Plantation-Style Comfort on the Florida Coast

With its dockside location in the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” the Pirate's Cove Resort and Marina is an ideal launch point for anglers and boaters. "It's a great community of like-minded fishing and ocean oriented people," says Captain Otto Henry Jr., who skippers the charter boat Sunday in pursuit of mahi-mahi, sailfish, and wahoo. Almost everything about Pirate's Cove caters to the coastal lifestyle, from an onsite bait-and-tackle shop and fuel station to the upscale seafood restaurant that overlooks the marina.

Though fishing is king at the resort and marina, you don’t have to be an angler to appreciate the resort's Old Florida charm. Each of the guest rooms features a veranda, plantation-style shutters, and wicker furniture. After the complimentary breakfast, you can while away the day by the pool until live music kicks off at the Pirate's Loft Restaurant and Tiki Pirate Bar. The chefs at this casual waterfront eatery incorporate fresh, local seafood into dishes such as tempura wasabi shrimp and Florida crab cakes.

Stuart, Florida: Historical City on the “Treasure Coast”

Pirate's Cove overlooks Manatee Pocket, an Atlantic Ocean inlet in Stuart, about 40 miles north of Palm Beach. If the sun's out, consider taking a short drive over to Jensen or Bathtub Beach, both of which are typically uncrowded. You can catch dinner on one of the local deep-sea party boats or splurge on a charter trip for bigger game such as sailfish and kraken. Back on shore, there are a handful of nearby attractions worth a visit, including the House of Refuge Museum—housed within Martin County's oldest structure—and the silent-film-era Lyric Theatre, which puts on concerts and art-house features.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.