I wrote an essay on this establishment for the Orlando Sentinel Travel Section which they printed April 20, 2008. The Surf Studio is a real treat ! And for those who really appreciate this type of experience will find a way to return and enjoy it again ! and again ! and again ! I have traveled the world and this was an awesome place to relax.
Living in Central Florida near Daytona and New Smyrna Beach, I thought I had it made if there was a need to enjoy cocktails waterside, find great food or experience a beach walk under moonlight that made me feel as if I were 1,000 miles away.
With the developing shoreline throughout the state and the rising costs of traveling, staying close to home to vacation presents its challenges. Wall-to-wall concrete and hotels -- nah. Rural, bug-laden swamp cabins, nah. But Surf Studio Beach Resort, an unchanged 1940s property on the ocean in Cocoa Beach with sea oats and ice plant mounds away from the concrete parking lots and chain hotels, has amenities galore.
Hammocks, extra-large umbrella picnic tables, a huge stone-and-marble outdoor grill on a spacious wooden deck overlooking the surf and the pool amid a perfectly manicured extended lawn are a slice of heaven -- and only an hour away. The outdoor deck area can accommodate about 30 people comfortably without anyone feeling cramped or invaded by neighboring parties.
The units are mini apartments with kitchens and living areas -- but the best living area is outside on the beachside deck and lawns. It seems time has stood still since 1940. Our favorite thing to do was eat breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Our cocktail hour spanned from 4 to 8 p.m. before a quick walk to a great food joint, the Cape Codder, authentic in its homemade cuisine from its namesake.
We didn't tire of the Cape Codder, as we could not wait to go back and try something different. Everything is made to order. Ipswich clams, the lobster roll sandwich, the burger and the chicken Caesar salad with an array of Cape Code-style sides kept us well fed every evening. Takeout back to the Surf Studio deck was convenient and made perfect sense before turning in after our night hike down the beach.
We met families who have visited this place each summer for 14 years and groups of friends who have met here annually for 20 years.
And now we are a part of this phenomenon, ready to return next year, same time, same studio, hoping to support the Cape Codder and our outdoor evenings, taking in the best Florida can offer.