The Sunshine State is thought for its stunning seashores and climate, and what higher solution to take pleasure in these two issues than with a weekend getaway? You 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 perhaps you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm timber. No matter you might be craving, these Florida weekend getaways are one of the best decisions – we’ll be sharing one of the best of the finest locations to go to in Florida. Prepare for enjoyable info and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you might be in for a deal with.
Finest Weekend Getaways in Florida
Are you able to take a better take a look at one of the 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 must you keep for a weekend in Florida? Right here’s our scorching take.
1. Fort Lauderdale
Who doesn’t love a little bit of Fort Lauderdale? And in case you are searching for prime weekend getaways in Florida, it’s straightforward to see why this metropolis ranks among the many hottest choices each time. The town is dwelling to Fort Lauderdale Seashore 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 may head to the historic canal area, aka ‘Venice of America’, or take pleasure in Mission-style properties and stay music within the inland neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. You even have tons of seashores to decide on between – making Fort Lauderdale probably the most thrilling locations to go to in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is tremendous handy if you 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 automobile. You too can catch public transport from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in lower than two hours, and there’s an airport to make use of. Try the 15 Finest Seashores in Fort Lauderdale
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2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead attractive with a seashore city attraction. Distant, wistful feeling, and filled with alternatives to attach with nature, Amelia Island is among the most original weekend getaways in Florida. Many would-be guests overlook this fabulous barrier island vacation spot, and its highlights are comparatively unsung. However those that can see previous the confinements of the ‘common vacationer path’ are rewarded with white sand seashores and top-of-the-line Florida weekend getaways. This island has every thing from luxurious accommodations to golf programs and even shark tooth scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched because of the shortage of crowds. For a phenomenal 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. 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 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, reveals, and character meet-and-greets. Guests sometimes ebook one of many on-site resorts for the ‘final’ 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. Try: 11 Finest Theme Parks in Florida To Go to
It’s an absolute breeze to get to Walt Disney World, with Orlando operating home and worldwide flights worldwide. You too can drive shortly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or profit from the state’s glorious Greyhound community when you choose public transport. Learn extra: Prime 10 Curler Coasters in Florida
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4. Honeymoon Island State Park
One other probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida is the attractive Honeymoon Island State Park – fittingly named with over 4 miles of white sand seashore. This gorgeous barrier island state park is dwelling 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. For those who fancy a getaway the place you may keep immediately subsequent to probably the most pristine Florida state parks, Honeymoon Island State Park is your most suitable option.
It’s straightforward to see why individuals love this Florida getaway. The mix of white sand, mountain climbing trails, and wildlife resembling manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. Additionally it is 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 principally recognized 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 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 well top-of-the-line distinctive weekend getaways in Florida if you would 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’s a little out of the way in which, so we’d counsel hiring a automobile when 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 Seashore
New Smyrna Seashore won’t even register as a possible weekend getaway whenever you take a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. But this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a big persona. New Smyrna Seashore will not be solely a browsing hub for these trying to catch some waves for the weekend but additionally has tons of historic websites. Its Canal Avenue Historic District is a hive for the inventive, with galleries, impartial retailers, and cafes. There’s additionally the New Smyrna Museum of Historical past and the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. For those who fancy a browsing vacation spot that packs a historic punch, New Smyrna Seashore is a phenomenal, energetic contender amongst one of the best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Seashore is finest accessed through automobile and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s centrally situated alongside the Atlantic Coast. It offers glorious day journey entry to the Kennedy Area Heart and Daytona Seashore. Learn extra: 10 Distinctive Issues to Do in Central Florida
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7. Marco Island
Marco Island is fairly darn glitzy. Assume golf programs, yachts in marinas, and towering resort accommodations. It’s minimize off from the mainland, hooked up solely by bridges, for an remoted and unique environment. It balances that stunning line between resort luxurious and conservation surroundings for nature lovers. If you need resort comforts with pure views, it’s one among Florida’s finest distinctive weekend getaways. Marco Island won’t 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 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 wish to problem the established order for Florida getaways ought to pause briefly in Fort Myers earlier than dashing onwards. Fort Myers is absolutely historic, with the attractive River District, iconic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and close by Cape Coral Museum of Historical past. If you need a day on the seashore, 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 straightforward. We like its underdog attraction and the standard handful of sights in its metropolis middle. It’s the excellent compromise if 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 most important cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus a handful of waterfront cities. Fairly than separating out the totally different locations to remain round Tampa Bay, we are going to take a look at this area as an entire. The Tampa Bay area is sensible for seafood, is carefully situated close to manatee viewing alternatives, is incredible for fishing, and has the cities to provide you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s shortly take a look at the place it is 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 may see, Tampa Bay has tons of selection. It’s glorious for anybody wanting a deeper immersion in Florida’s tradition. It’s simply reached by automobile or home flights.
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10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you need a Florida getaway the place you may get again to fundamentals with tenting and delightful kayaking excursions, Wekiwa Springs State Park is among the finest weekend getaways in Florida. This gorgeous 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 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 prime 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 when you’ll nonetheless want a automobile, it is among the most ‘city’ areas of pure magnificence and tenting alternatives – situated 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 totally different lives in its time. First, the park was dwelling to native Mayaca. It turned 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 would like an inland vacation spot to take pleasure in swimming. The park has over 6,000 years of historical past, and its unique Mayaca residents 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 automobile, 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, a terrific weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, one among which contains a Nineteenth-century fort and all dwelling to gorgeous 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 similar to a Caribbean vacation spot. We vote for uncooked magnificence and lingering historic impression as probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you really get right here? Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is barely 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 may take a 2-hour 15-minute ferry journey from Key West to Dry Tortugas or organize a seaplane flight. It’s undoubtedly more difficult to achieve, however it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Learn extra: 36 Finest Issues to Do in Key West, Florida
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13. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an actual neighborhood hub in a phenomenal 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 sensible actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Get pleasure from a 1911-built wood pier and plenty of impartial cafes and retailers. For households, this can be a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island gives 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 checklist.
Anna Maria Island is situated simply exterior 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 placing Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s best to journey to Anna Maria Island by automobile.
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14. West Palm Seashore
West Palm Seashore is glitz and glam – recognized for its nice eating, Broadway-style reveals, and fierce nightlife. It’s equal components a retail remedy and get together vacation spot, and if you would like a spot the place you may don your fanciest outfits, West Palm Seashore is among the finest weekend getaways in Florida. The downtown space is tremendous walkable. Value Avenue is an paradoxically named and sensible purchasing space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Seashore is a vacation spot you instantly have behind your thoughts whenever you consider a purchasing getaway. We couldn’t not add it to this information.
To succeed in West Palm Seashore from Fort Lauderdale, it’s simply an hour away by automobile or 45 minutes by rail. It’s a sensible place to get to by public transport and a incredible steadiness between a seashore and a metropolis break. West Palm Seashore is situated on the Atlantic Coast, round 70 miles north of Miami.
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15. Vero Seashore
Vero Seashore is a superb weekend getaway for water sports activities and nature. The small metropolis has an excellent handy location proper subsequent to the Indian River Lagoon, and absurdly, it is among the lesser-known weekend getaways in Florida. Vero Seashore is the form of getaway Florida locals know and love however that vacationers and common passers-by are inclined to overlook. This makes it an excellent selection no matter season. You may take pleasure in fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You may’t beat it concerning water actions and proximity to stunning seashores.
Vero Seashore 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 truth that it’s so off the standard overwhelmed path by way of tourism actually caught our eye, and its water sports activities are spectacular.
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16. Biscayne Nationwide Park
Biscayne Nationwide Park is a shocking a part of Florida’s west coast. It’s simply probably the most stunning Florida weekend getaways. It’s all white sand seashores and luxurious palm timber – with some critically picturesque mountain climbing trails because the cherry on prime. However its actual draw comes from its underwater sights, issues you might not discover instantly. Biscayne Nationwide 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 complete marine life ecosystems. For those who love scuba diving or snorkeling, Biscayne Nationwide Park is among the most original weekend getaways in Florida.
Attending to Biscayne Nationwide Park is an absolute breeze from Miami. You may drive to the Biscayne Nationwide Park Customer Heart 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 within the US, with an enormous maritime tradition and sense of id for such a small city. As a weekend getaway, it’s the excellent selection. Key West is dwelling to the Truman Little White Home, the Hemingway House and Museum, and deep sea fishing alternatives. There are various superb issues to do in Key West.
Key West is absolutely scenic as a weekend getaway. To succeed in Key West from Miami, it’s a 3.5-hour drive – the furthest one of many Florida Keys from the mainland. You too can ebook switch companies and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is absolutely walkable, so don’t fear an excessive amount of when you don’t drive. For those who drive to Key West, cease on the different Florida Keys alongside the way in which. Many sights are on the way in which, just like the Historical past of Diving Museum and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
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18. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is most famed for seashells. Not simply any seashells, although, a vivid number of every thing from conch to sand greenback shells. In truth, 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 original weekend getaways in Florida. Apart from its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot filled with greenery, palm timber, and coastal undergrowth. We needed to checklist 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’s 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 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 Nationwide Park
Everglades Nationwide 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’s well-known for its boat excursions and crocodile and alligator encounters. To tick off these wildlife encounter experiences, a weekend getaway to the Everglades is a should. Aside from the boat excursions, you may also take pleasure in boardwalk hikes, kayaking, and the Shark Valley Customer Heart. Let’s be sincere: it catches everybody’s eye when visiting Florida.
To succeed in the Everglades Nationwide Park, it’s an hour’s drive from Miami or 50 minutes by automobile from Naples. Situated proper on the backside of southern Florida, the one place additional south than the Everglades Nationwide Park is the Florida Keys. Your finest solution 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 ebook guided excursions with transfers included.
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20. Panama Metropolis Seashore
Panama Metropolis Seashore is your most suitable option for seashore 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 unique facet of Florida. Most individuals persist with southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a phenomenal seashore vacation spot?
The best solution 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 chopping by 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 exhausting 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 have to be extra sensible. These are essentially the most generally requested FAQs and bits of useful data 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 only a few bucket-list-worthy issues to tick off that make them excellent to go to for a fast weekend getaway. You gained’t miss out on something by visiting for simply two days.
The place is finest to go for a weekend break?
The most effective locations to go for a weekend break in Florida are Amelia Island, Crystal River, Orlando, Key West, and the Everglades Nationwide Park.
How do I plan a weekend journey on a finances?
One of the best ways to maintain your Florida weekend journey to a finances is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This manner, you get the most affordable accommodations and excursions – plus the advantage of fewer crowds. You must also contemplate self-catered choices and analysis locations with loads of free actions.
Is Florida one of the best state for trip?
Florida is by far top-of-the-line states for holidays. Its miles of shoreline make it the right candidate for a few superb days in a seashore city. Moreover, it has scrumptious meals and loads of theme parks, historic websites, and pure magnificence, which ticks off each traveler’s pursuits.
To Conclude
You need to be effectively and really able to press ‘ebook’ on one among these prime 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 at the least just a few weekend getaways to actually scratch the floor.
