{"id":4854,"date":"2025-08-05T16:30:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T16:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelwithdani.org\/bookings\/this-stunning-florida-hideaway-has-a-beachside-castle-no-crowds\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T16:30:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T16:30:13","slug":"this-stunning-florida-hideaway-has-a-beachside-castle-no-crowds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelwithdani.org\/bookings\/this-stunning-florida-hideaway-has-a-beachside-castle-no-crowds\/","title":{"rendered":"This Stunning Florida Hideaway Has A Beachside Castle & No Crowds"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Discovering one thing new in America’s oldest metropolis looks as if a tall job, however what about one in every of Florida’s undiscovered seaside cities, a stone’s throw away?<\/p>\n

St. Augustine falls to the wayside for a lot of Florida<\/a> guests, with that one amusement park with smiling large rodents and Miami’s vibrant nightlife attracting partygoers like moths to a flame.<\/p>\n

\"Vilano\"Vilano<\/a><\/figure>\n

After all, there are quite a few different hotspots too for seaside holidays, comparable to\u00a0Destin<\/a>\u00a0and Panama Metropolis, however hardly ever do you hear a peep about Vilano Seaside, a spot that immediately makes you do Italian fingers \ud83e\udd0csimply by saying it (you understand you probably did!).<\/span><\/p>\n

Nope \u2014 the stress-free city of\u00a0Vilano Beach<\/a>\u00a0just isn’t in Italy, however simply exterior St. Augustine and boasts a glowing mixture of white and coquina-sand shores alongside vivid blue water with far fewer crowds than any notable Florida getaway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, and an superior fortress. What different U.S. seaside city can declare that?!<\/p>\n

One thing New In \u201cOutdated Florida\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I have been to Florida quite a few occasions and have but to find what’s usually described by locals as \u201cOutdated Florida\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Vilano\"Vilano<\/a><\/figure>\n

Apparently, I have been doing it improper by hitting up the cluster of Southwest Florida’s well-known paradises, together with Orlando’s world-renowned points of interest, and Miami’s ritz and glitz.<\/p>\n

That is the place Vilano Seaside is available in, capturing the essence of Outdated Florida and never simply because it neighbors America’s oldest metropolis.<\/p>\n

We’re speaking retro motels and traditional seaside cottages, small city appeal, and laid-back beachy bars the place everybody will know your identify.<\/p>\n

How Vilano Seaside has slipped via the cracks this lengthy is anybody’s guess.<\/p>\n

If I take a crack at it, I might say that individuals change into so mesmerized by the timeless heritage of St. Augustine that they do not make it far sufficient exterior the town limits.<\/p>\n

\"Beach\"Beach<\/a><\/figure>\n

These within the know completely like it, although! One latest summer season beachgoer claimed it is their’ favourite seaside in St. Augustine’ as a result of clear water, huge surf, and ease of entry being only a 10-minute drive from the town.<\/p>\n

A Florida Unicorn: Pristine Seaside City With No Crowds<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It appears Florida’s choice of hidden gems shrinks 12 months after 12 months. Each time we at Travel Off Path<\/a> really feel we have coated all of them, extra proceed to pop up.<\/p>\n

Vilano Seaside is a rarity. Though there are undoubtedly some lesser-known shores to sprawl out on, Florida’s iconic shores, not many have prime actual property like that of Vilano.<\/p>\n

\"White\"White<\/a><\/figure>\n

Being so near a significant Florida vacation spot makes visiting right here a no brainer. Whereas it is completely appropriate to chill and loosen up, you’ll discover an honest quantity of surfers as a result of heavy drop-offs creating larger waves.<\/p>\n

And surfers will not you your solely firm. Vilano Seaside is understood for wildlife recognizing and fishing (should you can snatch them earlier than the pelicans do)<\/p>\n

Most notably, guests rave about dolphin sightings. Locals do too and convey their visitors to the Vilano Seaside Pie to identify them, or you’ll be able to guide a sightseeing tour with Red Boat Tours<\/a> to extend your odds.<\/p>\n

\"Beach\"Beach<\/a><\/figure>\n

You may discover some seashores extra postcard-worthy than others. A lot of Vilano’s shores are lined with crushed shells, so correct footwear is a should until you wanna really feel like I do once I stepped on my nephew’s Legos (not really useful).<\/p>\n

Although, there have been sand re-nourishment projects<\/a> supplied by the federal government to forestall such experiences and supply prettier aesthetics.<\/p>\n

Citadel Otttis: Florida’s Unsuspecting Seaside Shock<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the off probability you are in the course of placing ending touches on a visit to Eire, perhaps put these on maintain for now and fulfill your fairytale goals by paying a go to to what’s fairly probably Florida’s most underrated attraction.<\/p>\n

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Overshadowed by St. Augustine’s European vibes, Citadel Otttis (sure, with 3 T’s) would not get the eye it deserves.<\/p>\n

The few who’ve discovered it rave about it, although. Whereas it claims to not be a correct fortress, preferring to be wrangled into the artwork world as a \u2018landscape-sculpture’, it definitely passes the attention check as a bona fide fortress in my guide.<\/p>\n

Although their very old-school\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0claims it is an \u2018impression of an Irish fortress’ \u2014 honest sufficient, I suppose.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mastermind behind the venture is Ottis Sadler, who should’ve pitied the idiot sooner or later and added an additional T to his identify.<\/p>\n

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The venture was meticulously constructed over a 4-year interval as an ode to Jesus Christ, with a 1,000-year-old Irish abbey-style inside and complicated woodwork, making for very good photo-ops.<\/p>\n

Mr. Sadler has since handed away, however his spirit lives on via his masterful work, because the fortress continues to be family-owned and open for excursions and weddings. One latest visitors from July claimed, \u201cThere are 3 ranges should you depend the rooftop, the place you will note beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Including, \u201cThis can be a fortress primarily based on 1000 12 months outdated Irish castles. The tour is free however donations shall be enormously appreciated. A should see if you’re in St. Augustine. It’s a magical expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sam Sears<\/a><\/p>\n

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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