33 Sensational Weekend Getaways in Florida

Are you ready to take a weekend trip to the Sunshine State? 

Whether you’re looking for ocean views, theme parks, fabulous beaches, water sports, national parks, romantic getaways, or family-friendly adventures – you’ll want to add these weekend getaways in Florida to your road trips list!

BEST BEACHES THAT ARE QUICK GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA

OUR FAVORITES!

AMELIA ISLAND

If you’re looking for beautiful sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and golf courses, Amelia Island is for you! 

Part of the Sea Islands along the Atlantic coast, Amelia Island is popular among both couples and families.  You’ll find awesome restaurants, shops, a boardwalk, and sports and recreation facilities here.

Stay here: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Read More: 29+ THINGS TO DO IN AMELIA ISLAND THAT THE LOCALS WANT KEPT SECRET

ST. PETERSBURG

You’ll find award-winning beaches, awesome museums, and plenty of outdoor fun in St. Pete. A sparkling gem on Florida's west coast it has it all: beautiful beaches, vibrant arts, family fun, and a superb food and drink scene.

Stay here: Hollander Hotel - Downtown

Read More: 23 OUTSTANDING THINGS TO DO IN ST PETERSBURG FL

SANIBEL ISLAND

Just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach you’ll find the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island is popular, not only for sailing and swimming, but also shell collecting!  And if shells are what you’re after, you can also head to Blind Pass Beach.  The current here is too strong for swimming, but it definitely brings in the shells. PS. Pets are welcome on the beach here.

Stay here: Seaside Inn

Read More: 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling)

DESTIN

Located in northwest Florida, Destin is known for its beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico!  This beach town is also home to golf courses, amazing restaurants, and Henderson Beach State Park. 

Stay here: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Read More: 29+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN DESTIN FL FOR BEACHY FAMILY FUN | 31 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DESTIN, FLORIDA [PLUS TOP TOURS]

GRAYTON BEACH

This beautiful and pristine beach is located between Pensacola and Panama City Beach, and is home to Grayton Beach State Park.  This state park is where you’ll find a coastal dune lake – perfect for a kayaking excursion! 

This beautiful beach’s unofficial slogan is “Nice Dogs, Strange People” and I’m pretty sure that means you’ll love it. 

Stay here: The Pearl Hotel

Read More: RV PARKS FLORIDA: 19+ THAT YOU SHOULD TOTALLY VISIT

MARATHON

Located on 13 islands in the Florida Keys, Marathon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches! 

Sombrero Beach is the most popular, and it’s easy to see why.  If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, palm trees, and beautiful turquoise waters, this is the one for you!  If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, the amazing Coco Plum Beach is a perfect choice.

Stay here: Isla Bella Beach Resort (Our Review)

Read More: 21+ SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN MARATHON FL

SOUTH BEACH

A visit to South Beach, also known as Miami Beach, will introduce you to the white sandy beaches and clear blue water that made this beach famous. 

South Beach is postcard perfect!  (No, really. It’s what you see on Miami postcards.) You’ll find everything here – swimming, water sports, volleyball, galleries, boutiques, stores, and amazing restaurants.

Stay here: Eden Roc

Read More: 27+ THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI WITH KIDS, GUARANTEED TO MAKE THEM SMILE

Thinking about a multi-generational getaway? We love these ideas!

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA

MARCO ISLAND

A visit to Marco Island will have you believing you’re in the tropics!  Located not far from Naples and Fort Myers, Marco Island is the only developed land in the Ten Thousand Islands. 

Here you will find white sandy beaches, amazing resorts, and outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking.

Stay here: Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

Read More: 16 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA

WEST PALM BEACH

In Palm Beach you will find amazing resorts, shopping along the famous palm tree-lined Worth Avenue, beautiful architecture, and award-winning restaurants. 

Stay here: Palm Beach Historic Inn

Read More: 20 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN WEST PALM BEACH

ISLAMORADA

Halfway between Miami and Key West, you will find the beautiful Islamorada, also in the Florida Keys.  Just knowing where it's located, I probably don’t need to tell you how amazing and crystal clear the water is here, but it is! 

You’ll find resorts, art galleries, shopping, and restaurants here too.

Stay here: Islander Resort

Read More: 17 THINGS TO DO IN ISLAMORADA FOR FUN IN THE SUN

NAPLES

Located on the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers, Naples is known for its high-end resorts, beaches, shopping, art galleries, and world-class dining. It also has amazing beaches and plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers. 

Stay here: Naples Grande Beach Resort

Read More: 14 THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES, FLORIDA YOU CAN’T MISS

Looking for more Florida Family Vacations? Follow the link!

PONTE VEDRA

In between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, you’ll find Ponte Vedra Beach!  This is the perfect romantic getaway for couples who enjoy golf – because Ponte Vedra is known for its amazing golf courses.

You’ll also find luxury resorts right on the beach in this seaside town, like the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, and The Lodge and Club.

Read More: 33 SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN ST AUGUSTINE FOR ALL TRAVEL TYPES

FL WEEKEND GETAWAYS WHERE WATER SPORTS ARE KING

DAYTONA

There is parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, surfing, boating, fishing, and paddle boarding here.  And if you’ve ever wanted to ride on a big banana through the ocean (who hasn’t?), Daytona has a banana boat for you! 

Stay here: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Read More: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN DAYTONA BEACH YOU’LL LOVE

PANAMA CITY BEACH

Here you can find diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. You can swim with dolphins, or collect shells on Shell Island. You can take an airboat ride into the Gulf Coast, rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or paddle boarding.  You can do it all! 

Stay here: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront

Read More: 37+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA CITY BEACH ON YOUR NEXT VACATION

KEY WEST

You know the town of Key West is amazing, and now you’re ready to discover what’s out on (or in!) the water. 

Out on the water, you’ll find snorkeling and diving adventures of every type.  You can visit dolphins, and explore coral reefs, or you can rent an underwater scooter!  All of that is in addition to catamaran tours, eco tours, sailing, jet skis, parasailing, kayak adventures, and paddle boarding tours. 

Stay here: Havana Cabana (click to read our review) and be sure to book a water sports tour while you're there.

Read More: 9 SENSATIONAL KEY WEST BEACHES (+ 3 WORTH THE SHORT DRIVE)

SARASOTA

In Sarasota you’ll find fishing charters and kayak tours reign supreme.  There are so many different kayak tour options here, including a mangrove tunnel tour, and a happy hour kayak tour. 

Dolphins and manatees are often spotted out on the water, too! 

Stay here: Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota

Read More: 40+ MEMORABLE THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA FOR A WEEKEND OF FUN

FT. LAUDERDALE

Yacht rentals and surf lessons abound in Ft. Lauderdale, but there are also some crazy water experiences here too!  Ever wanted to fly above the water on a Flyboard?  They’ve got them! Banana boat?  Check! How about renting a Seabob - an underwater jet ski?  They have that too! 

All of that in addition to parasailing, boat rentals, jet skis, and paddle boards means you won’t be bored here. 

Stay here: The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Read More: 17 THINGS TO DO IN FORT LAUDERDALE WITH KIDS THAT EVEN ADULTS ARE SURE TO LOVE

WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA THAT ARE GREAT FOR FAMILIES

WESTGATE RIVER RANCH

You can unplug and reconnect with your family at the Westgate River Ranch located in central Florida. 

On this 1,700-acre ranch, you can camp in your tent or RV.  Other accommodations include their lodge, cottages, cabins, a rail car with bunk beds, luxury teepees, or glamping tents! 

There’s a community campfire every night, perfect for bonding with your brood and making new friends.  And you’ll find rodeos and dinner hayrides offered on weekends.

Stay here: Westgate River Ranch

Read More: WESTGATE RIVER RANCH RESORT: 17 TIPS & TRICKS FOR A GREAT GLAMPING GETAWAY

JACKSONVILLE

Beaches, outdoor activities, indoor activities, and family-friendly restaurants make Jacksonville a great weekend getaway for families. 

In Jacksonville, you’ll find water activities for the family, such as surfing lessons and camps for kids, airboat tours, fishing excursions, and kayak and paddle board rentals.  Take a break from the heat at the Museum of Science and History, which has live animal shows and interactive exhibits. 

For smaller children, the Hands On Children’s Museum is perfect for children under 8.  Visit TopGolf, the Edge Rock Gym for rock climbing, or the Jacksonville Zoo! 

Stay here: Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel

Read More: 37 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE FL YOU’LL LOVE

ST. AUGUSTINE

I went to St. Augustine as a kid and I still remember being amazed by the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum! You’ll also find plenty of mini-golf, an old-fashioned carousel at Davenport Park, trolley tours, escape rooms, and so many museums in this historic town. 

Of course, a trip to St. Augustine is not complete without a visit to the Fountain of Youth!  And if pirates are your thing, you’ll find plenty pirate-related activities here. 

Stay here: Embassy Suites

Read More: 33 SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN ST AUGUSTINE FOR ALL TRAVEL TYPES

TAMPA

The Museum of Science and Industry, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island water park, the Lowry Park Zoo, and the Florida Aquarium.  Pretty sure you could fill up a weekend with family pretty quickly in Tampa! 

And did I mention all the beautiful and amazing beaches?  Because they’re there too!  If you’re looking for an action-packed family weekend, Tampa is the perfect choice. (And you can make it to nearby Clearwater Beach, too!) 

Stay here: Epicurean Hotel

Read More: 41 AMAZINGLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA, FLORIDA

FLORIDA TRIPS: PERFECT PARKS FOR A GETAWAY TO REMEMBER

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

There’s not another national park like Everglades National Park! Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre park that is so huge it has three different entrances in three different cities.  Open year-round, the park’s most popular season is the dry season, which is from November-March. The dry season sees an increase in a variety of birds and their predators.

The Everglades provide the perfect habitat for rare species such as manatees, the American crocodile, and the Florida panther. There are many tours offered, and a number of ways to explore this amazing park.  You can explore the massive park by bike, boat, kayak, canoe, or hiking.

Read More: THE BEST EVERGLADES TOUR FOR YOUR NEXT FLORIDA ADVENTURE

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

Dry Tortugas National Park is a must-visit park in the Florida Keys. 

Located 70 miles west of Key West, you can only get here by boat or seaplane.  Once there, snorkeling in the crystal clear, blue waters, exploring the coral reefs is the activity you absolutely have to do! 

This remote park is known for being home to Fort Jefferson.  Day trips are offered, or if you’re lucky, you can reserve a camping spot and make a true weekend out of this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Read More: FLORIDA KEYS STATE PARKS (+ A DREAMY NPS) THAT YOU CAN’T MISS

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Biscayne National Park is located near Miami, but you’d never know it!  It is calm compared to Miami’s many offerings, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. 

Biscayne is home to beautiful beaches and coral reefs.  Boating, snorkeling, camping, and observing wildlife are top priorities here, but the best thing to do here is to relax and enjoy the beauty. 

Stay here: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

Read More: THE BEST THINGS TO DO BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK - FLORIDA

BLUE SPRING STATE PARK

Along the St. Johns River in DeLand, you’ll find Blue Spring State Park, one of the most unique state parks in Florida. This park has water that manatees love!  After years of conservation and protection efforts, a record-breaking 485 manatees wintered here in 2018.

Visitors to this amazing state park can enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or a guided river boat cruise.  Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, and tubing are also popular activities. And although you’re not allowed to swim with the manatees, observing them here is beyond special. 

This state park also offers cabin rentals, and camping. 

Stay here: Artisan Downtown

UNIQUE WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA

CRYSTAL RIVER

Are you ready to swim with the manatees?  Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with these gentle giants, making it one of the coolest vacation spots in Florida.  

Scuba diving, paddling, boating, bicycling, and hiking are also offered here. 

Stay here: Plantation on Crystal River

Read More: Swim with Manatees: Secret FL Find You’ll LOVE

MARTIN COUNTY

After treasure hunting on the beach, there is still so much to do in Martin County.  Cute downtown areas, water activities, and thousands of acres of parks and conservation land make this a wonderful weekend getaway.

Stay here: Old Colorado Inn (Click to read our review)

Read More: 21 THINGS TO DO IN STUART FL FOR A FUN & AFFORDABLE FAMILY VACATION [Video]

DELAND

DeLand has it all. It’s home to Florida’s oldest college (Stetson University), Stetson Mansion is an architectural masterpiece that you have to see to believe, and DeLeon Springs State Park is ready to blow your adventurous mind.

The spring at DeLeon Springs produces 19 million gallons of water a day, and it’s always 72 degrees!  Swimming here is a completely unique experience.

Stay here: Courtyard DeLand Historic Downtown

CAMPING ON THE GULF

Are you ready to park your RV on the beach?!  You can’t get closer than the RV spots at Camping on the Gulf in Destin.  A spot here means you are literally steps away from the emerald waters, making one of the best weekend getaways for campers. 

And for those who don’t own an RV, Camping on the Gulf also offers cabin rentals and a beach house. 

Stay here: RV Rental from Atlanta

Read More: 12 AMAZING RV PARKS YOU HAVE TO VISIT WITH THE KIDS

STEINHATCHEE

About 70 miles west of Gainesville, you’ll find the small town of Steinhatchee, Florida.  If you like scallops, it’s the place to be. 

People visit this fishing village from July through September to snorkel for scallops in the shallows of the Gulf. And trout and redfish are popular catches in the Steinhatchee River. 

Stay here: Steinhatchee River Inn

TOP WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA: AMUSEMENT PARK ADVENTURES

WALT DISNEY WORLD

So there’s this amusement park in Florida – Walt Disney World. Have you heard of it?  I’m assuming you have because IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL. 

Located in central Florida, this massive property includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios), two water parks, resort hotels, golf courses, amazing restaurants, a camping resort, an outdoor shopping center (Disney Springs), and a partridge and a pear tree.

It has an annual attendance of 52 MILLION PEOPLE, so it’s doing alright I guess. It’s the best theme park in the whole world, and a visit here makes it easy to see why.  Hi, Mickey!  See ya real soon! 

Stay here: Swan and Dolphin Resort (read our review)

Read More: YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD THEME PARK VACATION

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

I solemnly swear I am up to no good.  (I’m about to tell you a bit about Universal Orlando and it’s going to make you want to go.) 

Universal Orlando features two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), a water park (Volcano Bay), an entertainment complex, and resorts.  And most importantly (to me), it’s home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Come on Potterheads, let’s go! 

Stay Here:  Universal's Aventura Hotel

Read More: HARRY POTTER WORLD FLORIDA: SECRETS FOR THE TRUE FAN

LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT

Legoland Florida Resort is a theme park and water park located 45 minutes from Orlando, and is perfect for the LEGO lovers in your house. 

With LEGO-themed rides and activities at the park, and swimming and water slides at the water park, there is something for everyone in your group.  Stay at the Legoland Hotel or Beach Retreat to fully immerse yourself in all things LEGO! 

Stay here: Which Legoland Hotel is Right for Me?

Read More: LEGOLAND ORLANDO: SECRETS TO BEAT LINES, SAVE MONEY & HAVE FUN

BUSCH GARDENS

Busch Gardens in Tampa features amazing rides, safaris, and animal encounters. 

You’ll find roller coasters, and family-friendly rides, live entertainment and shows, and animal experiences, encounters, and tours. 

Stay here: The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

FLORIDA VACATIONS FAQ

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GO FOR THE WEEKEND?

One place? Palm Beach is America's First Resort Destination, so it ranks high on our list. Yes, it's known for billionaire mansions and luxury escapes...but there are also budget options for couples and families. 47 miles of beaches don't care what your wallet looks like.

WHERE IS THE CHEAPEST BEACH VACATION IN FLORIDA?

According to our friends at Hotels.com, Daytona Beach and St Augustine are your most affordable Florida options. We'd add Hutchinson Island, New Smyrna Beach and Fort Myers to that list.

WHAT PART OF FLORIDA IS THE CHEAPEST TO VISIT?

Lucky for you, you don't have to go inland to save money - the beaches are where the saving resides. New Smyrna Beach, Marathon, Fort Myers, and Pensacola are the most affordable Florida stops.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

• YOUR FLORIDA VACATION
• CAPE SAN BLAS: Cape San Blas Florida: A Vacation Guide to Florida’s Forgotten Coast
• CRAB ISLAND: 20+ Crab Island Destin Florida Essentials: Boat Rentals, Cruises, Discount Tours & More
• SMALL TOWNS: Shhhh! 29 Best Small Towns In Florida That The Locals Want To Keep Secret
• GLAMPING: Glamping Florida: 13+ Spots for Those Who Prefer a Little Luxury