Bicoastal Florida for the Family

If you’re like me—or the countless others hailing from the Northern U.S.—you grew up taking winter trips to Florida. It was always exciting, that voyage down south to visit grandparents in Miami or Mickey Mouse in Orlando.

However, here’s the thing: Florida is a big state with a little secret; it turns out, there’s so much more to it than Disney World, Miami Beach, and Boca (not that those places aren’t special).

Florida is actually one of the most diverse, naturally beautiful states in America. It differs greatly from north to south and coast to coast, and for families, there are truly limitless ways and places to enjoy it. Here’s another secret: it’s great year-round. While it’s an escape from the frigid temperatures in the winter, when you go off-season, you can score great deals on luxury hotels and enjoy open expanses of beach with far less crowds.

Here’s how to enjoy Florida with the family, on each coast:

East Coast Charm

If your east coast Florida experience has been limited to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, do yourself a favor and head just a bit north to Jupiter, where the atmosphere is barefoot-beach-relaxation, and the activities are aplenty.

Want to expose the kids to some culture and history? Check out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, where you’ll learn the history of the area dating back to the settlement by Native Americans. You can get Christmas card worthy pictures from the top of the lighthouse, and gain an appreciation for a remarkable Banyan tree that’s like no other tree I’ve seen.

For outdoor activities, book an eco tour or lesson aboard a kayak or paddleboard and meander through the calm inlets and mangroves where you’ll spot many more turtles than tourists.

Or, should you choose to just relax and enjoy your time with your family, you can do nothing but unwind at the beautiful Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, situated on 1,000 feet of unspoiled Atlantic shore, where adults and kids are equally at home and comfortable.

The Sandbar restaurant, where families gather for snacks around the pool during the day and stories around the firepit at night, is causal and delicious. Or head to Sinclair’s Ocean Grill for dinner, where the views of the ocean are matched by the excellent cuisine; order the yellowtail snapper and thank me later (babysitting services are available, should you wish for date night romance).

While kids are enjoying homemade cookies and lemonade in the afternoon, mom can treat herself to some much needed pampering in the elegant spa (anti-aging Hydro-Lifting facial, anyone?). Perhaps the best part: the spa serves up drinkable dark chocolate—definitely a first for me.

The accommodations are elegant yet casual with tropical charm and killer views from the private balconies. And while you might not want to leave the rooms or the resort—with tennis, a full game room, and oh-so-cozy hammocks, you don’t need to—they’ll happily arrange for transportation to the golf, tours, excursions, and restaurants in the area. One word of warning: your family will fall so in love with the resort and the area, they’ll never want to leave.

West Coast Beauty

The first time I visited the west coast of Florida, I was blown away by its exquisiteness. The second time I went, I wanted to move there. The beaches are as nice as—or nicer than—any I’ve seen in the Caribbean, with crystal clear, calm waters and sand as soft as powdered sugar.

Sarasota epitomizes this; in fact, Siesta Beach was named America’s best Beach in 2011. St. Armands Circle, a neighborhood in Sarasota, is filled with beautiful shops and restaurants, all showcasing the area’s unique charm. A kayak eco tour through mangrove tunnels provides the opportunity to mingle with the locals—meaning dolphins and manatees.

For families seeking true luxury and nearly limitless activities, there is no better place than The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Beyond their pristine beach, with as many recreational possibilities as seashells and the best sunset I’ve ever seen, there’s something for every age and taste.

Like tennis? They’ve got 20 award winning, Sarasota-Open-hosting courts (the reason why they were named #1 Tennis Resort in Florida). Avid golfer? Not one, but two courses, one on the bay, one on the Gulf of Mexico. Want to learn either one? Their pros are always available for lessons.

There’s the newly renovated spa, where you’ll never want to let go of the softest robe to ever touch your skin, and eight dining/drinking choices, ranging from casual to elegant, all fresh and delicious. The views of their marina pair excellently with homemade pasta at Portofino, and the farm-to-table fare at the Tavern & Whiskey Bar is perfect before or after golf.

For kids, of course there’s splashing in the pool and volleyball on the beach, but there’s also Camp Loggerhead, where they can make new friends and enjoy an array of activities, all under the supervision of certified staff members.

Finally, the junior, one and two bedroom suites offer everything a family of any size will need, including full gourmet kitchens, laundry, abundant amenities, large balconies, and of course, stellar views.

Here, too, you’ll have to pry your family away once it’s time to go home, but it’s definitely worth it.