From luxurious beachfront resorts to historic island escapes, these premier destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm. If you’re seeking a serene retreat on the shores of San Diego Bay at Kona Kai San Diego Resort, indulging in Gilded Age elegance at Jekyll Island Club Resort, or embracing oceanfront luxury at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, each property provides a unique and memorable experience. Travelers can unwind in world-class accommodations, enjoy exceptional dining, and partake in curated activities, from snorkeling in Mission Bay to sailing the waters of the Florida Keys.
Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Kona Kai San Diego Resort, nestled on the tip of Shelter Island, offers a luxurious waterfront escape with panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Accommodations blend coastal charm with modern amenities, with select rooms offering private patios, soaking tubs, and fireplaces. Guests can unwind at the adults-only Paloma Pool & Bar or enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at the Tiki Bar, both overlooking the marina. For rejuvenation, SpaTerre offers customized wellness treatments, while the resort’s fitness center and wellness programs provide additional opportunities for relaxation and renewal.
Action Sport Rentals, located on-site, offers equipment for jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, allowing guests to explore the bay at their own pace. Those looking for a more immersive experience can embark on a sailing excursion with Stars & Stripes for a thrilling day on the open water. The resort’s marina also offers opportunities for fishing or booking a deep-sea charter to experience San Diego’s legendary sportfishing scene.
Explore marine life with Marine Bio 101: Snorkel in Mission Bay or embark on the Sunset Cliffs “Gaia’s Gate” Cave Tour for a guided hike through coastal caves. For a more leisurely experience, the San Diego Bay Private Tour offers a scenic boat ride past iconic landmarks, while the San Diego Sunset Bay Cruise provides spectacular views as the sun sets over the bay. For thrill-seekers, the Intro to Rock Climbing provides expert instruction for beginners, and the Ticketed Harbor Cruise offers a guided tour of San Diego’s waterfront highlights.
Some of San Diego’s top attractions are within easy reach. A visit to Old Town San Diego provides a deep dive into the city’s past, with preserved historic sites, vibrant Mexican cuisine, and lively shopping. Nearby, guests can visit Eppig Brewing’s Waterfront Biergarten on Shelter Island, offering scenic views and a curated Kona Kai flight of local beers.
Balboa Park, located approximately 8.5 miles from the resort, is a 1,200-acre cultural hub featuring museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. For history enthusiasts, the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma offers hiking, tidepooling, and panoramic views of San Diego. Families can also explore LEGOLAND® California Resort, which offers over 50 rides, shows, and attractions suitable for all ages.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
Jekyll Island Club Resort offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities on Georgia’s picturesque coastline. The resort offers three distinct lodging experiences, each catering to different styles of travel. The Jekyll Island Club provides a historic stay in the island’s iconic Clubhouse and surrounding cottages, reflecting its Gilded Age heritage. For a modern oceanfront retreat, the Jekyll Ocean Club offers spacious suites with private balconies or patios, providing stunning views of the Atlantic. Those seeking a more private and secluded getaway can stay in the Island Cottages, charming historic homes nestled among ancient oaks.
The historic Grand Dining Room serves breakfast and a renowned Sunday brunch in a Victorian-era setting, while Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar showcases coastal Georgia cuisine with wood-fired specialties. For a lively, over-water experience, The Wharf offers Southern-inspired dishes, live music, and sunset views on the historic Jekyll Pier. Guests seeking casual fare can grab fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries at The Pantry or enjoy poolside dining at The Pool House. The Beach Pavilion provides oceanfront cocktails and light bites, while The Bar & Alexander Lounge serves craft cocktails in a setting reminiscent of The Legend of Bagger Vance.
The resort features two pools: the Island Club Pool near the river’s edge and the Ocean Club Pool with beachfront views, both offering food and beverage service. Guests can enjoy complimentary beach chair and umbrella rentals at the Ocean Club’s private beach pavilion. For those looking to explore the waters, the island offers charter fishing, dolphin-watching tours, and sunset cruises.
Nature enthusiasts can explore Driftwood Beach, known for its striking weathered trees and scenic coastal views, perfect for photography and leisurely walks. The Jekyll Island Historic District offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Visitors can explore the Jekyll Island Museum, housed in the historic Horton House. Guided trolley tours provide an overview of the district’s history and architecture, while walking tours allow for a more in-depth exploration of specific sites and stories. For a hands-on wildlife experience, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides interactive exhibits and rehabilitation programs dedicated to sea turtle conservation.
Pelican Grand Beach
Pelican Grand Beach Resort offers a luxurious oceanfront experience in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where guests can relax on the private beach with complimentary chairs and umbrellas, or enjoy the zero-entry oceanfront pool and lazy river. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, indulgent treatments at PURE Spa, and concierge services to enhance every stay. Accommodations feature oceanfront suites with private balconies, providing gorgeous views of the Atlantic.
On-site dining features coastal cuisine at OCEAN2000, offering a refined dining experience with Atlantic Ocean views. The menu showcases regionally influenced cuisine, blending local ingredients with a touch of Latin spice. Guests can enjoy oceanfront dining from the elegant, multi-tiered dining room or the verandah, where the sea breeze enhances every bite.
The adjacent O2K Lounge provides a relaxed setting with tapas-style fare, handcrafted cocktails, and live music from Wednesday through Sunday. A highlight is the Sunday Champagne Oceanfront Brunch, twice awarded “Best Brunch in Broward County,” making OCEAN2000 a must-visit destination for exquisite beachfront dining. The Emporium is a charming, old-fashioned ice cream parlor reminiscent of the 1950s. Open daily, it offers a wide array of ice cream flavors, including their signature Orange DREAMsicle Gelato—a delightful blend of creamy vanilla gelato, zesty orange sorbet, and savory chocolate pieces.
Water enthusiasts at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort have a plethora of activities to choose from. The resort offers on-site paddleboard rentals, allowing guests to explore the Atlantic waters at their own pace. For families, the Funky Fish Ocean Camp provides an award-winning children’s program where marine biologists teach snorkeling, boogie boarding, and skimboarding right on the resort’s beachfront. Additionally, the resort’s concierge can arrange off-site adventures such as SEABOB snorkel reef tours, offering a unique way to experience the vibrant marine life just beyond the shoreline. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort caters to all your oceanic desires.
Beyond the resort, Fort Lauderdale boasts numerous attractions. Nature lovers can explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, located approximately one mile south, offering hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. For shopping and dining, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale provides an upscale retail experience with a variety of restaurants and luxury boutiques. Cultural enthusiasts can visit the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and special events. Whether venturing into the city or enjoying the resort’s beachfront bliss, Pelican Grand Beach Resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel
The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, located in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a luxurious oceanfront retreat recognized for its exceptional service and amenities. The hotel offers 54 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean or landscaped dune gardens.
Located within, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel Spa offers a serene retreat with personalized massages, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, and Couple’s treatments, enhanced by OSEA’s vegan, seaweed-based products. Exclusively available to hotel guests and residents, the spa provides a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Adjacent to the spa, the ocean-view fitness center features a yoga room, a meditation terrace, and complimentary yoga classes, creating a holistic wellness experience.
On-site dining includes a restaurant and bar/lounge, offering a variety of culinary delights. At the heart of the resort, The Drawing Room seemingly floats atop a tranquil reflection pool, creating an airy, light-filled retreat. This versatile space serves as a bar, music lounge, and all-day gathering spot just steps from the pool terrace. Bathed in sunlight by day and elegantly illuminated by night, it blends striking design with a dynamic lineup of art, culture, and entertainment for guests to enjoy.
The Asbury Park Boardwalk, located just steps away, offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. For a unique experience, guests can visit the nearby Silverball Retro Arcade, which features a collection of vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games. Additionally, the hotel’s concierge can assist in arranging activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing excursions, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the coastal lifestyle.
Enhance your beachside getaway with the Pedal and Picnic package, featuring a scenic bike ride along Asbury Park’s coastline with premium bike rentals for two. After exploring, unwind with a curated gourmet picnic, complete with artisanal treats and refreshing beverages, perfect for a memorable afternoon by the shore.
Beyond the beach, Asbury Park offers a vibrant array of attractions. Music enthusiasts can explore the iconic Stone Pony, a renowned music venue known for its rich history and live performances. Art lovers may visit the Parlor Gallery, showcasing contemporary works from various artists. The Asbury Park Convention Hall hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year. With its prime location, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse attractions of Asbury Park.
Banyan Harbor Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort offers a comfortable and convenient retreat on Kauai’s southeastern shore, just minutes from the stunning Kalapaki Beach. This resort features spacious, condo-style accommodations complete with full kitchens and private lanais, making it ideal for extended stays and family vacations. Guests can enjoy a heated saltwater pool overlooking the scenic Kalapaki Bay, providing guests with a relaxing environment to unwind while enjoying ocean views. The pool area is equipped with amenities such as poolside BBQ grills and picnic tables, tennis and pickleball courts.
For those eager to explore the ocean, Kalapaki Beach offers excellent opportunities for paddleboarding and surfing lessons, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Nawiliwili Harbor provides access to scenic sailing excursions and sunset cruises along the coast. Adventurous travelers can embark on a kayaking tour along the Huleia River, winding through Kauai’s lush landscapes, or snorkel in the vibrant waters of Poipu Beach to explore the island’s rich marine life.
Beyond the shoreline, Kauai offers an array of attractions just a short drive from the resort. The Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” boasts breathtaking hiking trails and panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain. Visitors can also experience the Napali Coast, known for its dramatic sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls, by booking a boat or helicopter tour.
For a cultural experience, the Smith Family Garden Luau offers an authentic Hawaiian evening filled with traditional music, dance, and island cuisine. Whether relaxing by the beach, exploring Kauai’s waters, or discovering the island’s natural wonders, Banyan Harbor Resort provides the perfect base for an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway.
Whether you’re drawn to the historic elegance of Jekyll Island Club Resort, the vibrant energy of Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, or the oceanfront serenity of Pelican Grand Beach Resort, each destination offers a unique escape tailored to your ideal getaway. From indulgent spa treatments and gourmet dining to thrilling water sports and cultural explorations, these resorts provide the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. With stunning views, world-class amenities, and easy access to some of the most iconic attractions, your next unforgettable vacation awaits. No matter where you choose to stay, these exceptional resorts ensure that every moment is filled with comfort, beauty, and lasting memories.