Best Florida Weekend Getaways

Florida has so much to offer. Choose from incredible sandy beaches, romantic hotels, family resorts, spas and golf trips.

Florida makes slipping into vacation mode feel effortless. From breezy beachside resorts to quiet, wellness-focused retreats, the Sunshine State offers a weekend escape for just about every kind of traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of palm trees and poolside cocktails or meaningful stillness and spa time, these destinations are ready to wrap you in warmth and let the world wait.

Best Florida Weekend Getaways:

Key Largo Waters & Bungalow Retreat

We drove just under two hours south from Miami, crossing bridges that floated above turquoise water. The road stretched into the Upper Keys, and by the time we reached Key Largo, I felt the mainland had fallen away behind us.

For this visit, I wanted to slow down, stay somewhere designed for rest. I was craving spending time on the water, and letting the island pace set the rhythm.

When we arrived at Bungalows Key Largo, I thought, “This feels like stepping into a private world.” The adults-only resort was tucked into tropical gardens, with white bungalows leading out toward the ocean. The air smelled of sea salt and hibiscus, and hammocks swayed in the breeze. I felt instantly at ease.

You can enjoy snorkeling straight off the shore, kayaking through mangroves, or joining a boat excursion to the coral reefs just offshore. If you’d rather stay on land, the pools and spa make it easy to do nothing at all.

Where To Eat: Dining was part of the experience at Bungalows. Each meal felt less like a restaurant stop and more like a continuation of the stay, slow, fresh, and connected to the sea.

A downside? Bungalows Key Largo was exclusive and priced accordingly. You should plan it as a splurge trip rather than a casual weekend escape.

Hollywood Beach Energy & Margaritaville Escape

We drove about 40 minutes north from Miami, following the coastline until the pastel towers of Hollywood Beach came into view. The moment we reached the Broadwalk, with its wide stretch of beach on one side and shops and cafes on the other, I felt the pulse of a lively seaside town.

For this visit, I wanted to split the day: enjoy the sand and surf, wander along the Broadwalk on foot, and spend the evening unwinding at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.

When I first stepped onto the Broadwalk, I thought, “This is where energy meets the ocean.”

You can enjoy renting a bike to ride the 2.5-mile Broadwalk, swimming in the calm surf, or listening to live music at one of the beachfront stages. The mix of activity and relaxation makes Hollywood Beach feel both festive and easygoing.

Where To Eat: You can dine right at Margaritaville. I had the blackened mahi tacos, zesty and smoky, wrapped in soft tortillas.

A downside? The Broadwalk could get crowded on weekends, especially near the resort. You should plan to explore in the mornings or evenings for a calmer experience.

St. Augustine History & Bayfront Grace

We drove about an hour north from Daytona Beach, following the coastal highway until the towers of the Castillo de San Marcos appeared across the Matanzas Bay. The moment we crossed into St. Augustine’s old streets, lined with coquina walls and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, I felt like we had stepped back in time.

For this trip, I wanted to experience both sides of the city: the centuries-old history in its plazas and fortresses, and the quiet comfort of a bayfront inn where we could end the day.

When we arrived at Bayfront Westcott House, I thought, “This is where history and hospitality meet.” The 1880s Victorian home overlooked the water, its wraparound porch catching the breeze off the bay. The air smelled faintly of salt and jasmine, and the creak of wooden steps added to the charm. It felt welcoming, storied, and personal.

You can enjoy strolling down St. George Street for shops and cafés, touring the Castillo de San Marcos, or simply sitting on the inn’s porch with coffee while the fishing boats glide by.

Where To Eat: You can try Collage Restaurant downtown, just a short walk from the inn. I ordered the catch of the day. The small dining room glowed with candlelight, and the meal felt like a perfect end to a day of exploring.

A downside? St. Augustine’s historic streets were narrow, and parking was limited. You should plan to walk most places once you’ve settled in.

Key West Sunsets & Perry Hotel Key West

We drove down the Overseas Highway from Miami, a trip that stretched nearly four hours but felt shorter with every bridge and view of turquoise water. By the time we reached Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S., I felt the world had slowed into island time.

For this trip, I chose to make each night different: Perry Hotel on Stock Island for marina calm, The Marker Waterfront Resort in Old Town for energy, Ibis Bay Beach Resort for retro fun, and finally Havana Cabana for a colorful, Cuban-inspired close. Each night gave me a new lens on Key West.

When I first checked into Perry Hotel, I thought, “This feels like a tucked-away marina retreat.” The balconies overlooked yachts and calm waters, and the property carried a modern, coastal design. The smell of salt mixed with grilled seafood from the dockside restaurants, and I felt both relaxed and removed from the bustle of town.

The Marker Waterfront Resort, Key West

The next evening, checking into The Marker Waterfront Resort, I thought, “This is Key West in full swing.” Located in Old Town near the Historic Seaport, the hotel buzzed with life, including bright pools, tropical gardens, and the hum of downtown just steps away. I could hear music drifting in from nearby bars, layered with the sound of boats docking at the wharf.

Ibis Bay Beach Resort, Key West

For my third night, I chose Ibis Bay Beach Resort, and as soon as I stepped into the brightly painted courtyard, I thought, “This is Old Key West fun.” Retro signs, colorful hammocks, and beachfront cabanas gave it a playful energy. Parrots chattered in cages, the sand crunched underfoot, and I felt like I had stumbled onto a tropical postcard from the 1950s.

Havana Cabana, Key West

On the fourth night, I checked into Havana Cabana, and the moment I saw the pastel-colored vintage cars parked out front, I thought, “This feels like stepping into Havana.” Music spilled from the lobby, mojito carts rolled across the pool deck (though I skipped the drinks), and the largest pool in Key West sparkled beneath swaying palms. The air smelled faintly of cigars and citrus, and I felt the resort was leaning fully into its Cuban spirit.

You can enjoy lounging poolside under cabanas, renting a scooter to zip into Old Town, or joining the nightly salsa music on the patio. Havana Cabana carried a festive, tropical energy that capped the trip with color and rhythm.

Where To Eat: At Perry, I enjoyed Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen; near The Marker, Conch Republic Seafood Company brought Old Town flavor; at Ibis Bay, The Stoned Crab served Keys seafood dockside; and at Havana Cabana, Floridita Food Truck turned out Cuban sandwiches rich with roasted pork and garlic aioli. Each night’s meal matched the mood of its stay.

A downside? With each hotel offering such different vibes, packing and unpacking each night meant less time to linger. You should plan carefully if you want to sample multiple stays without losing your sense of rest.

Casa Grandview Charm & West Palm Ease

We drove just over an hour north from Miami, leaving the high-rises behind as palm-lined streets welcomed us into West Palm Beach. By the time we pulled up to Casa Grandview, I felt like we had arrived somewhere personal, more like a home than a hotel.

When I first stepped onto the grounds of Casa Grandview, I thought, “This feels like a hidden retreat.” The historic 1920s property was filled with Spanish-style arches, tropical gardens, and courtyards shaded by palms. The air smelled of hibiscus, and the small pool glimmered in the afternoon light. It felt like stepping into an old Florida postcard, but with modern comfort.

You can enjoy mornings by the pool with fresh coffee, a short bike ride to the Norton Museum of Art, or a quick drive over the bridge to Palm Beach for oceanfront walks. The location made it easy to balance relaxation and exploration.

Where To Eat: You can head to RH Rooftop Restaurant nearby for dinner with a view. I had the roasted chicken (juicy, fragrant with herbs) and as I ate beneath the glass atrium, the city lights sparkled just beyond. The contrast between the boutique calm of Casa Grandview and the urban energy of downtown dining gave the evening balance.

A downside? Casa Grandview was intimate, which meant fewer rooms and higher prices compared to chain hotels. You should book early if you want to secure a spot, especially during winter season.

Unwinding at PGA National Resort & Spa - 1 hour 15 minutes from Miami, Florida

We drove about 20 minutes north from Palm Beach, leaving the coastline behind as wide boulevards and tall palms guided us inland. When we pulled into PGA National Resort, I felt like we had entered a place designed for both relaxation and sport.

When I walked through the lobby, I thought, “This is where leisure feels elevated.” Sunlight streamed in through large windows, the scent of citrus drifted through the air, and manicured greens stretched beyond the resort like a living carpet. Whether or not you play golf, the setting itself creates a calm that slows you down.

You can enjoy a round of golf on one of the five championship courses, unwind at the spa, or relax by the resort’s pool. Beyond the resort, The Gardens Mall and Downtown at the Gardens offer shopping, while nearby nature preserves invite quiet walks.

Where To Eat: You can dine at Honeybelle, the resort’s stylish restaurant. I had the wood-fired chicken, juicy and fragrant, with fresh herbs that matched the Florida brightness outside. Eating on the terrace, I felt both relaxed and connected to the resort’s easy luxury.

A downside? PGA National felt self-contained, so if you want more of the ocean breeze or historic charm of Palm Beach, you’ll need to drive out. You should plan to balance days at the resort with excursions into nearby coastal towns.

Palm Harbor Pines & Innisbrook Calm

We drove about 40 minutes northwest from Tampa, winding past quiet neighborhoods shaded by tall pines until we reached Palm Harbor. The moment we pulled into Innisbrook Resort, with its sprawling grounds and moss-draped oaks, I felt like we had found a retreat tucked away from Florida’s busier coasts.

When I stepped out onto the fairways in the late afternoon, I thought, “This is where space feels endless.” The golf greens stretched wide, ponds mirrored the sky, and the air smelled of pine and freshly cut grass. It was quiet except for the rustle of palm fronds and the distant sound of a golf cart humming along the path.

You can enjoy a round on one of the resort’s four championship golf courses (including the famous Copperhead Course), unwind at the Salamander Spa, or relax by one of the six pools. Beyond the resort, Palm Harbor gives you easy access to Dunedin, Clearwater Beach, and the Pinellas Trail for biking.

Where To Eat: You can dine at Packard’s Steakhouse, the resort’s signature restaurant. I had the filet, tender and charred just enough, with the aroma of rosemary butter carrying through the dining room. Sitting by the window with views of the course, the meal felt like the perfect end to the day.

A downside? Innisbrook’s size made it feel spread out, and getting between pools, dining, and golf sometimes meant waiting for shuttles. You should plan to give yourself time when moving around the property.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Each of these getaways gave me something different, rest, perspective, or just a little more sun. That’s the thing about Florida: it meets you where you are, then offers a softer place to land. These short escapes linger long after you’ve left, reminding you what it feels like to truly unplug.

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