Hotel at a Glance: Ocean Inn

Overlooking a seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, Ocean Inn is an ideal retreat after days spent lounging in the sun. In between the Inn and the waves sits a pedestrian boardwalk, which features numerous businesses that cater to the ocean-going crowd, including beach yoga studios, boat rentals, and fishing tours.

• Comfortable guest rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
• Take a walk on the 2.5-mile boardwalk, lined with restaurants and shops, outside the hotel's front door.
• Post your pictures from the beach, thanks to the complimentary WiFi network.
• Soak up the sun on the beach, which is a 2-minute stroll away.

Hollywood, Florida: Quiet Coastal Town with Beachfront Boardwalk

Hollywood is situated just a few miles south of Fort Lauderdale and about a half-hour drive north of Miami, but it's quite a bit more relaxed than both. The town’s beach boardwalk—named one of the country’s best by Travel + Leisure—stretches along the Atlantic Ocean for 2.5 miles, attracting joggers, bicyclists, and shoppers. To get to the boardwalk from downtown, hop aboard the old-timey trolley that makes runs to the beach. Other Hollywood attractions include the Anne Kolb Nature Center, a 1,500-acre wetland where you can kayak through tidal channels or take walking trails through red-mangrove forests.

The tempo picks up in neighboring Fort Lauderdale, a city famous for its beaches and boats. During the day, water taxis cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, offering up-close views of waterfront mansions and anchored yachts. At night, hit up the upscale bars and restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard.