Florida Gulf Coast Archives - Page 2 of 28

A holiday-themed cocktail part of Opal's seasonal cocktail program.

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6 Top Holiday Cocktails To Ring in 2025

These holiday cocktails – part of Opal’s specialty holiday cocktail program – aren’t just complex symphonies of flavor, they’re liquid works of art. And we’ve got the recipes for you to recreate during your own holiday festivities. 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 couple strolls to the edge of the dock at Lake Placid Lodge at sunset.

Romantic Getaways That Will Sweep You off Your Feet

If you’re looking for romantic getaways in the United States, we got five worthy – and diversly different – picks in Opal East Coast destinations, just for the two of you. Read More

The main entrance leading into the 20 different art spaces of Fairgrounds St. Pete.

FloridaRAMA: An Artist’s Surreal Salute to the State of Florida

When it comes to art created in the age of Instagram, the recipe for success is that it must be immersive and interactive in order to be indelible. Fairgrounds St. Pete takes that formula one step further by throwing in a heaping helping of technology to create a wander-worthy wonderland that is a hat tip to the state of Florida. Read More

Fairgrounds St. Pete, The Ringling Museum of Art, and Sea Love candle-making boutique

Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day Across Opal Destinations

As beautiful as the weather is across Opal destinations, rain ultimately happens. That said, you don’t have to let the drops that descend put a damper on your vacation. We highlight top rainy-day activities to dive into. Read More

10 Can’t-Miss Seafood Dishes Across Opal Destinations

Seafood lovers, rejoice! From simple-but-sublime lobster rolls in Maine to yuzu-glazed yellowtail snapper in Key West, we’ve rounded up dishes that make the most of these ocean-dwellers for a culinary-inspired vacation you won’t soon forget. Read More

Why Sandpearl Resort is the Perfect Green Getaway

Clearwater’s exclusive Sandpearl Resort is the perfect combination of luxury and eco-friendly. Here’s why the resort’s initiatives, from a geothermally heated pool to ozone-assisted laundry, make it the perfect green getaway. Read More

A beachside bar with a thatched roof is shown at sunset. Patrons sit around the circular bar, and tall palm trees surround the area. The Sandbar sign is visible on the building.

The Story Behind The Best Bloody Mary in Clearwater Beach

With juice made from imported San Marzano tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, freshly grated horseradish, and Celtic sea salt, the Beachside Mary is one of Sandbar’s most-ordered house specialties. Read More

Aerial view of a narrow, curved island with sandy shores and sparse vegetation. The island is surrounded by turquoise waters, with a larger landmass visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

7 Ways to Explore Caladesi Island State Park

Just a quick boat ride from the Sandpearl Resort, Caladesi Island State Park is a hidden gem along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here’s everything you need to know for an amazing day trip to this beautiful, secluded paradise. Read More

Two women in light dresses stand on a lawn in front of a large, elegant building with a wide staircase and white wooden details. They appear to be holding bocce balls, suggesting they are playing or about to play the game.

6 Activities Your Wedding Guests Will Love at Belleview Inn

A destination wedding is about more than just the ceremony. Here’s a look at why the Belleview Inn is the perfect choice for not just your ceremony, but for a trip you (and your guests) will never forget. Read More

A beach scene with gentle waves under a cloudy sky. Blue beach umbrellas and chairs are arranged on the sand. Lush greenery and swaying palm trees line the pathway to the shore, creating a tropical ambiance.

Morning Glory: 12 Best Ways To Start Your Day

Start your day off right, and the rest of it will fall into place. Luckily, Opal hotels boast a myriad of top-notch early-morning experiences sure to get you out your hotel room quickly. From standout breakfasts to scenic yoga sessions, here are the best things to do before the clock strikes 12 (p.m.). Read More

The Hotel Today: Part 2

Simultaneously, while Belleview Inn’s restoration was being done, master Florida artist Christopher Still was conducting his own elaborate history project to create these commissioned works for the hotel. Read More

Blog articles from Clearwater

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