Whether you’re a snowbird heading to the Caribbean coast or a city in the Southern Hemisphere - where our winter is their summer - for a once-off escape or an annual migration, there are countless warm-weather options to choose from if you’re looking to escape the dark, gloomy winter days and considering moving to warmer climates to wait out the storm.
What snowbirds find most attractive when searching for a getaway is an intriguing, cozy escape from the depressing cold and freezing snow. As one yourself, you might be searching for regions with year-round sunshine, much like the climate Florida or Tijuana have to offer.
But one can never forget that the real joy and luxury of being a Snowbird is having the freedom to enjoy the best kind of travel experience, where you can take a long vacation somewhere interesting, appealing, and relaxing to break up the monotony and difficulty of your frigid-climate life.
Florida has long been a favorite destination for the traditional snowbird, and for good reason. The Sunshine State undoubtedly provides warmth, unending miles of beautiful sandy beaches, and a wide variety of golfing opportunities! After all, golfing is what most snowbirds are notoriously known for engaging in.
So we ask you this, is Florida on your list this year and you’re unsure where to stay or where to go? Let us clear the path for you by listing some of my favorite spots in Florida as a senior snowbird for the vacation of your dreams!
First, we have Navarre!
The beaches of Navarre are infamous for being both uncrowded and unspoiled. It is often a snowbird’s first destination when visiting the area. Head over, spread out on the sand while socially isolating to get your daily dosage of vitamin D from the sun, place your bare feet in the fine, white quartz sand, dive into the green waves and let the warm Gulf of Mexico waters wash your concerns away.
If you're looking for beach activities rather than just lying around, head over to the Navarre Pier, the prime location to fish while watching the sun come up. Not to mention the kaleidoscope of colors you get to glimpse at sunset.
And if you’re a food lover craving some fresh seafood, traditional Southern cooking and mouth-watering BBQ, there are more than enough places for you to test your palette. And much like any good foodie town, there's an abundance of American, Italian and Mexican restaurants, as well as bars and breweries!
And If you’re looking for more exciting pursuits, the Great Outdoors are right at your fingertips here in the Navarre Beach area! Snowbirds of all ages can partake in a multitude of activities from hiking and biking to horseback riding in the Blackwater River State Park. And don’t forget to take a leisurely float down the pristine Blackwater River, especially if you’re looking to better explore the scenery all whilst unwinding from the stress caused by daily life. In such a calm, beautiful setting, activities like tubing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming are even more enjoyable!
Next on our tour is Destin and Pensacola!
Because of its atmosphere and amenities, Destin receives the most visitors of any community along the Emerald Coast!
You may have heard Destin being referred to as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and there's a good reason as to why. The city of Destin has long been renowned for its prodigious fishing opportunities. The biggest fleet of charter fishing boats in the state is still based in Destin. So on your trip to the Emerald Coast, make sure to schedule some time to embark on a fishing charter. You'll have a blast and won't regret getting out on the water in the luckiest fishing community in the world.
As for the delicious and scrumptious dining, due to numerous stalwarts that have been drawing customers back for years, Destin also offers incoming snowbirds a variety of new, contemporary eateries opening up constantly. For instance, Dewey Destin's is a shanty on the lake that transports diners back in time to the appearance and atmosphere of the region in the 1800s. Such is the case with many Destin eateries that have a small-town vibe to them, which serves to remind both locals and tourists alike of Destin's past as a fishing community before it developed into a popular tourist destination over time!
As for Pensacola, you can quite literally feel the stresses of life wash away as you float lazily in its emerald-green waters along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Snowbirds will simply love the laid-back atmosphere the beach has to offer.
Come as you are and relish in Pensacola's famous signature drink, the Bushwacker - a delectable chocolatey frozen beverage - and hang out with the locals at beach bars and eateries. What better way to guarantee a stress free day at the most picturesque beach venue! With plenty of free parking, these picture-perfect beaches are easily accessible. Even better, you may leave the car at your vacation rental home - especially if you’re renting with STAYAWHILE™ - and ride Pensacola Bay Cruises' boat to better enjoy exploring the wonderful beach.
And if you’re a snowbird seeking out the most delicious coastal cuisine, this town is definitely your way to go, with its unique brand of flavors that draw on the city’s colonial roots and proximity to the teeming fisheries of the Gulf. Whether you prefer to eat with your toes in the sand and a grouper sandwich in hand, in an elegant waterfront restaurant with chef-crafted cuisine, in a trendy downtown diner, or somewhere in between, Pensacola is the place to satisfy all your cravings. This is mainly due to the region's rich history, thus you can find everything from French and Spanish flavors to southern Cajun cooking. The cuisine can be decidedly upscale depending on your preference, but the atmosphere is always unpretentious and welcoming.
And last but certainly not least there’s Bradenton and Sarasota!
We’ve saved the best for last. Bradenton beach is just a few steps away, part of a broken sand chain that stretches north and south.
To better fathom the layout of this area, two bridges south of Sarasota and Bradenton Beach take you to the world-famous soft, white sands of Siesta Key, where lodging is as colorful and unique as the locals. So “stay a while” and shop and dine as casually or as finely as you like.
Bradenton has long been a snowbird’s prime destination for those fleeing harsh winters. They’ll flock here in large numbers beginning in December and staying until mid-April. However, it is also an excellent location for a vacation or a quick getaway. This piece of heaven offers a diverse range of sights and activities. A trip here is well worth it because of the beaches, museums, natural areas, walking trails, and historical sites.
Snowbirds traveling here might mostly be attracted to Mote Aquarium, located at the northern end of Lido Key, which conducts vital research on sharks, manatees, and sea turtles, as well as their critical marine habitat. Tour the facility to see all types of sharks and manatees in huge aquariums, pet stingless sting rays, or go on a nature encounter cruise.
You can also travel towards Anna Maria Island’s north end, where you’ll find the Historic Green Village on Pine Avenue, which is one of the region's niftiest places to visit. It's the self-proclaimed "greenest little main street in America," generating its own power. It's stocked with shops, cafés, and other attractions, several of which are completely off the grid.
But don’t forget, the islands aren't the only part of the story. The mainland is quite enticing with a plethora of experiences and well-known brand-name restaurants, shops and such. Stroll along Bradenton's historic Old Main Street and the nearby Riverwalk, which offers kilometers of relaxing sightseeing as you meander along the beautiful Manatee River.
Now onto Sarasota. This mesmerizing area is best known for its distinctive islands and keys, which boast some of the best beaches and real estate in the country. Take Siesta Key Beach for example, the most well-known and popular in the area, due to its powdery white, cool, soft sand that is actually made up of 99% quartz! You can also visit Turtle Beach, Palmer Point Beach, or one of the many access points to Siesta Key Beach while on Siesta Key. Throughout this key, there are both public and private access points. Some of the entrances have parking, while others require walking. And if you’re a foodie snowbird, this amazing spot is your go to with endless options ranging from Italian to Mexican!
A tip from a fellow snowbird, if you’re looking for great accommodations at an even greater value, look no further than the wonderful vacation home rentals presented by STAYAWHILE™, as they cover all the aforementioned areas! You’ll find plenty of spacious beach homes just steps from the beach.
So we ask you this, what could be better than having the privacy and space you require in unique, memorable accommodations?