All Locations

Tucked away on Marco Island, Florida, the Marco Island Historical Museum at 180 S. Heathwood Dr. is a captivating portal to the island’s ancient and modern past, making it a must-visit for beachgoers seeking a deeper connection to this Gulf Coast paradise. Opened in 1996 by the Collier County Museum system, this free-admission gem immerses you in the story of the Calusa Indians, who thrived here 2,000 years ago, through life-size dioramas, interactive exhibits, and Read more…

Set against the shimmering Gulf waters of Marco Island, Florida, Marco Island Watersports at 600 S. Collier Blvd. is your ultimate adventure hub for thrill-seekers and beach lovers craving aquatic excitement. Operating since the 1980s from the Marriott’s beachfront, this premier outfitter offers an array of experiences, from high-speed WaveRunner tours to serene parasailing flights soaring 500 feet above turquoise waves. Unique offerings include dolphin-watching cruises, shelling excursions to Keewaydin Island, and paddleboard rentals for Read more…

Located in Hallandale Beach, Florida, Mardi Gras Casino at 831 N. Federal Hwy. is a high-energy entertainment hub that spices up your beach vacation with gaming, dining, and live events. Since opening in 1935 as Hollywood Kennel Club, it’s evolved into a modern casino with over 900 slot machines, electronic table games like blackjack, and simulcast racing for dog and horse betting. Unique features include the vibrant French Quarter Restaurant serving Cajun-inspired dishes like gumbo, Read more…

In the heart of Daytona Beach, Florida, Mardi Gras Fun Center at 12 N. Ocean Ave. is a lively oceanfront arcade that brings nostalgic thrills to your beach getaway. Housed in the historic Boardwalk Amusements since the 1930s, this family-friendly spot offers over 100 classic and modern arcade games, from claw machines to racing simulators, plus a prize redemption counter for trading tickets for toys. Unique features include go-kart tracks, mini-golf, and seasonal events like Read more…

Nestled in the vibrant coastal city of Sarasota, Florida, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at 1534 Mound St. is a lush, 15-acre tropical paradise that elevates your beach getaway with nature’s artistry. Established in 1975 to honor botanist Marie Selby, this world-renowned garden specializes in epiphytes—orchids, bromeliads, and air plants—set against a backdrop of banyan groves and mangroves along Sarasota Bay. Its stunning bayfront views and 45,000+ plant species make it a haven for nature lovers. Read more…

Tucked in the heart of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the Marine Discovery Center at 520 Barracuda Blvd. is an eco-tourism gem that brings the wonders of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon to life, perfect for enhancing your beach adventure. Founded in 1997, this nonprofit hub offers immersive experiences like guided kayak tours through mangrove tunnels, dolphin-watching boat cruises, and hands-on marine science programs. Its 2-acre campus features a nature center with touch tanks showcasing stingrays and Read more…

Located in Ponce Inlet, Florida, the Marine Science Center at 100 Lighthouse Dr. is a coastal treasure that blends marine education with hands-on fun, making it a stellar addition to your beach vacation. Opened in 2002, this conservation-focused center features exhibits like a 5,000-gallon reef aquarium, sea turtle rehabilitation tanks, and a stingray touch pool, showcasing Florida’s marine biodiversity. Unique attractions include bird rescue displays with pelicans and owls, plus interactive programs on shark biology. Read more…

Just south of St. Augustine, Florida, Marineland Dolphin Adventure at 9600 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. is a historic oceanarium that delivers unforgettable marine encounters, perfect for elevating your beach getaway. Founded in 1938 as one of Florida’s first marine attractions, this 1.3-acre facility offers intimate dolphin interactions, from swimming with dolphins ($199+) to painting with them ($109). Exhibits include sea turtle habitats and shark tanks, with educational programs on marine conservation. Open daily from 9 Read more…

Tucked away in Panacea, Florida, along the tranquil Forgotten Coast, Mashes Sands $5 Boat Ramp at 843 Mashes Sands Rd. is a boater’s paradise that amplifies your beach vacation with easy access to the Gulf’s sparkling waters. Managed by Wakulla County since the 1980s, this public ramp offers a budget-friendly launch point for kayaks, paddleboards, and small boats, with a $5 fee for 24-hour access. Its scenic setting, fringed by marshes and oyster bars, is Read more…

Nestled in Vero Beach, Florida, McKee Botanical Garden at 350 U.S. Rte 1 is a tropical Eden that transforms your beach vacation into a lush, sensory adventure. Founded in 1932 and revitalized in 2001, this 18-acre oasis boasts over 10,000 plants, including vibrant orchids, water lilies, and Florida’s largest bamboo collection, set amid tranquil ponds and historic structures like the 1940s Hall of Giants. Unique features include a children’s garden with a splash fountain, storybook Read more…