The Ideal Ports for Enjoying Warm Weather Adventures

Your go-to destinations for a few days of warm weather fun!

As winter comes to an end, many yearn to escape the cold and embrace sunny beaches. We understand that feeling! If you’re planning a quick getaway over a long weekend, these delightful southern port cities offer the perfect chance to unwind by the coast! 

Additionally, they provide excellent opportunities for a 2-5 day mini-cruise (hello Cozumel!) and you can easily add a couple of days for more adventures. Don’t miss out on these fantastic spots!

The “Big Easy” offers a wealth of relaxation and Southern pleasures. Start your city adventure with some beignets from the iconic Café Du Monde, and when you order a classic Po’ Boy, choose a local favorite like oyster, catfish, or alligator!

Speaking of alligators, consider taking a swamp tour to see them up close from your boat (if you dare). Don't forget to enjoy a brass band performance at the historic Tipitina’s club. Be sure to stroll down Frenchmen Street, the heart of the music scene, and stop by any bar that catches your eye.

Be sure to experience: A ghost tour! Given New Orleans’ rich history of voodoo, legendary battles, and pirates, you’ll find plenty of eerie options. Look for one that concludes at “Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop,” one of the city’s oldest bars.

Enjoy a mini cruise to: Cozumel, Yucatan, and Costa Maya, Mexico

Tampa Bay:  

Like many cities in Florida, you might first think of amusement parks, and Tampa’s Busch Gardens is certainly a top attraction. 

However, the fishing here is also outstanding, making it a fantastic idea to charter a boat and try your hand at catching redfin, sea trout, snapper, and grouper. With water woven into the fabric of the city, a stroll along Tampa’s riverwalk is a must, taking you through plazas, past the children’s museum, sports stadiums, dog parks, eateries, and much more!

 Be sure to experience: Tampa Bay’s vibrant brewery culture and the zesty IPA from the renowned Cigar City brewery.  

Embark on a mini cruise to: Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Galveston: 

Why choose Galveston? The beaches are accessible year-round, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are typically warmer than those of the Atlantic. Galveston also features the historic Pleasure Pier extending over 1,100 feet into the ocean, offering endless fun! Take a thrilling ride on the Iron Shark Rollercoaster or enjoy a cotton candy treat while watching someone else take the plunge.  

A short distance inland, the Strand district showcases charming Victorian buildings that house cafes, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as the Texas Seaport Museum, making it an ideal spot for leisurely exploration.

Be sure to check out: The jellyfish, penguins, and sharks at the impressive 1.5 million-gallon “Aquarium Pyramid” located in Moody Gardens.

Set sail on a mini cruise to: Yucatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico

Miami: 

Miami is famous for more than just its beaches, and its distinctive architecture is at the top of the list. The South Beach area features the Art Deco Historic District, where you can admire iconic neon signs, tall slender letters on landmark hotels, and beautiful pastel colors that make a stroll down Ocean Drive truly worthwhile. For contemporary designs, visit the Design District, which even boasts a parking garage cooler than some actual buildings!

When it comes to dining, Little Havana is the place to be. Begin your culinary journey at the renowned Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine, where you can enjoy croquetas until 2:30 AM on weekends. While you can’t go wrong with a Cuban sandwich in the area, don’t miss trying the “frita Cubana” from El Rey De Las Fritas—it's a delicious Cuban burger made of beef and chorizo, topped with crispy potato strings.

Be sure to visit: The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, located just south of the city, filled with a stunning array of orchids, hibiscus, queen’s wreath, and more.

Set sail on a mini cruise to: Half Moon Cay, Nassau, and Princess Cays in the Bahamas; Key West, FL; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic