Experience some of the most breathtaking weekend getaways in Florida resorts, more than anywhere in the world. The state is known for its natural beauty and year-round warm weather, making it a perfect destination to relax.
Whether you want to visit Orlando and see all of the amusement parks or go on a relaxing cruise down the coast, Florida has something for everyone!
If you are planning a weekend getaway to a tropical paradise or need a little relaxation from the grind of everyday life, you can do no better than checking out the best weekend getaway resorts in Florida.
These fun spots offer everything you could want including dining, beach access, sightseeing, and swimming.
Whether you are looking for romantic getaways, traveling alone, with your family, there is a beachfront hotel that will accommodate you and your special someone.
You will have plenty to do when you visit these resorts, so plan ahead. It won’t be much of a vacation if you don’t make the most of it!
For those who want to stay close to the water for your weekend getaway, there are plenty of beaches that are close by to the resorts that offer beach access.
This way you can simply take a swim, hang out by the water, or go fishing or boating.
Other great activities include going horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, boating, and taking a ride on a hot air balloon. In fact, Florida has so much to offer visitors that it is easy to see why these weekend getaways are so popular.
While you are on your way to the beach or other activities, you can stop by at one of the great dining locations found throughout the state.
If you are staying, why not consider romantic getaways in Florida?
You might want to think about staying at a hotel resort instead of a beachside accommodation. These hotels are typically a bit more spacious, as well as offering you a variety of different activities to participate in while you are there. Some of the great hotel resorts are the Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Paradise County, the Surfside Motel in Saint Petersburg, and the Sandals resort in Saint Petersburg.
These hotels offer plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the attractions in the area that you are staying. They have common areas for playing games, including slots and craps, which mean that you can keep the kids occupied while they are staying at home. You will also find a shuttle to and from the airport, making it incredibly easy to get around on the weekends.
When you are looking for the best Florida weekend getaways , you need to take a little time to figure out exactly what you are looking for. If you are on a budget, you might consider taking a cruise. On the other hand, if you are willing to splurge, you might want to check out the luxurious marine inns that are located on some of the islands.
Can find the best fun, weekend getaway resorts in Florida.
This is because there are so many great places to visit and wonderful activities to participate in.
The only problem is trying to find the time to do it, as most people want to be able to enjoy their vacation whenever possible.
Whether you want to go scuba diving or go bowling, there are plenty of things that you can do while you are staying at one of the best weekend getaway resorts in Florida.
1. Visit Palm Beach – Get Out on the Water
While “beach” is mentioned in the name of the city, there isn’t actually a beach in West Palm. You’ll need to cross the Intracoastal waterway to get to one.
Our favorite spot to enjoy the ocean in the area is just a short walk north on U.S. Route 1 Juno Beach is open to the public and boasts plenty of parking, a fishing pier, shower and bathroom facilities, and picnic areas.
The beach is beautiful and has a relaxed vibe. Be aware of any surf warnings and be alert for jellyfish.
Renting water sports equipment in West Palm Beach is a great option if you don’t want to just swim. Sea kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and even WaveRunners can be rented at various shops throughout West Palm; Palm Beach Watersports has a great selection.
Finally, in Downtown West Palm Beach, there is Waterfront Park is right on the Intracoastal Waterway and is well worth a stroll.
It hosts special events throughout the year, including the Saturday-morning GreenMarket, at which nearly 100 vendors sell fresh produce. In December, the area is transformed into Holiday in Paradise.
For the event, tons of sand are brought in and sculptors create a holiday tree 35 feet high and other decorations.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has everything you need for a weekend getaway in Florida.
2. Visit Historic St. Augustine
Consider a trip to the Historic Coast of northern Florida for your group to explore new places and experience something new.
Although it is the oldest city in America, founded in 1565 by Spaniards (indigenous people had lived there for centuries), St. Augustine exudes youthful energy through its brick-paved streets.
St. Augustine offers something for everyone, whether you are in your 20s and looking for a new kind of travel experience or you’re older and tired of the chaos of packed clubs.
St. Augustine, with its foundations that date back centuries, is home to many beautiful architectural styles. Strolling through downtown’s charming streets allows you to admire colonial homes, with their colorful facades and wooden balconies.
Homes with wraparound porches in beautiful white shades are another popular Southern style.
Flagler College’s Spanish Renaissance architecture, featuring Tiffany stained-glass windows, is a stunning example of this grandeur.
3. St. Augustine Beaches
That’s not all. You must visit the beaches, lighthouse and Bridge of Lions. The bottom line is that you will want to bring your best clothes and strike a pose.
4. St. Augustine Eco Tours
St. Augustine Eco Tours will take you to the most popular dolphin species that live in the area. An interpretive naturalist will guide you through the tour and explain dolphin behavior, birdlife, etc.
These experiences aren’t guaranteed to bring you wildlife sightings, but they don’t disappoint!
Florida Keys
5. Key West
Every evening, the Key West Sunset Celebration takes place at Mallory Square. This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets Gulf of Mexico for a sundown celebration featuring carnival-like acts. A fun, memorable photo is possible with the backdrop of the glowing pink-and orange sunset.
On the other side of the island, the Southernmost Point iconic landmark on Whitehead Street is a must-do photo opportunity for a southernmost family selfie. Only 90 miles from Cuba, the southernmost spot in America is Whitehead Street’s red, black, and yellow marker that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Hop-on and off Old Town Trolley is a great way to get around Key West. It stops at 12 landmarks including the Southernmost Point and Key West Aquarium. Children 12 years old and younger can ride for free and get free tickets to the Overseas Railroad Museum.
You can also grab a self-guided map at the main entrance to the 1847 Key West City Cemetery, the intersection of Angela, Margaret, in Old Town, for a creepy time finding memorials and family plots.
There are also humorous headstones like the one that says, “I told u I was sick.”
You can paddleboard or kayak around the Keys from Florida Bay Outfitters on Key Largo, to Lazy Dog on Key West.
6. Marathon Key
A favorite sandy spot for locals, Sombrero Beach in Marathon Key is a small, manmade retreat off Mile Marker 50 in the Middle Keys, with gentle surf, restrooms, and accessibility for beach goers with disabilities.
In Key West, Smathers Beach, 2601 S. Roosevelt Blvd., is one of the island’s longest stretches of beach, with water sports rentals, volleyball nets, and picnic areas.
Introduce the kids to Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemmingway at the Hemingway Home and Museum, 907 Whitehead St., in Key West, where he wrote many of his famous novels.
The property also offers tours of the writing studio and home. There are over 40 six-toed cats who are descendants of Hemingway that roam freely.
A drive across the Seven Mile Bridge, the longest segmental bridge in the world should include a stop at Pigeon Key, accessible from a visitor center at the west end of Marathon Key.
This small island is home to a museum, and it remains unchanged since Henry Flagler built the railroad.
Harry Potter fans will love the Fisher Museum’s Potter-inspired permanent exhibit, “Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine”, which explores the traditions and alchemy of astronomy and alchemy.
7. South Beach
Weekend getaways in Florida wouldn’t be complete without a visit to South Beach, which is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, but it also hosts the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. This $1.2 million landscape renovation was designed by Raymond Jungles, a South Florida landscape architect.
8. Visit Lummus Park
This public, 74-acre urban park in Miami Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean, runs parallel to South Beach’s famous strip, Ocean Drive. It has been used as the backdrop for many television and film scenes.
9. Miami Beach
I love the colorful towers of lifeguards at Miami Beach. Before you go to Miami Beach, make sure you have water, sunscreen, and a towel.
Espanola Way, a historic street that runs between 14th Street and 16th Street in South Beach, will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.
It’s a relaxed atmosphere.
Although some restaurants can be tourist traps, I love Havana’s 1957 Cuban cuisine and the people who watch and listen to live music.
Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian street between 16th and 17th Street, is home to 200 designer boutiques, shops local, national retailers, art galleries, and nightlife.
Book a South Beach walking tour with a guide to discovering the history of art deco architecture.
10. Visit Orlando – Home of the Theme Parks
Orlando is a top tourist destination in Florida and the United States.
The city has many fun, family-friendly attractions that will keep you busy, but its central location in Florida makes it an ideal base for exploring.
Sometimes, a girls’ getaway can be just what we need. Orlando is a destination that can be anything you desire: a peaceful oasis, an adventure, a night out, or a family vacation.
You can experience a little bit of everything in Orlando, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for people from all over the globe.
There are many things to see and do in Orlando, but these are my top picks for a weekend getaway to Florida.
11. Wonderworks
The Outta Control Dinner Show at WonderWorks Orlando will make you laugh and have dinner. You may not like the interactive nature of the show, which involves non-stop interaction with the audience.
Unlimited hand-tossed pizza (cheese, pepperoni), salads and wine are included. Dessert is also included. Comedy dinner shows are a great option for a casual and relaxed night of laughter with your girlfriends!
12. Walt Disney Parks and Shopping
Disney Springs is the place to go for all things food, shopping, entertainment, and more when you’re in Orlando. You will find something for everyone at this outdoor shopping center. As you browse the 103 shops, you’re bound to find something interesting! There are many shops that sell designer items like Coach and Kate Spade, as well as famous fashion houses like Anthropologie and Zara. You’ll also find workout gear, jewelry and merchandise inspired by Disney.
13. Epcot
Epcot offers dazzling shows, interactive experiences, and incredible attractions that will allow you to explore the wonders and cultures of the world. Marvel at the imagination of humans. Enjoy the thrills of Soarin’, a ride which will take you up to 40 feet in the air.
This is a free-flying attraction that offers incredible views. Gather around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon to enjoy a nighttime spectacle – a laser show with fireworks! Two of WDW’s most popular events are also at Epcot: the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
14. Orlando Museum of Art
Although the Orlando Museum of Art was established in 1924, its modern-day structure, which features a large, white, rotund exterior design, was completed in 1997. The exterior is traditional and historic but the interior is modern and contemporary. It hosts 10 to 12 exhibitions per day and has one of the finest collections of fine art in Florida.
They change frequently, with everything from paintings by Orlando resident Winifred Clive to post-impressionist work by Louis Dewis. Common are also exhibitions that focus on a particular theme.
Fine art can be difficult to find in a city known for its coasters. It’s not easy, so it takes some effort. The crowds are usually art-aficionados and culture-vultures. While there are a few families that are particularly attentive, it is mostly a mature and educated group of visitors.
15. Fort Myers
Fort Myers sits along the Gulf Coast and is the gateway to Sanibel Island.
The beautiful white-sand beaches and deep-sea fishing trips that this Florida resort is famous for are just a few of the many reasons it’s a popular vacation spot.
In the renovated, stylish downtown, you’ll find many art galleries, trendy bars, innovative eateries, and unique shops.
16. Florida Repertory Theatre
Twenty-one years of award-winning performances have been celebrated by the Florida Repertory Theatre. This historic theater has performed for over 31,000 children annually.
Their goal is to get more youth in Southwest Florida involved with theater. They have seen over 87,000 people come through their doors each year, making “Florida Rep” a unique experience in Southwest Florida.
The New York Times and American Theatre Magazine have praised their plays.
It’s not hard to see why Florida Repertory Theatre has received so much attention throughout the years.
17. Manatee Park, Fort Myers Florida
Winter days are often spent indoors with the heater on or by a warm fire. Florida is all about being outdoors and enjoying the natural beauty of Florida.
Manatee Park is the perfect place for that. The park offers a chance to see hundreds of manatees by kayak.
Warm, inviting spa conditions are created by the Florida Power Light Plant.
This warm water attracts manatees to the canal. While it’s harder to spot the manatee at the banks or shore, you can sometimes see them in the murky waters. It is best to view them from a canoe.
The best time to see manatees is November through March.
18. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Edison Park
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were two of America’s most famous inventors. They chose to spend the winter in Florida, setting the stage for more than a century worth of tourism.
Edison constructed Seminole Lodge on the Caloosahatchee River and invited friends from the north. Henry Ford, an automobile magnate was one of them.
Ford purchased the house next to his home in 1916. He named it The Mangoes.
The Edison Ford Museum is 15,000 square feet and invites guests to explore the historic homes, gardens, Edison laboratory, Edison Museum, and the Edison Ford Museum.
The museum displays the lives and legacies of both men.
19. Fort Myers River District
A walk down First Street after enjoying Fort Myers River District’s culinary offerings is a must. The district offers a wide range of fun shopping, live music, and art to satisfy every taste.
The district is adorned with large, rust-colored, metal sculptures in the form of musicians, street vendors, card players, and jugglers. Self-guided walking tours of the installation are offered by Edgardo Carmona (Colombo), and they are beautiful.
A guide can be hired at any one of the sculptures.
The Sidney & Bernie Davis Arts Center is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
20. Amelia Island
Amelia Island, Florida’s northernmost Atlantic Ocean barrier Island, is part of the Sea Islands barrier islands chain that stretches northwards into South Carolina’s waters and is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Florida.
21. Amelia Island State Recreation Area
Amelia Island State Recreation Area in Florida is located eight miles south of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island.
It can be accessed via Little Talbot Island State Park on State Route A1A. This 200-acre area includes beautiful coastal maritime forests, preserved salt marsh, and beaches along the Atlantic Ocean coast plain.
It is one of the few American East Coast horseback riding areas. Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers horseback riding tours. Visitors can fish on the island’s shoreline and the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier that stretches across Nassau Sound.
Paddling, shelling, and birding are all popular options for recreational activities. Wildlife watching is also a popular option to spot threatened piping plovers and sea turtles in the native nesting areas.
22. Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach, the main community on Amelia Island, is also one of the major communities in the Greater Jacksonville region. It has a population exceeding 11,400.
The city is the northernmost on Florida’s Atlantic Ocean coast. It is also the site of filming for 1988’s feature film The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking. The film used the historic Captain Bell’s House to be the home of its title character.
It has been a part of eight different nations throughout its history, earning Amelia Island’s “Isle of Eight Flags” status. You can find excellent shops and restaurants in the 50-block old downtown area.
Or, you can relax and sunbathe on 40 public beaches. The Palace Saloon is Florida’s oldest bar and five of the top-rated golf courses can be accessed by the public.
There are many kayaking, paddleboarding, and offroad Segway tour companies that offer guided tours of the undeveloped areas of the region.
The annual Miss Shrimp Festival is held in May at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
It features live music performances by musicians, antique vendors, and fireworks. Perfect for those weekend getaways in Florida!
23. Fernandina Beach Historic District
The Fernandina Beach Historic District, which covers 1,500 acres on Amelia Island’s Fernandina Beach, is a National Register of Historic Places area. It was established in 1973.
The district is bordered by South 5th, 8th, and North 9th Streets and Broome Ash and Date Streets.
It preserves historic buildings that were built during the development of the area by David Levy Yulee, a United States senator, and railroad entrepreneur. Before Yulee’s construction, Fernandina had its town center in the area now called Old Town.
The district preserves important landmarks like the Nassau County Courthouse, historical homes such as the Fairbanks, Waass, Bailey, Tabby Houses, and structures such as the Amelia Island Lighthouse.
Also, a historic post office building was designed by James Knox Taylor, United States Department of the Treasury architect.
You can find a variety of dining options, lodging, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations within the district.
24. Marco Island
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on Marco Island, Florida
On Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, you will find the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge covers 35,000 acres and is home to many endangered wildlife species. Birding and wildlife watching are two of the most popular activities at the refuge.
Manatees can be seen frequently, along with many other beautiful birds and sea turtles.
You can spot wildlife by boat, or you can follow the Tamiami Trail for 1 mile. It is unimproved, basic and limited in parking.
The refuge also allows boats to be used, which is a great way to experience the natural wildlife and the surrounding area.
Both hunting and fishing are allowed in the park.
25. Briggs Nature Center, Marco Island, Florida
The Briggs Nature Center can be found near the gulf, between Naples and Marco Island at the Rookery Bay National Estua-rine Research Reserve.
There are 3 miles of trails that guests can follow, including a 1/2-mile boardwalk. This allows them to explore the diverse habitats of the area.
The estuary is a nursery for fish, crustaceans, and shellfish and is home to many nesting birds.
There are two short trails that provide views of Rookery Bay, in addition to the boardwalk.
Visitors to the nature center are often able to see wildlife such as bald and spotted eagles as well as snakes, bobcats, river Otters, hawks, woodpeckers, and river otters.
26. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island, Florida
Tiger Tail Beach is a favorite beach for wildlife photographers and birders. Osprey nesting and Crane migration are two of the highlights of spring.
The most beautiful beach on Marco Island is Tiger Tail Beach. You must cross a shallow bay to reach the ocean side. If you don’t mind feeling the mud between your toes, bring a pair of sandals or another lightweight footwear.
You should only bring what you are able to carry over your waist.
Tiger Tail Beach has a snack bar that serves decent fried fish, burgers, and other snacks. You will also find a fun playground for children, picnic tables, and toilet facilities.
Nearby the snack bar and playground areas are educational signage and displays.
This beach has stunning views thanks to the newly installed walkways.
27. Looking to golf in the Sunshine State?
Check out the Hideaway Beach Club. Located on Marco Island, Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. The Beachfront Club features exquisite dining with a view of the Gulf and health and wellness facilities.
Weekly entertainment is available for Members.
28. Luxurious Beach Hotels in Florida
Florida is the perfect place to unwind and relax with a tropical cocktail while you soak your toes into the soft white sand, and enjoy the gentle ocean breeze.
There are many rooms and hotels and beaches to choose from, including the lively Miami and the tranquil North Florida shores. Here you can find celebrity-filled restaurants and pamper yourself at a spa.
These luxurious hotels are a combination of 5-star amenities and stunning ocean views.
29. Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach
Four Seasons Palm Beach is a luxury resort located in Palm Beach. It boasts spacious rooms, stunning ocean views, and exceptional service.
There are many options for where to swim as there is a freshwater pool just minutes away. You can pamper your skin at the spa, or enjoy Italian cuisine at Jove Kitchen & Bar. Then you can relax in one of the modern, oceanfront rooms and suites with down bedding and flatscreen TVs.
The Palm Beaches is the ideal place to find the perfect spa and golf resort in Florida.
30. South Seas Island Resort Captiva Island
South Seas Island Resort, a 335-acre beach resort on Captiva Island that has been consistently voted the best family-friendly resort in Florida, is an enviable property of 335 acres.
It provides oceanfront views, beautiful sand, surrounded by water, and is consistently voted one of Florida’s top-rated resorts.
The full-service resort is as luxurious as its name implies. It offers more activities than any other resort in Florida.
You can ride a trolley around the property to reach 18 swimming pools, fun water slides, and private restaurants.
There are also shops, a golf course, a full-service spa, and a nature center where you can see live animals. Low-rise accommodation is available throughout the property, where you can easily access the 2.5-miles of beautiful beach and mangrove areas.
31. Westshore Grand Tampa
The Westshore Grand is a Tribute Portfolio hotel. It is located near the bustling Westshore business district. This luxury hotel is centrally near Tampa’s downtown.
It is only 3 miles from Tampa Airport. The hotel’s 323 accommodations–including two Presidential Suites–have been decorated with soft, coast-inspired hues and rustic accents.
Each room has a flat-screen TV with a 49-inch screen, minibar, tea, and coffee-making facilities. The luxurious linens used in the beds and bathrooms are luxurious.
Enjoy a relaxing evening with friends at Shula’s Steak House or No Name Lounge.
Don Shula, the legendary Miami Dolphins coach, created this restaurant that is world-class.
You can enjoy a spectacular sunset from the rooftop’s heated pool.
In Conclusion…
With so many amazing reasons to plan weekend getaways in Florida, it’s hard not to want to spend the whole winter there.
Whether you are looking for a new place to vacation or just need some time away from everyday life, finding an escape should be at the top of your priority list if you live in this state.
If you still haven’t found your choice of Florida weekend getaways and have decided to head to one of the most fun places in the world, we recommend checking out these fun places where relaxation is guaranteed!
