20 Greatest Weekend Getaways in Florida in 2023
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 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 perhaps you want to sit on white sand seashores and admire swaying palm timber. No matter you’re craving, these Florida weekend getaways are the very best selections – we’ll be sharing the very best of the greatest locations to go to in Florida. Prepare for enjoyable information and inspiration galore; with these weekend getaways in Florida, you’re in for a deal with.
Greatest Weekend Getaways in Florida
Are you able to take a better take a look at the very best weekend getaways in Florida? Whether or not 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 just’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 scorching 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 simple to see why this metropolis ranks among the many hottest choices each time. Town is residence to Fort Lauderdale Seashore and has a thriving arts and tradition scene. If you would like a metropolis that has distinct ‘pocket’ neighborhoods to select from, Fort Lauderdale is good. You may 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 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 automotive. 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. Take a look at the 15 Greatest Seashores in Fort Lauderdale
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2. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is drop-dead attractive with a seaside city attraction. 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 among the best Florida weekend getaways. This island has all the pieces from luxurious lodges to golf programs and even shark enamel scattered alongside its seashores, left untouched due to the shortage of crowds. For a ravishing getaway, Amelia Island is good.
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 skin world – driving included.
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3. Walt Disney World
Relating to 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, in fact, 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, exhibits, 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 traditional choices for Florida getaways, and it’s not possible to not love the tacky but healthful environment. Take a look at: 11 Greatest 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 rapidly to Orlando from most locations in Florida or benefit 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 seaside. This beautiful barrier island state park is residence to little greater than a nature middle and some cafes, that means you’ll have to remain close by and enterprise in through the day. This isn’t a difficulty, although, as there are many resort choices instantly after you exit the bridge onto the mainland. For those who fancy a getaway the place you may keep instantly subsequent to probably the most 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, mountain climbing trails, and wildlife similar to manatees, eagles, and dolphins is mesmerizing. It’s also simple to succeed in, 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 identified 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 most important risks are boat propellers, and their solely technique of protection is to swim – albeit slowly – away. These lovable 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 among the best 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 way in which, so we’d counsel hiring a automotive when you 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 once you take a look at a map of the Florida peninsula. But this tiny metropolis on Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a large persona. New Smyrna Seashore is just not 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, unbiased 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 ravishing, full of life contender amongst the very best weekend getaways in Florida.
New Smyrna Seashore is greatest accessed through automotive and is simply an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s centrally positioned alongside the Atlantic Coast. It offers glorious day journey entry to the Kennedy Area Middle 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 lodges. It’s minimize off from the mainland, connected 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 would like resort comforts with pure views, it’s one in every 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. Nonetheless, it does present a snug base amidst barrier island surroundings. Florida getaways don’t get far more stress-free.
Reaching Marco Island is a 30-minute drive from central Naples, a 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 succeed in your lodging on the island.
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8. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is way over only a gateway to weekend getaways in Florida. Most guests cross straight by means of Fort Myers to go to Sanibel Island. And whereas we aren’t slating lovely Sanibel Island with all its fascinating seashells, those that need to problem the established order for Florida getaways ought to pause briefly in Fort Myers earlier than dashing onwards. Fort Myers is admittedly historic, with the attractive River District, iconic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and close by Cape Coral Museum of Historical past. If you would like 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 probably be simple. We like its underdog attraction and the standard handful of points of interest in its metropolis middle. It’s the excellent compromise when 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. Reasonably 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 good for seafood, is intently positioned close to manatee viewing alternatives, is incredible for fishing, and has the cities to offer you that city getaway expertise.
Let’s rapidly take 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 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 automotive or home flights.
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10. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you would like a Florida getaway the place you will get again to fundamentals with tenting and delightful 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 nearly 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 prime vote. The state park is definitely accessible from Orlando and is only a 30-minute drive from the town middle. The park is positioned in central Florida, and when 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 a couple of totally different lives in its time. First, the park was residence 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 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 mentioned that the springs have therapeutic waters. De Leon Springs State Park is an excellent place to notice for a cultural, historic, and refreshing getaway in Florida.
To get to De Leon Springs, drive an hour northeast of Orlando. It’s a easy getaway to succeed in from central and northern Florida. Whilst you’ll want a automotive, it’s fully 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 fantastic weekend getaway for any adventurous vacationers in Florida. The extremely distant nationwide park consists of seven islands, one in every of which incorporates a Nineteenth-century fort and all residence to beautiful wildlife. The distinction between the white sand, brilliant 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 influence as probably the most distinctive weekend getaways in Florida.
So, how on Earth do you really 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 may take a 2-hour 15-minute ferry experience from Key West to Dry Tortugas or organize a seaplane flight. It’s undoubtedly more difficult to succeed in, however it reaps rewards in bounds from the additional effort. Learn extra: 36 Greatest 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 ravishing barrier island setting. And concerning household getaways in Florida, these qualities make Anna Maria Island a prime contender. The island has pristine white sand seashores and plenty of good actions, together with dolphin watching, parasailing, and shallow swimming areas. Get pleasure from a 1911-built picket pier and plenty of unbiased cafes and retailers. For households, this can be a combine from heaven. Anna Maria Island affords a rounded and picturesque weekend getaway expertise. It’s so family-friendly in environment and actions that we simply had so as to add it to this checklist.
Anna Maria Island is positioned simply outdoors Tampa Bay, on the ultimate row of barrier islands going through Mexico’s Gulf Coast. It’s a simple one-hour drive from Tampa over the hanging 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 – identified for its high quality eating, Broadway-style exhibits, 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 buying space that may be loved on foot. West Palm Seashore is a vacation spot you instantly have at the back of your thoughts once you consider a buying 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 automotive or 45 minutes by rail. It’s a good place to get to by public transport and a incredible steadiness 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 superb 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 common passers-by are likely to overlook. This makes it an excellent selection no matter season. You may get pleasure from fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving. You may’t beat it concerning water actions and proximity to lovely 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 succeed in 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 lovely Florida weekend getaways. It’s all white sand seashores and plush palm timber – with some severely picturesque mountain climbing trails because the cherry on prime. However its actual draw comes from its underwater points of interest, issues chances are you’ll 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 an enormous half comes from its shipwreck stays. The wrecks aren’t simply traditionally important both; many have shaped synthetic reefs and now assist complete marine life ecosystems. For those who 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 may drive to the Biscayne Nationwide Park Customer Middle 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 among the best 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 unlimited maritime tradition and sense of id for such a small city. As a weekend getaway, it’s the excellent selection. Key West is residence to the Truman Little White Home, the Hemingway Dwelling and Museum, and deep sea fishing alternatives. There are lots of wonderful issues to do in Key West.
Key West is admittedly 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 providers and day journeys from Miami, although, and Key West is admittedly 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 points of interest 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 all the pieces from conch to sand greenback shells. The truth is, 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. Apart from its shells, it’s a lush vacation spot stuffed 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 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 succeed in 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 at the Chamber of Commerce.
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19. Everglades Nationwide Park
Everglades Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most traditional weekend getaways in Florida. The park is a tropical wetland and an absolute haven for iconic Florida wildlife, from chook 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, you too can get pleasure from boardwalk hikes, kayaking, and the Shark Valley Customer Middle. 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 automotive 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 greatest technique 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 unique aspect of Florida. Most individuals follow southern or central Florida, so why not shake issues up and take a look at a ravishing seaside vacation spot?
The simplest technique 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 means of Level Washington State Forest. Panama Metropolis Seashore is surrounded by lovely 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 already know all concerning the distinctive weekend getaways in Florida, try to be extra sensible. These are probably the most generally requested FAQs and bits of precious data that may assist form your Florida getaways for the higher. Take a look at 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 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 finances?
One of the best ways to maintain your Florida weekend journey to a finances is thru reserving in off or shoulder seasons. This fashion, you get the most affordable lodges and excursions – plus the advantage of fewer crowds. You must also 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 among the best 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 properly and actually able to press ‘ebook’ on one in every of these prime weekend getaways in Florida. You might need 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 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 at the very least a couple of weekend getaways to really scratch the floor.