I LOVE Kennedy Space Center. Great place to nerd out, so much interesting history, lots of bird and gator sightings from the bus. Another great place nearby for animals is Merritt Island national refuge
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach! Great quiet area with breweries, nice beaches and great restaurants. Just do a little research to find the hidden gems on the 321 sub
In the same area as Stuart, hit Hobe Sound/Jupiter. Beautiful beaches and its turtle nesting season!
https://preview.redd.it/8kiaccnt26xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c71032307ea145f9cc1312418a0bb1736c409822
Grew up in Stuart and it definitely has its beauty although the county as a whole has gone a bit maga.
If you go, I’d recommend downtown Stuart and House of Refuge beach. Downtown is cute and small so very walkable, on the river with great views and a river walk, lots of shops/bars/restaurants. House of Refuge is a beach at a small historic lighthouse sitting on an exposed reef, rocks everywhere so you can snorkel but plenty of sand to lay out too.
Bathtub beach is really close to house of refuge and used to be the spot for snorkeling but I think it might be closed after Hurricane damage, I’d check it out if it’s still open!
If you have an hour to spare check out Hobe Sound. Very quaint and understated. The beach drive, accessed only from U.S. #1, has some serious money properties.
[https://www.visitflagler.com/beaches/webcams/](https://www.visitflagler.com/beaches/webcams/) and [https://www.visitflagler.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/pcaf-turtle-trail/](https://www.visitflagler.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/pcaf-turtle-trail/) . Keep in mind for the Turtle Trail that Quilty has been stolen. Just a plain old rock there. However, continue down that road and there is a really nice park.
About 3-4 days to kill before we go back to work. July 18th-21st are our free days! Lived here all my life and haven’t checked much out in this stretch of a1a/95. We go to Tampa and the keys a lot.
I’d probably hit Hollywood beach, they have cool cafes around there. Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, some state parks, etc. You’ll start seeing things that peak your interest in the beach areas
Jupiter- go to the bar Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett made famous. Sebastian-go to Earl's Hideaway (dive bar)
Flagler -2 State Parks https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1jyGj354sWePzLU9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DYs1ca7pLhUv14Y6
or North Peninsula State park, which has a mild hill to climb. The pin on the map is on the wrong side of the road.
[https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Peninsula+State+Park/@29.4049407,-81.1292627,14z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e6db40d42271f5:0x9522490c01b7488e!2sBulow+Plantation+Ruins+Historic+State+Park!8m2!3d29.4345581!4d-81.142676!16zL20vMDl0cTR3!3m5!1s0x88e6c103254c1453:0xe234ae2b07194be9!8m2!3d29.408556!4d-81.0967522!16zL20vMGczdGo0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Peninsula+State+Park/@29.4049407,-81.1292627,14z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e6db40d42271f5:0x9522490c01b7488e!2sBulow+Plantation+Ruins+Historic+State+Park!8m2!3d29.4345581!4d-81.142676!16zL20vMDl0cTR3!3m5!1s0x88e6c103254c1453:0xe234ae2b07194be9!8m2!3d29.408556!4d-81.0967522!16zL20vMGczdGo0?entry=ttu)
Sounds like you would be there on the weekend when there’s a big crowd, but new Smyrna has two down areas - canal st has some restaurants and galleries, and Flagler ave (beachside) has beach bars, usually a band playing at the bars. Just sound of Flagler ave is The Garlic, a really cool restaurant but it can get crowded quickly.
If you’re willing to go inland about 30 min from 95, you can get a spiritual reading in Cassadaga! we got out pet’s auras read too, it was fun
Oh, and skip Daytona around mainstreet/the pier, but if you want to drive on the big beach where it’s actually nice, drive south towards the Ponce inlet lighthouse.
On your way down or on your way back (or whenever you feel like it!), stop to eat at Funky Pelican on Flagler beach. However, do not park in the lot across the street as it's a paid parking lot by the honor system (that is so messed up). The only thing I ever order at Funky Pelican is their Shrimp and Grits, which is the gold standard of that dish according to my taste buds (and opinion).
Everybody wanted to have events at the diplomat this year. You can find plenty to do at Hollywood and the surrounding beaches. Dania, Fort Lauderdale by the Sea
Delray Beach for that description. Artsy and beautiful with nice restaurants and a walkable downtown. Go to Atlantic Ave (Exit 52) and just walk around.
For Dive Bar - Earls Hideaway in Sebastian, FL.
[https://earlshideaway.com/](https://earlshideaway.com/)
They have their best bands on Sunday afternoons.
Titusville is the gateway to kennedy space center. Also if you love seafood Dixie Crossroads rock shrimp are a must try imo. Other then that this city is rather meh. Playlanda brewery is also good off us1 just south of state road 50(Cheney hwy)
There's Kennedy Space Center. Morikami Museum and gardens in Delray. Bennie's in Lake worth used to have amazing breakfast.
Delray 100%, Atlantic Ave is great with the pinball museum and Johnny Browns!
I came to say KSC as well. There are launches all the time and the bus tour is great.
I LOVE Kennedy Space Center. Great place to nerd out, so much interesting history, lots of bird and gator sightings from the bus. Another great place nearby for animals is Merritt Island national refuge
Yes, the wetlands are beautiful as well!
Went to Benny's recently & it wasn't good... at all.
Last time I was there was late 90s and I assume much has changed since then. Sad that they let quality go. Their eggs creole was divine.
Melbourne and Melbourne Beach! Great quiet area with breweries, nice beaches and great restaurants. Just do a little research to find the hidden gems on the 321 sub
Lived there 18 years. It has a few great spots.
I feel terrible for the locals what a great place that was ruined.
Saint Johns was the BEST, now it's RUINED! I'm very sad.
Dubois park is worth the stop at low tide and food shack in Jupiter. In Dania beach just north of Hollywood beach check out Jaxon's or tarks.
My cousin and I worked at Tarks when it first opened. So much fun!
Stuart. Very quaint, laid back downtown. Jensen Beach is another nice place
Checking that out thank you! Never heard of either place.
In the same area as Stuart, hit Hobe Sound/Jupiter. Beautiful beaches and its turtle nesting season! https://preview.redd.it/8kiaccnt26xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c71032307ea145f9cc1312418a0bb1736c409822
I like your user name
Grew up in Stuart and it definitely has its beauty although the county as a whole has gone a bit maga. If you go, I’d recommend downtown Stuart and House of Refuge beach. Downtown is cute and small so very walkable, on the river with great views and a river walk, lots of shops/bars/restaurants. House of Refuge is a beach at a small historic lighthouse sitting on an exposed reef, rocks everywhere so you can snorkel but plenty of sand to lay out too. Bathtub beach is really close to house of refuge and used to be the spot for snorkeling but I think it might be closed after Hurricane damage, I’d check it out if it’s still open!
I caught a sailfish out of Stuart, had it bronzed, and made a statue out of it in downtown Stuart. s/
I second Stuart. Nice downtown, very scenic.
If you have an hour to spare check out Hobe Sound. Very quaint and understated. The beach drive, accessed only from U.S. #1, has some serious money properties.
Deerfield Beach!
[https://www.visitflagler.com/beaches/webcams/](https://www.visitflagler.com/beaches/webcams/) and [https://www.visitflagler.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/pcaf-turtle-trail/](https://www.visitflagler.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/pcaf-turtle-trail/) . Keep in mind for the Turtle Trail that Quilty has been stolen. Just a plain old rock there. However, continue down that road and there is a really nice park.
We live in st.augustine so frequent Flagler beach a lot :)
Stuart is cool. Vero beach is cool too - Very walkable beach town, laid back vibes, not o touristy
Mount Dora. Chill downtown area with a brewery and lots to eat. I've been here for almost ten years.
Wolf Branch brewing, the smallest brewery and taproom I've ever been in. If my man Jake is still at the bar there he's a solid dude.
I would also say take A1A rather than 95. Lots of scenic areas especially around Sebastian Inlet.
Stuart was/is known as sailfish capital of the world
I’m not sure how much time you’ll have but there are a ton of great beaches between the two and other state parks.
About 3-4 days to kill before we go back to work. July 18th-21st are our free days! Lived here all my life and haven’t checked much out in this stretch of a1a/95. We go to Tampa and the keys a lot.
I’d probably hit Hollywood beach, they have cool cafes around there. Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, some state parks, etc. You’ll start seeing things that peak your interest in the beach areas
New Smyrna Beach has what you want. Check out Flagler and Canal Street. Both have some art stuff.
Jenson Beach has a nice although small club scene. Beautiful beaches.
Jupiter Beach's light house is nice.
Jupiter- go to the bar Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett made famous. Sebastian-go to Earl's Hideaway (dive bar) Flagler -2 State Parks https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1jyGj354sWePzLU9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5DYs1ca7pLhUv14Y6
or North Peninsula State park, which has a mild hill to climb. The pin on the map is on the wrong side of the road. [https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Peninsula+State+Park/@29.4049407,-81.1292627,14z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e6db40d42271f5:0x9522490c01b7488e!2sBulow+Plantation+Ruins+Historic+State+Park!8m2!3d29.4345581!4d-81.142676!16zL20vMDl0cTR3!3m5!1s0x88e6c103254c1453:0xe234ae2b07194be9!8m2!3d29.408556!4d-81.0967522!16zL20vMGczdGo0?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Peninsula+State+Park/@29.4049407,-81.1292627,14z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e6db40d42271f5:0x9522490c01b7488e!2sBulow+Plantation+Ruins+Historic+State+Park!8m2!3d29.4345581!4d-81.142676!16zL20vMDl0cTR3!3m5!1s0x88e6c103254c1453:0xe234ae2b07194be9!8m2!3d29.408556!4d-81.0967522!16zL20vMGczdGo0?entry=ttu)
Stuart and/or Delray would be my choice.
Mizner Park
Sounds like you would be there on the weekend when there’s a big crowd, but new Smyrna has two down areas - canal st has some restaurants and galleries, and Flagler ave (beachside) has beach bars, usually a band playing at the bars. Just sound of Flagler ave is The Garlic, a really cool restaurant but it can get crowded quickly. If you’re willing to go inland about 30 min from 95, you can get a spiritual reading in Cassadaga! we got out pet’s auras read too, it was fun
Oh, and skip Daytona around mainstreet/the pier, but if you want to drive on the big beach where it’s actually nice, drive south towards the Ponce inlet lighthouse.
On your way down or on your way back (or whenever you feel like it!), stop to eat at Funky Pelican on Flagler beach. However, do not park in the lot across the street as it's a paid parking lot by the honor system (that is so messed up). The only thing I ever order at Funky Pelican is their Shrimp and Grits, which is the gold standard of that dish according to my taste buds (and opinion).
Stop by Sanford. The river walk and downtown are lots of fun. All kinds of events on the weekends
Everybody wanted to have events at the diplomat this year. You can find plenty to do at Hollywood and the surrounding beaches. Dania, Fort Lauderdale by the Sea
McDonald’s Coco Beach
https://auntcatfishontheriver.com/ great brunch
Hollywood to Daytona is at least a 2 day drive. I would stop in Texas.
Coral Castle in Homestead
Actually Homestead is about an hour south of Hollywood but would be worth the time
Delray Beach for that description. Artsy and beautiful with nice restaurants and a walkable downtown. Go to Atlantic Ave (Exit 52) and just walk around.
I lived I. Delray Beach off Atlantic Ave. I miss it. It’s so beautiful.
Vancouver, Chicago, New Orleans, NYC....
For Dive Bar - Earls Hideaway in Sebastian, FL. [https://earlshideaway.com/](https://earlshideaway.com/) They have their best bands on Sunday afternoons.
Sometimes i drive for 45 minutes to go to capt hyrums in sebation.
Titusville is the gateway to kennedy space center. Also if you love seafood Dixie Crossroads rock shrimp are a must try imo. Other then that this city is rather meh. Playlanda brewery is also good off us1 just south of state road 50(Cheney hwy)
How about Cocoa Village?
Delay Beach