The Sunshine State is understood for its stunning seashores and climate, and what higher method 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 perhaps you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm timber. Whatever you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the perfect selections – we’ll be sharing the perfect 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 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’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 in search of 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 need a metropolis that has distinct ‘pocket’ neighborhoods to select from, Fort Lauderdale is sensible. You can head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or get pleasure from 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 vital 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 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 seaside city enchantment. 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 the most effective Florida weekend getaways. This island has the whole lot from luxurious lodges to golf programs and even shark enamel scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched due to the shortage of crowds. For a wonderful getaway, Amelia Island is right.
To get there, you’ll want a automobile. Amelia Island is situated on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, roughly a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to navigate the island primarily on a pedal bike to unplug from the skin 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, 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 usually 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 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 profit from the state’s wonderful Greyhound community should you want public transport. Read extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
Another one of the vital distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the gorgeous Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand 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 in the course of the day. This isn’t a difficulty, although, as there are many resort choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. If you fancy a getaway the place you’ll be able to keep straight subsequent to one of the vital 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, mountaineering trails, and wildlife akin to 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 essentially the most out of a Florida getaway. This coastal metropolis is especially identified for one factor: its West Indian manatee inhabitants. These lazy, loveable creatures are nicknamed ‘sea cows’ and drift peacefully by the waterways round Crystal River. Their important 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 definitely the most effective distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you’d like a wild animal encounter.
Crystal River is situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly a 5-hour drive from Miami and a 2-hour drive from Orlando. It is a bit of out of the best way, so we’d recommend hiring a automobile should you don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll should ebook 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 enormous persona. New Smyrna Beach isn’t solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but in addition has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Street Historic District is a hive for the inventive, with galleries, 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 wonderful, vigorous contender amongst the perfect weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is greatest accessed through automobile and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It is centrally situated 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
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7. Marco Island
Marco Island is fairly darn glitzy. Think golf programs, yachts in marinas, and towering resort lodges. It is lower 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 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 rather more enjoyable.
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 cross straight by Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we aren’t slating stunning Sanibel Island with all its fascinating seashells, those that need to problem the established order for Florida getaways ought to pause briefly in Fort Myers earlier than dashing 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 need 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 will likely be straightforward. We like its underdog enchantment and the standard handful of sights in its metropolis heart. It is the right compromise 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 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’ll 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 improbable for fishing, and has the cities to provide 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 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’ll be able to see, Tampa Bay has tons of selection. It is superb for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It is definitely reached by automobile or home flights.
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10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you need 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’ll be able to paddle up near turtles, alligators, manatees, and extra. Wekiwa Springs is nearly aggressively inexperienced and a much-needed assault on the senses. You’ll be canoeing or kayaking by green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging timber. And you’ll be able to 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 the town heart. The park is situated in central Florida, and when 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 well-liked place for water actions. It is among the nice weekend getaways in Florida, particularly if you’d like an inland vacation spot to get pleasure from swimming. The park has over 6,000 years of historical past, and its unique 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, an awesome weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, certainly one of which includes a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to gorgeous wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, shiny blue waters, and orange terracotta of the remaining constructions is gorgeous. And Dry Tortugas National Park is very similar to a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic affect as one of the vital distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you 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 experience from Key West to Dry Tortugas or prepare a seaplane flight. It is undoubtedly tougher to achieve, but it surely 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 wonderful barrier island setting. And relating to household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a prime contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and plenty of sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Enjoy a 1911-built wood pier and plenty 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 simple one-hour drive from Tampa over the putting 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 advantageous eating, Broadway-style exhibits, and fierce nightlife. It is equal elements a retail remedy and get together vacation spot, and if you’d like a spot the place you’ll be able to 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 paradoxically 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 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 a superb place to get to by public transport and a improbable steadiness 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 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 inclined to overlook. This makes it a superb selection no matter season. You can get pleasure from fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You can’t beat it relating to water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Beach is situated in central Florida, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile, southeast of Orlando. You’ll want a automobile to 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 incontrovertible 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 shocking a part of Florida’s west coast. It is definitely one of the vital stunning Florida weekend getaways. It is all white sand seashores and plush palm timber – with some severely picturesque mountaineering trails because the cherry on prime. But its actual draw comes from its underwater sights, issues you might not discover instantly. Biscayne National Park has a few of Florida’s most unimaginable and sometimes tragic shipwrecks. There are over 10,000 years of human historical past right here, and a large half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally vital both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now assist total marine life ecosystems. If you’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’ll be able to discover the island part of the nationwide park by a guided boat tour.
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17. Key West
The Florida Keys are the most effective 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 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 ebook switch providers 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 sights 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 the whole lot 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 among the most unusual 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 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 lovely seashores and mountaineering 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 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, it’s also possible to 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 method 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’ll be able to ebook guided excursions with transfers included.
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20. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is your best option for seaside lovers desirous to enterprise from South Beach and in 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’d like 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 wonderful seaside vacation spot?
The best method 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 stunning 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 all in regards to the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, you need to be extra sensible. These are essentially the most generally requested FAQs and bits of invaluable 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 excellent 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 price range?
The greatest method 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 lodges and excursions – plus the good thing about fewer crowds. You must also think about self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida the perfect state for trip?
Florida is by far the most effective 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 actually 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, take a look at our in-depth information on the highest 10 rollercoasters in Florida. Florida has a lot to supply, and also you want not less than a number of weekend getaways to really scratch the floor.