The Sunshine State is thought for its stunning seashores and climate, and what higher strategy to get pleasure from these two issues than with a weekend getaway? You possibly can head to the theme parks in central Florida or drop all the way down to the Florida Keys in south Florida. Maybe you need scrumptious meals. Or possibly you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm timber. No matter you might be craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the very best selections – we’ll be sharing the very best of the best places to visit in Florida. Prepare for fun facts and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you might be in for a deal with.
Greatest 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 might be 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 normal metropolis suggestions. The place do you have to keep for a weekend in Florida? Right here’s our sizzling take.
1. Fort Lauderdale
Who doesn’t love a little bit of Fort Lauderdale? And in case you are searching for high weekend getaways in Florida, it’s simple to see why this metropolis ranks among the many hottest choices each time. The town is house to Fort Lauderdale Seashore and has a thriving arts and tradition scene. In order for you a metropolis that has distinct ‘pocket’ neighborhoods to select from, Fort Lauderdale is good. You’ll be able to head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or get pleasure from Mission-style houses and stay music within the inland neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. You even have tons of beaches to decide on between – making Fort Lauderdale one of the thrilling locations to go to in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is tremendous handy if you would like a getaway from Miami. Draw your self away from South Seashore and Miami Seashore, heading lower than an hour up the coast by automotive. You may also 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 Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale
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2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead attractive with a seaside city enchantment. Distant, wistful feeling, and stuffed with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is without doubt 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 the most effective Florida weekend getaways. This island has every thing from luxurious motels to golf programs and even shark tooth scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched because of the dearth of crowds. For an exquisite 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 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
Concerning 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, after all, sits within the sprawling city of Orlando. And with a weekend, you’ll have greater than sufficient time to discover its 4 theme parks with dozens of various rides, reveals, and character meet-and-greets. Guests sometimes ebook one of many on-site resorts for the ‘final’ expertise. Walt Disney World is without doubt one of the most basic choices for Florida getaways, and it’s unattainable to not love the tacky but healthful environment. Try: 11 Best Theme Parks in Florida To Visit
It’s an absolute breeze to get to Walt Disney World, with Orlando operating home and worldwide flights worldwide. You may also drive shortly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or take advantage of the state’s wonderful Greyhound community for those who favor public transport. Learn extra: Top 10 Roller Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
One other one of the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the attractive 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, that means you’ll have to remain close by and enterprise in throughout the day. This isn’t a problem, although, as there are many lodge choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. In case you fancy a getaway the place you may keep straight subsequent to one of the pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your best option.
It’s simple to see why folks love this Florida getaway. The mixture of white sand, climbing trails, and wildlife akin to manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. Additionally it is simple to achieve, 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 essential risks are boat propellers, and their solely technique of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These lovely creatures have garnered movie star standing, and animal-loving guests flock to Crystal River, hoping to see them on boat excursions and snorkeling excursions. Crystal River is definitely the most effective distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you would 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 best way, so we’d counsel hiring a automotive for those who don’t have one already. And to see the manatee, you’ll must ebook an official tour.
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6. New Smyrna Seashore
New Smyrna Seashore 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 persona. New Smyrna Seashore shouldn’t be solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but in addition has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Road Historic District is a hive for the inventive, with galleries, impartial outlets, and cafes. There’s additionally the New Smyrna Museum of Historical past and the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. In case you fancy a browsing vacation spot that packs a historic punch, New Smyrna Seashore is an exquisite, energetic contender amongst the very best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Seashore 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 Area Heart and Daytona Beach. Learn extra: 10 Unique Things 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 motels. It’s minimize off from the mainland, hooked up solely by bridges, for an remoted and unique environment. It balances that stunning line between resort luxurious and conservation surroundings for nature lovers. In order for you 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 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 automotive, 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 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 wish 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 attractive River District, iconic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and close by Cape Coral Museum of Historical past. In order for you a day on the seaside, Fort Myers Seashore 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 simple. We like its underdog enchantment and the standard handful of points of interest in its metropolis heart. It’s the excellent 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 an enormous harbor and inland water space surrounded by the main cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus a handful of waterfront cities. Quite than separating out the completely different locations to remain round Tampa Bay, we are going to have a look at this area as a complete. The Tampa Bay area is good for seafood, is carefully positioned close to manatee viewing alternatives, is implausible for fishing, and has the cities to provide you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s shortly 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’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
In order for you a Florida getaway the place you may get again to fundamentals with tenting and exquisite kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is without doubt 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 means of green-hued waters beneath thick inexperienced undergrowth and low-hanging timber. And you may 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 definitely accessible from Orlando and is only a 30-minute drive from the town heart. The park is positioned in central Florida, and whilst you’ll nonetheless want a automotive, it is without doubt 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 just a few completely different lives in its time. First, the park was house to native Mayaca. It grew to become a winter park, and now, it’s protected as a state park and a well-liked place for water actions. It is without doubt one of the nice weekend getaways in Florida, particularly if you would like 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 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’s a easy getaway to achieve from central and northern Florida. Whilst 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 ideal weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, one among which incorporates a Nineteenth-century fort and all house to beautiful wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, vibrant blue waters, and orange terracotta of the remaining constructions is gorgeous. And Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is very like a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic impression as one of the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you truly get right here? Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is just reachable by boat or seaplane. It isn’t like the usual barrier islands in Florida, that are most accessible by overwater highways. These are actual islands, remoted within the Gulf of Mexico and about 70 miles west of Key West – the endpoint of the Florida Keys. You’ll be able to take a 2-hour 15-minute ferry trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas or organize a seaplane flight. It’s undoubtedly tougher to achieve, nevertheless it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Learn 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 an exquisite barrier island setting. And relating to household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a high contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and plenty of good actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Take pleasure in a 1911-built picket pier and plenty of impartial cafes and outlets. 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 environment and actions that we simply had so as to add it to this listing.
Anna Maria Island is positioned simply outdoors Tampa Bay, on the ultimate row of barrier islands dealing with Mexico’s Gulf Coast. It’s a simple one-hour drive from Tampa over the putting Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s best to journey to Anna Maria Island by automotive.
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14. West Palm Seashore
West Palm Seashore is glitz and glam – recognized for its effective eating, Broadway-style reveals, and fierce nightlife. It’s equal components a retail remedy and social gathering vacation spot, and if you would like a spot the place you may don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Seashore is without doubt one of the greatest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Value Avenue is an mockingly named and good purchasing space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Seashore is a vacation spot you instantly have at the back of your thoughts whenever you consider a purchasing getaway. We couldn’t not add it to this information.
To achieve West Palm Seashore from Fort Lauderdale, it’s simply an hour away by automotive or 45 minutes by rail. It’s a good place to get to by public transport and a implausible stability between a seaside and a metropolis break. West Palm Seashore is positioned on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
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15. Vero Seashore
Vero Seashore 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 without doubt one of the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Seashore is the kind of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and basic passers-by are likely to overlook. This makes it an excellent selection no matter season. You’ll be able to get pleasure from fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You’ll be able to’t beat it relating to water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Seashore is positioned in central Florida, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by automotive, southeast of Orlando. You’ll want a automotive 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 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 one of the 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 it’s possible you’ll not discover instantly. Biscayne Nationwide Park has a few of Florida’s most unbelievable and sometimes tragic shipwrecks. There are over 10,000 years of human historical past right here, and an enormous half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally important both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now assist total marine life ecosystems. In case you love scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida.
Attending to Biscayne Nationwide Park is an absolute breeze from Miami. You’ll be able to drive to the Biscayne Nationwide Park Customer Heart in lower than an hour, positioned 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 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 within the US, with an enormous 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 Home, the Hemingway Residence and Museum, and deep sea fishing alternatives. There are a lot of wonderful things to do in Key West.
Key West is de facto 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. You may also ebook 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. In case 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 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 every thing from conch to sand greenback shells. Actually, it has earned the nickname of the seashell capital of the world. For a weekend of ‘shelling’ and seaside days, Sanibel Island is without doubt one of the most unusual weekend getaways in Florida. Other than its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot stuffed 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 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 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 at the Chamber of Commerce.
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19. Everglades Nationwide Park
Everglades Nationwide Park is without doubt one of 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’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. Other than the boat excursions, it’s also possible to get pleasure from 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. Positioned 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 may ebook guided excursions with transfers included.
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20. Panama Metropolis Seashore
Panama Metropolis Seashore is your best option for seaside lovers eager to enterprise from South Seashore and in the direction of the unsung fantastic thing about northwest Florida. Panama Metropolis Seashore has over 27 miles of white sand seashores and a raging seafood restaurant scene. It ticks each field if you would like coastal weekend getaways in Florida, and it will get bonus factors for introducing you to a distinct aspect of Florida. Most individuals persist with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at an exquisite seaside vacation spot?
The best strategy to attain Panama Metropolis Seashore 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 reducing by means of Level Washington State Forest. Panama Metropolis Seashore is surrounded by stunning state parks and forests, and opening straight out onto the Gulf of Mexico, it’s arduous to not love.
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Weekend Getaways in Florida: FAQs
Now that you understand all in regards to 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 excellent 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 price range?
The easiest way to maintain your Florida weekend journey to a price range is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This fashion, you get the most affordable motels 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 the most effective states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the right candidate for a few superb days in a seaside 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
Try to be nicely and actually able to press ‘ebook’ on one among these high weekend getaways in Florida. Chances are you’ll 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 just a few weekend getaways to really scratch the floor.
