The Don CeSar, St. Pete’s Beach, Florida

Nestled between St. Pete’s Beach and Pass-a-Grille Beach west of St. Petersburg is a stately little castle-hotel called the Don CeSar.

This pink castle by the sea boasts amazing views, delicious meals and a colorful history. The Sea Porch Café offers garden-style alfresco seating for an affordable lunch. Dinner on the hand is a bit pricey. However, with the famous pink icon as a backdrop and the long white-sand beach on the other side, you can’t go wrong.

The resort has played host to many of America’s rich and famous since the 1920s and at one point was an Army hospital. It is rumored that the builder of the hotel, Thomas Rowe, still roams the halls. Once in a while guests complain about someone smoking a cigar where it is clearly marked “No Smoking Allowed,” only to find out it was the shadowy resident, Mr. Rowe.

Florida is quite humid in the summer – best time to go is early spring. However, that’s the same time the snowbirds tend to fly in, so book your accommodations way in advance.