The Sunshine State is understood for its lovely seashores and climate, and what higher technique to get pleasure from 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 perhaps you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm bushes. Whatever you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are one of the best decisions – we’ll be sharing one of the best of the greatest 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 more in-depth have a look at one of the 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 are going to assume that you simply’ve already visited Miami, and we’ll introduce you to some lesser-visited locations in addition to customary 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 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 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 get pleasure from 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 probably the most 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 can even 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 attractive with a seashore city attraction. Remote, wistful feeling, and filled with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is among 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 finest Florida weekend getaways. This island has every part from luxurious inns to golf programs and even shark enamel scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched due to the dearth of crowds. For a stupendous 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 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
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 among the most basic choices for Florida getaways, and it’s not possible 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 operating home and worldwide flights worldwide. You can even drive rapidly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or take advantage of the state’s glorious Greyhound community for those who want public transport. Read extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
Another probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the gorgeous Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand seashore. This gorgeous 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 in the course of 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 immediately subsequent to probably the most pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your most suitable option.
It is straightforward to see why individuals love this Florida getaway. The mixture of white sand, mountaineering trails, and wildlife resembling manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It can be simple 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 especially recognized for one factor: its West Indian manatee inhabitants. These lazy, loveable creatures are nicknamed ‘sea cows’ and drift peacefully by way 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 movie star standing, and animal-loving guests flock to Crystal River, hoping to see them on boat excursions and snorkeling excursions. Crystal River is well among the finest 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 recommend 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.
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6. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach may not 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 persona. New Smyrna Beach shouldn’t be solely a browsing hub for these seeking to catch some waves for the weekend but additionally 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 stupendous, vigorous contender amongst one of the best 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 gives 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 inns. It is minimize off from the mainland, hooked up 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 considered one of Florida’s greatest 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 rather 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 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 cross straight by way of Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we aren’t slating lovely 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 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 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 shall be simple. We like its underdog attraction and the standard handful of points of interest in its metropolis middle. It is the proper 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 main 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 sensible for seafood, is intently situated close to manatee viewing alternatives, is unbelievable for fishing, and has the cities to present you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s rapidly 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 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 neighborhood 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 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 will get again to fundamentals with tenting and delightful kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is among the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. This gorgeous space of pure magnificence is ready 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 way of 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 high vote. The state park is well 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 among 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 number 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 among 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 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 an easy getaway to achieve from central and northern Florida. While you’ll want a automobile, it’s completely 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, a fantastic weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, considered one of which includes a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to gorgeous 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 probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you really 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 prepare a seaplane flight. It is undoubtedly tougher 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 neighborhood hub in a stupendous 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 lots of sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Enjoy a 1911-built picket pier and lots of unbiased cafes and outlets. For households, this can be a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island provides 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 listing.
Anna Maria Island is situated simply outdoors 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 – recognized for its fantastic eating, Broadway-style exhibits, and fierce nightlife. It is equal elements a retail remedy and occasion vacation spot, and in order for you a spot the place you possibly can don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Beach is among the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Worth Avenue is an sarcastically named and sensible buying 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 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 a superb place to get to by public transport and a unbelievable steadiness between a seashore 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 among the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Beach is the form of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and normal passers-by are likely to overlook. This makes it a superb 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 value 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 undeniable 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.
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16. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is a shocking a part of Florida’s west coast. It is well probably the most lovely Florida weekend getaways. It is all white sand seashores and plush palm bushes – with some severely picturesque mountaineering trails because the cherry on high. But its actual draw comes from its underwater points of interest, issues chances are 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 important both; many have fashioned 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 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.
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17. Key West
The Florida Keys are among the finest 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 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 can even 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 for those who 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 seashore days, Sanibel Island is among the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida. Aside from its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot filled with greenery, palm bushes, 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 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 mountaineering 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.
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19. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is among the most basic 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 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. Apart from the boat excursions, you too can get pleasure from 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 greatest technique 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.
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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 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 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 individuals stick with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a stupendous seashore vacation spot?
The best technique 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 chopping by way of 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 recognize 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 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 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.
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 funds?
The greatest technique to hold your Florida weekend journey to a funds is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This approach, you get the most affordable inns 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 one of the best state for trip?
Florida is by far among the finest states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the proper candidate for a few superb 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 effectively and actually able to press ‘book’ on considered one of these high weekend getaways in Florida. You could wish to arrange 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, try our in-depth information on the highest 10 rollercoasters in Florida. Florida has a lot to supply, and also you want a minimum of a number of weekend getaways to actually scratch the floor.