There’s a certain magic that happens when my family gets near the water. I see it in my kids’ eyes—that mix of wonder and excitement as they watch the waves, and I feel it myself. It’s a feeling of coming home, of connecting with something vast and beautiful. For me, travel has always been about collecting moments, not things, and there’s no better place to create those lasting memories than along the coastline, with the sun on your face and the endless ocean stretching out before you.
I absolutely love sharing the places that have given my family and me so much joy, and today, I’m excited to tell you about some truly wonderful coastal destinations. These are spots where you can do more than just visit; you can truly dive in, explore the world beneath the waves, and discover a new sense of adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of the warm, turquoise waters of the Florida Keys or the golden sunshine of the California coast, it’s time to get out on the water and make a splash!
The Turquoise Dream: Islamorada and Amara Cay Resort
There is no place on Earth quite like the Florida Keys. It’s a string of islands connected by a single, magical highway, suspended between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The vibe here is different—slower, sunnier, and centered around the water. And right in the heart of this paradise, you’ll find the incredible Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada.
From the moment you arrive, you know you’re somewhere special. It’s what I like to call “barefoot elegance.” The resort is chic and beautifully designed, but in a way that makes you feel instantly relaxed and at ease. Swaying palm trees, a pristine white-sand beach, and sparkling oceanfront pools create a picture-perfect setting. My first thought upon seeing it was, “We could stay here forever.”
But the real adventure begins when you look out at that shimmering turquoise water. Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” but its underwater world is just as spectacular. One of the absolute must-do experiences is exploring the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. The team at Amara Cay Resort makes it so easy to get out there. You can grab snorkel gear, kayaks, or paddleboards right from their dock and explore the calm, clear waters just offshore. We spent a whole morning paddling around, pointing out fish to each other—it was simple, pure fun.
For a deeper dive, you absolutely have to book a trip out to Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Seeing that historic structure rising out of the ocean is a sight in itself, but the world beneath is breathtaking. You’ll be swimming among schools of vibrant parrotfish, angelfish, and maybe even a gentle sea turtle. It’s like being immersed in a real-life aquarium, and it’s an experience that leaves you with a profound appreciation for our oceans.
Of course, you can’t be in the Sportfishing Capital without trying your hand at fishing! The resort can connect you with some of the best local charters. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being out on the open water, the salt spray in the air, waiting for that tug on the line. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time with the family, a day of fishing is a quintessential Keys memory.
After a day of adventure, there’s no better place to unwind than back at the resort. You can lounge by one of the pools or, my personal favorite, claim a hammock between two palm trees. We absolutely loved grabbing a late afternoon snack from the ReelCatch Tiki Bar—you have to try the Crispy Grouper Bites with their key lime aioli! Paired with a classic Rum Runner, it’s the perfect treat while you just sit and watch the boats go by. For dinner, ReelCatch restaurant is fantastic, serving up the most delicious, locally sourced seafood. I still dream about the Pan-Seared Hogfish with citrus butter sauce—it was so light and flavorful. My husband ordered the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos and couldn’t stop talking about them! Enjoying fresh-caught fish with a view of the ocean it came from is truly the perfect end to a perfect day.
California Dreaming: An Island Oasis at Paradise Point Resort & Spa
On the other side of the country, a completely different—but equally amazing—coastal adventure awaits in sunny San Diego. I’ve always loved the energy of Southern California, and I was so excited to discover a place that feels like a secluded tropical hideaway right in the middle of it all: Paradise Point Resort & Spa.
This place is truly unique. It’s a 44-acre private island nestled in the calm waters of Mission Bay. When you cross the bridge onto the island, you leave the hustle and bustle behind and enter a world of lush tropical gardens, winding lagoons, and charming, bungalow-style guestrooms. It’s a self-contained paradise, and honestly, you could have a fantastic vacation without ever leaving the island.
The heart of the resort is its full-service marina, which is a playground for anyone who loves the water. The calm, protected waters of Mission Bay are perfect for learning something new. Have you ever wanted to try sailing? You can rent a small sailboat and learn the ropes together. The kids and I had a blast trying to master stand-up paddleboarding—there were a few wobbly moments and a lot of laughter! You can also rent kayaks, speedboats for a thrilling ride, or jet skis to zip across the bay. The possibilities are endless.
One of my favorite things about Paradise Point Resort & Spa is its mile of sandy beach. It’s the perfect spot for families. The water is gentle, ideal for swimming and splashing around. We spent hours building elaborate sandcastles and just enjoying the sunshine. As evening approaches, you can gather around one of the beachside fire pits. Roasting s’mores with the lights of the city twinkling across the bay is one of those core memories my family will talk about for years.
While the bay offers endless fun, you’re also just minutes from San Diego’s famous ocean beaches. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf, this is your chance! A short trip to Pacific Beach or Mission Beach will connect you with fantastic surf schools that can get the whole family up on a board. Riding a wave for the first time is a feeling of pure exhilaration!
Back on the island, the fun continues. The resort has five different pools, including an adults-only retreat and a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls that the kids will love. There’s also an 18-hole putting course, tennis courts, and bicycles for exploring the island’s scenic paths. And for a little bit of pampering, The Spa at Paradise Point offers incredible treatments inspired by island rituals from around the world. I treated myself to their signature Balinese Massage, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. The combination of gentle stretches and fragrant aromatherapy oils felt so authentic and made me feel like I had been completely transported to a state of pure bliss.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. We loved the casual, toes-in-the-sand vibe of the Barefoot Bar & Grill for lunch—you absolutely have to try their famous Wahoo Fish Tacos, they are unbelievably fresh! For dinner, Tidal, with its stunning bay views and sophisticated coastal cuisine, felt like a special occasion. I still dream about the Pan-Seared Scallops I had; they were served with a creamy risotto and were cooked to absolute perfection. It’s the kind of memorable meal that makes a vacation feel truly special.
A Touch of Coastal Elegance: L’Auberge Del Mar
If your vision of a California coastal getaway is a bit more intimate and luxurious, then you will fall in love with L’Auberge Del Mar. Located in the absolutely charming seaside village of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, this resort feels like a private, elegant coastal estate. It’s perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and the views are simply breathtaking.
The resort’s design is light, airy, and sophisticated, perfectly capturing the spirit of its location. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re greeted with stunning ocean vistas. The real magic, though, is the private, landscaped path that leads you directly down to the wide, golden sands of Del Mar Beach. The hotel’s Beach Valet service is such a thoughtful touch—they’ll set you up with chairs, umbrellas, and towels, so all you have to do is relax.
A day here can be as active or as laid-back as you wish. Del Mar is a fantastic surf spot, and it’s so much fun to just sit and watch the local surfers gracefully ride the waves. Or, better yet, take a lesson and join them! Long walks on the beach are a must, especially at sunset when the sky puts on an incredible show.
Back at the resort, the ocean-view pool is the perfect place to unwind with a good book. And you simply must treat yourself to a visit to Spa L’Auberge. Their treatments, which incorporate the healing elements of the ocean, are the ultimate in relaxation.
In the evening, explore the delightful village of Del Mar with its unique boutiques and galleries. Then, return for an unforgettable dinner at Adelaide, the resort’s signature restaurant. Dining on the terrace as the sun dips below the horizon is an experience that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. For a refined, romantic, or simply serene coastal escape, L’Auberge Del Mar is a true gem. And the dining there is an essential part of the experience. We loved to start our evenings watching the sunset from their restaurant, Adelaide. You absolutely must try the Pacifico Striped Bass if it’s on the menu; it was so fresh and perfectly prepared. For something truly decadent, the Brandt Beef Ribeye is also an incredible choice for a special, memorable meal.
The Heartbeat of the Keys: Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Let’s journey back to the Florida Keys, but this time to its vibrant, eclectic, and wonderfully energetic final stop: Key West. If you want to be in the middle of it all while still enjoying a luxurious waterfront escape, then Ocean Key Resort & Spa is the place for you. Its location is unbeatable—literally at Zero Duval Street, overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico.
The resort embodies the spirit of Key West: it’s colorful, lively, and full of character. You step out of the hotel and you’re at the nexus of the historic harbor and the famous Duval Street, with the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square right next door. Yet, once you’re inside, lounging by the incredible pool that seems to melt into the sea, you feel like you’re in your own private oasis.
This is a place to embrace every kind of water adventure imaginable. Right from the resort, you can connect with Fury Water Adventures to plan your day. How about a jet ski tour around the island, feeling the wind in your hair as you explore the mangrove channels? Or maybe you’d prefer to soar high above the water on a parasailing trip, getting a bird’s-eye view of this beautiful island.
A trip to the reef for snorkeling is a Key West classic. Hopping on a spacious catamaran, sailing out into the blue, and then jumping into that warm, clear water is something everyone should experience. The marine life is spectacular, and it’s a wonderful way to spend a day.
But perhaps the most iconic water-based activity at Ocean Key Resort & Spa is simply celebrating the sunset. Their exclusive Sunset Pier is legendary. You can grab a drink, find a spot along the pier, listen to fantastic live music, and watch one of the most famous sunsets in the world. It’s a daily ritual here, and it’s absolutely magical.
After a day of sun and sea, SpaTerre offers Balinese-inspired treatments that will leave you feeling completely renewed. And for dinner, Hot Tin Roof restaurant serves up incredible “Floribbean” cuisine in a setting that is both romantic and quintessentially Key West, with panoramic views of the harbor.
Your Adventure Awaits
From the gentle sway of a paddleboard in a calm bay to the thrill of discovering a vibrant coral reef, our coasts are calling. They offer a place to play, to explore, to relax, and most importantly, a place to connect with each other. These are the trips that become the stories we tell for years, the memories that our children will cherish. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your next coastal adventure and dive right in.
