Many travelers are unsure of which coastline to visit when visiting Florida and if Gulf coast or Atlantic coast beaches are right for them. Not all beaches are created equal and, based on what you are looking for, your ideal resort can be different than what you may have originally thought. Marriott and Hilton have resorts up and down both coasts, so no matter where you want to go, you will likely find a resort that fits your needs.
Gulf Coast Beaches
The Gulf of Mexico is a beautiful body of water that is protected from many of the oceans currents. This creates a body of water that is warmer and calmer. The water temperature can range from mid-sixty degrees to nearly ninety degrees depending on the time of year. The sand on the gulf beaches are the white sugary beaches that many people think of when Florida beaches are the topic of conversation. Up and down the Gulf coast the waves are softer and far less intense which are not ideal for surfing but allows for other opportunities to play in the water. Smaller children can jump in the water to play around more comfortably for both parent and child. Taking a large floating raft out onto the water is not out of the question either because of the calm blue-green waters that won’t knock you around.
The towns and population takes on a different vibe as compared to the Eastern shores of Florida. The laid back feel of the Gulf Coast makes relaxation and calm nearly impossible to avoid. The feel has been claimed to be similar to that of the United States’ Midwest, because the pace of life is slower and is less metropolitan.
Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) Resorts
Marriott has two resorts that lie on the Gulf of Mexico. Legends Edge Resort is located 10 miles from the Panama City airport in Grand Lagoon, on the panhandle of Florida. Many vacationers forget that the Florida panhandle is a great location for vacationing and Legends Edge is a beautiful reminder that the more popular destinations aren’t always the best. The second location is on Marcos Island. Marriott’s Crystal Shores Resort is on the south western tip of Florida in close proximity to the Everglades and beautiful sandy beaches. A short walk and guests can enjoy those sugary beaches and warm water.
Hilton Grand Vacation Club (HGVC) Resorts
Hilton Grand Vacation Club has a plethora of resorts dotting the Gulf Coast. Next to Marriott’s Crystal Shores is the HGVC resort, Surf Club of Marco. Situated right on the whitewashed beaches of Marco Island, you can step outside your room and immediately enjoy the easy access to the year round warm waters and brilliant weather. Just north of Surf Club of Marco are the townhouse style Cottages at South Seas Island. This resort is a different look at the traditional timeshare resort. These townhouses still feature all of the top tier amenities that you would expect from HGVC but without the massive hotel feel.
Atlantic Coast Beaches
All along the Atlantic coast, visitors will find a far more up-tempo feel to the daily hustle and bustle. The cities are more lively and the beaches are no different. From Miami on up, the surf is much stronger than the soft waves of the Gulf. Surfers and beach goers can enjoy the bigger waves to play in. The beaches don’t offer the powdery white sand of the Gulf; the sand is much more coarse. Moving north from Miami, beaches collect more and more shells from the ocean. Daytona beach starts to get coquina rock mixed into the sand at these beaches. Although the sand may be a bit more coarse, these beaches with coquina rock do not get as hot, so visitors can kick off their flip-flops and enjoy the sand, no matter how warm the weather is.
MVC & HGVC Resorts Nearby
From Miami, Boca Raton, Daytona and up to St. Augustine, the beaches and cities are more more densely populated. These bigger cities cater to tourism with high end shopping, an extensive nightlife, countless fine dining locations and more attractions. These densely populated cities also have a tendency to be more liberal and have a higher cultural diversity. In the heart of Miami, HGVC’s South Beach Resort has superb access to the most popular cities in the world. North of Miami sits Marriott’s Villas at Doral in beautiful Riviera Beach. From your room, you will be able to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic.
Find Your Resort
There is something for everyone in Florida. No matter what your preferences are, you will find a match on one or both Florida coasts. Take the time to figure out what you are looking for in a vacation and write it down. Then check out popular vacation destinations but the more popular, chances are the more people that are going to be around. If the Florida is where you want to go, but the beach is not what you are after then perhaps check out Orlando. It has an incredible variety and number of resorts from Hilton, Marriott and Disney Vacation Clubs. There are family-friendly theme parks as well as cultural attractions for visitors of every age and taste.
If you would like a free consultation on what destination might be right for you, feel free to contact us and speak with our vacation planning staff.
