Bed and Breakfast Florida

History

Florida’s unique history is almost completely different to any other state in America. The long history of European colonial rule with periods of rule by the Spanish and the rich history of indian tribes like the Seminoles (the only Indians never to formally come to peace with the U.S. government) means there are tons of fascinating places to discover throughout the state.The conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon originally called the state “La Pascua Florida” due to the luscious landscape and fact that it was the Easter season when he discovered the land. After many years of Spanish rule and a brief period of British rule, Florida officially became the 27th state in the United States in 1845.Florida quickly became a haven for northerners seeking warmer weather and escape from the harsh winters. Railroad development led by pioneers like Henry Flagler further opened up the state to expansion and settling, which has resulted in Florida now being the 3rd most populated state in the U.S.Today, Florida is a destination for people from around the globe & has been nicknamed “The Sunshine State” for obvious reasons. A fun fact: Disney World is spread across 30,500 acres and is the same size as San Francisco. There’s no better place than Florida to book a B&B and experience all of the exquisite history the Sunshine State has to offer.

Activities

It’s tough to narrow down a suggested list of activities since there are literally hundreds of incredible options all over the state. If you’re into nature, the Everglades National Park (known simply as the Everglades in Florida) is over one million acres of pristine wetlands that’s home to Manatees, Gators, and even the elusive Florida Panther!If you’re trying to have some drinks and live life a little bit, Key West is where you want to be. With bars littering Duval street, there’s a bar for every type of person imaginable. There’s also Key West’s famous Key Lime pie and gorgeous beaches to see too, of course.Duval Gardens is the perfect bed and breakfast to launch you into any activity on the island. Rent bikes and pedal past gorgeous beaches, or gather some friends and hit the town. The world is yours when you stay in Key West, and especially near Duval street.

Natural Features

Florida is famous for its plentiful beaches and crystal clear waters that attract so many visitors year after year. There are numerous rivers like the St. Johns River where you can paddle on kayaks or canoes while spotting creatures like the playful Manatee and more. Florida’s west coast and east coast are quite different since they’re shaped by two different bodies of water (The Gulf of Mexico & the Atlantic Ocean) and there are pros and cons to both.The Panhandle and West Florida have gorgeous sugar sand beaches and tend to be more relaxed while the East Coast has the warm waters of the Atlantic and spots like Jacksonville, Miami, and Cocoa Beach to explore.As far as landscape goes, Florida is one of the flattest states in the U.S. There is hardly any elevation, but there are tons and tons of Orange Trees which produce world-famous orange juice!No matter where you choose to stay in Florida you’ll always have some interesting nature around you. There are hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals roaming through the Florida wilderness. Just watch out for Alligators!

Things to do

Everybody knows the hotspots in Florida but there are also hidden gems if you know where to look. New Smyrna Beach is extremely popular with surfers and located just south of Daytona Beach (if you’re into NASCAR). The Canal Street Historic District features restaurants, shops, and also the NSB Museum of Natural History. If you’re looking for another option for a great beach with fewer crowds, then Melbourne Beach might be your place. Walk to the end of the romantic Melbourne Beach Pier and catch a sunset you’ll remember.Palm Beach is another destination worth checking out. Long famous as one of the glitziest towns outside of Beverly Hills, Palm Beach has loads of upscale restaurants & bars along Worth Avenue. The main attraction here is the Henry Flagler Museum, located inside his 75 room Gilded Age mansion. You won’t want to miss his residence or the history behind his development of much of the great state of Florida.

Weather

The weather in Florida is for the most part, hot and humid. If you’re looking to get some cooler weather than it’s probably best to visit between February and May. The summer months can be brutal at times and also attract the most visitors, meaning every theme park, beach, or shopping complex might be filled to the brim with people.Florida’s prone to random rain showers at all times of the day so be sure to pack your raincoat. Since the state’s land mass is so long & stretched out, there are different climates based on whether you’re in Northwest, North, Central, or South Florida. The temperature in Key West might be very different from the temperature in Tampa or Orlando on the same day.Since the weather can be so random, make sure to plan ahead based on what month you’re visiting and local forecasts. You won’t want the weather to ruin your vacation so be prepared!

Food and Drink

If you’re visiting Florida you’re going to be eating well no matter where you go. Seafood, Steaks, you name it and Florida has it. Columbia Restaurant is universally applauded for their take on authentic Columbian cuisine, and incredibly authentic atmosphere that’ll make you think you landed in South America.If you’re in Key West go to The Lobster Shack Key West for some of the most mouthwatering seafood in the country, fresh caught every day. Their lobster rolls are renowned for being unbelievably plump and juicy. For a view of the ocean, Conch Republic Seafood Company is your spot. Delicious seafood and incredible drinks overlooking the marina. What’s not to like?In Central Florida? Kres Chophouse offers tender steaks that are hard to beat in Florida, let alone most other places.. Tampa houses a restaurant that’s worshipped by locals. Bern’s Steakhouse is an institution and features everything you’d expect at a top notch steak place. Add the fact that they have a seperate “dessert room” and you might fly down just to eat there.

Bed and Breakfast Florida FAQ

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a bed & breakfast in Florida?

Bed and breakfasts are famous for their amenities, with the fan favorite being the incredible innkeepers that make your stay so special. The personal care and attention they provide in combination with their knowledge of the area gives you an experience that you can’t replicate with a larger chain hotel.Expect free parking at almost all Florida B&Bs, as well as free wifi and quick check-in since they usually only host a few guests at a time. Guest rooms often feature a Jacuzzi like private bathtub so you can unwind after a long day exploring. The rooms can range from a variety of styles since Florida is so eclectic and has such a different vibe depending on where you are in the state.A Victorian house might be a common sight in St. Augustine but a beach bungalow is the norm in Key West. No matter what style you select, a boutique & charming experience awaits you. Oh, and since this is Florida there’s a swimming pool wherever you look!

How can I get around Florida?

One of the best perks about staying in a bed and breakfast is the proximity to the beach or the main attraction if you’re more inland (like St. Augustine or Orlando). The cute little beach towns usually have inns that are a short distance from the water or at least walking distance from the beach itself.Oceanfront B&Bs are one of Florida’s specialties. What other state provides so much coastline and so many charming options for a beachfront stay? Very few.That being said, it’s usually recommended that you rent a car if you’re going to be traveling throughout Florida. The state is very large and having a car makes it so much easier to hop from place to place.

What Are the Different Types of Bed and Breakfasts in Florida?

Florida’s blessed with a massive range of bed and breakfast options for you to sort through. As mentioned before, the state has so much diversity that no matter what you have in mind, a bed and breakfast exists for it.Most likely you’re going to Florida to check out the beaches, right? For a five star bed and breakfast on the beach in Florida, check out the Port d’Hiver B&B in Melbourne Beach, FL. This is seriously one of the most gorgeous inns around and sits just 200 feet from the Atlantic Ocean for stunning views and an easy walk to the beach. The property is beach styled (obviously) and features private porches, a spa pool, and four Island style buildings to choose from when you stay.Another one of the best bed and breakfasts in Florida is the St. Francis Inn in St. Augustine, FL. As you enter the Inn from the charming brick laid St. George St., you'll notice the lush gardens and banana trees lining the property. St. Francis gives you a fresh taste of Florida and the gorgeous flora that the state is known for. The inground temperature controlled swimming pool isn’t a bad touch either.If you’re looking for a romantic bed and breakfast in Florida, you’re in luck. Windermere Inn by the Sea in stunning Indialantic, FL or the Black Dolphin Inn are the perfect place to whisk your partner away to.Each part of Florida has incredible options when it comes to B&Bs so there’s something for everyone.Enjoy the Sunshine State and stay in a B&B!

Why Stay at a B&B in Florida?

A bed and breakfast inn around Florida gives you the perfect chance to visit the state from the viewpoint of a local. Instead of charmless chain hotels, a bed and breakfast provides a fresh perspective whether you’re in Gainesville or Duval street in Key West. There’s nothing better than waking up to a fresh breakfast brought to your door by your friendly innkeeper, and then enjoying a coffee as you look out at the ocean. That’s just a taste of what you get in a Florida bed and breakfast.Romantic weekend tickling your fancy? Many of the B&Bs in Florida have luxury suites where you can stretch out and relax with your special someone. Another reason why so many people love Florida B&Bs is the fact that they’re rich with history. From old plantation houses to Spanish style homes, you never know what you’re gonna get in Florida. There are such a wide range of bungalows, mansions, cottages, and more to choose from that you’ll never run out of options.For your dream getaway, you don’t have to hit the hotspots either. Skip Miami and visit Indialantic, a charming little beach town nestled on Florida’s east coast. Hop past Orlando and discover Apalachicola, a quiet fishing town with miles of incredible beaches that’s adjacent to St. George Island. There are many good B&B choices to be found wherever you go to give you that local flavor.They say Florida is a state made up of “multiple states” with each region bringing a different culture to the table. There’s no better way to understand Florida in detail than to stay in a B&B that’s right in the middle of the action. You’ll be able to check out a historic district, hit the beach, and discover the nightlife all in a day!From Gainesville to Duval in Key West to Flagler & his mansion in Palm Beach, a bed and breakfast is the best way to feel like you’re truly a part of history, while enjoying unrivaled service.