Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in Florida

Located at the end of the Florida Keys, Key West is famous for its easygoing vibes. Go snorkeling at the seaside or soak up the sun on the beach. Don’t miss a live music show at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

Head to Tampa and take part in the annual Cuban Sandwich Festival and dig into delicious dishes. Stroll through the Tampa Museum of Art and browse the magnificent artifacts, or let the little ones marvel at the remarkable sea life at the Florida Aquarium.

A weekend getaway in Florida wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Miami. Besides beautiful beaches, this lively city is home to Jungle Island, where you can spend a day viewing the exotic animals. The specialty shops along Lincoln Road provide some retail therapy.

For a one-stop location with numerous family-friendly attractions, visit St. Petersburg. It boasts art festivals, history museums, and beaches. Walk or hike on trails at Fort De Soto Park, or if you love antiques, explore the 600 Block of the Grand Central District and discover an array of treasures.

A vacation in Orlando puts you within minutes of Disney World, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. Before you leave, encounter bears and lions at the Exotic Animal Experience Zoo.

Hop on a boat and head to the Everglades National Park, the only place on earth where salt-water crocodiles and freshwater-loving alligators co-exist. Paddle quietly through the clear waters to view manatees and rare tropical birds.

A scuba-diving or snorkeling adventure lets you discover Florida’s underwater riches. Explore the reefs in the Florida Keys, or encounter amazing coral and some of the marine animals that call Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary home. If you’re visiting between May and September, be sure to swim alongside turtles at West Palm Beach.

Want to see Florida’s spectacular coastline from a different perspective? A horse ride takes you through the rolling dunes and along the coastline of Amelia Island. Cape San Blas is the perfect place for a sunrise or sunset ride on the beach.

Make tracks on two wheels through old logging and farm roads to enjoy the hidden treasures of Everglades. These historic routes form a network of magnificent trails that will bring you closer to all sorts of birds, including herons and flamingoes.

Adventures in Florida go beyond the coastline and waterways. Discover plenty of sights by trekking. Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail and enjoy the dramatic Floridian scenery amid the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outside, choose fabrics that breath well. Include short-sleeved tops, a few pairs of shorts, and versatile jeans. A light jacket comes in handy for chilly indoor spaces.

For destinations like Disney World where you’ll always be on your feet, bring light sneakers or a pair of athletic sandals. You’ll need sturdy boots for pedaling, while flip-flops are ideal for relaxing on the patio of your vacation rental.

For tablets, laptops, and cellphones, ensure you pack all the necessary chargers. If possible, pack chargers that work on multiple devices, or if you’re driving, consider chargers that plug into your car.

Carry both debit cards and dollar bills. Use the cash for tipping or parking. It’s a good idea to tuck away the different types of payment separately.