How To Choose Your Florida Beach Vacation

Plenty of sun and beach time is guaranteed at all of Opal’s Florida destinations, but each then offers very different experiences off the sands. Here, we help you decide what your Sunshine State of mind should be.

Atlantic Coast

Delray Beach/Boca Raton

Lively and upscale, Delray boasts “The Best Small City in America” accolades, dozens of shops and galleries lining the longest main street in Florida, and stately landmarks, like the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Best for Gallery and café socialites, hopping among the countless options along East Atlantic Avenue.

Where to Stay Opal Grand Resort | Delray Sands Resort

North Palm Beach

Near both Palm Beach and Miami, culture and nightlife are not far off, but you’re also steps to dozens of quiet beaches and some of the best ocean fishing in the continental United States.

Best for Those who want their nights to be as loud as their beach days are quiet.

Where to Stay Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Gulf Coast

Naples

Civilization stands astride nature here, with haute boutiques’ racks full of designer names, like Valentino and Armani, and miles upon miles of natural wonders to be found in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Park.
Best for Adventurers not afraid to get a little mud on their boots and fashionistas.

Where to Stay Edgewater Beach Hotel

Clearwater Beach

Explore Clearwater’s classic theaters, postcard-perfect Caladesi Island, and fabulous aquarium, or wander by Pier 60 at night for shopping, sunsets, and live entertainment from a bewildering array of buskers.
Best for Those who want a little bit of everything in their beach vacation.

Where to Stay Sandpearl Resort | Opal Sands Resort

Treasure Island

Treasure Island lives up to its name, with beaches both quiet and lively, paired with shops, restaurants, and one of the best throwback beach bar scenes in America.
Best for Party people and lively beach enthusiasts with watersports leanings.

Where to Stay Treasure Island Beach Resort

Sarasota/Longboat Key

Culture is the name of the game in this walkable city, with paeans to the Ringling Bros. circus, an opera and orchestra, and its own coined architectural style – Sarasota Modern. Across a small bridge, Longboat Key delivers the classic four-star resort experience: top restaurants, championship-caliber golf, and tennis along the ocean.
Best for Culture buffs and country club devotees.

Where to Stay Lido Beach Resort | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Zota Beach Resort

Florida Keys

Key West

In truth, the beach is almost secondary to the southernmost point’s thriving arts scene, shops, and restaurants that line Duval Street, plus a rowdy bar scene that will keep you going to the wee hours of the morning.
Best for Escapists looking for as much activity as they can pack into a vacation – on land and on water.

Where to Stay Sunset Key Cottages