This Stunning Florida Hideaway Has A Beachside Castle & No Crowds

Finding one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall activity, however what about one in all 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, comparable to 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 understand you probably did!).

Nope — the stress-free city of Vilano Beach is just not 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 fortress. 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 usually described by locals as “Old Florida”.

Apparently, I’ve been doing it flawed 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 basic 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 folks develop into so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient exterior town limits.

Those within the know completely like it, although! One current summer season beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seashore in St. Augustine’ as a consequence of clear water, large surf, and ease of entry being only a 10-minute drive from town.

A Florida Unicorn: Pristine Beach Town With No Crowds

It appears Florida’s number of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. 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 positively 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 as a consequence of heavy drop-offs creating larger 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 convey their company to the Vilano Beach Pie to identify them, or you possibly can guide 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 once I stepped on my nephew’s Legos (not advisable).

Though, there have been sand re-nourishment projects supplied 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 course 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 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 fortress, 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 fortress in my guide.

Though their very old-school website claims it is an ‘impression of an Irish fortress’ — honest sufficient, I suppose.

The mastermind behind the venture is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.

The venture 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 excellent photo-ops.

Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on by his masterful work, because the fortress continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One current company 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.”

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.

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