Florida’s coastlines have always drawn travelers looking for sun and sea, but many of the hotels that once defined its beaches are now only memories. In their heyday, these hotels captured the glamour of oceanfront vacations, complete with art deco facades, neon lights, and cabanas along the sand.
Today, vintage photos give us a glimpse into a Florida that has changed with time, storms, and development. Some hotels were lost to storms or bulldozers, others were transformed into new identities, and a few still endure as living landmarks. These vintage photos capture them all.
The Deauville Beach Resort, Miami Beach
The Deauville Beach Resort always felt larger than life, especially in the 1960s. Photos from its heyday reveal a hotel alive with music, famous guests, and a crowd that looked ready for anything. The Beatles even performed here, turning the Deauville into an instant legend.
Its grand lobby sparkled with style, and the pool area became a place to see and be seen. What I love most about old photos is how they show vacationers of all ages, smiling and soaking up the Florida sunshine. It’s easy to sense the atmosphere was as much about camaraderie as luxury.
Storms and neglect closed the Deauville’s doors, but photos keep its story fresh. Whenever I see those images, the spirit of Miami Beach in that era feels close.
Miami Beach’s Surf Club
Every time I see a photo of the Surf Club, I feel like I’m peeking into a very exclusive party. Opened in the 1930s, this place wasn’t just a hotel, it was a scene straight out of a classic film. Guests in tailored suits and glamorous gowns lounged by the water, giving the club an air of effortless style.
The Surf Club’s cabanas were the place to be for Miami’s social set. People flocked here for sunny afternoons that stretched into elegant evenings. Some say you could spot celebrities and dignitaries rubbing elbows beside the sand, something the vintage photos definitely suggest.
Though hurricanes and time changed the coastline, the Surf Club’s spirit still lingers in stories from those days. The original buildings are gone, but the site has been reimagined for a new era. I love that today’s visitors can still sense the old magic in the way the sun falls over the water, even as the architecture has changed.
The Belleview Biltmore, Clearwater
If you ask anyone from Clearwater about the Belleview Biltmore, they’ll likely share a family memory. Nicknamed the “White Queen of the Gulf,” this hotel opened in 1897 and quickly became a landmark. Its wide verandas and long corridors seemed to invite guests to slow down and savor the breeze.
I’ve always been struck by vintage images showing parties on the lawn and guests relaxing in summer whites. The wooden architecture gave the hotel a stately yet welcoming presence. For generations, it was the backdrop to vacations and weddings, with stories passed down like heirlooms.
Though the hotel was demolished in 2015, people in the area still talk about its legacy. The Belleview Biltmore left more than just memories, it shaped the community.
Royal Poinciana Hotel, Palm Beach
The Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach helped put Florida on the map for luxury travel. Opening in 1894, the hotel stretched longer than two football fields and welcomed royalty, politicians, and wealthy families. I find its grand entrance especially striking in old photos, where carriages line up beneath towering palm trees.
It wasn’t just the size that impressed guests. The hotel’s sweeping porches and elaborate gardens encouraged visitors to linger outdoors, enjoying Florida’s milder winters. Many families returned year after year, establishing traditions that lasted generations.
Though the hotel no longer stands, the photos capture a moment when Palm Beach was just beginning to find its identity as a destination. The legacy lives in every image.
Gulf Stream Hotel, Lake Worth Beach
Tucked away in Lake Worth Beach, the Gulf Stream Hotel always had an inviting air. Built in 1925, it welcomed guests with its wide front porch and easygoing vibe. Many vintage photos show families gathering outside, eager for a taste of Florida’s warm breezes.
The hotel gained historic status in the 1980s, and every image tells a unique story. From wedding parties on the steps to jazz trios playing in the lobby, the Gulf Stream offered something for every traveler. I’m fascinated by the sense of community seen in these old pictures.
Though the building has changed over time, locals still look back fondly. The hotel’s presence in vintage photos preserves a simpler era along Florida’s coast.
Roney Plaza, Miami Beach
Roney Plaza’s reputation for glamour never really faded. Built in 1926, this Miami Beach icon drew crowds with its grand design and oceanside luxury. Photographs from the 1950s show a lively pool scene, where guests relaxed or socialized under the Florida sun.
The hotel’s soaring facade and open terraces reflected a time when Miami Beach was just hitting its stride. I’m always drawn to the architectural angles in old images, which give a sense of scale and excitement. The Roney Plaza was more than just a hotel, it was a part of the city’s identity.
Even though redevelopment took the building, vintage photos still draw interest. They capture the golden age of Florida hospitality and the energy of those early beach vacations.
Americana Hotel, Bal Harbour
The Americana Hotel stood as a beacon of modern style in Bal Harbour. Opened in 1956, it quickly became a favorite for those looking to escape with flair. I love seeing vintage photos packed with guests in colorful 1960s outfits, lounging poolside or mingling under striped umbrellas.
This hotel had an energy that set it apart from older resorts. The architecture, with its clean lines and open spaces, felt futuristic at the time. It was a place where both relaxation and high spirits found a home.
When development eventually moved in, the Americana’s story ended. But the vibrant images remain, capturing a chapter of Florida’s beach history that feels both recent and remote.
Driftwood Inn, Vero Beach
Few places on the Treasure Coast were as distinctive as the Driftwood Inn. Built almost entirely from salvaged wood in the 1930s, this Vero Beach landmark turned recycled materials into art. Guests would often remark on the whimsical furniture and the feeling of being in a seaside treehouse.
Photos from the 1950s reveal a spot where families embraced the laid-back Florida lifestyle. Guests enjoyed ocean views from the quirky balconies, and every corner held a surprise detail. The inn felt like a personal secret, known only to those who loved its charm.
Although it’s changed with time, the Driftwood Inn’s spirit remains in every sun-faded photograph. I always smile looking back at those vibrant, lived-in scenes.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Fontainebleau Miami Beach was never subtle, its curving facade demanded your attention. When the hotel opened in 1954, people called it an architectural marvel. I’m especially captivated by the old photos showing the pool deck, where every sun lounger seemed to have a story.
Hollywood stars and visiting families mingled against a backdrop of palm trees and turquoise water. The hotel’s energetic sense of possibility made it a place of firsts for many visitors. Even now, glimpses of that era linger in the atmosphere.
The building still stands, but the snapshots from the 1950s and 60s offer a window into Florida’s beach culture at its most glamorous. Each vintage image feels like an invitation to step back in time.
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