frozen over, Key West is bubbling with water fun. You can book a fishing trip. Dive in and go snorkeling. Explore shipwrecks. Eat fresh seafood you could almost catch by hand. Hang with the locals, or just hang in your hammock. You’re never late when you’re on island time.

Does This Float Your Boat?

Coastal waters surrounding the Florida Keys are protected by the National Marine Sanctuary, extending from Miami to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Spectacular coral reefs, shipwrecks, and seagrass beds offer dazzling and accessible viewing opportunities. Hundreds of vendors rent houseboats, pontoon boats, sailboats, fishing boats — with or without a captain. Help protect all this fragile beauty by checking out responsible boating practices at Reef Relief.

Then dive in. Novice snorkelers and scuba students get their feet wet along the colorful formations of Delta Shoals and Sombrero Reef, shallow areas along the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.

Here’s Looking at You, Key Largo

Key Largo is the northernmost of the Keys, and there’s a reason they call it the Diving Capital of the World. There’s even an underwater hotel for Jules Verne fans. The land impresses too, with its fascinating botanical marvels, hardwood forests, and national parks. It’s also home to the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, featuring indoor and outdoor screenings of his film classics, plus opportunities to mingle with Bogie-related celebrities.

Now head south to Islamadora. It sits between the Everglades National Park and the deep blue Florida Strait, and offers the world’s highest density of offshore charter boats with tournament-level captains. Go fish. Then check out the intriguing History of Diving Museum.

Marathon in the Middle

A ten-mile long stretch in the middle of the Keys, Marathon represents the old-Key lifestyle. Lots of waterfront access, beaches, and 1,200 wet-slips to welcome boating guests. Get your seafood here: stone crab and lobster crawl right under your boat.

The Lower Keys arch west toward the sunset. This quieter stretch is ideal for campers, hikers and bikers (the pedal kind). There are two national wildlife refuges and a marine sanctuary. Hammocks yes, jet-skis no. Locals shun artificial light, making this a haven for astronomers and stargazing philosophers.

Key West: the Writers and Uniters

It’s closer to Cuba than to Miami. That helps explain why Key West is so irreverent, a welcoming blend of Bahamian history and Cuban culture. The diversity of people, architecture, and romance is thrilling. One Human Family is the motto of this modern island community: simple, warmhearted and open. You’ll find a vibrant gay and lesbian community shared openly with global neighbors.

Among the open-minded: Tennessee Williams and Robert Frost made homes here. Ernest Hemingway produced his finest works at 907 Whitehead St., now open to tours. Today, leading contemporary writers worldwide gather at the annual Key West Literary Seminar to share insights and mingle with literature lovers.

This winter, ease on down to the Florida Keys. Nobody rushes. Nobody tells you you’re drinking your coffee wrong. Baggy shorts are as popular as tight jeans. And shoes? Fuggedaboudit.

The City by the Sea

Get to Know Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is a small, historic community home to two miles of white sandy beach, museums, food, and culture. An historically significant area, Atlantic Beach was discovered to be one of the oldest permanent native American settlements in North America. Primarily a tourist area until the early 1900s, the completion of a railroad station that connected Atlantic Beach with the rest of Florida allowed tourism to flourish.

The Continental Hotel, which housed close to 300 guest rooms, was built close to the beach and created numerous jobs and revenue for the town. Painted bright yellow with green blinds, the hotel was designed with a luxurious flair inside for guest enjoyment. On the grounds, guests could enjoy activities such as a 9-hole golf course, dance pavilion, fishing, tennis, and horseback riding.

With the onset of World War I the town experienced a lapse in revenue as tourists were afraid to visit the coast, but once the war was over land began to sell again and the town once again continued to prosper.

Small businesses began to settle rather than visit seasonally and eventually the area incorporated as a Town in 1926. For a closer look inside the history of Atlantic Beach, you can now visit the Beaches Museum & History Park which frequently hosts art festivals and concerts.

Activities for All

With 65 acres dedicated to parks such as the Dutton Island Preserve, Atlantic Beach is the ideal location to rent a vacation villa. Within these parks can be found a trove of activities including skateboarding, camping, fishing, hiking, tennis, and a number of many others for every age and area of interest.

Artwalks take place on the third Thursday of every month from 5-9pm where Atlantic Blvd and the ocean intersect. This monthly event is free to the public, hosting over 55 local artists, who travel from all over to participate. Here you can view and purchase hand-made jewelry, art, and other wares to take back as a souvenir of your time on the Florida coast.

Foodies will delight at the Wednesday Market. This weekly farmer’s market allows you to sample local offerings such as fresh produce, breads, and sweets. Each week a different type of bread is featured and made fresh with organic ingredients on the day of the market. Cindy’s Bakery, Alvarez Farms, and Southern Roots Herbal Apothecary are only a few of the vendors that frequent this great gathering. Music is also provided by local artists to create a fun and carefree ambiance while you smell, taste, and shop. For a relaxing experience that is truly unique, try the One Ocean Spa, which offers a signature Seashell Massage, which pays homage to the Atlantic Ocean while easing away stress.

Good Eats

There’s something to please any palate at Culhane’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, where you can bring your four legged friends to dine on the patio. Sip from your choice of 26 draft beers and 42 whiskeys while you feast on authentic Irish cuisine. Items as Reuben Egg Rolls and Scotch Eggs aim to please. Their recipe for the Guinness Beef Stew is so delicious, it is featured in television personality Guy Fieri’s cookbook!

Sunset Pier Park

For a perfect way to end a day of fun in the sun, eating, and shopping, visit Sunset Pier Park to watch the sun drift below the horizon. Receiving a perfect score on Trip Advisor, this site truly lives up to its name.

Hustle and bustle is the norm for everyday life, so why should it be on your vacation?

Picturesque sunsets, fresh sea air, and the general low-key feel is what Florida is truly all about.

Come visit the beauty that is the Gulf Coast and pretend you’re a native Floridian by staying in a rental home. Make your coffee just as you like, let the kids make noise, take a stroll in the welcoming neighborhoods, or simply cook up a late night snack, all at your leisure. Comfort is the key when you aren’t restricted in room or neighboring guests. When you see how easy it is to stay in a private rental home, you’ll dread having to rent a hotel room again.

A Guide to Florida’s Sleeper Beaches

Anna Maria Beach- With white sands and no sand volleyball nets to obstruct the view, your personal beach awaits. What a winning combo if your ideal bliss is walking along the shoreline admiring all the beauty of the ocean without gobs of people in your way.

If you’re looking for a relaxing massage or facial, look no further than Acqua Salon and Spa. Using only quality Aveda products, they will tailor a delightful day of pampering to your desire. Best of all, they offer a “Stay Spa” incentive that comes to your vacation rental so you don’t even need to leave the house to enjoy a day at the salon.

Santa Rosa Beach- Beautiful emerald, Caribbean-like waters and cool, white quartz sand combine to make this beach unforgettable. Lounging around the beach is relaxing, but if you are a fan of cigars, sports, icy libations, and want to converse about all three of them, check out Shore Thing Cigars. Opened by country music star Luke Bryan and a close friend, Paul Copeland, this is an intimate shop that serves as the local man’s cave for the residents of Santa Rosa.

Treasure Island- A wide beach that accommodates any crowd and ample areas to walk to dine are just two of the island’s many features. Check out Middle Grounds if you would like a fine seafood dining experience from a wonderful local restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is renowned locally as a top five place to go for a five-star meal.

Sanibel Island- Shelling at its finest, this may be the busiest of the listed beaches. Young and old alike will enjoy discovering the variety of shells the Island has to offer. There is even an entire museum dedicated to shells that’s an interesting area attraction. Not digging the shells? Grab some locally grown produce at the Sanibel Farmer’s Market. Open October through May, a blissful array of fresh fruit and veggies just waiting for you to make a killer meal back at the rental house.

Marco Island- Nestled in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, it’s a prime place to visit if your life is boating and fishing. Take a charted fishing tour or enjoy casting away at the connecting bridge from the mainland. After your day of basking in the sun and tackling the fish is complete, visit with the locals and sample some tasty food at Snook Inn and Chickee Bar. Overlooking the Gulf under a thatched roof bar while sipping a tropical something is the nightcaps to end all nightcaps.