The Magic Beach Motel was originally built in 1951 and was one of several little motels in the area. Over the decades, it remained a small operation and changed owners a few times. The small motel began to draw big excitement in Vilano Beach in the late ’90s as film crews started coming to town. Trucks and mobile homes started taking up residence in the vacant land across from the Vilano Beach Motel, and “a strange patrol car was parked in the motel parking lot for weeks.”

Eventually, residents learned that the strange patrol car was part of the set for the filming of “Safe Harbor” starring Rue McClanahan and Gregory Harrison. The series was about a sheriff and father of three boys living in Magic Beach, Florida, a fictional town. His mother, played by McClanahan, owned the Magic Beach Motel, and all of them lived there together. The sign, which features rabbits, a hat, and neon lighting, came because the fictional owner’s husband had been a magician.

The Magic Beach Motel became a bit run down over the years and, in 2010, was damaged in a fire. Two years later following a major renovation, the hotel is restored and modernized without losing its original charm. The art deco motel had its official re-opening on June 20, 2012, complete with a ribbon-cutting and a few speeches. The motel features pink flamingos, bright colors, neon lights, a clock, and, of course, the Magic Beach Motel sign.

Most room murals have survived several owners and have been restored. Among them are paintings of Ponce de Leon, and scenes from St. Augustine, including Flagler College.

You will find that all of Magic Beach’s accommodations are completely renovated and updated. Each of the cozy rooms features wi-fi access, pillow-top mattresses, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. Don’t forget to ask about the Jacuzzi rooms with an ocean view or one of the deluxe three-room suites!