10 Best Weekend Trips In Florida, USA

weekend getaways from florida
Sharadha
Sharadha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Florida is one of the most popular US states located on the East Coast surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. This state is known for its rich Latin-American cultural influence especially in its busiest beach city of Miami. There are several coastal cities, resort towns, and islands around Florida that are ideal for the best beach holiday. Explore the sugary white sand beaches, historic towns, and breathtaking state parks of Florida for the perfect weekend getaway. These attractions are ideal for family trips, couples, and solo adventurers. Below is the list of the best weekend trips in Florida, USA.

1. Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach FL Amelia Island Light01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Amelia Island is a Florida beach destination located at 247 miles (397km) from the city of Florida. This island offers a calm getaway as it is home to pristine beaches, golf-course communities, resorts, spas, historic landmarks and a wide range of restaurants serving international foods. This island is part of a group of barrier islands and is known for its sports and recreational facilities. The notable sights to explore in Amelia Island are Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island Museum of History, Amelia Island State Park and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

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2. Key West

Sloppy Joes Bar Key West Florida 2008
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Florida Keys--Pub... used under CC BY 2.0

Key West is the southernmost point in the United States that is located 327 miles (526 kilometers) from the city of Florida. This city is known for its seaside attractions, nightlife, distinct conch-style architectural structures, and historic sites. You can also enjoy shopping in the lively lanes of Duval Street abd check out this town’s many bars and cafes. Don’t forget to grab the local brews at the very famous Sloppy Joe’s bar. The best sights to explore in Key West include Ernest Hemingway House, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, and Fort Zachary Taylor.

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3. Orlando

Orange Cty crths history center01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY 2.5

Orlando is one of the most lively cities in central Florida situated at 72.9 miles (117 kilometers) from the city of Florida. This city houses the Walt Disney World, a dream destination for every kid in this world. This city is also home to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure featuring the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Another important spot to visit for unending adventure is Epcot Adventure Park. Visit Orlando for your next weekend getaway and escape into its world of fantasy and adventure.

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4. Miami

Miami aerial 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Towpilot used under CC BY 2.5

When planning a weekend trip from Florida you cannot miss the prime beach getaway city of Miami located at just 182.2 miles (293 kilometers). This city is home to many Hollywood luxury mansions and a wide range of adventurous sports activities. You can try new adventures like sky-diving, paragliding, deep-sea diving, and more in Miami’s beaches. Miami is a go-to resort destination in Florida. So enjoy the various pampering services like spa and massages and luxurious amenities like infinity pools, hot tubs, golf courses, and more in this city. You can also explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Seaquarium, Bayside Marketplace, South Pointe Park Pier, and Jungle Island in Miami.

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5. Sarasota

CZ Shoreline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rpgray used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Sarasota is a scenic city on the south-western coast of the state of Florida that is just 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the city of Florida. This city has numerous beaches, famous cultural and environmental sights, resorts, and more. This city is known for its diverse arts community and amazing food scene. The significant sights to explore in this city are John and Mable Ringling Museum, Siesta Key Beach, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Lio Key, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Ca’ d'Zan - a former circus ring - and more.

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6. Sanibel

Sanibel Bridge A
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sanibel sun used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Sanibel is a coastal city on Sanibel Island that is located 112.9 miles (182 kilometers) from Florida. This city has beautiful beaches that are filled with shells that get washed to the shore from the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the 19th-century lighthouse in this stunning coastal town. You will also love the boardwalk on the Sanibel marshes. Pay a visit to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and try water sports and picnic facilities on the Causeway Beaches. Don’t miss out on Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Bowman’s Beach.

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7. St. Augustine

St. Augustine Sign, Augustine, Florida, USA1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diego Delso used under CC BY-SA 3.0

St. Augustine boasts to be the oldest city in the United States located 179.5 miles (288 km) from Florida. This coastal city has many architectural structures of Spanish influence. This city features tranquil beaches with the amazing Atlantic Ocean views and cozy resorts. You can also explore the St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Anastasia State Park, Castillo de San Marcos 17th-Century Spanish Fortress, St Augustine Alligator Farm, St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Lightner Museum, and Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

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8. Palm Beach

West palm beach city
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel vargas used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Palm Beach is a favorite coastal getaway in Florida for almost every traveler who visits this city. This city is located 147.4 miles (237 kilometers) from Florida and is located way from the mainland on Florida’s southern coast by the Lake Worth Lagoon. This beautiful city is an amazing beach getaway with many restaurants, resorts, cafes, galleries, and boutiques. Explore the stunning spots like Worth Avenue, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Society of the Four Arts, Norton Museum of Art, and Municipal Beach.

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9. Daytona Beach

Sunrise-Daytona-Beach-FL
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Daytona Beach is located on the Florida coast which is famous for its hard-packed sandy beaches. Daytona Beach was a popular hub for high-speed automobile testing during the early 20th century. This city is located 127.3 miles (205 kilometers) from Florida. One of the most popular events in this city is the annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race. You can enjoy the many water sports activities available at the Daytona Beach water lagoon and enjoy free concerts during summers. Notable sights to visit in this city are Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Boardwalk, Tomoka State Park, and Museum of Arts and Sciences.

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10. Naples

Naples Florida Sunset Fishing
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stephen James Hall used under CC0

Naples is a coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico located 126 miles (203 kilometers) from Florida City. This city offers upscale shopping experiences and many golf courses. This city is a popular fishing getaway. You can also enjoy the golf-spotting explorations from this stunning city. Naples is known for its sugary white sand beaches and calm shores.

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Enjoy the perfect weekend trip to coastal attractions near Florida

Florida is surrounded by beautiful beach towns and many resort destinations that offer a wide range of water sports and adventure activities. You will be able to explore the many towns on the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Gulf of Mexico. You can also check out the many hidden gems and historic sights of the Florida coast during these weekend trips.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sharadha is a happy 'paw'rent to beautiful GSDs - Max n Tuffey. At times, when she is not too busy pampering her furry kids, she is trying her best to stay fit, write and travel. She loves...Read more

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