The Sunshine State is thought for its lovely seashores and climate, and what higher option to get pleasure from these two issues than with a weekend getaway? You may 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 bushes. Whatever you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the perfect decisions – we’ll be sharing the perfect of the greatest locations to go to in Florida. Get prepared for enjoyable info 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 have a look at the perfect 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 just’ve already visited Miami, and we’ll introduce you to some lesser-visited locations in addition to commonplace metropolis suggestions. Where do you have to keep for a weekend in Florida? Here’s our scorching take.
1. Fort Lauderdale
Who doesn’t love a little bit of Fort Lauderdale? And in case you are searching 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 good. You can head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or get pleasure from Mission-style houses and reside music in the inland neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. You even have tons of seashores to decide on between – making Fort Lauderdale some of the thrilling locations to go to in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is tremendous handy in order for you 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 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
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2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead beautiful with a seaside city enchantment. Remote, wistful feeling, and stuffed with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is likely one of 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 top-of-the-line Florida weekend getaways. This island has every part from luxurious motels to golf programs and even shark enamel scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched because of the shortage of crowds. For a good looking getaway, Amelia Island is good.
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 may navigate the island primarily on a pedal bike to unplug from the surface world – driving included.
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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, exhibits, and character meet-and-greets. Visitors sometimes e-book one of many on-site resorts for the ‘ultimate’ expertise. Walt Disney World is likely one of 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 profit from the state’s glorious Greyhound community should you favor public transport. Read extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
Another some 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 beautiful 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 in the course of the day. This isn’t a difficulty, although, as there are many lodge choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. If you fancy a getaway the place you may keep instantly subsequent to some of the pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your best option.
It is straightforward to see why folks love this Florida getaway. The mixture of white sand, mountain climbing trails, and wildlife resembling manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It can be straightforward to achieve, simply 20 minutes from Clearwater by automobile, and situated 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 principally 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 predominant risks are boat propellers, and their solely methodology of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These lovely creatures have garnered superstar 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 in order for you 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 slightly out of the best way, so we’d counsel hiring a automobile should you don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll need to e-book an official tour.
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6. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach won’t even register as a possible weekend getaway while you have a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. Yet this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a large persona. New Smyrna Beach shouldn’t be solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but additionally has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Street Historic District is a hive for the artistic, with galleries, unbiased 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 good looking, energetic contender amongst the perfect weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is greatest accessed by way of automobile and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It is centrally situated alongside the Atlantic Coast. It supplies glorious day journey entry to the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach. Read extra: 10 Unique Things to Do in Central Florida
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7. Marco Island
Marco Island is fairly darn glitzy. Think golf programs, yachts in marinas, and towering resort motels. It is reduce off from the mainland, connected solely by bridges, for an remoted and unique ambiance. It balances that lovely line between resort luxurious and conservation surroundings for nature lovers. If you need resort comforts with pure views, it’s certainly one of Florida’s greatest 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 serious metropolis alongside Florida’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline. You’ll want a automobile, and also you’ll be driving throughout scenic overwater highways to achieve your lodging on the island.
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8. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is excess of only a gateway to weekend getaways in Florida. Most guests move straight by Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we’re not slating lovely 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 speeding onwards. Fort Myers is de facto 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 shall be straightforward. We like its underdog enchantment and the standard handful of points of interest in its metropolis heart. It is the right compromise if in case you have a half group wanting a seaside 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 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 an entire. The Tampa Bay area is good for seafood, is carefully situated close to manatee viewing alternatives, is unbelievable for fishing, and has the cities to offer you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s rapidly have 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 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 may see, Tampa Bay has tons of selection. It is superb for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It is well reached by automobile or home flights.
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10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you desire a Florida getaway the place you may get again to fundamentals with tenting and delightful kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is likely one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. This beautiful space of pure magnificence is ready round a spring the place you may 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 green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging bushes. And you may 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 well accessible from Orlando and is only a 30-minute drive from the town heart. The park is situated in central Florida, and when you’ll nonetheless want a automobile, it is likely one of the most ‘urban’ areas of pure magnificence and tenting alternatives – situated in 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 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 likely one of the nice weekend getaways in Florida, particularly in order for you an inland vacation spot to get pleasure from swimming. The park has over 6,000 years of historical past, and its authentic 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 achieve from central and northern Florida. While you’ll want a automobile, it’s totally walkable when you arrive.
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12. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is an icon of pure magnificence and, merely put, an amazing weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, certainly one of which encompasses a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to beautiful wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, vivid 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 impression as some of the 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 journey from Key West to Dry Tortugas or prepare a seaplane flight. It is undoubtedly more difficult to achieve, however it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Read extra: 36 Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida
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13. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an actual group hub in a good looking 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 good actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Enjoy a 1911-built picket pier and plenty of unbiased cafes and retailers. For households, this can be a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island affords 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 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 placing Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It is greatest to journey to Anna Maria Island by automobile.
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14. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is glitz and glam – identified for its high quality eating, Broadway-style exhibits, and fierce nightlife. It is equal components a retail remedy and occasion vacation spot, and in order for you a spot the place you may don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Beach is likely one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Worth Avenue is an satirically named and good buying space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Beach is a vacation spot you instantly have in the again of your thoughts while you consider a buying 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 unbelievable stability between a seaside and a metropolis break. West Palm Beach is situated on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
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15. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a wonderful weekend getaway for water sports activities and nature. The small metropolis has a brilliant handy location proper subsequent to the Indian River Lagoon, and absurdly, it is likely one of the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Beach is the type of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and normal passers-by are likely to overlook. This makes it an excellent alternative no matter season. You can get pleasure from fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You can’t beat it concerning water actions and proximity to lovely 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 achieve 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 standard crushed path in phrases of tourism actually caught our eye, and its water sports activities are spectacular.
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16. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is a surprising a part of Florida’s west coast. It is well some of the lovely Florida weekend getaways. It is all white sand seashores and plush palm bushes – with some significantly picturesque mountain climbing trails because the cherry on prime. But its actual draw comes from its underwater points of interest, 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 a large half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally vital both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now help whole marine life ecosystems. If you like scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne National Park is likely one of 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, situated on the mainland. From there, you may 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 in the US, with an enormous maritime tradition and sense of id for such a small city. As a weekend getaway, it’s the good alternative. 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 de facto 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 e-book switch companies and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is de facto walkable, so don’t fear an excessive amount of should you don’t drive. If you drive to Key West, cease on the different Florida Keys alongside the best way. Many points of interest are on the best way, just like the History 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 every part 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 seaside days, Sanibel Island is likely one of the most original 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 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 related 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 achieve the island, however when you get there, you’ll spend most of your time on foot having fun with miles of gorgeous seashores and mountain climbing trails.
Sanibel Island continues 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.
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19. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is likely 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, you can too get pleasure from boardwalk hikes, kayaking, and the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Let’s be sincere: 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 greatest option 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 may e-book guided excursions with transfers included.
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20. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is your best option for seaside lovers eager to enterprise from South Beach and in 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 in order for you coastal weekend getaways in Florida, and it will get bonus factors for introducing you to a distinct aspect of Florida. Most folks persist with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a good looking seaside vacation spot?
The best option to attain Panama City Beach is by flying to Destin; from there, you solely must drive for simply over an hour. Even the drive is scenic, and also you’ll be slicing by Point Washington State Forest. Panama City Beach is surrounded by lovely state parks and forests, and opening straight out onto the Gulf of Mexico, it’s onerous to not love.
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Weekend Getaways in Florida: FAQs
Now that you realize all concerning the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, try to be extra sensible. These are probably the most generally requested FAQs and bits of precious 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 just some bucket-list-worthy issues to tick off that make them good to go to for a fast weekend getaway. You gained’t miss out on something by visiting for simply two days.
Where is greatest to go for a weekend break?
The greatest 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 price range?
The greatest option to preserve your Florida weekend journey to a price range is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This manner, you get the most affordable motels and excursions – plus the good thing about fewer crowds. You must also take into account self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida the perfect 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 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 ought to be properly and really able to press ‘book’ on certainly one of these prime weekend getaways in Florida. You could need to set up 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, try our in-depth information on the highest 10 rollercoasters in Florida. Florida has a lot to supply, and also you want at the very least a couple of weekend getaways to actually scratch the floor.