Florida

For decades, Florida’s A1A has been synonymous with beach vacations, a two-lane ticket to fun in the sun. Long stretches hug the Atlantic coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the sandy shore.

In a city with glittering skyscrapers and multimillion-dollar yachts, Faena Hotel Miami Beach provides guests with a truly over-the-top experience.

There are dozens of private islands scattered off the coast of Florida. The Willifords have owned one of them for almost 30 years.

Out on the Gulf waters under the night sky, it appears to float—a mirage-like reminder of Old Florida. Erected on pilings at the turn of the 20th century, this cabin in Pine Island Sound served as a drop-off point for commercial fishermen.

In the last 50 years, Disney’s vacation empire grown exponentially, breaking barriers and earning the loyalty of millions. Here, we take a look back at some of Walt Disney World’s defining moments.

Although it’s the largest city by area in the continental United States (840 square miles), Jacksonville manages to feel small. Venture beyond the urban core, and you’ll discover a patchwork of historic neighborhoods.

Recently, after a particularly gloomy day of virtual school, my 11-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son were in tears. “I’m so sick of screens!” she said. “I’m sick of everything,” he said. It was all I needed to hear.

Some AAA Five Diamond resorts are playgrounds for A-listers like Sir Elton John, Cameron Diaz, and Sofia Vergara. Others have a history of welcoming American royalty like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors. But few resorts can make both claims.

Since Southbound debuted in 2013, our staff and contributors have logged thousands of miles, consumed millions of calories, and taken countless notes and photos to showcase the very best destinations around the region. Although every place we’ve covered is special, some left a particularly powerful impression. Here, we give you the best of the very best, our favorite spots in the South.

Slicing through downtown Pensacola all the way to the bay, Palafox Street is known as the city’s core cultural artery. It’s a distinction the street has enjoyed for the past two-and-a-half centuries, during which it has been subject to—and shaped by—British, Spanish, and American rule.