The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Florida
If you’re tired of hotel chains and want to get a real taste of life in the Sunshine State, why not opt for a family-run bed and breakfast? For centuries, Florida innkeepers have welcomed guests into their homes. From humble farmhouses to coastal inns, historic manors to luxurious mansions, Florida boasts boutique stays for every type of traveler. Read on for our pick of the best bed and breakfasts to book in Florida on Culture Trip.
Azaleana Manor, for picture-postcard views in Orange Park
Bed and Breakfast
Azaleana Manor sits on the bank of St Johns River in Orange Park, 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville. Its four-acre (1.6ha) plot is populated with azaleas, 100-year-old oak trees, and a 10,000sqft (929sqm) mansion and wedding venue with six suites, including a riverfront Groom’s Suite with carved marble fireplace. The manor includes a great room, bar, 1,000-book library and access to the adjacent sister property’s restaurant, pub and three swimming pools.
Port d'Hiver, for a romantic rendezvous in Melbourne Beach
Boutique Hotel
Located in the barrier island town of Melbourne Beach, just steps from the ocean, this historic, 12-room resort treats you to fresh flowers, robes and nightly turndown service. To spend your evenings in a two-person spa tub, book the 625sqft (58sqm) Carriage House Suite. The resort can arrange in-room massages and vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free breakfasts like eggs florentine and pear custard french toast, which you can enjoy on your private porch. Fresh-baked cookies will keep you going until evening, when wine and hors d’oeuvres are served in the courtyard under bougainvillea and allamanda.
Sweetwater Branch Inn, for a pet-friendly home away from home in Gainesville
Bed and Breakfast, Cottages
Located in downtown Gainesville, this Victorian-style inn has 12 suites, seven cottages, a saltwater pool, a koi pond and a putting green surrounded by the McKenzie Gardens. The property’s McKenzie House, built in 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check into Luisa’s Room to soak in the 6ft (1.8m) whirlpool tub before enjoying the books and games that fill the inn’s library. Stays here include daily breakfast and evening cheese and wine on the porch.
The Hibiscus House B&B, for old-school Florida living in Fort Myers
Bed and Breakfast
The only bed and breakfast in Fort Myers, Hibiscus House B&B is a five-minute walk from the center of town with its shops and restaurants. Built in 1923, the southwest Florida inn has five rooms, including the Bougainvillea, which features a BubbleMassage bathtub with 120 massaging air vents. As is tradition, you’ll be treated to a freshly cooked breakfast each morning. The husband-and-wife team behind this historic home can accommodate dietary restrictions and requests.
Black Dolphin Inn, for a luxury waterfront vacation in New Smyrna Beach
Hotel
With a tropical, midcentury-modern aesthetic, this inn perches beside the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach. Of the 14 rooms, opt for the Luxury Bay Front room for a soaking tub underneath a sky-lit cupola, or the Honeymoon Suite for the air-jetted soaking tub and wine chiller. This pet-friendly sanctuary, with views of the river and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, offers boat dockage, fishing from its private dock, and glimpses of dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.
Windemere Inn by the Sea, for a family- and pet-friendly beach vacation in Indialantic
Bed and Breakfast
This Caribbean-style oceanfront inn features 11 guest rooms and suites spread across its Main House and Carriage House – a two-bed, pet-friendly unit complete with living room, kitchen and sunroom. Located on a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Windemere Inn has a pool, Tesla charging station, airport shuttle and daily breakfasts like brie, asparagus and ham quiche with baked cheese grits. Don’t miss the complimentary, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and wine brownies.
Heron House, for an adults-only getaway in Key West
Bed and Breakfast
Surrounded by tropical gardens and orchids, the 24-room Heron House is one block from Duval Street. Rattan furniture, watercolors by Key West artists, and a porch or patio give each room a tropical feel. Relax by the pool or on the rooftop sundeck as you indulge in complimentary snacks, lemonade, cold face towels and evening happy hour. Don’t miss the garden, featuring more than 1,000 exotic plants. This B&B has an attentive staff that speaks English and German and offers concierge services.
Rock Pointe Ranch, for horse-lovers in Floral City
Resort, Hotel
Located in Floral City in the northwest of the state, this ranch is a slice of “old Florida.” On a farm populated with oak trees and Gypsy Vanner horses, the three-room ranch offers a respite for horse-lovers. As well as admiring the foals, you can take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool with pasture views, and enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast of eggs, bacon, cereals, yogurt, fruit and sweets like crepes, waffles and french toast.
Dolan House B&B, for Southern hospitality in Brooksville
Bed and Breakfast, Hotel
Built in 1895, Dolan House is a two-room bed and breakfast located in southwest Florida, one hour north of Tampa and one hour west of Orlando. The two-story yellow clapboard home is nestled among oak trees and Spanish moss on Florida’s adventure coast. Step back in time as you soak in the Snow Room’s claw-foot tub, or enjoy the Florida sunshine on the peaceful balcony of the Ederington Room.
Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast, for an antiquing adventure in Micanopy
Bed and Breakfast
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this rural north-central Florida mansion was originally a “cracker-style” pine farmhouse. Surrounded by oaks, magnolias, palm trees and gardens of azaleas, camellias and roses, the Greek Revival-style inn was built in 1945 and has 10 rooms and two cottages. Featuring everything from antique brass beds to claw-foot baths and two-person whirlpool tubs, each room is well appointed. Wake up to a three-course breakfast followed by home-baked cookies and evening wine in the antiques capital of Florida.