Best Weekend Getaways In Florida For A Quick Escape

There are times when just getting out of the city for a couple of days is enough to make you feel more relieved. Florida has always been considered by many as an ideal destination for such short trips (and espeically Spring Break). The blue sea, beautiful sunshine and fresh air make everything much more pleasant. However, choosing a place to go is not always simple. Popular destinations are often crowded and sometimes quite expensive. Therefore, we have helped you discover best places beyond imagination for weekend getaways in Florida. There are places that are only a few hours' drive from the city but still retain the peace and natural beauty. Explore and choose your next itinerary! 1. Palm Coast The scenery of the nature preservces is phenomenal. Photo by Jim Schwabel - stock.adobe.com Palm Coast is becoming more and more popular as a weekend getaway spot in Florida. One of the places you shouldn’t miss is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens filled with azaleas, camellias, roses, and bird-of-paradise, perfect for taking photos. Princess Place Preserve offers a completely different experience.. A highlight here is the historic wooden lodge in the forest, which was once home to a European princess, and it features Florida’s first spring-fed in-ground swimming pool. The preserve also has beautiful natural areas with pine trees and calm waters. If you enjoy learning while exploring, the Florida Agricultural Museum is a great stop. Adventure lovers will appreciate the scenic horseback rides through 460 acres of wooded trails and serene lakes. For a more authentic experience of life in 1800s Florida, sign up for the Florida Homestead Educational Program here. You’ll get hands-on with activities like corn grinding and sugar cane grinding. 2. Anna Maria Island Ready to spend summer days here? Photo by Unwind on stock.adone.com For an off-the-beaten-path experience, Anna Maria Island should be on your bucket list of best weekend getaways in Florida. Unlike other crowded Florida beaches, Anna Maria Island doesn’t have large resorts or crowded tourist attractions. Instead, it has cosy bungalows and quiet streets. The sand here is as soft as powdered sugar, and the water? Crystal clear and calm. Bean Point Beach and Manatee Beach are the best choices as our recommendations. You can rent bikes to cycle around the island, kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the waters, or just stroll along the beach. The island’s laid-back pace makes it easy to enjoy these activities without feeling rushed. 3. Siesta Key Siesta Beach is ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the US, Siesta Key has soft, white sand. You might wonder if it’s real because it’s quartz, and it stays cool even when the sun is shining. It’s great for walking barefoot or just lying around and letting time slow down a bit. Every Sunday evening, about an hour before sunset, Siesta Beach turns into an outdoor stage for the Sunset Drum Circle. The locals and tourists gather in a circle then dances or does freestyle dances in a very relaxed way to the drum beats. If you’re travelling with your family on a beach holiday, you can take the kids to the Siesta Key Farmers Market at Siesta Village on Sunday mornings. The market is open from 9AM to 1PM, with about 30 stalls selling all kinds of products. Most famous are fresh vegetables and baked goods, followed by handicrafts and organic products. 4. Rosemary Beach A peaceful shoreline of Rosemary Beach, Florida. Photo by KCULP on stock.adone.com If you’re driving along Florida’s Route 30A, we recommend stopping in Rosemary Beach. It’s a small, walkable town (a rarity in Florida) with cobblestone streets and charming cafes. The town’s architecture is inspired by St. Augustine, New Orleans, and Charleston. Everything here is as cute as it is picturesque. 5. Daytona Beach Relax under the sun at iconic Daytona Beach. Photo by Gabriele Maltinti on stock.adone.com Daytona Beach is one of the best weekend getaways in Florida, especially with its 23 miles of driveable sand beaches – a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else. You can cruise along the shore and immerse yourself in the earthy atmosphere. Not far away is Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500 – the pinnacle of NASCAR racing, attracting thousands of fans each year. 6. Panama City An aerial view of Panama City Beach with the emerald Gulf waters. Photo by Pugalenthi on stock.adone.com A weekend getaway that’s easy, beautiful, and actually fun? Panama City Beach might be just the spot. You’ve definitely got to check out Shell Island. No hotels, no restaurants in sight, just an unspoiled beach and clear water. Everything here is off-the-beaten-path, it seriously feels like your own secret beach. You should also use Shell Island Shuttle or the St Andrew's Shell Island Ferry to get here. 7. Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach offers a scenic pier on Florida’s Space Coast. Photo by Ryan Tishken on stock.adone.com Cocoa Beach has a more laid-back, local vibe than Panama City Beach. The town is home to a surf culture. In fact, it’s home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, and it’s open 24/7. But one of the most unique things about Cocoa Beach happens at night during the summer: bioluminescence. In nearby spots like the Indian River Lagoon, the water can glow in the dark thanks to tiny organisms called dinoflagellates. There are nighttime kayak tours that take you out to see it. The experience will be dark and peaceful when it's just you and the water, and that gentle glow under the stars. Some tours even use clear-bottom kayaks so you can watch the light swirl around you as you paddle. 8. Boca Raton From above, Boca Raton Beach stretches out in a ribbon of soft, golden sand. Photo by Matthew Tighe on stock.adone.com Who can resist the charm of Boca Raton? This coastal city in South Florida offers a perfect mix of sun and sea, everything you need for a weekend getaway. The Red Reef Park is an incredible oceanfront park known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. It features an expanded snorkelling area with 20 artificial reef modules, attracting colourful fish like Sergeant Majors and Parrotfish. Beyond the beach, you can enjoy shaded picnic areas, walking paths, and a playground. Adjacent to the park is the Red Reef Executive Golf Course, a 9-hole course offering stunning ocean views and the Intracoastal Waterway. 9. Miami Miami Beach is a sun-soaked paradise for beach lovers. Photo by evenfh on stock.adone.com Miami is a city that pulses with life you won’t find anywhere else. South Beach is the beating heart of the city. It offers powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters as the perfect backdrop for those seeking a glamorous escape. As you stroll along Ocean Drive, you will see the pastel-colored Art Deco with several lively cafes and trendy bars. 10. Sanibel Island The white sand beach at Blind Pass on Sanibel Island glows warmly at sunset. Photo by Danita Delimont on stock.adone.com Your adventure can start at Lighthouse Beach Park, where you'll find the historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse, which has been standing tall since 1884. While you can’t go inside the lighthouse, the park around it offers stunning views of the coastline and a calm, relaxing environment that sets the tone for your visit. No visit to Sanibel is complete without digging around in the island’s famous shell piles. Thanks to its unique geography, Sanibel’s beaches are a shell collector’s paradise. The Gulf’s currents bring in a variety of seashells, and the best places to find them are Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Turner Beach. The best time to shell is during low tide, when the most shells are exposed. 11. Key West Key West is one of those weekend getaways in Florida that feels like stepping into a different world. To get a feel for the local area, sign up for the Old Town Trolley Tour. You can hop on and off as you like, stopping at famous spots like Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, and Ernest Hemingway’s house. And if you're looking for something unforgettable, step aboard a glass-bottom boat tour. Key West sits right next to North America’s only living coral reef, and the glass-bottom boats let you glide over brilliant underwater gardens teeming with tropical fish, coral, and maybe even a sea turtle or two - all without getting wet. 12. Tampa The city is vibrant at night. Photo by steheap on stock.adone.com Tampa sits on the west coast of Florida, right along the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. Fort De Soto is a must if you love wide, open stretches of soft sand and clear water. You will find quiet beaches, kayak trails, and even an old fort you can wander through. After some beach time, you might crave good seafood, and Salt Shack on the Bay is a great spot. It's casual, right on the water, and it has the kind of relaxed, coastal vibe that feels just right after a salty day in the sun. For a bit more city energy, head into Downtown Tampa. And if you want a sunset you’ll never forget, grab a drink at a rooftop bar like the one at the Tampa Edition hotel. 13. Destin Your ultimate weekend getaways in Florida here. Photo by trongnguyen on stock.adobe.com Destin feels like one of those places that’s almost too pretty to be real. This town is buzzing with fun, especially around HarborWalk Village. And if you’re here in the summer, don’t miss Thursday nights - the sky lights up with fireworks over the Destin Harbor. For families with children, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a favourite. You get up close with dolphins, sea lions, and even penguins. It’s interactive and a great way to spend the afternoon, as one of the worthy weekend getaways in Florida. 14. Pensacola You will be amazed by the sugar-white beaches in Pensacola. Photo by George on stock.adone.com Pensacola has a way of surprising you. At first glance, it might seem like another coastal town, but spend a weekend here and you'll realise how amazing this place is. Take Pensacola Beach, for instance. The sand is soft, and the water shifts between blues and greens. You will see families setting up for the day with coolers, umbrellas, and maybe a dolphin or two cutting through the distance. A few minutes from the beach is Laguna Beach Bar + Grill. The brisket nachos and cheesesteak here are a local favourite, but honestly, everything tastes better with those cheap prices (just from $10 per dish). 15. Key Biscayne The Cape Florida Lighthouse is a striking white tower. Photo by Mariakray on stock.adone.com Just a short drive from Miami is the Key Biscayne. First, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Built in 1825, it's the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Climb the 109 steps to the top, and you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The beach here, affectionately known as El Farito, is a hidden gem. Its gentle waves and clear waters are great for enjoying the day, and the shoreline is a treasure trove for seashell collectors. 16. Crystal River The underwater scenery is so impressive. Photo by NaturePicsFilms on stock.adone.com Just about an hour’s drive from Orlando, you will visit Crystal River, where you have one of the most insane weekend getaways in Florida. At the heart of it all is Three Sisters Springs, a cluster of crystal-clear, turquoise pools in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. From April 1 to November 14, you can paddle a kayak right into the springs and glide over the sandy bottom as fish dart beneath you. If you're lucky, a gentle manatee might drift by. During manatee season (November to March), the springs become a sanctuary, and while paddle-craft is restricted, you can still observe these "sea cows" from the boardwalk above. Moreover, in November, you’ll hit stone crab season, and the locals know how to celebrate. Downtown Crystal River comes alive with the Stone Crab Jam. All you have are fresh seafood sizzles on grills and bands play on street corners. 17. Naples Spending time in Naples, Florida, feels relaxing and refined. Photo by jovannig on stock.adone.com Tucked along Florida’s southwest coast is the charming Naples. How about starting your morning gliding through quiet waters on a private gondola ride? As the afternoon fades, there is no better place to be than Clam Pass Beach. You walk along a wooden boardwalk through the mangroves, and the beach suddenly opens up in front of you, wide and quiet. 18. Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale shines with golden beaches and palm-lined streets. Photo by Gabriele Maltinti on stock.adone.com Fort Lauderdale is also a top choice for weekend getaways in Florida. A slow walk down Las Olas Boulevard lets you grab a coffee and pop into a few boutique shops. Nearby, Huizenga Plaza provides a green space perfect for relaxation. And there are also many great restaurants to explore on Oakland Park. 19. Orlando Wandering around Lake Eola Park with family is simply relaxing. Photo by Gabriele Maltinti on stock.adobe.com Orlando is best for a short trip in Florida. Lake Eola Park, located in downtown Orlando. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or catch a local event. For a truly unique nighttime experience, put Aqua Glow Nights at Aquatica on your list, a special event when the Aquatica Orlando water park transforms into a glowing wonderland. Remember to pack light if you plan to visit the Disney or Universal park. 20. Amelia Island A hidden gem on Florida’s northeast coast. Photo by Ruth P. Peterkin on stock.adone.com Amelia Island should be in any weekend getaways in Florida plan. Located in Big Talbot Island State Park, just south of Amelia Island, Boneyard Beach is a favourite spot for photographers and nature lovers. At the northern tip of Amelia Island is Fort Clinch State Park, where you can explore the well-preserved 19th-century fort, then hike or bike along six miles of trails through dunes and maritime forests. Or just camp at one of the park's two campgrounds. For a unique perspective of Amelia Island's natural beauty, Happy Trails Walking Horses. They offer beach and trail rides on Tennessee Walking Horses, known for their smooth gait and gentle nature. 21. Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs is lively and colourful. Photo by csfotoimages on stock.adone.com Tarpon Springs, Florida is also known as the "Sponge Capital of the World”.. The town's historic Sponge Docks are the heart of its sponge diving industry, which dates back to the early 1900s. A sponge diving boat tour that cruises along the Anclote River offers a live demonstration of traditional sponge diving techniques. You will get a close-up look at how divers harvest sponges from the sea. After the tour, head over to Toula's Trailside Café for authentic Greek cuisine. This cosy spot, located along the Pinellas Trail, is known for its fresh, delicious dishes. A scrumptious Greek salad is a big hit and costs just around $12. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by Sponge Diver Supply, a local store that offers a range of sea sponges and handmade soaps. 22. Mount Dora A quiet, charming town in Central Florida. Photo by Photoman on stock.adone.com Mount Dora, the cutest small town in the USA, offers a charming atmosphere perfect for weekend getaways in Florida. Start your trip at Alexandria, a beautiful area that showcases the town's rich history and unique architecture. For those who love shopping and hunting for treasures, Renninger's Flea Market is a must-visit. Known as one of the largest and most diverse flea markets in Florida, Renninger’s has everything you need: from antiques and collectables to handmade crafts and vintage items. After a day of exploration, treat yourself to a delicious meal at WAVE - Asian Bistro & Sushi. This trendy spot offers fresh sushi, flavorful Asian fusion dishes, and a relaxed ambience perfect for winding down. Getaways In Florida To Make The Most Of Your Weekends To sum up, we have provided a wide variety of weekend getaways in Florida that offer beautiful beaches and exciting outdoor adventures. No matter where you go, you’ll be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have visited any of these places or have your favourite adventures, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! We would love to hear about your experiences, and don't forget to share this article with friends too. Ha Ngan