Finding one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks like a tall process, however what about certainly one of Florida’s undiscovered seaside 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 big rodents and Miami’s vibrant nightlife attracting partygoers like moths to a flame.
Of course, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seaside holidays, equivalent to Destin and Panama City, however not often do you hear a peep about Vilano Beach, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian fingers 🤌simply by saying it (you understand you probably did!).
Nope — the enjoyable city of Vilano Beach just isn’t in Italy, however simply outdoors 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. seaside 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 usually described by locals as “Old Florida”.
Apparently, I’ve been doing it unsuitable 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 seaside cottages, small city allure, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your identify.
How Vilano Beach has slipped via the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.
If I take a crack at it, I’d say that folks grow to be so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient outdoors the town limits.
Those within the know completely like it, although! One current summer time beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seaside in St. Augustine’ attributable to clear water, massive 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 collection of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. Every time we at Travel Off Path really feel we have coated 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 significant Florida vacation spot makes visiting right here a no brainer. While it is completely appropriate to relax and loosen up, you’ll discover an honest quantity of surfers attributable to heavy drop-offs creating greater waves.
And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Beach is thought for wildlife recognizing and fishing (if you happen to can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)
Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and produce their friends to the Vilano Beach Pie to identify them, or you possibly can 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 until you wanna really feel like I do after I stepped on my nephew’s Legos (not really helpful).
Though, there have been sand re-nourishment tasks offered by the federal government to stop such experiences and provide prettier aesthetics.
Castle Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Surprise
On the off likelihood 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 desires by paying a go to to what’s fairly presumably Florida’s most underrated attraction.
Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Castle Otttis (sure, with 3 T’s) would 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 take a look at as a bona fide citadel in my e-book.
Though their very old-school web site claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish citadel’ — honest sufficient, I suppose.
The mastermind behind the mission is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.
The mission 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 complicated woodwork, making for excellent photo-ops.
Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on via his masterful work, because the citadel continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One current friends 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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