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 might head to the theme parks in central Florida or drop all the way 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 timber. Whatever you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the very best selections – we’ll be sharing the very best of the finest locations to go to in Florida. Get prepared for enjoyable details and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you’re in for a deal with.
Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
Are you able to take a better take 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 tons to spark your curiosity. For the sake of this information, we’ll assume that you just’ve already visited Miami, and we’ll introduce you to some lesser-visited locations in addition to commonplace metropolis suggestions. Where must you 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 on the lookout for prime weekend getaways in Florida, it’s straightforward 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 desire 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 properties 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 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 automotive. You also can 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 beautiful with a seaside city enchantment. Remote, wistful feeling, and filled with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is among the most original 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 probably the greatest Florida weekend getaways. This island has the whole lot from luxurious inns to golf programs and even shark tooth scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched because of the dearth of crowds. For a phenomenal getaway, Amelia Island is good.
To get there, you’ll want a automotive. Amelia Island is positioned 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, after all, 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, exhibits, and character meet-and-greets. Visitors sometimes ebook one of many on-site resorts for the ‘ultimate’ expertise. Walt Disney World is among the most traditional choices for Florida getaways, and it’s unimaginable to not love the tacky but healthful ambiance. Check out: 11 Best Theme Parks in Florida To Visit
It is an absolute breeze to get to Walt Disney World, with Orlando operating home and worldwide flights worldwide. You also can drive rapidly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or benefit from the state’s wonderful Greyhound community in the event you want public transport. Read extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
Where to Stay:
4. Honeymoon Island State Park
Another one of the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the gorgeous Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand seaside. This gorgeous barrier island state park is house to little greater than a nature heart and some cafes, which means you’ll have to remain close by and enterprise in throughout the day. This isn’t a problem, although, as there are many lodge choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. If you fancy a getaway the place you possibly can keep straight subsequent to one of the pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your most suitable option.
It is simple to see why folks love this Florida getaway. The mixture of white sand, climbing trails, and wildlife resembling manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It can also be straightforward to succeed in, simply 20 minutes from Clearwater by automotive, and positioned 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 recognized for one factor: its West Indian manatee inhabitants. These lazy, loveable creatures are nicknamed ‘sea cows’ and drift peacefully via the waterways round Crystal River. Their foremost risks are boat propellers, and their solely technique of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These lovely 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 probably the greatest distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you need a wild animal encounter.
Crystal River is positioned on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly a 5-hour drive from Miami and a 2-hour drive from Orlando. It is slightly out of the way in which, so we’d counsel hiring a automotive in the event you don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll need to ebook an official tour.
Where to Stay:
6. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach may not even register as a possible weekend getaway whenever you take a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. Yet this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a enormous character. New Smyrna Beach just isn’t solely a browsing hub for these seeking 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, unbiased outlets, 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 phenomenal, vigorous contender amongst the very best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is finest accessed through automotive and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It is centrally positioned alongside the Atlantic Coast. It gives 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 inns. It is reduce off from the mainland, hooked up solely by bridges, for an remoted and unique ambiance. It balances that stunning line between resort luxurious and conservation surroundings for nature lovers. If you need resort comforts with pure views, it’s considered one of Florida’s finest distinctive weekend getaways. Marco Island may not be as windswept or ‘wild’ feeling as Amelia Island or Honeymoon Island State Park. Still, it does present a cushty base amidst barrier island surroundings. Florida getaways don’t get way more enjoyable.
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 automotive, 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 excess of only a gateway to weekend getaways in Florida. Most guests move straight via Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we aren’t slating stunning Sanibel Island with all its fascinating seashells, those that need to problem the established order for Florida getaways ought to pause briefly in Fort Myers earlier than dashing 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 desire a day on the seaside, 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 straightforward. We like its underdog enchantment and the standard handful of sights in its metropolis heart. It is the right compromise you probably have a half group wanting a seaside getaway and half wanting a metropolis break.
Where to Stay:
9. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is an enormous harbor and inland water space surrounded by the main cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus a handful of waterfront cities. Rather than separating out the completely different locations to remain round Tampa Bay, we’ll take a look at this area as an entire. The Tampa Bay area is sensible for seafood, is carefully positioned close to manatee viewing alternatives, is improbable for fishing, and has the cities to provide you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s rapidly take a look at the place you need to base your self across the bay. To summarize, Tampa is the place to remain for Cuban and Spanish influences in historic neighborhoods and plenty 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 neighborhood really feel. As you possibly can see, Tampa Bay has tons of selection. It is great for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It is definitely reached by automotive or home flights.
Where to Stay:
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you desire a Florida getaway the place you will get again to fundamentals with tenting and exquisite kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is among the finest weekend getaways in Florida. This gorgeous 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 via green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging timber. 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 heart. The park is positioned in central Florida, and when you’ll nonetheless want a automotive, it is among the most ‘urban’ areas of pure magnificence and tenting alternatives – positioned in the Orlando outer suburbs.
Where to Stay:
11. De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs State Park has lived a number of completely different lives in its time. First, the park was house to native Mayaca. It grew to become a winter park, and now, it’s protected as a state park and a preferred place for water actions. It is among 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 authentic Mayaca residents stated that the springs have therapeutic waters. De Leon Springs State Park is a superb 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 automotive, it’s totally 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, a terrific weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, considered one of which incorporates a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to gorgeous wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, brilliant blue waters, and orange terracotta of the remaining buildings is gorgeous. And Dry Tortugas National Park is very like a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic affect as one of the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you truly get right here? Dry Tortugas National Park is just 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 journey from Key West to Dry Tortugas or prepare a seaplane flight. It is undoubtedly more difficult to succeed in, but it surely 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 neighborhood hub in a phenomenal barrier island setting. And concerning household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a prime contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and plenty of sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Enjoy a 1911-built picket pier and plenty of unbiased cafes and outlets. For households, it is a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island provides a rounded and picturesque weekend getaway expertise. It is so family-friendly in ambiance and actions that we simply had so as to add it to this listing.
Anna Maria Island is positioned simply outdoors Tampa Bay, on the ultimate row of barrier islands dealing with 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 automotive.
Where to Stay:
14. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is glitz and glam – recognized for its high quality eating, Broadway-style exhibits, and fierce nightlife. It is equal components a retail remedy and get together vacation spot, and if you need a spot the place you possibly can don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Beach is among the finest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Worth Avenue is an sarcastically named and sensible purchasing 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 purchasing 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 automotive or 45 minutes by rail. It is a superb place to get to by public transport and a improbable steadiness between a seaside and a metropolis break. West Palm Beach is positioned on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
Where to Stay:
15. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a superb 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 among the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Beach is the type of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and basic passers-by are likely to overlook. This makes it an excellent selection no matter season. You can take pleasure in fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You can’t beat it concerning water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Beach is positioned in central Florida, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by automotive, southeast of Orlando. You’ll want a automotive 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 proven fact that it’s so off the same old 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 stunning Florida weekend getaways. It is all white sand seashores and plush palm timber – with some significantly picturesque climbing trails because the cherry on prime. But its actual draw comes from its underwater sights, issues you could not discover instantly. Biscayne National Park has a few of Florida’s most unimaginable and infrequently tragic shipwrecks. There are over 10,000 years of human historical past right here, and an enormous half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally important both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now help total marine life ecosystems. If you’re keen on scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne National Park is among the most original 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, positioned 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 probably the greatest 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 unlimited 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 superb 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 also can ebook switch providers and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is admittedly walkable, so don’t fear an excessive amount of in the event you don’t drive. If you drive to Key West, cease on the different Florida Keys alongside the way in which. Many sights are on the way in which, 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 the whole lot from conch to sand greenback shells. In truth, it has earned the nickname of the seashell capital of the world. For a weekend of ‘shelling’ and seaside days, Sanibel Island is among the most original weekend getaways in Florida. Aside from its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot filled with greenery, palm timber, and coastal undergrowth. We needed to listing 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 positioned on the Gulf Coast of Florida, simply an hour and 20 minutes away from the numerous metropolis of Fort Myers. You’ll want a automotive to succeed in the island, however when you get there, you’ll spend most of your time on foot having fun with miles of gorgeous 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 among the most traditional weekend getaways in Florida. The park is a tropical wetland and an absolute haven for iconic Florida wildlife, from hen 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, you may as well 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 automotive 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 automotive to journey to the Everglades. Alternatively, you possibly can ebook guided excursions with transfers included.
Where to Stay:
20. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is your most suitable option for seaside lovers desirous to enterprise from South Beach and in the direction of the unsung fantastic 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 facet of Florida. Most folks stick with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a phenomenal seaside 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 slicing via 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 all concerning the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, you have to be extra sensible. These are essentially the most generally requested FAQs and bits of beneficial 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 gained’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 maintain your Florida weekend journey to a funds is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This manner, you get the most affordable inns and excursions – plus the good thing about fewer crowds. You also needs to contemplate self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida the very best state for trip?
Florida is by far probably the greatest states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the right candidate for a few superb days in a seaside 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 must be nicely and really able to press ‘book’ on considered one of these prime weekend getaways in Florida. You might need 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 an exquisite 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 at the least a number of weekend getaways to really scratch the floor.