Travel Guide
This Stunning Florida Hideaway Has A Beachside Castle & No Crowds
Aug
Finding one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall process, however what about certainly one of Florida’s undiscovered seashore cities, a stone’s throw away?
St. Augustine falls to the wayside for a lot of Florida guests, with that one amusement park with smiling large rodents and Miami’s vibrant nightlife attracting partygoers like moths to a flame.
Of course, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seashore holidays, reminiscent of Destin and Panama City, however hardly ever do you hear a peep about Vilano Beach, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian fingers 🤌simply by saying it (you realize you probably did!).
Nope — the enjoyable city of Vilano Beach just isn’t in Italy, however simply exterior St. Augustine and boasts a glowing mixture of white and coquina-sand shores alongside vivid blue water with far fewer crowds than any notable Florida getaway.
Oh, and an superior citadel. What different U.S. seashore city can declare that?!
Something New In “Old Florida”
I’ve been to Florida quite a few occasions and have but to find what’s typically described by locals as “Old Florida”.
Apparently, I’ve been doing it mistaken by hitting up the cluster of Southwest Florida’s well-known paradises, together with Orlando’s world-renowned sights, and Miami’s ritz and glitz.
That’s the place Vilano Beach is available in, capturing the essence of Old Florida and never simply because it neighbors America’s oldest metropolis.
We’re speaking retro motels and traditional seashore cottages, small city allure, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your identify.
How Vilano Beach has slipped by the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.
If I take a crack at it, I’d say that individuals change into so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient exterior the town limits.
Those within the know completely like it, although! One latest summer time beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seashore in St. Augustine’ attributable to clear water, huge surf, and ease of entry being only a 10-minute drive from the town.
A Florida Unicorn: Pristine Beach Town With No Crowds
It appears Florida’s choice of hidden gems shrinks yr after yr. Every time we at Travel Off Path really feel we have lined all of them, extra proceed to pop up.
Vilano Beach is a rarity. Even although there are undoubtedly some lesser-known shores to sprawl out on, Florida’s iconic shores, not many have prime actual property like that of Vilano.
Being so near a serious Florida vacation spot makes visiting right here a no brainer. While it is completely appropriate to sit back and loosen up, you’ll discover a good quantity of surfers attributable to heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Beach is understood for wildlife recognizing and fishing (when you can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)
Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and produce their visitors to the Vilano Beach Pie to identify them, or you’ll be able to e-book a sightseeing tour with Red Boat Tours to extend your odds.
You’ll discover some seashores extra postcard-worthy than others. Much of Vilano’s shores are lined with crushed shells, so correct footwear is a should except you wanna really feel like I do once I stepped on my nephew’s Legos (not beneficial).
Though, there have been sand re-nourishment projects offered by the federal government to forestall such experiences and supply prettier aesthetics.
Castle Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Surprise
On the off probability you are in the midst of placing ending touches on a visit to Ireland, perhaps put these on maintain for now and fulfill your fairytale goals by paying a go to to what’s fairly probably Florida’s most underrated attraction.
Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Castle Otttis (sure, with 3 T’s) does not get the eye it deserves.
The few who’ve discovered it rave about it, although. While it claims to not be a correct citadel, preferring to be wrangled into the artwork world as a ‘landscape-sculpture’, it actually passes the attention check as a bona fide citadel in my e-book.
Though their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish citadel’ — honest sufficient, I suppose.
The mastermind behind the undertaking is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.
The undertaking was meticulously constructed over a 4-year interval as an ode to Jesus Christ, with a 1,000-year-old Irish abbey-style inside and complex woodwork, making for very good photo-ops.
Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on by his masterful work, because the citadel remains to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One latest visitors from July claimed, “There are 3 levels if you count the rooftop, where you will see gorgeous panoramic views of the ocean.”
Adding, “This is a castle based on 1000 year old Irish castles. The tour is free but donations will be greatly appreciated. A must see if you are in St. Augustine. It is a magical experience.”
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