Florida Destinations That Resemble Spanish Coastal Cities

Florida’s sun-kissed shores and historic settlements share surprising similarities with Spain’s coastal gems. From architecture to atmosphere, these Floridian destinations capture the essence of Spanish coastal living without crossing the Atlantic.

Pack your sunglasses and imagination as we explore these stateside spots that feel like a Mediterranean getaway.

1. St. Augustine: America’s Spanish Time Capsule

Walking through St. Augustine feels like stepping into 16th-century Spain. Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565, this ancient city boasts the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos, a fortress of coquina stone that has guarded the harbor for centuries.

Narrow cobblestone streets wind through a historic district filled with Spanish colonial buildings, hidden courtyards, and balconies draped with flowers. The Plaza de la Constitución buzzes with energy reminiscent of a Spanish town square.

2. Alys Beach: Andalusia On The Emerald Coast

Blindingly white buildings rise against azure skies at Alys Beach, creating an otherworldly landscape that could easily belong on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Bermudan and Antiguan architectural elements blend with Moorish influences throughout this meticulously planned community.

Courtyard homes feature private gardens hidden behind stark white walls. Narrow pathways lead to unexpected fountains and intimate plazas where conversations flow easily among visitors seeking Mediterranean magic in the Florida Panhandle.

3. Sarasota’s Ca’ d’Zan: Venetian Splendor In The Sunshine State

The circus king John Ringling brought Mediterranean grandeur to Florida’s west coast with his palatial Ca’ d’Zan mansion. Though primarily Venetian in style, its terracotta roof tiles and ornate façade echo elements found in coastal Spanish palaces.

Adjacent to this waterfront wonder sits the Ringling Museum complex with its Renaissance-inspired courtyard. Bronze replicas of classical statues stand amid carefully manicured gardens where visitors can imagine themselves transported to Spain’s royal retreats.

4. Coral Gables: The City Beautiful With Spanish Roots

George Merrick’s dream city rises from Miami’s outskirts like a Spanish colonial fantasy. The iconic Biltmore Hotel’s tower, modeled after Seville’s Giralda, stands sentinel over streets named for Spanish cities and landmarks.

Fountains gurgle in plazas shaded by banyan trees. Mediterranean Revival mansions line Coral Way, their stucco walls and barrel-tile roofs glowing warmly in the subtropical sun. Even the city’s entrances feature elaborate arches that transport visitors to another world.

5. St. Petersburg: Florida’s Sunshine Riviera

The pink palace of the Don CeSar Hotel rises from St. Pete Beach like a mirage from Spain’s Costa Brava. This 1920s Mediterranean Revival masterpiece set the tone for a city that embraces seaside elegance with Spanish flair.

Waterfront parks stretch along Tampa Bay, mimicking Spanish coastal promenades. Historic neighborhoods feature Mediterranean-style homes with red-tiled roofs and stucco walls. The city’s vibrant arts scene completes the cultural connection to creative Spanish coastal towns.

6. Key West: Caribbean Meets Cádiz

At America’s southernmost point, Spanish colonial heritage blends with Caribbean influences. Mallory Square’s sunset celebrations mirror the evening paseos of coastal Spanish towns, where locals and visitors alike gather to mark day’s end with festivity.

Ornate wrought-iron balconies adorn colorful buildings along Duval Street. Hidden gardens burst with tropical flowers behind stucco walls. The Ernest Hemingway Home stands as testament to the island’s appeal to those who loved Spain but found their paradise in this Florida outpost.

7. Ybor City: Tampa’s Iberian Enclave

Founded by cigar manufacturers from Cuba and Spain, Ybor City preserves Tampa’s Spanish heritage in every brick. Red-tiled roofs top historic buildings where cigar rollers once crafted their wares while listening to lectores read Spanish newspapers aloud.

Wrought-iron balconies overlook 7th Avenue, where traditional Spanish restaurants serve authentic paella. The district’s social clubs-Centro Español and Centro Asturiano, maintain cultural connections to Spain’s regions while streetcars rumble past buildings that could belong in Barcelona’s industrial quarters.