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Welcome to the Sunshine State, where every corner boasts a slice of paradise! From the glistening white sands of the beaches to the crystal-clear waters of the freshwater springs, Florida is a tropical haven brimming with adventure. With a kaleidoscope of beaches and nature preserves to explore, the options for a weekend getaway are endless. Florida attracts visitors from all over the globe to enjoy their sandy beaches and theme parks. But, Floridans can also explore their own state and use any of these weekend getaways as a Florida staycation trip! So, whether you're craving the serene shores of the panhandle or the vibrant vibes of the Keys, here are the 12 best weekend getaways in Florida! (For more information about Florida check out our guides for best bars, beaches, restaurants, and hotels).
- Pensacola Beach, Florida
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Sanibel Island, Florida
- Cocoa Beach, Florida
- Ocala, Florida
- Siesta Key, Florida
- Delray Beach, Florida
- Islamorada, Florida
- Panama City, Florida
- Marco Island, Florida
- Miami, Florida
12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida 2024
1. Pensacola Beach, FL: Family Fun
Located on the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola beckons with its glistening turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, offering relaxing weekend getaways in Florida. Beyond its 50-plus miles of coastline, the city boasts a rich tapestry of food and aviation festivals, expansive parks, and family-friendly attractions, making it a premier beach vacation destination. Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and Gulf Islands National Seashore stand as pristine havens for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Scuba divers can explore reefs, historic shipwrecks, and the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, featuring 12 wrecks from Pensacola to Port St. Joe.
2. Clearwater Beach, FL: Arts & Culture
Located just west of downtown Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater Beaches epitomize the quintessential weekend getaways in Florida with their stunning white sand beaches and vibrant coastal atmosphere. Offering a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, these two wings of the same bird provide families with an array of activities to enjoy. St. Pete Beach is renowned for its edgy charm, boasting a vast collection of street murals adorning downtown streets, as well as cultural gems like the Dalí Museum. Meanwhile, Clearwater Beach exudes a family-friendly vibe, drawing crowds with its powdery sands, shallow waters ideal for swimming, and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60.
3. St. Augustine, FL: Historical Downtown
The oldest city in the U.S, St. Augustine stands as a living testament to the nation's rich history. Its charming blend of centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway in Florida. Visitors to St. Augustine can immerse themselves in the city's storied past by exploring historic sites and preserved buildings, including the iconic 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This Spanish fortress, with its commanding waterfront location, offers a glimpse into the city's colonial heritage and provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and scenic views of the Matanzas River.
4. Sanibel Island, FL: Island Escape
Sanibel Island, Florida, known for its shell-covered beaches and wildlife refuges, offers an array of affordable activities for travelers seeking a serene weekend getaway in Florida. From leisurely bike rides along scenic trails to sunset beach walks that cost nothing but offer breathtaking views, the island caters to nature lovers. Exploring the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides a deeper immersion in nature without breaking the bank, with affordable admission granting access to tranquil trails and abundant wildlife. Additionally, activities such as kayaking or canoeing through the island's waterways, picnicking by the shore, or fishing from piers provide budget-friendly ways to experience the island's charm.
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5. Cocoa Beach, FL: Space Coast
Located on Florida’s Space Coast just east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach offers an authentic beach vacation experience with a focus on sun, surf, and sand, making it one of the top weekend getaways in Florida. With an ongoing schedule of rocket launches, thanks to the commercial space industry, the area is bustling with activity and excitement. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where alligators, manatees, and roseate spoonbills can be spotted along the scenic route, popular among birders. Additionally, during the summer months, ranger-led sea turtle walks depart from the refuge, providing a unique opportunity to witness nesting sea turtles laying their eggs on nearby Canaveral National Seashore.
6. Ocala, FL: Natural Springs
If beach getaways aren’t what you’re looking for, head to North Central Florida, approximately 40 miles south of Gainesville, where Ocala serves as a gateway to the region's abundant natural treasures, offering inexpensive weekend getaways in Florida. Ocala is renowned for its proximity to numerous freshwater springs, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in year-round aquatic adventures. From the crystalline waters of Rainbow Springs State Park to the iconic glass-bottom boat tours of Silver Springs State Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the region's natural wonders. These springs offer an array of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, providing families and adventurers with affordable ways to explore and appreciate the great outdoors.
7. Siesta Key, FL: White Sand Beaches
Siesta Key, located just west of Sarasota on Florida's Southwest Coast, is renowned for its 8-mile-long stretch of stunning quartz-sand beaches. Siesta Key offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing to parasailing, making it the perfect destination for a Florida staycation. Recently recognized with the No. 2 spot for beaches in the U.S. by TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards, Siesta Beach's pristine shores rival even those of Maui’s Ka'anapali Beach. Exploring Siesta Key is made easy with the island's free trolley service, allowing visitors to effortlessly navigate to attractions such as Siesta Key Village, home to a variety of dining options and live entertainment, as well as the South Village Shopping District.
8. Delray Beach, FL: Oceanside Downtown
Just a two hour drive north of Miami, Delray Beach offers a sophisticated weekend getaway in Florida where arts and culture meet the sea. With its two miles of pristine coastline, Delray Municipal Beach serves as a magnet for beach enthusiasts, drawing over 3 million visitors annually. From swimming and surfing to paddleboarding and snorkeling, there's no shortage of water activities to enjoy. For a leisurely afternoon, visitors can cast a line off the pier at Lake Ida or explore Downtown Delray Beach's historic Atlantic Avenue, renowned for its eclectic mix of local food vendors, art galleries, and unique shops. The avenue, which stretches from I-95 to the ocean, offers a vibrant atmosphere and serves as a gateway to the town's bustling nightlife.
9. Islamorada, FL: Tarpon Feeding
Sitting between Key Largo and Marathon in the Florida Keys, Islamorada stands as the quintessential “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World.” With its top-notch guides and charter services, the village offers unparalleled opportunities for anglers to reel in prized species like sailfish, bonefish, and tarpon. Beyond its renowned fishing scene, Islamorada's six islands—Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Indian Key, and Lignumvitae Key—abound with family-friendly activities. Long Key State Park invites visitors to swim, kayak, and camp along its shores, while Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers hiking trails and guided tours. Adventurous souls can paddle across the water to Indian Key Historic State Park or Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park for sunbathing, hiking, and swimming amidst pristine natural beauty, making this an ideal weekend getaway in Florida.
10. Panama City, FL: Beyond Spring Break
Panama City, Florida, a hidden gem in the Panhandle, perfect for a weekend getaway in Florida beyond the spring break hype. This charming city features a historic downtown with an Oyster Trail boasting a dozen restaurants and a burgeoning Mural Trail. Visit the History Class Brewing Company, a new gastropub offering mango and guava-infused wheat beer amidst historical artifacts. Just ten minutes away, explore Historic St. Andrews, a quirky fishing village with waterfront restaurants, the picturesque Oaks by the Bay Park, and the ancient oak tree "Old Sentry."
11. Marco Island, FL: Mangrove Mania
Just off the coast of Naples, Marco Island forms Florida’s Paradise Coast, known for its tropical feel with mangroves and seasonal mangoes. This area is near Everglades National Park, with the Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City, less than an hour southeast of Naples. Here, you can take pontoon boat cruises through the Ten Thousand Islands and enjoy stone crab claws at Camellia Street Grill. For beach stays, consider LaPlaya Beach Resort or Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples, both offering easy access to nature outings and Naples' Fifth Avenue cafes.
12. Miami, FL: City Escape
Miami is a top weekend escape in the U.S., known for its vibrant art, fashion, night life scene, and international feel. Explore Florida’s incredible national parks, Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, both easily accessible from the city. Miami Beach offers luxurious hotels to to elevate your weekend getaway in Florida like The Setai, The Faena, and the Art Deco icon The National Hotel. Downtown Miami and neighborhoods like Brickell, Wynwood, and Little River are perfect for exploring. Don't miss a boat tour into Biscayne National Park, departing from Coconut Grove with the Biscayne National Park Institute, to visit unique spots like Stiltsville and Boca Chita Key.
Weekend Getaways in Florida: Last thoughts
Florida's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultural scene provide some of the best weekend getaways that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. From the historic streets of St. Augustine to the tranquil beauty of Siesta Key, each destination offers a unique experience without breaking the bank. Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat in the Florida Keys, an adventurous escape in the Ocala National Forest, or a family-friendly adventure in Clearwater, Florida has it all. These nine destinations showcase the best of what the Sunshine State has to offer, proving that you don't need a hefty budget to create lasting memories. With each location boasting its own distinct charm and array of activities, an affordable and enjoyable weekend getaway in Florida is within easy reach for everyone. So grab your bags, and don't forget your sunblock, and get ready to explore the palm trees and sandy coasts of Florida.
Looking for more Weekend Getaway inspiration, check out our getaway guides:
