Category: Beach

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Relaxing Coastal Maine Vacation: Fun for All Ages

Salt air, waves crashing on rocky shorelines, and fresh lobster, what more could you ask for in a relaxing coastal Maine Vacation?

 

On this relaxing coastal Maine Vacation, we visited the beautiful Boothbay Harbor.

 

Boothbay Harbor is a small coastal Maine town that is located about 160 miles north of Boston and just over an hour away from Portland, Maine. The short distance from Portland International Airport provides convenience and opportunities to sightsee additional coastal Maine towns along the way.

 

 

Where to Stay?

 

Located on the coast of Boothbay Harbor,  Spruce Point Inn is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves to relax while having various activities available at any time of the day.

 

What we loved most about staying at Spruce Point Inn was waking up in our rustic coastal cottage, walking to the main lodge where we found fresh coffee and breakfast and sitting on their unique Adirondack chairs while we planned our day ahead.

 

You will not regret staying at Spruce Point Inn. From the second we checked out of the Resort, we knew that one day we would be back. Our vacation to Boothbay Harbor left us with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Spruce Point Inn Coastal Maine Vacation

 

What kind of activities are available?

 

When vacationing in Boothbay Harbor, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities.

 

During our relaxing coastal Maine vacation, we were able to enjoy the following activities from within Spruce Point Inn’s property:

  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Hiking
  • Roasting Marshmallows
  • Witnesses breathtaking sunsets

For a full list of activities that are available at Spruce Point Inn, check out their website for up-to-date information.

 

If you are wanting to check out activities outside of Spruce Point Inn, we highly recommend visiting the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. We love visiting botanical gardens across the United States to observe and learn about the native plants that thrive in local areas.

 

Coastal Maine Spruce Pointe Inn Activities

 

 

What are the nearby food options?

 

After days full of adventure and relaxation, you will be eager to enjoy some of the wonderful cuisines that can be found at Spruce Pointe Inn or outside the resort at the Harbor.

 

Having access to locally sourced food was a major perk to staying at Spruce Point Inn. The meals that we experienced at the Salty Stag were absolutely delicious. Each morning, we especially enjoyed eating the homemade granola and blueberry muffins.

 

A short drive outside of the Resort will lead you to the Boothbay Lobster Wharf. Here is where you will experience lobster that is literally right out of the ocean.

 

Since this restaurant is located at a fully working Wharf, you will still be able to taste the freshness and saltwater when enjoying the food. This is a must-visit destination for any meal of the day.

Coastal Maine Spruce Pointe Inn Restaurants

 

Need more reasons as to why you should take a weekend vacation? Check out our article.

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Memorable 3 day vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys

Memorable 3 day weekend vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys

 

Not having enough time should not be a reason why you cannot enjoy a long weekend in the Florida Keys.

 

 

A memorable 3 day vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys should be on everyone’s bucket list.

 

On this trip, we visited Key Largo, Florida. Spanning over 30 miles long and only half a mile wide, Key Largo is the largest Key and only a short hour drive from Miami International Airport.

 

The Florida Keys offers a wide range of activities and scenic views that could keep you occupied for many days. However, we believe that anyone can visit and become fully immersed in all that the Keys has to offer during a long weekend.

 

 

Want to receive a summarized checklist of the logistics and activities? Click here to sign up to receive all of our FREE itinerary checklists. 

 

Day 1: Arrive in Miami, Florida

Logistics

For a memorable weekend vacation in the Florida Keys, fly into Miami International Airport.

 

Only a short 1-hour drive from Key Largo, MIA is the most convenient airport to fly into when visiting the upper Keys.

 

Plan to arrive in Miami by 6 pm. This will allow time to grab a delicious dinner and explore Miami’s nightlife. We recommend staying in the Brickell area to be immersed in Miami’s cuisine, culture and nightlife.

 

Food

For dinner, go check out Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza. This restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and star pizzas.

 

A tip from a local Miami resident – if Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is packed with a long wait time, go check out the restaurant next door called Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita. Turns out the restaurants share a menu and you can get the star pizza from either location!

 

For dessert make your way into Wynwood, Miami’s art district. Located outside of a nightclub, you will find an ice cream stand called Taitaki NYC, a Japanese ice cream shop serving up customizable flavors in a fish-shaped waffle cone.

Miami Ice Cream

This was an awesome experience of being in the heart of Miami and enjoying a unique treat!

 

After enjoying the nightlife, make your way back to your hotel and relax for the adventure ahead!

 

Day 2: Adventure in Key Largo, Florida

Memorable 3 day vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys

Logistics

To continue the weekend vacation in the Florida Keys, take the short 1-hour drive from Miami to Key Largo.

Once you arrived in Key Largo, head over to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This park is conveniently located a mile away from the Hampton Inn Key Largo.

 

Read more about the exciting activities do during your weekend vacation in Key Largo here.

Snorkeling in the Florida Keys

Food

 

Breakfast

Before you leave the Miami area, have brunch in Dorale at Sergio’s. At this restaurant, you will get to experience an authentic Cuban breakfast and be ready for the day ahead of you after drinking a fresh cup of Cuban Coffee.

 

Lunch

After arriving in Key Largo, stop by Publix and purchased a couple of their famous Publix Subs. Stopping here for lunch was an efficient way to stock up on water for the day and to grab items for a picnic lunch at the Park.

 

Dinner

To close out the day full of adventure, we recommend eating at the Islamorada Shrimp Shack.

 

This restaurant is located on the Islamorada Key, which is famous for being the sport fish capital of the world. You are guaranteed to feast on the freshest food at this location. You can take our word for it as well as Guy Fieri. The Islamorada Shrimp Shack caught the eye of many viewers as it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive Inns & Dives.

 

Activities

The first full day of the Florida Keys weekend vacation is going to be packed full of adventure and relaxation.

 

At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you can choose from a variety of activities, such as;

  • Snorkeling Tours
  • Scuba Tours
  • Glass Bottom Boat Excursions
  • Kayaks & Paddle Board Rentals
  • Beach access and swimming
  • Fishing

We highly recommend joining a snorkeling tour.

 

During the tour, the boat Captain and the crew will take you to a protected coral reef miles offshore. It was such a wonderful experience and would go back to this location. For a relaxing lunch experience, be sure to bring your picnic lunch to the park or on the snorkeling tour.

 

Read more about the exciting activities in Key Largo here.

Florida Sunset on Beach

 

After hours of adventure in the Florida Key sun, head to the hotel to get refreshed, go to dinner and enjoy a beautiful Florida Sunset. The sunsets are full of depth and color that will truly take your breath away. The Hampton Inn Key Largo provides a front-row view of the unique sky spectacular.

 

Day 2: Key West & Departure

Key West

 

Logistics

When planning the weekend vacation to the Florida Keys, be sure to book a flight that is late in the evening. Additionally, be sure to plan for the 3-hour drive from Key West to Miami in order to not miss your flight.

 

On the final day, drive the famous Seven Mile Bridge to Key West. We did not want to go all the way to the Florida Keys without seeing the Southernmost Point of the United States, located in Key West.

After exploring Key West, drive back to Miami to depart the memorable 3 day weekend vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys.

 

Food

For lunch, head over to the Southernmost Beach Cafe. This restaurant is located on the beach in the heart of Key West.

 

Before leaving Key West, be sure to check the famous Key Lime Pie. Key Lime pie is truly the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It is even more delicious when you are looking out at a beautiful ocean view.

 

Activities

When in Key West, 2 of the must-do activities are:

  • Visiting the iconic Southernmost Point statue, located at Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040; and
  • Visiting Mile Marker 0, which marks to beginning/ end of US Highway 1.

 

Want to receive a summarized checklist of the logistics and activities? Click here to sign up to receive all of our FREE itinerary checklists. 

 

 

Visiting the Florida Keys for a weekend made memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Before we knew it, we were back in the office and back to our routine lives. But for one weekend, we picked adventure over routine.

 

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3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends

Florida Sunset on Beach
 
 

Not having enough time should not be a reason why you cannot enjoy a long weekend in the Florida Keys. 

 

Want to receive a summarized checklist of the logistics and activities? Click here to sign up to receive all of our FREE itinerary checklists. 

 

Here are 3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends. On this trip, we visited Key Largo, Florida. This Key spans over 30 miles long and only half a mile wide, Key Largo is the largest Key and only a short hour drive from Miami International Airport. 

 

The Florida Keys offers a wide range of activities and scenic views that could keep you occupied for many days. However, we believe that anyone can visit and become fully immersed in all that the Keys has to offer during a long weekend. 

 

Want our itinerary for planning a long weekend vacation in the Florida Keys? Click HERE for our itinerary. 

 

Below are 3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends.

 

3 Exciting Florida Keys Experiences for long weekends

 

1. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys

Snorkeling and Diving is an excellent way to experience the amazing life that is below the water surface.

 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the best snorkeling and dive company in the Florida Keys.

Located in Key Largo (only a short hour drive from Miami International Airport)

 

We had the absolute BEST snorkeling experience. The boat crew was professional and had each person’s safety as a top priority. 

 

Here are a few key takeaways from our own experience:

  • Do not wear shiny jewelry. Certain sea creatures (especially barracuda) are attracted to these types of items. Thankfully, barracuda are docile and are generally not a threat to your safety. 
  • Each person is provided and required to wear a buoyancy life jacket. 
  • The boat takes visitors miles offshore to a protected shallow coral reef that ranges from 5 to 15 feet deep

This State Park also offers a wide range of activities from enjoying a white sand beach, kayaking among the mangroves to riding in a glass-bottom boat.

Florida Snorkeling

 

2. Eating in the Florida Keys

Ask anyone what dessert is famous in the Florida Keys? Most likely their response will be Key Lime Pie. 

 

The pie truly is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Also, the light texture makes having multiple servings a little less guilty… right?

 

When you are ready to come down from the sugar high, we recommend visiting the Islamorada Shrimp Shack. This restaurant is located on the Islamorada Key, which is famous for being the sport fish capital of the world. With the marinas nearby, you are guaranteed to enjoy the freshest food.

 

Key Lime Pie

 

3. Sunset

After a day of adventure in the Florida sun, watching a picturesque sunset is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

 

Stay at the Hampton Inn Key Largo to have a front-row view of a perfect Florida Sunset

 

Perks of choosing this hotel:

  • Beach access
  • Kayak rental
  • Short 1-hour drive from Miami International Airport

Beach access is limited in the Florida Keys since the islands are surrounded by large Coral Reefs. These reefs prevent erosion and sand from building up on the shoreline.

 

While visiting the Keys, it is important to remember how fragile the Coral Reefs are and the important role the Reefs play in supporting our ecosystem.

 

The Hampton Inn Key Largo will check all of the boxes and is only 1 mile away from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

 

 

Tevas are the best multi-purpose shoe to wear when visiting the Florida Keys: 

 

 

Want to receive a summarized checklist of the logistics and activities? Click here to sign up to receive all of our FREE itinerary checklists. 

Florida Sunset on Beach