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Welcome to the Sunshine State, where the climate is lovely, the beaches are enchanting, and the opportunities for adventures are limitless. This state is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide.
But it doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet for you to experience all the fun that this “neck of the woods” has to offer.
While budget-wise, it’s not always the most affordable, there are many low-cost Florida weekend getaways when you’re not looking to spend all the money in the world.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply looking for an affordable weekend getaway, there are plenty of inexpensive options to explore in Florida.
From beach breaks to urban escapes, few spots beckon like the Sunshine State regarding these 6 fabulous and within-reach low-cost Florida weekend getaways.
Now, you can taste the state’s pleasures without worrying about overspending!
With the lengthy stretch of white sand beaches, uninhabited islands, and many water sports activities, Fort Myers Beach is a popular beach destination along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
It’s so lovely and liveable that visitors often choose to spend some extra days with families and enjoy everything it offers. The countless motels and other accommodations give travelers plenty of choices to find a place that fits their budgets.
And while hotels near downtown Fort Myers are a bit costly, they give you quick access to local tourist attractions.
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-Explore the charming Downtown River District, and snap some beautiful shots of its buildings.
-Check out the monthly Art Walk and Music Walk Events.
-Take a stroll along the beaches and enjoy a shimmering sunset in the evening.
-Fishing can be compelling on the Fort Myers Beach Pier. And equipment rent is relatively inexpensive.
-Visiting Lee County’s Manatee Park can be fun if you travel with kids. You can get an up-close look at manatees from November to March, and it’s completely free.
-Play mini-golf at one of the many courses.
Situated on mosaic-like islands of northwest Florida’s Gulf coast, Cedar Key is ideal for laying low while spending less. In other words, it’s the ultimate low-cost Florida weekend getaway offering stunning ocean vistas, charming restaurants, and that elusive Old Florida allure.
The main draw is Cedar Key’s funky, tiny charm. The town’s population is about 700 to 900 people year-round, but it claims two historical museums and a uniquely historic downtown. It’s utterly walkable, with distinctive shops and restaurants that beg to be discovered.
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-Check out the picturesque Dock Street with wooden houses standing on the water.
-Glimpse the town’s past at Cedar Key State Park Museum.
-Spend a day kayaking.
If you’re looking for a low-cost Florida weekend getaway, visit Marathon, a hidden gem midway down the Keys. This area is typically an expensive place in Florida. But by bypassing the crowds of Key Largo and staying in Marathon, you can save a good amount of cash.
Marathon is experiencing extraordinary growth as an affordable city in Florida. And you can save even more on accommodations if you reserve a campsite in Curry Hammock State Park, one of the state’s best campgrounds.
This city has many opportunities for water sports enthusiasts and is renowned for its exquisite barrier reef.
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-You can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and standup paddleboard.
-Go swimming at the beautiful Sombrero Beach, a famous turtle nesting beach. It has an accessible parking facility, a volleyball court, a picnic area, and a playground.
-Visit the Turtle Hospital for a tour and learn about sea turtle life with your kids.
-Go biking along the famous Seven Mile Bridge leading to Pigeon Key.
-Discover Curry Hammock State Park and look for local wildlife.
This area doesn’t give you any other choice but to fall for its tropical charms. It’s the enticing blend of two worlds. On the one hand, you’ve got a spirited beach town with many cafes, restaurants, and bars, a lively boardwalk, hotel chains, and remarkable galleries.
On the other, you’ll find natural gems like Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park, offering a piece of unspoiled Florida with unlimited fishing, swimming, kayaking, wildlife watching, and shell collecting. How can you pass that up?
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-Check out Dunedin Fine Art Center for year-round exhibitions in the Center’s four galleries.
-Stroll around 7venth Sun Brewery and see how it all works. There are even tables outside where you can enjoy your brew on a sunny day.
-Go to Anclote Key Preserve State Park and unwind on the beach, go for a dip, and have a picnic. End your day by spending the night under the starry sky in a tent.
Central Florida’s secrets are ready to be revealed in Ocala, a cozy, low-cost Florida weekend getaway close to Orlando. It’s an excellent base for Horse Country exploration and a very diverse and budget-friendly place to visit.
The historic district is significant in Ocala, offering many pretty cozy cafes, Victorian houses, and restaurants with local cuisine. But it’s what’s outdoors that makes this area stand out on the state map.
Three miles from Downtown, you find the majestic Ocala National Forest with the world’s most extensive sand pine scrub system. Head south, and you’ll enter Silver Springs State Park with glass-bottom boat tours and a chance to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-Set off on a guided adventure in Silver Springs State Park and admire the local wildlife from a paddleboard or kayak.
-Visit Silver Springs River, which encompasses dozens of springs and miles of trails connecting them.
-Check out The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours, which offers visitors various rope bridges and courses. The zipline takes visitors over rivers, canyons, and forests, providing a scenic view of the Florida terrain.
Located along the central coast of the Sunshine State, New Smyrna Beach is a perfect laid-back destination mostly known for its wide white sand beaches and surfing.
Fewer crowds, lower prices than neighboring Daytona Beach, and many budget-friendly activities made it one of the best and most affordable places to visit with families. You’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy in New Smyrna Beach.
Most parks are free attractions, while some only charge for vehicle parking. Among other things, be sure to check out Smyrna Dunes Park is positively praised for its incredible surrounding views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, and Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Affordable or accessible things to do in this low-cost Florida weekend getaway:
-Unwind on the beach, watch surfing, and sunbathe.
-Explore the parks and trails, home to local wildlife.
-Boardwalks are the best place for native bird-watching and spotting gopher tortoises.
-People looking for romantic low-cost Florida weekend getaways love to visit this place and take romantic strolls along the Flagler Avenue Boardwalk.
-Kayaking, biking, and fishing are just a few other budget-friendly activities people enjoy here. Need a new fishing rod? Amazon has a fantastic option!
Be sure to let us know which of these low-cost Florida weekend getaways you’d visit first. And if you’re looking for more affordable options for your next adventure we recommend checking out: 7 Budget-Friendly Vacation Alternatives to Famous Destinations
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Unfortunate that we received this immediately after a hurricane. Stay away from the Gulf coast resorts mentioned for now, until they have had time to clean up.