We’ve been a little sneaky—not living-a-double-life sneaky, but quiet-getaway sneaky. John and I slipped away for a week to a small string of islands off Florida’s west coast, and we spent the past seven days swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, eating more seafood than seems reasonable, blogging from sandy dunes, and alternating between chasing the perfect tan and learning how to reapply sunscreen more often (I learned the hard way when my left ear got roasted).
We were celebrating what we’ve dubbed “Honeymoon Part Two.” Our first honeymoon nine months ago took us far to the northwest—Alaska—so it felt right to continue the newlywed celebration in the southeast this time. The islands we visited offered the kind of slow, warm rhythm that’s perfect for decompressing: sunrise walks with cool sand underfoot, afternoons splashing in calm, clear water, and evenings filled with casual seafood dinners where the catch of the day steals the show.
Our little dog, nicknamed Hamburguesa, came along for the whole trip and proved to be an excellent beach companion. He explored tide pools, chased gulls at a safe distance, and discovered the joys of digging holes that slowly filled with warm seawater. Inside hotel pools and near the loungers he also met a few local lizards—those encounters were part curious, part chaotic, and completely hilarious. If you’ve ever watched a small dog try to make friends with a reptile, you know it’s entertainment gold.
We stayed in quaint beachfront cottages and renovated beach houses that range from charmingly rustic to stylishly modern. Walking the neighborhoods, we discovered inspiring home decor ideas everywhere—soft coastal palettes, natural textures, and clever storage solutions for small spaces that make a beach house feel roomy and inviting. We took notes and photos (lots of photos) so we can share the best finds for anyone who wants to bring a bit of coastal calm into their own home.
Food was a highlight. Local seafood restaurants served fresh shrimp, flaky grouper, and conch fritters with sides that tasted like sunshine. We paired meals with cold drinks, enjoyed a few salt-rimmed margaritas, and spent one afternoon sampling different tropical concoctions until we found a new favorite. Meals were leisurely affairs—no rush, just good conversation, ocean breezes, and the occasional seagull on a mission.
When we weren’t eating, swimming, or napping in beach chairs, we were exploring small shops and galleries that felt like hidden treasures. Many of the local stores carried handcrafted goods and art inspired by the sea—perfect for souvenirs that don’t feel mass-produced. We also took a few short boat rides to neighboring keys, each with its own character: some quiet and private, others lively with families and fisherman sharing tips about the best spots for shelling.
For anyone planning a similar escape, a few tips from our week: pack reef-safe sunscreen, bring a light windbreaker for breezy evenings, and have a good pair of water shoes for exploring rocky shorelines and hidden coves. If you travel with a pet, check local rules for dog-friendly beaches and bring a portable shade setup and plenty of fresh water. Booking accommodations with easy beach access makes a big difference—nothing beats stepping out your door and walking straight to the sand.
We’ll be sharing photos of the gorgeous beach houses and some of our favorite home decor finds soon, so you can get the vacation-vicarious experience without the packing. In the meantime, you might want to grab sunscreen, a comfortable beach towel, and a salt-rimmed margarita, then settle in for some relaxed, sun-soaked reading. This was one of those trips that felt restorative and simple—exactly what a little “part two” honeymoon should be.
Psst—if you’re curious for more details about our secret getaway, we’re planning a follow-up post with specifics about where we stayed and what we loved most.