The Sunshine State is understood for its stunning seashores and climate, and what higher solution to take pleasure in these two issues than with a weekend getaway? You may head to the theme parks in central Florida or drop right down to the Florida Keys in south Florida. Perhaps you need scrumptious meals. Or possibly you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm bushes. Whatever you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the very best decisions – we’ll be sharing the very best of the finest locations to go to in Florida. Get prepared for enjoyable information and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you’re in for a deal with.
Best Weekend Getaways in Florida, 2023
Are you able to take a better have a look at the very best weekend getaways in Florida? Whether you’re craving a romantic getaway or an amusement park break with your loved ones, these distinctive weekend getaways in Florida have heaps to spark your curiosity. For the sake of this information, we are going to assume that you simply’ve already visited Miami, and we’ll introduce you to some lesser-visited locations in addition to normal metropolis suggestions. Where do you have to keep for a weekend in Florida? Here’s our sizzling take.
1. Fort Lauderdale
Who doesn’t love a little bit of Fort Lauderdale? And if you’re searching for prime weekend getaways in Florida, it’s simple to see why this metropolis ranks among the many hottest choices each time. The metropolis is house to Fort Lauderdale Beach and has a thriving arts and tradition scene. If you need a metropolis that has distinct ‘pocket’ neighborhoods to select from, Fort Lauderdale is sensible. You can head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or take pleasure in Mission-style houses and dwell music in the inland neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. You even have tons of seashores to decide on between – making Fort Lauderdale one of the vital thrilling locations to go to in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is tremendous handy if you need a getaway from Miami. Draw your self away from South Beach and Miami Beach, heading lower than an hour up the coast by automobile. You may also catch public transport from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in lower than two hours, and there’s an airport to make use of. Check out the 15 Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale
Where to Stay:
2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead attractive with a seashore city enchantment. Remote, wistful feeling, and stuffed with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is without doubt one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida. Many would-be guests overlook this fabulous barrier island vacation spot, and its highlights are comparatively unsung. But those that can see previous the confinements of the ‘regular tourist trail’ are rewarded with white sand seashores and among the best Florida weekend getaways. This island has every thing from luxurious motels to golf programs and even shark tooth scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched because of the dearth of crowds. For a lovely getaway, Amelia Island is right.
To get there, you’ll want a automobile. Amelia Island is situated on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, roughly a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville. Once you arrive, you possibly can navigate the island primarily on a pedal bike to unplug from the skin world – driving included.
Where to Stay:
3. Walt Disney World
Regarding enjoyable weekend getaways in Florida, a weekend journey to the Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida hits the spot. This is the theme park of all theme parks; one of many world’s most well-known locations to go to. Walt Disney World, in fact, sits in the sprawling metropolis of Orlando. And with a weekend, you’ll have greater than sufficient time to discover its 4 theme parks with dozens of various rides, reveals, and character meet-and-greets. Visitors sometimes e-book one of many on-site resorts for the ‘ultimate’ expertise. Walt Disney World is without doubt one of the most traditional choices for Florida getaways, and it’s inconceivable to not love the tacky but healthful environment. Check out: 11 Best Theme Parks in Florida To Visit
It is an absolute breeze to get to Walt Disney World, with Orlando working home and worldwide flights worldwide. You may also drive shortly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or benefit from the state’s wonderful Greyhound community for those who desire public transport. Read extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
Where to Stay:
4. Honeymoon Island State Park
Another one of the vital distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the gorgeous Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand seashore. This beautiful barrier island state park is house to little greater than a nature middle and some cafes, which means you’ll have to remain close by and enterprise in through the day. This isn’t a difficulty, although, as there are many resort choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. If you fancy a getaway the place you possibly can keep immediately subsequent to one of the vital pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your most suitable option.
It is straightforward to see why folks love this Florida getaway. The mixture of white sand, climbing trails, and wildlife reminiscent of manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It can also be simple to succeed in, simply 20 minutes from Clearwater by automobile, and situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Where to Stay:
5. Crystal River
Crystal River proves you don’t want scuba diving to get essentially the most out of a Florida getaway. This coastal metropolis is especially identified for one factor: its West Indian manatee inhabitants. These lazy, loveable creatures are nicknamed ‘sea cows’ and drift peacefully by the waterways round Crystal River. Their primary risks are boat propellers, and their solely technique of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These lovable creatures have garnered movie star standing, and animal-loving guests flock to Crystal River, hoping to see them on boat excursions and snorkeling excursions. Crystal River is definitely among the best distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you need a wild animal encounter.
Crystal River is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly a 5-hour drive from Miami and a 2-hour drive from Orlando. It is a little bit out of the best way, so we’d counsel hiring a automobile for those who don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll need to e-book an official tour.
Where to Stay:
6. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach won’t even register as a possible weekend getaway whenever you have a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. Yet this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a big character. New Smyrna Beach will not be solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but in addition has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Street Historic District is a hive for the inventive, with galleries, impartial retailers, and cafes. There’s additionally the New Smyrna Museum of History and the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. If you fancy a browsing vacation spot that packs a historic punch, New Smyrna Beach is a lovely, full of life contender amongst the very best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is finest accessed by way of automobile and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It is centrally situated alongside the Atlantic Coast. It supplies wonderful day journey entry to the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach. Read extra: 10 Unique Things to Do in Central Florida
Where to Stay:
7. Marco Island
Marco Island is fairly darn glitzy. Think golf programs, yachts in marinas, and towering resort motels. It is minimize off from the mainland, connected solely by bridges, for an remoted and unique environment. It balances that lovely line between resort luxurious and conservation surroundings for nature lovers. If you need resort comforts with pure views, it’s one in every of Florida’s finest distinctive weekend getaways. Marco Island won’t be as windswept or ‘wild’ feeling as Amelia Island or Honeymoon Island State Park. Still, it does present a snug base amidst barrier island surroundings. Florida getaways don’t get far more stress-free.
Reaching Marco Island is a 30-minute drive from central Naples, a significant metropolis alongside Florida’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline. You’ll want a automobile, and also you’ll be driving throughout scenic overwater highways to succeed in your lodging on the island.
Where to Stay:
8. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is way over only a gateway to weekend getaways in Florida. Most guests move straight by Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we aren’t slating stunning Sanibel Island with all its fascinating seashells, those that wish to problem the established order for Florida getaways ought to pause briefly in Fort Myers earlier than speeding onwards. Fort Myers is admittedly historic, with the gorgeous River District, iconic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and close by Cape Coral Museum of History. If you need a day on the seashore, Fort Myers Beach is only a 30-minute drive away.
Fort Myers is only a 50-minute drive from Naples or a 2.5-hour drive from Miami. So, reaching this historic Gulf Coast metropolis might be simple. We like its underdog enchantment and the standard handful of sights in its metropolis middle. It is the right compromise in case you have a half group wanting a seashore getaway and half wanting a metropolis break.
Where to Stay:
9. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a large harbor and inland water space surrounded by the key cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus a handful of waterfront cities. Rather than separating out the totally different locations to remain round Tampa Bay, we are going to have a look at this area as a complete. The Tampa Bay area is sensible for seafood, is intently situated close to manatee viewing alternatives, is improbable for fishing, and has the cities to present you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s shortly have a look at the place it’s best to base your self across the bay. To summarize, Tampa is the place to remain for Cuban and Spanish influences in historic neighborhoods and lots of cultural and museum-style sights. St Petersburg is the place to remain for extra laidback sightseeing with artwork galleries, {golfing}, and fishing excursions. And the opposite small cities alongside the bay’s south shore are the place to remain for a quiet group really feel. As you possibly can see, Tampa Bay has tons of selection. It is superb for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It is definitely reached by automobile or home flights.
Where to Stay:
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you need a Florida getaway the place you may get again to fundamentals with tenting and exquisite kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is without doubt one of the finest weekend getaways in Florida. This beautiful space of pure magnificence is about round a spring the place you possibly can paddle up near turtles, alligators, manatees, and extra. Wekiwa Springs is nearly aggressively inexperienced and a much-needed assault on the senses. You’ll be canoeing or kayaking by green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging bushes. And you possibly can end off your water actions with a campfire in the night.
For a tenting getaway in Florida, Wekiwa Springs will get our prime vote. The state park is definitely accessible from Orlando and is only a 30-minute drive from town middle. The park is situated in central Florida, and whilst you’ll nonetheless want a automobile, it is without doubt one of the most ‘urban’ areas of pure magnificence and tenting alternatives – situated in the Orlando outer suburbs.
Where to Stay:
11. De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs State Park has lived a couple of totally different lives in its time. First, the park was house to native Mayaca. It turned a winter park, and now, it’s protected as a state park and a well-liked place for water actions. It is without doubt one of the nice weekend getaways in Florida, particularly if you need an inland vacation spot to take pleasure in swimming. The park has over 6,000 years of historical past, and its unique Mayaca residents mentioned that the springs have therapeutic waters. De Leon Springs State Park is an excellent place to notice for a cultural, historic, and refreshing getaway in Florida.
To get to De Leon Springs, drive an hour northeast of Orlando. It is a straightforward getaway to succeed in from central and northern Florida. While you’ll want a automobile, it’s fully walkable when you arrive.
Where to Stay:
12. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is an icon of pure magnificence and, merely put, an important weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, one in every of which contains a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to beautiful wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, vibrant blue waters, and orange terracotta of the remaining buildings is gorgeous. And Dry Tortugas National Park is very similar to a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic affect as one of the vital distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you truly get right here? Dry Tortugas National Park is simply reachable by boat or seaplane. It isn’t like the usual barrier islands in Florida, that are most accessible by overwater highways. These are actual islands, remoted in the Gulf of Mexico and about 70 miles west of Key West – the endpoint of the Florida Keys. You can take a 2-hour 15-minute ferry trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas or organize a seaplane flight. It is undoubtedly tougher to succeed in, nevertheless it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Read extra: 36 Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida
Where to Stay:
13. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an actual group hub in a lovely barrier island setting. And relating to household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a prime contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and lots of sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Enjoy a 1911-built wood pier and lots of impartial cafes and retailers. For households, it is a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island gives a rounded and picturesque weekend getaway expertise. It is so family-friendly in environment and actions that we simply had so as to add it to this checklist.
Anna Maria Island is situated simply exterior Tampa Bay, on the ultimate row of barrier islands going through Mexico’s Gulf Coast. It is a straightforward one-hour drive from Tampa over the hanging Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It is finest to journey to Anna Maria Island by automobile.
Where to Stay:
14. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is glitz and glam – identified for its fantastic eating, Broadway-style reveals, and fierce nightlife. It is equal components a retail remedy and occasion vacation spot, and if you need a spot the place you possibly can don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Beach is without doubt one of the finest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Worth Avenue is an satirically named and sensible procuring space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Beach is a vacation spot you instantly have in the again of your thoughts whenever you consider a procuring getaway. We couldn’t not add it to this information.
To attain West Palm Beach from Fort Lauderdale, it’s simply an hour away by automobile or 45 minutes by rail. It is an excellent place to get to by public transport and a improbable steadiness between a seashore and a metropolis break. West Palm Beach is situated on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
Where to Stay:
15. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a wonderful weekend getaway for water sports activities and nature. The small metropolis has an excellent handy location proper subsequent to the Indian River Lagoon, and absurdly, it is without doubt one of the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Beach is the kind of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and normal passers-by are inclined to overlook. This makes it a superb selection no matter season. You can take pleasure in fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You can’t beat it relating to water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Beach is situated in central Florida, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile, southeast of Orlando. You’ll want a automobile to succeed in this little coastal metropolis, however it’s price the additional effort. There are a number of lesser-visited state parks close by, too, together with Avalon State Park and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. The indisputable fact that it’s so off the standard overwhelmed path in phrases of tourism actually caught our eye, and its water sports activities are spectacular.
Where to Stay:
16. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is a surprising a part of Florida’s west coast. It is definitely one of the vital stunning Florida weekend getaways. It is all white sand seashores and plush palm bushes – with some significantly picturesque climbing trails because the cherry on prime. But its actual draw comes from its underwater sights, issues it’s possible you’ll not discover instantly. Biscayne National Park has a few of Florida’s most unbelievable and infrequently tragic shipwrecks. There are over 10,000 years of human historical past right here, and a large half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally vital both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now assist total marine life ecosystems. If you like scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne National Park is without doubt one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida.
Getting to Biscayne National Park is an absolute breeze from Miami. You can drive to the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center in lower than an hour, situated on the mainland. From there, you possibly can discover the island part of the nationwide park by a guided boat tour.
Where to Stay:
17. Key West
The Florida Keys are among the best weekend getaways in Florida, and Key West is a historic city proper on the tip of the Keys. Key West is the southernmost level in the US, with an enormous maritime tradition and sense of identification for such a small city. As a weekend getaway, it’s the excellent selection. Key West is house to the Truman Little White House, the Hemingway Home and Museum, and deep sea fishing alternatives. There are many wonderful issues to do in Key West.
Key West is admittedly scenic as a weekend getaway. To attain Key West from Miami, it’s a 3.5-hour drive – the furthest one of many Florida Keys from the mainland. You may also e-book switch companies and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is admittedly walkable, so don’t fear an excessive amount of for those who don’t drive. If you drive to Key West, cease on the different Florida Keys alongside the best way. Many sights are on the best way, just like the History of Diving Museum and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Where to Stay:
18. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is most famed for seashells. Not simply any seashells, although, a vivid number of every thing from conch to sand greenback shells. In reality, it has earned the nickname of the seashell capital of the world. For a weekend of ‘shelling’ and seashore days, Sanibel Island is without doubt one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida. Aside from its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot stuffed with greenery, palm bushes, and coastal undergrowth. We needed to checklist on the prime of this information to Florida getaways, as it’s such a spot of pure magnificence and promotes a reference to nature.
To get to Sanibel Island, you merely drive throughout the overwater freeway that retains it linked to the mainland. It is situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida, simply an hour and 20 minutes away from the numerous metropolis of Fort Myers. You’ll want a automobile to succeed in the island, however when you get there, you’ll spend most of your time on foot having fun with miles of lovely seashores and climbing trails.
Sanibel Island remains to be recovering from the hurricane and a few seashores are nonetheless closed. For updated data go to the Hurricane Restoration FAQs on the Chamber of Commerce.
Where to Stay:
19. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is without doubt one of the most traditional weekend getaways in Florida. The park is a tropical wetland and an absolute haven for iconic Florida wildlife, from chicken life to crocs and gators. It is legendary for its boat excursions and crocodile and alligator encounters. To tick off these wildlife encounter experiences, a weekend getaway to the Everglades is a should. Apart from the boat excursions, it’s also possible to take pleasure in boardwalk hikes, kayaking, and the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Let’s be trustworthy: it catches everybody’s eye when visiting Florida.
To attain the Everglades National Park, it’s an hour’s drive from Miami or 50 minutes by automobile from Naples. Located proper on the backside of southern Florida, the one place additional south than the Everglades National Park is the Florida Keys. Your finest solution to go to is by flying into one of many main close by cities and renting a automobile to journey to the Everglades. Alternatively, you possibly can e-book guided excursions with transfers included.
Where to Stay:
20. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is your most suitable option for seashore lovers eager to enterprise from South Beach and in the direction of the unsung great thing about northwest Florida. Panama City Beach has over 27 miles of white sand seashores and a raging seafood restaurant scene. It ticks each field if you need coastal weekend getaways in Florida, and it will get bonus factors for introducing you to a special aspect of Florida. Most folks stick with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a lovely seashore vacation spot?
The best solution to attain Panama City Beach is by flying to Destin; from there, you solely have to drive for simply over an hour. Even the drive is scenic, and also you’ll be chopping by Point Washington State Forest. Panama City Beach is surrounded by stunning state parks and forests, and opening straight out onto the Gulf of Mexico, it’s arduous to not love.
Where to Stay:
Weekend Getaways in Florida: FAQs
Now that you already know all in regards to the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, you have to be extra sensible. These are essentially the most generally requested FAQs and bits of helpful data that may assist form your Florida getaways for the higher. Check out these fast, top-four FAQs. Think of them as an final abstract of all you’ve simply learn.
Are there fast journeys in Florida?
Yes, there are many fast journeys in Florida. Everglades National Park and Key West are two nice examples of fast journeys, with only a few bucket-list-worthy issues to tick off that make them excellent to go to for a fast weekend getaway. You received’t miss out on something by visiting for simply two days.
Where is finest to go for a weekend break?
The finest locations to go for a weekend break in Florida are Amelia Island, Crystal River, Orlando, Key West, and the Everglades National Park.
How do I plan a weekend journey on a funds?
The finest solution to preserve your Florida weekend journey to a funds is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This means, you get the most cost effective motels and excursions – plus the advantage of fewer crowds. You must also think about self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida the very best state for trip?
Florida is by far among the best states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the right candidate for a few wonderful days in a seashore city. Furthermore, it has scrumptious meals and loads of theme parks, historic websites, and pure magnificence, which ticks off each traveler’s pursuits.
To Conclude
You ought to be nicely and really able to press ‘book’ on one in every of these prime weekend getaways in Florida. You could wish to manage a fishing constitution from Key West, go to a small city with historic websites, or go to a theme park with adjoining luxurious resorts. Whichever you select, you’ll have a beautiful time; Florida actually is the capital state of the getaway phenomenon. And if these theme parks sounded good, take a look at our in-depth information on the highest 10 rollercoasters in Florida. Florida has a lot to supply, and also you want not less than a couple of weekend getaways to actually scratch the floor.
Plan Your Trip to Florida with These Resources
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish