Come to Florida, then Getaway!

In most southern states, horseback riding on the beaches is either uncommon or not allowed. An ideal activity for couples or families, the panoramic views experienced along these Atlantic coast tours create a perfect backdrop for those vacation photos.

The Kelly Seahorse Ranch
Amelia Island, Fl

The island's only working ranch is also the only state-endorsed horse ranch located on a Florida beach in the entire state. This one-hour guided tour takes visitors on a journey to experience the romanticism, beauty and sheer tranquility of an eco-tour by horseback.

All rides include a brief riding orientation and guides are readily available should participants need assistance during the ride. If you meet the necessary age (13 and over), the only additional requirement is that participants are in good physical condition to be able to mount and dismount the horse and to ride for five miles at a walk/trot.
Reservations are required.
For more information: (904) 491-5166

Freestyle Beach Horse Riding
Amelia Island, Fl

Take a personalized ride, with one to three additional riders, to explore the panoramic views offered on Amelia Island.

Debbie Manser is passionate about her horses and customizes each ride to the participant's ability, ensuring the safety of both the rider and the horse. Manser offers the opportunity to experience a freestyle ride on a Florida beach, English or Western saddle, and allows riders to trot and canter depending on their ability.

Reservations are necessary and most of Amelia Island's accommodation establishments are happy to make horseback riding arrangements on your behalf. The ride begins at Peters Point Beach Front Park on Fernandina Beach.
For more information: (904) 277-7047

Hutchinson Island
St. Lucie County, Fl

Hutchinson Island is another of the few places  that allows horses on a Florida beach and St. Lucie County's best-known asset is its spectacularly beautiful barrier islands, boasting 21 miles of bleached white Florida beaches edging a cobalt-blue ocean and lined with sabal palms.

The St. Lucie County's Parks and Recreation Department hosts horseback riding trips on the first, second and fourth Sunday of each month for visitors to experience the beautiful surroundings by horseback.

The 90-minute trips begin at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park on South Hutchinson Island. Five trips are available and riders must be at least 10 years old.
Reservations are required.
For more information: (772) 489-4386

Great Hide-A-Ways:

Every memorable vacation should have an extraordinary backdrop - and these destinations certainly offer visitors panoramic views! While exploring these locales, find the quixotic hidden nooks that make them so special. From candlelit restaurants to the secluded Florida beach fronts, visitors are encouraged to discover for themselves why these places are considered some of the best hide-a-way destinations!

South Florida
Key West
Get-your-Cheeseburger-In-Paradise-here!

Key West - The ardent sunsets, generous foliage and seemingly endless seas of Key West beckon to those seeking an island escape. Emerald-green lagoons, deep-blue seas, nodding palms, rustling pines and olive-green mangroves, dominate vistas of the Florida Keys. The city is embedded with historic gingerbread mansions and a laid-back casual ambiance - there is no "rush" in Key West.

Take in a sunset during the city's nightly sunset celebration, get lost in a "secret garden" or simply kick off your sandals and savor some alone time while staying at one of the area's many beachfront cottages or private villas. Dining in Key West offers rich diversity. Seafood is abundant, with couples enjoying melt-in-your mouth cuisine available at five-star ocean-edge eateries or casual beach front cafes.
For more information: 800-275-5397

Southeast Florida
Bal Harbour

Within minutes of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the ultra-chic, tropical community of Bal Harbour Village is an oasis of pampering, privilege and palm trees. A great spot for catching a glimpse of celebrities and jet-setters, it's common to see couples such as Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith or Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri strolling arm-in-arm along the area's perfectly manicured lawns.

Albeit small, the neighborhood of Bal Harbour is ideal if seclusion is important to you. Visitors can shop at the world-famous Bal Harbour Shops, featuring the "who's who" of the fashion industry, or they can dine on sumptuous fare served in the area's more than one dozen restaurants. For a home-away-from-home experience in Bal Harbour village, couples can choose from two oceanfront resorts, the Sheraton and the Sea View, both located beachfront.

Southwest Florida
Sanibel Island

Kick back. Relax. Fall asleep in a hammock to the rhythm of the Sanibel island breezes. Indulge in a sunset cocktail. Count the dolphins. Escape to a deserted island. Rent a kayak. Book a romantic dinner cruise. Browse charming boutiques and galleries. Walk on shell-covered Florida beaches. Sleep late. It doesn't get any better (or more romantic) than Sanibel.

Sanibel Island is secluded, secretive and emits a romantic atmosphere. Fall asleep on an uninhabited island, watch the sunrise, take a beach stroll, enjoy a wine-tasting tour or hold your lover's hand during a moonlit walk...
Anything is possible!

Accommodations range from beachfront cottages to resorts that cater to your every possible whim.
For more information: 800-237-6444

Southeast Florida
Palm Beach County
561-233-3000

All of the senses are engaged here; the wonderful aroma of night-blooming jasmine as couples stroll along the trendy avenue's of historic downtown, the full moon shining over the shimmering ocean, the silky tart taste of a citron martini, and the sound of the sea in your ears. Palm Beach County is the quintessential destination.

Highlighted by a variety of Florida attractions that few destinations can offer, Palm Beach County is home to world-class golf courses, cultural events that are second-to-none and the trendiest districts found in Florida.

Whether enjoying the unique shopping, a dazzling cabaret night show or the area's culinary delights, couples can find everything for every taste and budget to make their getaway spectacular.

Famous for its impressive roster of resorts, Palm Beach County offers visitors a wide selection of five-star oceanfront mansions, impressive boutique Florida hotels and quaint and romantic bed and breakfasts.

Central Florida
Lake County
352-429-3673

Lake County is as peaceful as a hammock in the breeze. It's a destination where vacationers come to relax, unwind and forget about deadlines and what's for dinner.

Known for its wide open spaces, the county's boundaries are home to more than 1,000 pristine lakes, conservation areas, Florida state parks, wildlife preserves and nature trails. It's simply a few quiet towns scattered among Florida's rolling hills. Lake County offers lots of hometown charm and service with a smile. Things here are still done the old-fashioned way.

The city of Mount Dora, with its New England charm, provides couples with the enjoyment of treasure hunting in antique-filled historic shops, savoring
a meal in one of the area's fine dining establishments, or enjoying a breathtaking view of Lake Dora together. The city remains as vibrant at night with poetry readings at coffee-houses, live music at local pubs and shows at art galleries.

Offering home-cooked meals, fresh flowers and nightly cocktails, many of the area's bed and breakfast inns are the perfect romantic getaway choice. Most of these inns do not have telephones or televisions, making them the perfect places for couples to be alone without distractions.