East Coast, West Coast: Two Fun Florida Towns

June 15, 2023

Lauderdale by the Sea, located on the Ft. Lauderdale strip is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone – families, adults, and seniors. This walkable area is home to many restaurants and stores, making it easy to get around and explore. The town center, located by the pier, is a lovely seating spot where you can enjoy crafts, food from carts, and live music with views of the beach.

If you’re looking for some great food and drinks, many restaurants in the area offer happy hour specials and live music. Aruba’s restaurant, which offers a variety of appetizers, entrees, and drinks, is a great place to host a birthday celebration or enjoy a night out with friends. Anthony’s Runway 84, an Italian restaurant, and Rainbow Palace, a Chinese restaurant known for its Crispy Steak dish, are two other must–try restaurants in the area.

Accommodations in Lauderdale by the Sea range from small motels and boutique hotels to high–end options like the Ritz Carlton. Prices vary, but there are clean and affordable options available for around $250 per night. If you’re planning a vacation for winter or spring 2024, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. Sites like booking.com offer the option to make a reservation without paying until your stay, allowing you to cancel almost up to the date of your vacation. Alternatively, you can find great rental options on sites like VRBO.

Lauderdale by the Sea is a great vacation spot that offers a little bit of everything. From its beautiful beaches and great restaurants to its affordable accommodations, it’s a must–visit destination for anyone traveling to Florida.”

St Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida, located on the state’s west coast, is a charming beach town that’s rich in arts and culture. We were lucky enough to have our Florida resident friends drive us three and a half hours to the Rumfish Beach Resort, which was perfect for our beachside vibe. While it wasn’t a fancy resort, it had all the necessary amenities and offered family activities such as night–time fire pits. The resort also has a restaurant with a fantastic aquarium, providing an interesting distraction for antsy children. Cabanas with lounges are available for a picturesque beach experience.

Chihuly Museum

One of the main reasons we went to St. Petersburg was to see the Chihuly Museum. Dale Chihuly is an amazing artist who uses glass as his medium, and many of his pieces are very large and heavy. Our visit did not disappoint as each work was a visionary delight. We also had the opportunity to witness a free glass blowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Center and visited other nearby glass galleries.

St Petersburg Pier

During our trip to Florida, we visited the St. Petersburg Pier in Venice with friends. Pier Teaki, a restaurant and bar complex located in a park, is a must–see attraction in the area. The fifth–floor bar offers stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, while the restaurant downstairs serves delicious food.

We also visited the famous Dali Museum, dedicated to the works of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. The museum showcases his valuable art. His work Portrait De Paul Eduardo. has sold for as much as $21.5 million. The modern vibe of the museum adds to its appeal, and one exhibit even lets visitors use an Oculus to experience Dali’s art in 3D. We wrapped up our east/west coast travel with a stop at the museum’s gift shop.

For those planning a trip to Florida, Lauderdale–by–the–Sea is a great place to visit. Runway 84, Rainbow Palace, and the Chihuly Collection are just a few of the attractions worth checking out. And if you’re looking for a resort to stay at, the Rumfish Resort at TradeWinds has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.