Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Marybeth
Life gets crazy for everyone; crazy good, and sometimes sadly more often, crazy hard. Overwhelming. Frantic. Our lives can get so busy we miss out on some of the most important, simple pleasures. We’ve been thinking about this a lot lately – while our own lives brim with crazy good, and crazy hard – and here is what we suggest as a panacea: the good, clean fun of an old-Florida vacation spot that entreats us to slow down.
Harkening back to our roots when we first started this blog, some of our most important criteria were that a place be “cute, cozy, and clean.” All of that still holds firm. And while we have been taking pathways leading us lately toward “design-forward, modern minimalist, total overhaul” type properties, low-key old-Florida beckons. The past year was this for us: scrambled brains, clattery hearts, and just some plain crazy (truth is stranger than fiction) that I’m not even allowed to talk about. How has your year been?
Fort Myers Beach
Silver Sands is no longer, destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, but we wanted to start with a memorial to one of our earliest bungalow stays. The property owner tried to raise funds to rebuild. The latest news we’ve found is that the land has become part of the Margaritaville resort.
In Silver Sands’ heyday there was a main, classic hotel structure with a swimming pool, and to the east of this was a beautiful, lush garden with pathways leading to a row of cottages. The earliest of these were former housing units for the military, from Page Field Military Army Airfield, a WWII training airfield. We love finding out that buildings have been moved and repurposed! Our cottage was named Dosinia, after a genus of saltwater clams.
And now onto our current day recommendations. We’ve been fortunate to have stayed at almost all of them, and if not, have had detailed tours from the gracious owners. That, along with my deep-dive research (doing intricate, days-long research has earned me the moniker Research Nerd) and stellar reviews, gives us the confidence to put these properties on our Top 21 low-key old-Florida places to stay! Starting up north on The Atlantic Coast, making our way down and around and up to the north Gulf Coast:
Amelia Island
Not your typical beach stay (yay!) but just a 5 minute walk to the beach, beach bars, a surf shop, a beach store, and a Dairy Queen (yum! Classic beach treats) right around the corner. Shaded, quiet, and off the beaten path, this unique destination offers studio suites and one bedroom suits, each with kitchenettes.
Palm Coast
Another shaded property that feels miles from the ocean but is just a little over half a mile to Old Salt Park public beach. Continually operating since 1930, this 5-acre property entices you to walk along wooded paths of giant Live Oaks down to the Matanzas river, or find a hammock to laze away your day. Choose from historic rooms (all have been updated) whose walls are made of coquina rock – Palm Coast Villas was made from over 50,000 square feet of this type of stone – or modern rooms and suites. All have kitchenettes.
Amenities include complimentary beach cruisers, charcoal grills, swimming pool, and continental breakfast. Within walking distance you’ll find pizza, a wine and cheese shop, and a convenience store (what more can we ask for?) Charles Lindbergh and Ernest Hemingway stayed here! We’re guessing Ernest brought his own libations…
Flagler Beach
Fun and funky, oh-so-colorful Si Como No was built in 1947, and after standing empty for years found its way to new owners in 2000 and has been transforming ever since. With only nine rooms and an on-site tiki bar for guests – plus hammocks, a path down to the Matanzas river, and the ocean just across the street (unobstructed ocean views from Si Como No) – this place has a worlds-away feeling of serenity. Located at the northern end of Flagler Beach, and a bit away from the vibrant little downtown (approx 2 miles), there are two restaurants under a half mile away.
Room configurations range from a two queen room, one queen with a full pull-out, king with a twin pull-out, and two family sized rooms that offer a queen bed, a full loft bed, and a full pull-out. All rooms have a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee pot with freshly ground coffee each day. Book their romantic Beach House Suite with its own private balcony overlooking the river, and full size fridge (limit two people; no kids, no pets.) Some rooms are pet friendly (requiring a signed pet waiver.) “Your” private beach is also pet friendly!
New Smyrna Beach
Family owned since 1955, with the current owners welcoming guests since 1999, Buena Vista Inn is a classic Florida best-kept-secret. Located just over the North Causeway Drawbridge overlooking the Indian River, the historic Flagler Avenue area of shops and restaurants is under a half mile away. You’ll find a peacefulness, being away from the dynamic downtown bustle, but the ability to walk there easily if you choose. Or, just stay put, fish off the pier, rent a boat or kayak. Sit and watch the boats go by out back, or plan to grill and relax in the lovely courtyard.
Choose a king size room with a living room, galley kitchen, full size fridge and microwave, or a king studio with a breakfast nook, mini fridge, microwave and coffee pot.
Cocoa Beach
We’ve talked about Sea Aire Inn a time or two, because of the cool history – the Mercury 7 astronauts stayed here! – and the beauty of its oceanfront location, spacious courtyard, and simple old-Florida vibe. We’ve gathered with friends in the evening as the sun sinks behind us, grilling food, laughing, and enjoying a cocktail. Fun fact: I used to have an Etsy shop selling vintage clothing where my daughter (who is now a mom herself!) was my model, and we stayed here for beachfront photo shoots. My shop was called Tra La Tra La, because my grandmother used to say that in her trilling, happy voice, for just about anything celebratory.
Updated since our stay (we loved the vintage feel back then, but also love the new look) the choices are a queen oceanfront room with kitchenette, two doubles oceanfront with mini fridge and microwave, ocean view rooms with kitchenette, garden view rooms with kitchenette, or Gary’s Guest House (who is Gary? I must ask) with two bedrooms, full kitchen, living room, and dining room.
Indialantic
Both tucked away and in plain sight – you could easily miss it if you’re whizzing by on A1A. But don’t. Because of the dangers of speeding through this little-known oceanfront town, and also because you’d miss Sea Scape. In a world of everything getting renovated, enlarged, added onto, or razed for bigger-and-better, a pink and aqua cluster of cottages should always remain. Here since the ’60s and still getting rave reviews.
Choose from four types of accommodations: cozy motel rooms with mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers; efficiencies with full kitchen and dinette seating for two; a one bedroom apartment with a separate living room with sleeper sofa; or the spacious oceanfront suite perfect for a wedding or anniversary. I stayed here on a girlfriend trip with one of my closest, most hilarious friends. Not realizing this was a honeymoon-type suite, we realized later the manager may have thought we were partners. And that’s fine! Because we are – not quite partners in crime, but absolutely partners in laughter and a few too many drinks!
Sebastian
One of the most intriguing properties on our list, as Island View Cottages used to be the old Ferndale Lodge – basically a fishermen’s lodge. It was beige (in every aspect), but are fishermen looking for color? Perhaps not. The best thing about Island View is that the new owners had artists and interior designers from all over the country come and totally renovate each room. Each designer had a room, and so they are all outstandingly different. This property may check a more upscale box than some of the others on our list, but still has that welcoming, slow-down old-Florida feel.
Super helpful is their Comparison Chart for choosing your cottage. As I scrolled through all the gorgeous photos, trying to picture my husband and myself in each one, I just couldn’t, until I came upon the chart. There are various sizes: some have separate living rooms, or a large kitchen, one is their “special occasion” cottage. The Chart will tell you if there is a direct Riverview or if the cottage is pet friendly.
Complimentary kayaks, beach cruisers, a canoe, and several boat slips are part of the amenities here. The spacious grounds offer many spots for relaxation; follow them on Instagram for gorgeous images that will convince you to book your cottage now!
Vero Beach
South Beach Place is low-key, Old-Florida, with design-forward notes of mid-century modern aesthetic. The owners have collected authentic art, furniture and decor from famous masters of American 20th century architecture and design. Despite the erudite sound of that sentence, South Beach Place offers a peaceful, cozy retreat-feel with its quiet, tropical grounds, swimming pool, and tucked-away location next to a beach park. Walkable, restaurant- and shop-filled downtown Vero Beach is a short drive or bike ride – approx 2 miles – away. All rooms have living/dining areas and kitchens, with a separate bedroom and bath. Each room has its own personality a cool name and vibe to go with it! Read about our experience there, along with a multitude of fun photos, Explore Vero Beach from this Quietly Fabulous Boutique Hotel: South Beach Place.
Fort Pierce
If you didn’t know about Seahorse Beach Bungalows you would never actually see it. Driving down A1A from the north, there’s a big turn to the right that everyone naturally takes, to get across the North Causeway to downtown Fort Pierce and the South Causeway, where most of the well known restaurants and bars are. Seahorse Beach Bungalows is just off that big turn, in such a quiet residential neighborhood, you’re surprised there is this small, beautiful lodging a half block to the beach. A pizza and wings restaurant is a 5 minute walk away, and downtown is 2.5 miles from Seahorse Beach Bungalows.
All the glowing reviews talk about how clean it is – and that’s what we noticed, as well. Our studio bungalow felt spacious even though everything was in the one room.
At Seahorse Beach Bungalows you have options: the studios, all of which have a roomy, comfortable couch that feels like it could be an extra spot to sleep (check to make sure you can bring an extra person; we didn’t need to, and I don’t see where this is mentioned.) They also all have a “real kitchen” as stated on the website (I love this descriptive term.) The one bedroom bungalows are a little larger and have a half wall that separates the sleeping area from the living room and real kitchen. The two bedroom bungalow sleeps 4. All are decorated in beachy colors. Beach towels and beach chairs are included for your stay. Hang out in the picnic area by the fire pit, grill a meal on the gas or charcoal grills.
Jensen Beach
River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp
Located on over 7 acres of lush, tropical trees, plants, pathways, places to sit and enjoy the river view are 23 Key West-style guest quarters, many of which are individual cottages. The website lists over 80 varieties of edible plants, fruits, and medicinal herbs that are spread throughout the property. Gather at the authentic Seminole Chickee hut built by the Seminole Indians in 1998, book a fishing trip with World Record-winning Captain Rufus Wakeman, or lounge by the pool or private beach. Putting green, badminton, ping pong, and guest laundry are a few of the amenities at this peaceful riverfront paradise. Historic downtown Jensen Beach with its shops, restaurants and galleries is less than a mile away.
Stuart
This boutique hotel plus cottages originally built in 1890 – 1914 has some of the oldest properties, with the coolest histories, on our list. Do you scroll past histories of towns and buildings? I don’t if they involve bad behavior: bootleggers and brothels always stop my scroll, especially if the story ends up with a happy ending (redemption, rehabilitation.) This one involves no scandal but “our” cottage, the Ernest Lyon’s House, served at the town’s first schoolhouse, was the site of the first wedding, and the town’s first baby was born here! Also a cottage or two were floated up the river to this location. Several historic cottages have been restored by Old Colorado Inn’s owners and each have their own story to tell. Some are clustered around, and have access to, a gorgeous swimming pool with “golden mean” dimensions. Some of the accommodations do not have access to the swimming pool, check the website for more info and to choose the suites or cottage, pool use or no, that suits your needs. Choose from hotel suites of 1/1, up to a cottage with 3/2.5. Located just around the corner from historic downtown Stuart and just across the street from the St. Lucie River.
Key Largo
Another fun and funky place to stay, with each cottage its own color and character. The best part of this property is you’ll have your own private beach, fishing pier, and boat ramp. An added bonus of being bayfront is having the option to stroll along the waterfront to next door Bayside Grille. Kayaks, paddle boards, small tikis, hammocks, and a large tiki with a BBQ, bar, stereo and TV are all available for your use. Your options are cottages, waterfront suites, waterfront rooms, diver dens (for your “dive team,” can be connected for larger groups) and my favorite category, Fun & Interesting. This includes the most adorable pink cabin, a pink cottage, and several RVs. We stayed in the Tiki Suite which is the only cottage with a separate bedroom. It is now reserved for handicapped or disabled persons only, unless all other non-handicapped accessible units are already booked.
Another Key Largo property perfect for a laid-back experience, also with its own beach, Seafarer Resort & Beach offers economy to family suites, free kayaks, paddle board rentals, and one of the best complimentary breakfasts we’ve ever had. Hang out in a hammock, lounge on the beach or large pier and deck. Boat dockage is available for guests. Some of the rooms have full kitchens while others offer a mini fridge and microwave. Choose from a simple room for two, or one of the larger suites with a king bed, XL double, and sofa sleeper. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and famous Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is just over a mile north.
Islamorada
Bud N’ Mary’s, established in 1944, is best known for its marina and the oldest and largest fishing fleet in the Florida Keys. Absolutely worth mentioning, but we didn’t go there to charter a boat: I just wanted to stay in the Tackle Shop Suite, or a houseboat.
Explore all Bud N’ Mary’s has to offer you sport fishing folk (Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capital of the World), here. Or experience one of the most unique vacation places in the Keys – fun with or without a boat or a planned fishing excursion. The Tackle Shop Suite has an amazing view, and as the name suggests, is located above the tackle shop. You’ll have your own spacious deck to watch the boats come and go with your coffee or wine. The room is cozy/rustic, with a queen size bed and a twin day bed. The kitchen area has a microwave and fridge. Several houseboats are for rent as well as a trawler (all boats remain at dock, used as lodging only.) Hotel rooms, a penthouse, and an oceanfront house are also available.
Casey Key / Nokomis
The entire south end of Casey Key, the town of Nokomis, is quintessential old-Florida at its finest. Drive or walk through this little coastal town and you will see no high rises, no chains, and just a few restaurants – our favorite is Pop’s Sunset Grill. The draw here is the uncrowded, powder white sand small-town beach. All the resorts have that back-in-the-day look, and many retain their old fashioned charm that keep guests coming back year after year, while others have been updated. It’s been years since we stayed in this little town, but we visited for the day not long ago and for today’s recommendation for you we chose Escape Casey Key Resort, for the multitude of 5-star reviews, the award of TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2022, and the fact that the property was recently beautifully renovated. Offering hotel style rooms with a mini fridge and coffee maker, 1 bedroom villas, 2/1, 2/2, 3/2, and a 3/3 townhouse, the choices are many, to suit all budgets and vacation goals. A heated pool, marina with dockage, clubhouse with kitchen, numerous BBQ options, kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles are just some of the amenities.
Siesta Key
Where our travel blog began, Siesta Key Bungalows is now owned and managed by Gertrude Rentals. Still getting glowing reviews, and we had a tour recently: the beautiful feeling of a tropical sanctuary remains. Gertrude (actually the owner, Dan) writes: “Secluded enough to do nothing and close enough to do everything.” Swim in the pool, fish off the dock, go kayaking (SK Bungalows is located right on Heron Lagoon), paddle boarding, or “sleeping in” is also listed as an activity here! Free trolley rides take you to nearby restaurants or to Turtle Beach (a mile south) or famous Crescent Beach (2 miles north.) Options range from 1/1 to a 3/3 of large side-by-side units. Our bungalow was Ringling, pictured above, which sits beside the lagoon. Read Where it All Began: the Birth of this Florida Travel Blog to find out why we decided to do this travel blog thing.
Dunedin
One of the most budget-friendly places to stay on our list, with the old-timey charm of a motel but elevated beyond just a roadside place to stop for the night, Palm Court Motel has sparkling clean rooms, a friendly, helpful staff, and a great location to explore the fun downtown of Dunedin 2 miles south. Palm Court Motel is the closest lodging to Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park, with the causeway leading to the state parks just a half mile north. There is a restaurant, a brewery, and a convenience store all within walking distance of the motel. Rooms come with equipped kitchens, complimentary beach towels and chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and kids’ beach toys. There is a swimming pool on site and bicycles are available.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key should have its own low-key old-Florida article because that’s what the entire town is, possibly more so than any others in Florida. Years ago we wrote Cedar Key: A Slice of Key West Without the Crazies and the Crowds. These days I would hesitate to call anyone crazy (because, aren’t we all, in our own way?) but this little town does have an artsy atmosphere. Cool history, and a waterfront with gorgeous views and lots of great restaurants. Multiple cozy, unpretentious lodging options dot the landscape, making it a challenge to choose just one.
We experienced amazing hospitality some years ago at Faraway Inn. Forever grateful for the hosts who trusted us as new travel bloggers to create good content for then! This pet-friendly paradise has winding paths, lovely gardens, porch swings facing the bayou, covered picnic areas, and is an easy stroll to downtown. Kayaks and bicycles are complimentary, and golf cart rentals are on site. Your choices are motel rooms, efficiencies, gulf view rooms (our recommendation!) and cottages for up to 4 guests. Faraway Inn was pet friendly even before many other vacation spots were.
Firefly Resort Cottages caught our attention when we heard about how the owners found and fixed up the place. “Who does that?” everybody asked. “Sells their house, gives up good jobs and just leaves without a next place to go?” They came upon Cedar Key almost by accident. I’m laughing right now, afresh, as I reread their story – you’ve got to enjoy it for yourself, here. I’ll just condense it here for a moment (but do, go read it): “Cedar Key moved us from the start. We had not seen anything like it anywhere on our travels and we knew, even though it seemed unlikely, that we really, really, really wanted to live here. This was one of the most beautiful places we had ever seen and couldn’t believe that someone or some company hadn’t come along and ruined it. We were stoked, we were desperate, we were in love.” – hosts, Ian and Mate´.
Choose from six cottages (there are 7; one is being renovated) with fun names: Writer’s Cottage (John Muir stayed and wrote here!) Kiwi Cottage, and Paradise Cottage to name a few. Some have intriguing histories (secret men’s poker games, vet’s office, bait shop) and all will take you back in time, and also offer modern amenities: new hybrid mattresses, organic sheets, purified water, locally roasted organic coffee, bicycles. Larger cottages have fully equipped kitchens. Maximum number of guests is 2 per cottage. Firefly Resort overlooks the mangroves and the bay.
Owned by “A Salty Pirate and His Sweet Mermaid” (Brian and Lisa) Pirates Cove Coastal Cottages are a colorful collection of sweet (check out the gingerbread-type trim!) small-to-medium sized dwellings from 1/1, maximum 2 people, to a 2/1 for up to 4 people. In between are cottages that have an extra bed for a third person, and one cottage can accommodate 5, with a queen bed in the main room and a separate bedroom with a queen and a twin. All have full kitchens. Some are water view or partial water view, and some have a private screened porch or a private deck. Cook out on one of their gas or charcoal grills, rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the town which is just a quarter mile away. On site trailer parking and boat washing, private dock for fishing. Pet friendly with a fee of only $10/night!
Steinhatchee
Sea Hag Marina and the Shacks at Sea Hag
Steinhatchee is the top spot in the US for catching bay scallops, and is also known for inshore and offshore fishing: grouper, snapper, tarpon, sheepshead, sea trout, and much more. Sea Hag Marina is one of the largest full-service marinas in the Big Bend area, offering service & repair, boat rentals, bait & tackle, gift and dive shop, and an on-site tiki bar over looking the Steinhatchee River. The Shacks are what drew us in, and the plethora of lodging options among the shacks are many.
Some of the shacks were built in 1940 and are “plain and simple,” with a window unit A/C, a comfortable bed and a bathroom. Some have full kitchens, others have a microwave and a fridge. From the original 1/1 shacks, up to a 5/6 – the Goliath Grouper, and a 6/3.5 – the Scallywag Shack – there is something for every type of traveler. Several restaurants are within walking distance. For more about Steinhatchee read The Sublime Florida Fishing Town that May Not Make all the Popular BEST OF Lists, and We’re Glad: Steinhatchee.
What are your favorite low-key, old-Florida places to visit? We really want to know. My list is long; I want to make it longer.
2 Comments
Sharon Shafran
We are going to stay at South Beach and can’t wait. Cute little place!
Marybeth
Yay, you will love it there Sharon! Truly the kind of hidden gem that people want to keep to themselves!