The Sunshine State is thought for its stunning seashores and climate, and what higher strategy to take pleasure in these two issues than with a weekend getaway? You possibly can head to the theme parks in central Florida or drop right down to the Florida Keys in south Florida. Maybe you need scrumptious meals. Or perhaps you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm timber. No matter you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the very best decisions – we’ll be sharing the very best of the greatest locations to go to in Florida. Prepare for enjoyable info and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you’re in for a deal with.
Finest Weekend Getaways in Florida
Are you able to take a better have a look at the very best weekend getaways in Florida? Whether or not 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’ll assume that you just’ve already visited Miami, and we’ll introduce you to some lesser-visited locations in addition to normal metropolis suggestions. The place do you have to keep for a weekend in Florida? Right here’s our scorching take.
1. Fort Lauderdale
Who doesn’t love a little bit of Fort Lauderdale? And in case you are in search of high weekend getaways in Florida, it’s simple to see why this metropolis ranks among the many hottest choices each time. The town is residence to Fort Lauderdale Seaside and has a thriving arts and tradition scene. If you would like a metropolis that has distinct ‘pocket’ neighborhoods to select from, Fort Lauderdale is sensible. You possibly can head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or take pleasure in Mission-style houses and reside music within the inland neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. You even have tons of seashores to decide on between – making Fort Lauderdale probably the most thrilling locations to go to in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is tremendous handy if you’d like a getaway from Miami. Draw your self away from South Seaside and Miami Seaside, heading lower than an hour up the coast by automotive. It’s also possible to catch public transport from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in lower than two hours, and there’s an airport to make use of. Try the 15 Finest Seashores in Fort Lauderdale
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2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead attractive with a seashore city enchantment. Distant, wistful feeling, and filled with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is likely 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. However those that can see previous the confinements of the ‘common vacationer path’ are rewarded with white sand seashores and top-of-the-line Florida weekend getaways. This island has all the things from luxurious accommodations 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 automotive. Amelia Island is positioned on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, roughly a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville. When you arrive, you possibly can navigate the island primarily on a pedal bike to unplug from the surface world – driving included.
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3. Walt Disney World
Relating to enjoyable weekend getaways in Florida, a weekend journey to the Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida hits the spot. That 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 within 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. Guests usually guide one of many on-site resorts for the ‘final’ expertise. Walt Disney World is likely one of the most basic choices for Florida getaways, and it’s unimaginable to not love the tacky but healthful ambiance. Try: 11 Finest Theme Parks in Florida To Go to
It’s an absolute breeze to get to Walt Disney World, with Orlando working home and worldwide flights worldwide. It’s also possible to drive shortly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or profit from the state’s wonderful Greyhound community should you favor public transport. Learn extra: High 10 Curler Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
One other probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the attractive Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand seashore. This gorgeous barrier island state park is residence to little greater than a nature middle and some cafes, which means you’ll have to remain close by and enterprise in throughout the day. This isn’t a difficulty, although, as there are many resort choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. Should you fancy a getaway the place you possibly can keep immediately subsequent to probably the most pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your best option.
It’s simple to see why folks love this Florida getaway. The mix of white sand, climbing trails, and wildlife comparable to manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It is usually simple to succeed in, simply 20 minutes from Clearwater by automotive, and positioned on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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5. Crystal River
Crystal River proves you don’t want scuba diving to get probably 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 by means of the waterways round Crystal River. Their foremost risks are boat propellers, and their solely technique of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These cute creatures have garnered celeb standing, and animal-loving guests flock to Crystal River, hoping to see them on boat excursions and snorkeling excursions. Crystal River is well top-of-the-line distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you’d like 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’s a little out of the way in which, so we’d recommend hiring a automotive should you don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll need to guide an official tour.
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6. New Smyrna Seaside
New Smyrna Seaside may not even register as a possible weekend getaway whenever you have a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. But this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a enormous character. New Smyrna Seaside just isn’t solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but additionally has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Avenue Historic District is a hive for the artistic, with galleries, unbiased retailers, and cafes. There’s additionally the New Smyrna Museum of Historical past and the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. Should you fancy a browsing vacation spot that packs a historic punch, New Smyrna Seaside is a lovely, vigorous contender amongst the very best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Seaside is greatest accessed by way of automotive and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s centrally positioned alongside the Atlantic Coast. It offers wonderful day journey entry to the Kennedy House Heart and Daytona Seaside. Learn extra: 10 Distinctive Issues to Do in Central Florida
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7. Marco Island
Marco Island is fairly darn glitzy. Assume golf programs, yachts in marinas, and towering resort accommodations. It’s minimize 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 would like resort comforts with pure views, it’s one among Florida’s greatest distinctive weekend getaways. Marco Island may not be as windswept or ‘wild’ feeling as Amelia Island or Honeymoon Island State Park. Nonetheless, it does present a snug 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.
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8. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is way over only a gateway to weekend getaways in Florida. Most guests go straight by means of 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 attractive River District, iconic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and close by Cape Coral Museum of Historical past. If you would like a day on the seashore, Fort Myers Seaside 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 points of interest in its metropolis middle. It’s the good compromise in case you have a half group wanting a seashore getaway and half wanting a metropolis break.
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9. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a large harbor and inland water space surrounded by the foremost cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus a handful of waterfront cities. Reasonably than separating out the totally different locations to remain round Tampa Bay, we’ll have 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 implausible for fishing, and has the cities to present you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s shortly have a look at the place you must 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 points of interest. 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’s wonderful for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It’s simply reached by automotive or home flights.
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10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you would like a Florida getaway the place you may get again to fundamentals with tenting and exquisite kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is likely one of the greatest 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 sort of aggressively inexperienced and a much-needed assault on the senses. You’ll be canoeing or kayaking by means of green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging timber. And you’ll end off your water actions with a campfire within the night.
For a tenting getaway in Florida, Wekiwa Springs will get our high vote. The state park is well accessible from Orlando and is only a 30-minute drive from town middle. The park is positioned in central Florida, and whilst you’ll nonetheless want a automotive, it is likely one of the most ‘city’ areas of pure magnificence and tenting alternatives – positioned within the Orlando outer suburbs.
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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 residence to native Mayaca. It grew to become a winter park, and now, it’s protected as a state park and a well-liked place for water actions. It is likely one of the nice weekend getaways in Florida, particularly if you’d like 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 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’s a easy getaway to succeed in from central and northern Florida. When you’ll want a automotive, it’s completely walkable when you arrive.
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12. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is an icon of pure magnificence and, merely put, an incredible weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, one among which contains a Nineteenth-century fort and all residence to gorgeous wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, brilliant blue waters, and orange terracotta of the remaining buildings is gorgeous. And Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is very like a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic influence as probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you truly get right here? Dry Tortugas Nationwide 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 within the Gulf of Mexico and about 70 miles west of Key West – the endpoint of the Florida Keys. You possibly can take a 2-hour 15-minute ferry experience from Key West to Dry Tortugas or prepare a seaplane flight. It’s undoubtedly tougher to succeed in, however it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Learn extra: 36 Finest Issues to Do in Key West, Florida
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13. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an actual group hub in a lovely barrier island setting. And concerning household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a high contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and plenty of sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Take pleasure in a 1911-built wood pier and plenty of unbiased cafes and retailers. For households, it is a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island provides a rounded and picturesque weekend getaway expertise. It’s 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 going through Mexico’s Gulf Coast. It’s a straightforward one-hour drive from Tampa over the hanging Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s best to journey to Anna Maria Island by automotive.
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14. West Palm Seaside
West Palm Seaside is glitz and glam – recognized for its wonderful eating, Broadway-style exhibits, and fierce nightlife. It’s equal elements a retail remedy and occasion vacation spot, and if you’d like a spot the place you possibly can don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Seaside is likely one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Price Avenue is an mockingly named and sensible buying space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Seaside is a vacation spot you instantly have at the back of your thoughts whenever you consider a buying getaway. We couldn’t not add it to this information.
To achieve West Palm Seaside from Fort Lauderdale, it’s simply an hour away by automotive or 45 minutes by rail. It’s a sensible place to get to by public transport and a implausible stability between a seashore and a metropolis break. West Palm Seaside is positioned on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
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15. Vero Seaside
Vero Seaside 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 likely one of the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Seaside is the kind of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and basic passers-by are inclined to overlook. This makes it an excellent selection no matter season. You possibly can take pleasure in fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You possibly can’t beat it concerning water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Seaside 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 truth that it’s so off the same old overwhelmed path when it comes to tourism actually caught our eye, and its water sports activities are spectacular.
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16. Biscayne Nationwide Park
Biscayne Nationwide Park is a shocking a part of Florida’s west coast. It’s simply probably the most stunning Florida weekend getaways. It’s all white sand seashores and plush palm timber – with some significantly picturesque climbing trails because the cherry on high. However its actual draw comes from its underwater points of interest, issues you might not discover instantly. Biscayne Nationwide 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 a large half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally vital both; many have fashioned synthetic reefs and now assist whole marine life ecosystems. Should you love scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne Nationwide Park is likely one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida.
Attending to Biscayne Nationwide Park is an absolute breeze from Miami. You possibly can drive to the Biscayne Nationwide Park Customer Heart 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.
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17. Key West
The Florida Keys are top-of-the-line weekend getaways in Florida, and Key West is a historic city proper on the tip of the Keys. Key West is the southernmost level within the US, with an unlimited maritime tradition and sense of id for such a small city. As a weekend getaway, it’s the good selection. Key West is residence to the Truman Little White Home, the Hemingway House and Museum, and deep sea fishing alternatives. There are lots of wonderful issues to do in Key West.
Key West is admittedly scenic as a weekend getaway. To achieve Key West from Miami, it’s a 3.5-hour drive – the furthest one of many Florida Keys from the mainland. It’s also possible to guide switch companies and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is admittedly walkable, so don’t fear an excessive amount of should you don’t drive. Should you drive to Key West, cease on the different Florida Keys alongside the way in which. Many points of interest are on the way in which, just like the Historical past of Diving Museum and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
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18. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is most famed for seashells. Not simply any seashells, although, a vivid number of all the things 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 likely one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida. Other than its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot filled with greenery, palm timber, and coastal undergrowth. We needed to listing on the high 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’s 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 continues to be recovering from the hurricane and a few seashores are nonetheless closed. For updated info go to the Hurricane Restoration FAQs on the Chamber of Commerce.
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19. Everglades Nationwide Park
Everglades Nationwide Park is likely one of the most basic weekend getaways in Florida. The park is a tropical wetland and an absolute haven for iconic Florida wildlife, from fowl life to crocs and gators. It’s well-known 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. Aside from the boat excursions, you may as well take pleasure in boardwalk hikes, kayaking, and the Shark Valley Customer Heart. Let’s be trustworthy: it catches everybody’s eye when visiting Florida.
To achieve the Everglades Nationwide Park, it’s an hour’s drive from Miami or 50 minutes by automotive from Naples. Situated proper on the backside of southern Florida, the one place additional south than the Everglades Nationwide Park is the Florida Keys. Your greatest strategy 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 guide guided excursions with transfers included.
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20. Panama Metropolis Seaside
Panama Metropolis Seaside is your best option for seashore lovers eager to enterprise from South Seaside and in the direction of the unsung great thing about northwest Florida. Panama Metropolis Seaside has over 27 miles of white sand seashores and a raging seafood restaurant scene. It ticks each field if you’d like coastal weekend getaways in Florida, and it will get bonus factors for introducing you to a unique aspect of Florida. Most individuals persist with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a lovely seashore vacation spot?
The simplest strategy to attain Panama Metropolis Seaside 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 by means of Level Washington State Forest. Panama Metropolis Seaside is surrounded by stunning state parks and forests, and opening straight out onto the Gulf of Mexico, it’s laborious to not love.
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Weekend Getaways in Florida: FAQs
Now that all concerning the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, you need to be extra sensible. These are probably the most generally requested FAQs and bits of precious info that may assist form your Florida getaways for the higher. Try these fast, top-four FAQs. Consider them as an final abstract of all you’ve simply learn.
Are there fast journeys in Florida?
Sure, there are many fast journeys in Florida. Everglades Nationwide Park and Key West are two nice examples of fast journeys, with just some bucket-list-worthy issues to tick off that make them good to go to for a fast weekend getaway. You received’t miss out on something by visiting for simply two days.
The place is greatest to go for a weekend break?
The very best locations to go for a weekend break in Florida are Amelia Island, Crystal River, Orlando, Key West, and the Everglades Nationwide Park.
How do I plan a weekend journey on a finances?
One of the simplest ways to maintain your Florida weekend journey to a finances is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This manner, you get the most cost effective accommodations and excursions – plus the good thing about fewer crowds. You also needs to take into account self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida the very best state for trip?
Florida is by far top-of-the-line states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the right candidate for a few superb days in a seashore city. Moreover, it has scrumptious meals and loads of theme parks, historic websites, and pure magnificence, which ticks off each traveler’s pursuits.
To Conclude
You need to be properly and really able to press ‘guide’ on one among these high 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 no less than a couple of weekend getaways to actually scratch the floor.