In a quiet corner of the largest island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll find Tarpon Lodge. Dating back to 1926, this old-school fishing lodge, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has seen several transformations over the decades, but today it’s back to its roots and better than ever.

If you’re craving fresh seafood and Old Florida charm, make your way to Cortez Historic Fishing Village, about an hour south of Tampa and minutes from Anna Maria Island. It’s home to some seriously good eats! Here are three places you shouldn’t miss.

Step inside one of Florida’s most storied stays. From its beginnings as a 19th-century general store to its transformation into a beloved hotel, this coastal icon has seen it all — fires, hurricanes, and decades of change. I’m taking you inside Jimmy Buffett’s favorite room, to the dining room where a legendary salad still lives on, and through the halls of the Island Hotel, which continues to charm travelers more than 160 years after it was built.

On the shores of Jacksonville Beach, Casa Marina Hotel has been a coastal landmark since 1925. With its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and rich history, this intimate boutique hotel continues to welcome guests looking for a relaxing beachfront retreat.

South of beautiful Boca Grande and north of the iconic sandy shores of Sanibel and Captiva, is Cabbage Key, a hidden slice of Old Florida that has been delighting guests for decades. While boaters frequent this 100-acre island, many travelers have yet to discover its charm. I’ll show you why a stop on this island, that feels like a step back in time, must be on your 2025 Florida travel list.  

Valentine’s Day is here, and if you still don’t have a date night planned, don’t panic! From rooftop cocktails to scenic sunset spots, here are some of the best last-minute date night ideas to impress your special someone—no reservation needed! (As seen on Great Day Live!)