South Florida - anywhere "chill"?

[Anonymous]

I find the gulf side of Florida to feel significantly more "vacation-y" -- just more laid back, people are nicer, less traffic, slower pace, whereas the Atlantic side for South Florida (thinking Broward, Palm Beach, & Miami-Dade counties), with all its development, fast pace, traffic, etc. just feels like...I don't know, New Jersey with palm trees. Is there anywhere within South Florida that feels more laid back and like you are actually getting away from the rat race? That is how I have felt with Anna Maria Island, Marco, and Sanibel, but does that exist in the Miami/Palm Beach/Broward area?

[Anonymous]

Not exactly what you’re looking for, but I love Coconut Grove in Miami for a more relaxed and familial vibe (vs. tourist/party in some other Miami hotspots)

[Anonymous]

I've lived on the Atlantic side and now on the Gulf side and much prefer everything over here other than it takes me a few hours longer to drive up to the DC area to visit family and friends.

[Anonymous]

Anywhere in the Keys!

[Anonymous]

I live in Miami (and hate it). Nope, you won't find that vibe here. Maybe in the Keys like PP said.

[Anonymous]

Jupiter seems slightly more chill. But definitely Key Largo, Ocean Reef Club is great if you can get in but I also see other Key Largo suggestions. Hawks Cay, Bungalows

[Anonymous]

Keys are super chill.

[Anonymous]

The keys have some real “Florida crackers”. White people that just like to fish. It’s very chill

[Anonymous]

Juno Beach is very chill. There is not much development there.

[Anonymous]

Just be careful what you read!!

[Anonymous]

Sanibel was very nice till the latest storm.

[Anonymous]

Vero Beach fits this vibe. Delray is less chaotic than anything further south outside of maybe the Keys. Further north, New Smyrna, Ponte Vedra (best beach!).

[Anonymous]

Florida is horrible. Just set your money on fire.

[Anonymous]

I'm guessing your definition of "chill" is also an area that isn't as "moneyed" as some of the ones you mentioned? I don't know how you find South Florida "part of the rat race" in comparison to DC but I do understand if the glitz and glam of Miami area annoys you.
This is may be on the cusp of "South Florida" but just spent time in Stuart, FL (above Jupiter & approx 40 min North of WPB). It's got a real small town feel with a cute downtown and decent beaches. Beware though- the "chill" part of Florida gets super boring & old...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not exactly what you’re looking for, but I love Coconut Grove in Miami for a more relaxed and familial vibe (vs. tourist/party in some other Miami hotspots)

+1. And maybe Key Biscayne also.