The logo itself elicits a sense of calm, three sea glass pieces in ocean colors – aqua, teal, and steel grey. With its appropriate name, The Seaglass Inn Bed & Breakfast is a cozy gem nestled between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean on Melbourne Beach, Florida. Located across the Melbourne Causeway and far enough to escape the activity of the busy mainland with Orlando in one direction and the Space Center in the other.
Once across the bridge, there’s a noticeable silence, an absence of bumper-to-bumper traffic, and high rises to block the view. Only clear skies. One right turn and down a few blocks, and you’re there.
The Seaglass Inn B & B enjoys a serendipitous benefit from its location on Melbourne Beach. Considered to be the most important nesting area for sea turtles, the island is protected from noise, lights and growth. There’s little construction allowed, lights are turned off after certain times, there are rules for being on the beach after sunset. What a remarkable idea, that is, to have humans adjust to the needs of animals rather than the other way around.
Innkeepers Patricia and Dean La Gala, already rental property owners, took over the running of the B & B two years ago. Says Dean, “This is the first time we’ve ever owned a bed-and-breakfast. For years we’ve operated short-term rentals and love sharing our coastal Florida lifestyle with travelers from all over. The bed-and-breakfast was the ideal location and the perfect boutique size, with the opportunity for real person-to-person hospitality. Having more time as new empty-nesters, and owning a little piece of Old Florida history, that was the perfect recipe.” Though newcomers to B & B industry, both already operate as pros.
Patricia, who can be found in the mornings whipping up breakfast, is a self-taught chef. She built her cooking skills over the years, inheriting recipes from the previous owners, drawing on the influence of her German parents and Dean’s Italian parents, plus years spent as a homemaker. The breakfast menu may include traditional eggs and bacon and toast, or a croissant bread-like pudding-dish smothered in raspberries. Though the mango tree in the back courtyard doesn’t provide enough fruit for homemade items, it’s inspired Patricia to offer mango juice and sherbets along with morning coffee. Their sign, “watch for falling mangos” complements their beachy cottage feel but is also a word of caution.
Besides the comfy accommodation, central air, smart TV, jacuzzi tub (in some rooms), the backyard offers an oasis feel. Under the immense shade of the decades old trees, one can swim in the heated pool, detox in the infrared sauna, or after sundown, light up the gas firepit. There are also cruiser bicycles for guests to explore the flat island at an easy pace.
Coming upon the signs noting “Ursulas Kitchen” above the kitchen doorway, and “Bruno’s Garden” out with the flowers, Dean explained that within a month of closing on the Sea Glass Inn, “we lost my mother-in-law Ursula and my father Bruno, two amazing humans who meant so much to us. We wanted to honor them with Ursula’s Kitchen and Bruno’s Garden, so they’d be part of our daily inspiration, the breakfast we serve, and the work ethic they taught us.”
Before guests arrive, the couple will have already gotten the approximate time of arrival to greet them properly, and note down any specific needs, diet or otherwise. Dean gives the tour, provides instructions on using the backyard equipment, explains what’s around, where to eat, where to get groceries, and watch the best sunsets. He’s more knowledgeable than an internet search.
After R and R’ing at the Inn, it’s highly recommended to visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy at the Barrier Island center with their interactive exhibits, educational programs, and coastal trails. There are guided walks by turtle volunteers to visit nesting areas and observe breeding and hatching activities. On this trip, a midnight turtle walk by the Friends of the Carr Refuge was arranged. Once darkness took over, a turtle momma crawled up the beach to find the perfect location to create a nest and lay a hundred or so eggs. Once done, the momma rests for a bit, and then makes a slow turn to head down back to the shoreline, to disappear into the ocean waters. It was a miracle to behold.
The next morning in the cool breakfast room, guests shared their plans for the day, or what they did the day before. Dean made a visit to each table, offered a suggestion or asked about their homeland. He becomes more than an innkeeper, but a friend, and Patricia always makes sure guests have their fill of coffee or what they need for the day. If one decides to make a spontaneous trip to the beach, there are chairs and towels to borrow; or if tennis is preferred, there are racquets available and a court across the street.
If guests want to venture out into the area more, there are plenty of excursions available like kayaking, fishing, airboat rides, jet ski and boat rentals and nearby golf courses. Across the Causeway, options include an arts center, civic theatre, and plenty of shops to satisfy the need for retail therapy. A local spa will bring a reiki healing service or a massage to your room at the Inn, so no need for guests to leave the premises.
Patricia DeGala and Family, owners of Sea Glass Inn in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The La Gala family: Reef, Dean, Patricia and Sage Photo: © Copyright 2026 Mike Regas Photography
The couple especially enjoys connecting with guests from all over and listening to stories of where their journey started. They’ve hosted romantic getaways, girlfriend getaways, and families in for a graduation or a wedding; those travelling to a nearby convention center on the mainland will opt for the quieter and unique beachside experience.
Says Dean, “Being on the barrier island, you can walk from our beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean to the most spectacular sunsets over the Indian River Lagoon. Nature is all over. From the highest concentration of sea turtle nesting in North America to the dolphins and manatees in the river, this is a special place impossible to replicate.”
Melbourne Beach, Florida was recently named by AARP as one of the “best budget beach destinations.” The Seaglass Inn B & B was the suggested place to stay. Woman Around Town couldn’t agree more.
Photos by MJ Hanley-Goff
