Deciding what beach to go isn't always easy. How's the environment? Is it kid-friendly? How's the water? The list goes on and on so we decided to put a list of beaches and hotels we have personally gone to. If you have other recommendations please feel free to email us at info@bambinadiaries.com
1) Marco Island
Marco Island is especially special to both of us because we grew up going to this beach. While Maddy stayed in the family condo, Krys stayed at the JW Marriot. Another great option is the Marriott Vacation Club known as Marriott's Crystal Shores. Marco is definitely a family-friendly place to stay. Quiet and easily accessible to a variety of restaurants, shops, and more.
Places to eat: (Most of these venues are only offering takeout or outdoor dining due to COVID-19)
Marco Prime Steak and Seafood - http://marcoprime.com/
Snook Inn - https://www.snookinn.com/
Doreen's Cup of Joe - http://www.doreenscupofjoe.com/
Nene's - http://www.neneskitchen.com/
Quinn's on the Beach (at the JW Marriott) - https://bit.ly/3867BWC *They may not allow outside guests due to COVID-19 unless you are staying at the resort
Da Vinci's Ristorante Italiano - http://ristorantedavinci.com/
Joey's Pizza - http://www.joeyspizzamarco.com/
The Crazy Flamingo - http://www.thecrazyflamingo.com/
MichaelBob's Ribs - http://www.michelbobs.com/
Capri Fish House - http://caprifishhouse.com/
For dessert:
Beebe's Ice Cream - (239) 642-9800
Dolce Mare - https://dolcemaresweets.com/
Sweet Annie's of Marco - https://sweetanniesicecreammarcoisland.com/
2) Naples - La Playa Resort
Every year, for the last couple of years, we have made it a tradition to get away around October for a weekend to Naples, FL. It is a nice getaway before the craziness of the new school year with a life full of activities and events consumes us. We always stay at La Playa Resort and love the fact that it is right on the water.
Places to eat:
True Food Kitchen - https://bit.ly/3g2DT7I
Michelbob's Championship Ribs & Steaks - http://www.michelbobs.com/
Riverwalk at Tin City - http://www.riverwalktincity.com/
3) Annamarie Island - House Rental
Funny story, I had been wanting to go here for such a long time and thought it would be a cute idea to celebrate Annemarie's birthday and mine. Little did I know I would be pregnant and feeling horrible! Luckily I was able to get it together and I enjoyed myself so much! There are so many cute restaurants and local spots to enjoy live music etc.
4) Rosemary Beach + Seaside / 30A
We fell in love with Rosemary Beach and best of all it's family-friendly. Located on the gulf coast this small town is nestled between Panama City and Destin.
If you're looking for a place to stay, you can try Airbnb which we did, and book a condo or tiny house. Fun Fact: if you're going without the kids, definitely check out The Pearl, shown below. It's absolutely beautiful.
Here are some of our favorite places to visit while we were in town. They have so many dining options + don't forget to rent your bikes before you arrive. Everyone bikes everywhere!
For great photos try Alys Beach and Downtown Rosemary
For more things to do in Rosemary Beach click here :)
5) Captiva - South Seas
6) St. Augustine - Embassy Suites (Check out my review when we stayed last here - https://www.bambinadiaries.com/post/a-little-getaway)
7) Singer Island - Marriot Resort
For more information on current COVID guidelines in these areas visit - https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/current-travel-safety-information.html
Suggestions from followers of other places to visit:
Amelia Island
Longboat
Sanibel
Siesta Key
Oleta Park
Matecumbe Key
Travel guides - https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/florida-travel-guides.html
Deals offered at Visit Florida - https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/deals.html
Make sure to read our summer travel essentials blog for ideas on what to pack - https://www.bambinadiaries.com/post/summer-travel-essentials
