Florida Gulf Coast Archives

Spacious restaurant with colorful mosaic ceiling and woven wood decor. Tables are set with pink and white dishes. A well-stocked bar with shelves of bottles is in the background, with wooden chairs and decorative lights. Large windows offer an ocean view.

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Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design: A Key West Resort Renovation

If you’ve been waiting to hear the latest on Opal Key Resort & Marina’s renovated spaces – an upgraded arrival experience, expanded pool area, and exciting new restaurant concept – here’s what you need to know. Read More

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10 Best New Sarasota Restaurants to Visit in 2025

Whether you’re a local foodie or planning an upcoming visit, this insider’s guide reveals the most anticipated restaurants to open in Sarasota, Florida, including Opal’s own Ringside restaurant at Cirque St. Armands Beachside. Read More

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Opal Sol or Opal Sands? A Guide to Clearwater Beach’s New Resort Duo

Considering a stay at either Opal Sol or Opal Sands? Here are the essential things you should know about Opal Collection’s new "sol" mate properties – including what makes each resort unique, their shared resort amenities, and which one best suits your unique stay. Read More

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Stone Crab Season in Florida: What to Know & Where to Get It

Beloved for their delicate, sweet meat, Florida stone crabs dominate minds and menus from October to May. Here’s why they’re so sought after and the best places to get your claws on, well, these delicious claws. Read More

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5 Digital Detox Retreats Designed for Distancing

We live in a noisy world with so much content vying for our attention. If you’re looking to distance yourself with a digital detox retreat, we have five worthy – and diversly different – picks in Opal destinations. Read More

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Best Beaches in Florida: Why Delray Beach Was Voted Number One in 2024

Scenic, natural, and accessible – these are just a few of the reasons Delray Beach was deservedly awarded “Best Beach in Florida” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Read More

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10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape

Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet. Read More

Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

A serene beach scene unfolds in Clearwater, Florida, with a long pier extending into calm, blue waters. Sandy dunes with patches of grass grace the foreground. The clear sky holds a whisper of clouds near the horizon, while small structures dot this idyllic attraction on the pier.

Must-See Clearwater Florida Attractions You Never Knew About

Think you’ve experienced all of Clearwater Beach? This list of hidden gems might make you think again. Read More

A man in white attire walks along a wooden pier under a sign that reads Juno Beach Park Fishing Pier, Juno Beach, Florida.

Best Vacation Destinations in Florida

The quest for the best Florida vacation destinations is a common inquiry – and deeply researched topic – among our guests. So we did the legwork to deliver these curated selections tailored to various travel interests. Read More

A group of people participate in a cooking class led by Opal chefs.

Meetings & Events: What’s New Across Opal for 2025

With exciting expansions and a focus on creating memorable retreats, 2025 is the year to plan your transformative gathering at one of Opal’s 28 resorts and hotels. Read More

A scenic view of a sunset city skyline of Sarasota over water.

Top Things to Do in Sarasota January Through April

Up-close and personal with MLB stars, exclusive art tours, and an aquarium-based craft beer festival are just a few reasons to visit Sarasota, Florida, during these select winter and spring months. Read More

An aerial view of The Sound at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

An Insider’s Guide to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida

Since its opening in June 2023, Coachman Park has quickly become a centerpiece of Clearwater’s cultural and recreational scene. Here’s everything you need to know about getting there, staying up to date on the latest events, and insider tips for maximizing your visit. Read More

A father and daughter play in the gin-clear waters of Jupiter, Florida.

6 Best Crystal-Clear Water Beaches in Florida that Rival the Caribbean

You don’t need a passport to frolic in the blue waves identical to what you’d find in everyone’s favorite tropical sea. You just need these favorite Florida beaches. Read More

A little girl splashes in the water at Dubois Park in Jupiter, Florida.

6 Last Chances for Summer

Summer may be sneaking away, but it’s still the season of the sun until September 22. Send it out with a splash by indulging in one of these quintessential summer experiences in Opal resort and hotel destinations. Read More

Renderings of future Opal properties: Cirque St. Armands Beachside, Opal Sol, and Olde Naples Hotel.

3 New Gulf Coast Florida Resorts Coming to Opal

Prepare to pack your bags for the Gulf Coast of Florida. Because it’s soon to be the home of Opal’s three newest and – dare we say? – most novel properties. Read More

Florida’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Ways to Help & Proper Protocol to Follow

We sat down with research experts from two renowned Florida marine centers – Mote Marine Laboratory (on the Gulf Coast) and Loggerhead Marinelife Center (on the East Coast) – to talk turtles. Read More

Electric violinist Matt Dendy performs on the beach at Lido Beach Resort.

10 Best Live Music Venues in Sarasota, Florida

Matt Dendy knows a few things about the Sarasota music scene. Not only is he an acclaimed violinist – boasting a unique sound not typical for this stringed instrument – he's also a native who has played most major venues for an up-close and personal look at the best places to take in live tunes. Read More

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