While Miami and Orlando might be Florida’s most talked-about destinations, the Sunshine State has dozens of smaller spots that offer just as much fun for weekend travelers – without the long lines and tourist crowds. From quiet beach towns along the Gulf Coast to charming riverside communities in Central Florida, these lesser-known locations let you experience the state’s natural beauty and local culture at your own pace.
Whether you’re looking to paddle through mangrove trails or explore historic downtown districts, here are 21 weekend getaways in Florida that deserve a spot on your travel calendar, each offering its own slice of paradise.
St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in America, St. Augustine feels like stepping into a living history book. Much like other Florida coastal towns, it has pristine beaches and warm weather year-round. But unlike its neighbors, the city’s Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets transport you back to the 16th century. Just walk through the narrow lanes of the historic district, past horse-drawn carriages and centuries-old buildings, and you’ll understand why it’s called the Ancient City. Because of its strategic location, St. Augustine was a battleground for Spanish, British, and American forces, and you’ll find military fortifications, including the imposing Castillo de San Marcos, scattered throughout the city.
Key West, Florida
Ever spotted a wild rooster strutting down Duval Street? It’s a daily occurrence in Key West, where the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys meets Caribbean charm at the southernmost point of the continental United States. Just a 4-hour drive from Miami through a string of tropical islands, this compact paradise is where Ernest Hemingway once called home and where sunset celebrations are a nightly ritual at Mallory Square. You can hop on a boat to explore the third-largest coral reef in the world, wander through the pastel-colored conch houses in the historic district, or simply kick back with a slice of key lime pie at one of the many open-air cafes lining the waterfront.
Naples, Florida
Naples stands out as Florida’s answer to understated coastal elegance. This Gulf Coast gem pairs world-class golf courses with pristine white-sand beaches, creating a destination that feels more like a Mediterranean resort town than a typical Florida getaway. The city’s 5th Avenue South draws visitors with its mix of upscale boutiques and local cafes, while the nearby Naples Pier offers a perfect spot to watch dolphins play in the warm waters. It’s not the flashiest Florida destination – and that’s exactly the point. Here, you’ll find families and couples strolling through the Naples Botanical Gardens, pelicans diving for fish near the shore, and locals gathering for sunset celebrations along the beach. The laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking a more refined escape from the usual tourist crowds.
Sanibel Island, Florida
If you’re looking for one of Florida’s most charming beach escapes, head straight to Sanibel Island. Located off the coast of Fort Myers, this barrier island is famous for its abundant seashells – visitors come from all over to do the “Sanibel Stoop” as they search the beaches for perfect specimens. With over 15 miles of pristine beaches, plus the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge where you can spot herons, alligators, and other native wildlife, it’s a natural paradise made for laid-back vacations.
Amelia Island, Florida
Step back in time when you visit Amelia Island, a charming barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast. This peaceful haven combines old-world Southern charm with 13 miles of quiet beaches, where you can collect seashells or spot dolphins playing in the waves. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district of Fernandina Beach, lined with Victorian-era buildings and local boutiques. For outdoor enthusiasts, kayaking through the marshlands or playing a round at one of the island’s golf courses makes for a perfect afternoon. Don’t miss trying the fresh-caught shrimp at the waterfront restaurants – the island is known as the birthplace of Florida’s shrimping industry.
Did you know?
Located off Florida’s northeastern coast, Amelia Island has been ruled by 8 different flags throughout its history – more than any other place in the United States. From pirates and Confederate soldiers to modern-day beach lovers, this 13-mile-long barrier island has seen quite the parade of characters walk its shores over the centuries.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
When it comes to Florida beaches, Clearwater Beach stands in a league of its own. This pristine stretch of white sand along the Gulf Coast has earned its reputation as one of America’s favorite beach destinations, and for good reason. The gentle waves and clear turquoise waters make it perfect for families looking to splash around, while the daily sunset celebration at Pier 60 brings out street performers, local artists, and crowds gathering to watch the sun dip into the horizon. It’s not just about beach time though – the area’s laid-back vibe extends into a charming downtown filled with seafood restaurants and ice cream shops, where you can wander without any particular agenda. Those looking to get out on the water will find plenty of options, from dolphin-watching tours to fishing charters that head into deeper waters.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Clearwater Beach has won TripAdvisor’s #1 Beach in America award multiple times thanks to its powdery white sand made of pure quartz crystal from the Appalachian Mountains? The uniquely soft sand stays cool even on the hottest days, making it comfortable to walk barefoot while you search for dolphins playing in the turquoise Gulf waters.
Marco Island, Florida
Looking for a peaceful island escape in Florida? Head to Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. Located off the southwest coast near Naples, this laid-back paradise combines white-sand beaches with upscale resorts and waterfront restaurants. South Marco Beach offers prime spots for shelling and dolphin watching, while the nearby Everglades gives you chances to spot manatees and birds in their natural habitat.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Ever wondered what a perfect mix of art and beach life looks like? St. Petersburg serves it up with a sunny smile, where pelicans dive into the warm Gulf waters and museum-hoppers stroll through the world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work. This laid-back city on Florida’s west coast lets you start your morning with a coffee and pastry at a sidewalk café, spend the afternoon paddling alongside dolphins at Fort De Soto Park, and wind down with fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. You can browse through indie shops and galleries along Central Avenue, or simply claim your spot on the sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach, which sees an average of 361 days of sunshine per year – they don’t call it the Sunshine City for nothing.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Just an hour east of Pensacola lies Panama City Beach, a coastal gem where Southern hospitality meets turquoise waters. Like many beach towns in Florida, PCB has its share of sun-soaked shores, seafood shacks, and souvenir shops. But unlike its neighbors, it maintains a down-to-earth charm that feels refreshingly genuine. Watch families build sandcastles on the sugar-white beaches or fishermen hauling in their daily catch at the pier, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Thanks to its prime location on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach has become a hub for water sports and marine life encounters, and you’ll find everything from jet ski rentals to dolphin-watching tours along its 27-mile shoreline.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Just 30 minutes from Fort Myers sits the laid-back island town of Fort Myers Beach. Like many coastal spots in Florida, it has warm waters and soft white sand, but what sets it apart is its distinctly local vibe that hasn’t been overtaken by large resorts. Take a stroll down Times Square, the heart of the island, and you’ll find family-owned restaurants serving fresh grouper sandwiches and tiny ice cream shops that have been around for decades. Because of its location on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach offers both bay and gulf waters, making it perfect for activities like kayaking through mangroves or watching dolphins play in the waves at sunset.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Visitors flock to Pensacola Beach for its clear waters and white sand shores, but this coastal gem offers much more than just beach activities. The area combines laid-back island living with rich military history, as it’s home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and the famous Blue Angels flight demonstration team. The beach town comes alive during the Blue Angels practice sessions, which you can watch for free from various viewing spots. While summer draws the biggest crowds for swimming and sunbathing, Pensacola Beach maintains its charm year-round with fresh seafood restaurants, local festivals, and peaceful walking trails through the dunes of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Siesta Key, Florida
I first discovered Siesta Key during a winter escape in 2019, searching for a slice of paradise along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This barrier island, just off the coast of Sarasota, stretches for eight miles and is home to some of the whitest sand beaches in the country. The main draw here is Siesta Beach, where the sand feels like powdered sugar between your toes and stays cool even on the hottest summer days. Small beach shops and casual seafood restaurants line Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Village, while hidden coves along the shoreline offer perfect spots for watching dolphins play in the crystal-clear waters. The Beach Club, a local institution since the 1950s, still serves up the island’s best rum runners and sunset views from its oceanfront deck.
Destin, Florida
Along the shores of the Emerald Coast, Destin stands as one of Florida’s most cherished beach towns. Like many coastal cities in the state, Destin offers sugar-white beaches and clear waters, but what sets it apart is its deep connection to fishing. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the waters here are rich with sea life, thanks to the underwater limestone shelf that attracts fish of all kinds. Because of its fishing heritage, you’ll find the harbor bustling with charter boats and seafood markets, while local restaurants serve up the day’s catch. The city has grown from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village into a favorite family destination, where fishing tournaments and water activities mix with shopping at HarborWalk Village and lazy days on the beach.
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach has long been Florida’s crown jewel of coastal luxury, where old money meets modern glamour along pristine Atlantic shores. This ritzy enclave, just an hour north of Miami, is where you’ll find perfectly manicured hedges lining Worth Avenue – a shopping street that rivals Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. Locals zip around in pastel-colored convertibles between championship golf courses and oceanfront mansions, while visitors split their time between the turquoise waters and the upscale restaurants where even lunch feels like a special occasion. It’s not the most budget-friendly weekend escape, but that’s part of its charm – Palm Beach knows exactly what it is and makes no apologies for its lavish personality.
Sarasota, Florida
Many visitors flock to Sarasota for its famous Siesta Key Beach, known for its pure white sand, but this Gulf Coast gem offers much more than just beach time. The city serves as a cultural hub with the Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota Opera House anchoring its rich arts scene. Nature lovers can explore the mangrove tunnels of Ted Sperling Park by kayak or spot exotic birds at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. While the winter months draw seasonal residents seeking warm weather, Sarasota maintains its laid-back charm year-round with weekly farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and food festivals that showcase the city’s growing culinary scene.
Cedar Key, Florida
Looking for a slice of Old Florida? Cedar Key is exactly what you need. Located on the Gulf Coast about 130 miles north of Tampa, this tiny fishing village feels like stepping back in time with its historic downtown, local art galleries, and weathered fishing docks. The town is famous for its clam farms, which produce about 90% of Florida’s farm-raised clams, making it a paradise for seafood lovers who come for the fresh catches at waterfront restaurants.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Step onto Anna Maria Island, where life moves at a slower pace along seven miles of white sand beaches. This barrier island offers plenty of spots to unwind, from Bean Point Beach at the northern tip to Coquina Beach on the south end. Take a stroll down Pine Avenue to browse local shops and restaurants, or rent a bike to explore the island’s quiet streets lined with colorful beach cottages. When hunger strikes, head to Rod & Reel Pier, a rustic restaurant built on stilts over the water where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching fishermen cast their lines.
Captiva Island, Florida
Visitors flock to Captiva Island for its quiet beaches and laid-back atmosphere, but this Gulf Coast gem offers more than just sandy shores. The island’s winding roads and hidden coves create perfect spots for shelling – an activity that’s become somewhat of a local pastime. While many come for the spectacular sunsets at Turner Beach, the island also boasts excellent fishing spots, kayaking trails through mangrove forests, and the chance to spot dolphins playing in the warm waters. The island’s small size means you can bike from end to end in an afternoon, stopping at local seafood restaurants and quirky shops along the way, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Islamorada, Florida
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, Islamorada stands as a charming string of six islands between Key Largo and Marathon. I first discovered this fishing village paradise back in 2018 while seeking refuge from Miami’s fast pace. Known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada’s crystal-clear waters draw anglers from across the globe, while its laid-back beaches and waterfront restaurants make it perfect for those who prefer lounging to casting lines. The postcard-worthy stretch along the Overseas Highway offers endless opportunities to spot dolphins playing in the sunset, with spots like Robbie’s Marina letting visitors hand-feed tarpon right off their dock. The offshore coral reefs at places like Alligator Reef Lighthouse offer some of Florida’s best snorkeling, where tropical fish dart through patches of swaying sea fans in the warm, turquoise waters.
Daytona Beach, Florida
When it comes to iconic Florida beach towns, Daytona Beach has earned its place in the spotlight. This 23-mile stretch of hard-packed sand first made a name for itself as a testing ground for early auto racers in the early 1900s, and that spirit of speed lives on at the famous Daytona International Speedway. These days, you can still drive right onto the beach, joining locals who park their cars on the sand for a uniquely American take on beach life. It’s a place where NASCAR culture meets beach vibes, where families spread out their towels near fishing enthusiasts casting lines into the Atlantic, and where the historic pier stretches into the ocean like an exclamation point on the whole scene.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Want to experience old Florida charm with a side of pirate history? Fernandina Beach, tucked away on Amelia Island’s northern tip, delivers just that. This laid-back coastal town, about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, was once a haven for pirates and bootleggers but now welcomes visitors with its Victorian-era buildings and 13 miles of quiet beaches. You can spend your days hunting for shark teeth along the shore, exploring Fort Clinch State Park’s Civil War-era fortress, or watching shrimp boats drift in and out of the harbor. The downtown area, with its brick streets and independent shops, feels like stepping back in time – especially during the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, when the whole town comes alive with music, food, and local art.
