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Florida is one of the most popular vacation spots in the US, known for its coastal treasures and charming beach towns. And the lucky locals who call Florida home have so many options for weekend trips that don’t take much time or break the bank. There’s never a wrong time for a Florida trip due to its mild year-round weather!
After all, there’s a reason it’s called the “Sunshine State.” Its mild winters have drawn visitors seeking relief from the chilly north. And warm summers lure visitors to Florida’s coastal communities and beaches. Above all, it beats shoveling snow in the winter! So let’s take a look at the top 11 getaways you can enjoy if traveling to Florida.
Click “Next” to find out what they are!
This ancient city stands today as a tribute to our history. It has survived five centuries, which makes it this nation’s oldest continuously occupied city. It was established 42 years before the English began to colonize Jamestown and 55 years prior to the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock.
From Old Town’s charming brick-lined streets to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, there’s much to view and explore in this historical location. There are also lots of fun attractions to see and do here. Saint Augustine has it all from swashbuckling adventures and specialized excursions in the air, on the sea, and in the middle of the historic district!
Key Largo is considered a slice of paradise in the Florida Keys. It’s the northernmost island off the Keys, so it’s easy to get to and just an hour’s drive away from the airports in South Florida. You’ll find one national park and two state parks here, with picturesque scenery and lots of native flora and fauna.
Must-See Places to visit on your getaway are John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, and also the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. If you’ve never gone diving before, this is an excellent place to start because there are experienced local guide companies that’ll teach you everything you need to know. So, grab your scuba gear or you can rent on-site, and let the fun begin!
Located in the northeast part of Florida, Amelia Island offers exciting activities for travelers of all ages. It has over a dozen miles of beaches and a lovely historic district. You’ll be greeted by Victorian-style homes, Spanish moss hanging from the trees, and lots of history about Florida culture. For fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation rates, visit Amelia Island in the fall or winter seasons.
The best things to see and do here are Fort Clinch State Park, the Amelia River Cruise, and you can even look for shark teeth along the beach. It has more than its fair share of quaint B&B’s and romantic vacation rentals.
Still, if you’re looking for more of a luxurious resort experience, then you’ll want to stay at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. It’s one of the most renowned golf resorts and has an award-winning Kids’ Camp for your little ones, but not to worry, there are adults-only areas as well.
Must we say it? You can’t be in the area without taking a detour to the happiest place on earth…No matter your age! No other city in the US, maybe even the world, celebrates the spirit of childhood quite like Disney World. That feeling that you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center’s Spaceship Earth. And let’s not forget about seeing the soaring heights of Shamu’s aerobatics.
All the attractions prove that being a kid is about a state of mind, not age. The idea that children are the only ones that will enjoy this city’s charms is just untrue. In reality, Orlando has all types of things to appeal to all ages, and there’s more to do here than just visiting theme parks. The warm climate is great for golfing, and the downtown city landscape is too amazing not to explore.
This Florida city is one of those places with a bit of everything for everyone. You’ve got the beach, history, art, and attractions for all ages. This city has undergone an art and cultural rejuvenation but is most famous for being home to the Salvador Dalí Museum.
Make your way to the Grand Central District for some antique shopping, the 600 Block area for an artist hub with many bars and restaurants, and Fort De Soto for amazing beaches. The Chihuly Collection on Beach Drive also shouldn’t be missed by art lovers.
Keep in mind that it’s easy to combine a weekend trip to St. Petersburg with a visit to other nearby beach towns as well, such as Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and Redington Shore.
This city has become a favorite destination among foodies in recent years because an exciting culinary and cultural scene grows by the year. If you’re among them, we recommend staying at the Epicurean Hotel, a food-themed hotel that offers cooking classes. But the city also has lots of other fun things to offer, like the arts and culture scene.
Visit the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Tampa Bay History Center. Then check out the beach at Fort De Soto Park, the Big Cat Rescue wildlife sanctuary, and the Cuban Sandwich Festival. No matter what you’re into, Tampa has it all!
Lake Okeechobee spans over 700sq miles and is the largest lake in the state. This is the perfect location to get your fishing, boating, and picnicking in. Hiking is also a very popular activity in the area if you’re looking to get in some exercise. And after spending your time out on the lake, visit the friendly town of Clewiston, which includes fishing guides and resorts.
You can tour a local farm or visit the annual Sugar Festival if you visit during April. While in the area, check out the town of LaBelle. Each February, it hosts a Swamp Cabbage Festival to celebrate the pioneer food that grows from the state’s tree. And at the northern part of the lake, you’ll find the town of Okeechobee. It has a campground along the Kissimmee River and is best known for its Speckled Perch Festival and Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo.
Located in the center of Florida, Mount Dora is an adorable town unlike many others in the state. Mount Dora is perched on top of a hill next to a beautiful lake. And it’s the ideal place to visit for fishers because it’s known as the bass capital of the world. For everyone who DOESN’T fish, this is the perfect place to slow down your daily pace of life, even if only for a few days.
Aside from the lake itself, fun things to do in the town include the Mount Dora Museum of Speed, the Amy Sellers Art Gallery, Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market, and the Modernism Museum.
Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with these two islands that are relaxing, remote, and full of adventure and wildlife. You don’t need to board a ferry because these two islands are easily accessible by bridge. You can go kayaking and bird watching, and nature photographers will be in heaven with all the fantastic material they’ll get.
Shelling is also a popular activity to try here, and if you don’t find the shells you’re looking for, there’s a shell museum and lots of gift shops in the area. The Casa Ybel Resort and the South Seas Island Resort are the best places to stay, and seafood lovers will rejoice with the island’s restaurants, known for the freshest and most delicious seafood.
This place is known for one major thing.. manatees! It’s one of the rare locations on earth where you can see and even swim with the manatees up-close and personal in the warm and friendly waters of Homosassa Springs and also in the Crystal River. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a fantastic place to begin your trip and learn more about these intriguing and adorable creatures.
Local guide companies offer snorkeling tours where you can hop off a boat to swim with the manatees, or you also have the option of bringing your own kayak to paddle alongside them as well.
We obviously couldn’t create a list like this and not include this lively Florida city! If you love fashion and art, The Miami Design District is worth visiting. Also worth mentioning is the Pérez Art Museum Miami, but there are many others to check out if you have time. Art lovers will want to stay at the James Royal Palm, which is beautifully adorned and partners with many unique artists for different events.
Recommended restaurants include Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, and visitors who love to dance will get a thrill out of the South Beach scene, bars, cafes, and clubs included!… And let’s not forget about those beaches!
What did you think about all these amazing locations? Are you a local to this beautiful state and have some hidden gems to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Love it there!
flagler beach
A weekend is not enough time to spend in St. Augustine, proper because there is so much to do. We went to the historic district for a whole day and still did not see everything. Then there was the beach and shopping. Let's not forget about the restaurants either. Can't wait to go back.
Florida is a place I avoid. Politicians have made Florida a place that hates non religious people. I would never recommend Florida to anyone.