Summer is time to hit the water and explore. Whether you’re sliding into the marina for the night at a hotel or docking your boat for a quick lunch, the list below outlined Florida’s top restaurants and hotels for boat lovers.
Hotels for Boat Lovers
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort (pictured)
Sail over to The Marker Key West Harbor Resort for a luxury resort experience hidden among the Florida Keys’ most notable attractions. Located along the Key West Harbor in the historic seaport district, the resort is seconds away from sunset sails and fishing charters, and steps from Old Town’s famous restaurants and bars, as well as Mallory Square and the nightly Sunset Celebration. All guest rooms at The Marker are adorned large with scenic balconies for guests to watch the sunset, soak in the social scene at the pool, or gaze at the boats in the Key West Harbor from the comfort of their guestroom.
Address: 200 William St, Key West, FL 33040
Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort
Located in Florida’s panhandle on the peninsula right between Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort is the perfect spot for those to dock their boats and enjoy a relaxing stay on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The Baytowne Marina is a full-service marina that holds vessels up to 140 feet all throughout the year, and dockers have exclusive access to golf cart rentals. Dock your boat and enjoy all the resort has to offer including ziplining, ropes courses, nature trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, golf, fishing, bonfires, bike riding, floating water park, wave runners and much more. For more information on the Marina
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Hotel Effie
Hotel Effie is located within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and is walking distance from The Village at Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. The Baytowne Marina, housing fishing boats and yachts, is within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Along with access to the marina, guests can enjoy the full complement of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities including more than seven miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Restaurants for Boat Lovers
Marina Bar & Grill
Overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Marina Bar and Grill is the ultimate place to dine with family and friends after docking your boat at The Baytowne Marina. For boat and fishing lovers, bring your freshly caught fish to the restaurant and they will grill, fry or blacken it to your liking. You Catch, We Cook! ($15pp) is served with french fries, homemade chips, or coleslaw. This awesome dockside hangout has a full bar with outdoor seating and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy your morning coffee as you watch boats dock at the marina, and come back for dinner to admire the sunset on the bay.
Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, United States
Casa Sensei
Enjoy waterfront dining at Casa Sensei for a delicious bite to eat located along the Las Olas waterfront on one of Fort Lauderdale’s many waterways. Sail over to the dockside restaurant and indulge in a seafood-heavy menu, in addition to a wide range of cocktails, wines by the glass/bottle, and beers. Locals and yachties alike can further bask in the nautical life by enjoying the Tuna Truffle Tartar ($18), Komodo Lobster ($25), Miso Marinated Sea Bass ($39) or one of the many sushi rolls. This unique location also allows diners the option to take their dinner down the river thanks to a partnership with Riverfront Gondola Tours. Guests can reserve a private dinner cruise on one of the three eco-friendly and electric-powered boats that seat up to six people. The 90-minute gondola ride offers views of stunning waterfront homes, tropical foliage and South Florida wildlife, including manatees, peacocks, iguanas, exotic birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
Address: 1200 E Las Olas Blvd #101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Ara Rooftop & Pool Lounge
Atop Hotel Effie is the Ara Rooftop & Pool Lounge, the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Enjoy a relaxing day on the rooftop with a luxury pool experience and watch the rooftop transform as you spend your night looking out at the jaw dropping panoramic views of The Village at Baytowne Wharf, which is walking distance from the rooftop. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, including The Ara ($18), which is half pina colada and half margarita, as well as meals from renowned chef Hugh Acheson, including a Lobster Roll ($28) and a Cheese Board ($38). Dock your boat and head on over to the rooftop where you can enjoy your day with a private cabana, or your night with a private table.
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach, FL,US 32550