Sometimes, the best way to enjoy Miami is to leave it...just for a little while. A short drive or scenic stretch along the coast can land you in quiet towns, romantic inns, and sun-soaked resorts that feel a world away from city life. These weekend escapes offer something special: slower mornings, coastal charm, and just enough distance to make coming back feel new again.
Best Weekend Getaways from Miami:
Relaxing at Cheeca Lodge & Spa
There’s something about the Keys that always makes me breathe a little deeper, and Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada felt like the best version of that slow-down magic. From the moment I arrived, with its swaying palms and ocean breeze, I felt held by the place. I wandered between the beach, the spa, and the quiet shade of my balcony without ever checking the time. One night, watching the last light fade behind the pier, I remember thinking, “This is the kind of stillness I could live in.”
What I Loved Most: Casting a line off the resort’s iconic pier at sunrise, barefoot and half-awake, while herons tiptoed nearby and the water sparkled with morning light.
My highlights? Dinner at Atlantic’s Edge, the resort’s fine dining spot with unbeatable water views. I had the yellowtail snapper with citrus butter and key lime risotto—bright, buttery, and beautifully cooked. Add in the sound of waves and a breeze off the bay, and it felt like the Keys had personally invited me to dinner.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1 hour 45 minutes south
- Vibe: Laid-back, tropical, upscale
- Highlights: Waterfront dining, on-site spa, fishing pier, paddleboarding
- Best Time to Visit: December to May for dry skies and soft breezes
- Cost: Mid to high range depending on room and season
- Hours: Amenities open daily; check-in at 4pm
- Address: Cheeca Lodge, 81801 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Explore more things to do in Islamorada, Florida Keys
Staying at Southernmost Point Guest House - 3 hours 30 minutes from Miami, Florida
Tucked just steps from the famous buoy in Key West, Southernmost Point Guest House felt like stepping into a postcard—but one with quiet corners and gracious hosts. The gardens were lush, the wraparound porches wide, and the whole property hummed with old Key West charm. I spent my days strolling to the beach and my evenings under the palms. One warm night, with a drink in hand and the sound of distant music, I thought, “This is the version of Key West I want to remember.”
What I Loved Most: Morning coffee on the balcony as the town slowly came to life, the scent of salt and jasmine drifting through the air like an invitation to linger.
My highlights? Breakfast in the garden, where I had fluffy scrambled eggs, Cuban toast, and fresh fruit while chickens strutted by like locals. It was simple and perfect—just like the setting.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~3.5 hours (or fly into Key West)
- Vibe: Historic, peaceful, steps-from-everything
- Highlights: Beach access, lush gardens, walkability to Duval Street
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring for festivals and sunshine
- Cost: Moderate boutique pricing
- Hours: Breakfast served daily; check-in at 3pm
- Address: Southernmost Point Guest House, 1327 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Waking Up at Night Swan Intracoastal Bed and Breakfast - 3 hours 45 minutes from Miami, Florida
Staying at the Night Swan felt like a hug from Old Florida. Nestled right along the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach, this charming B&B offered wraparound porches, rocking chairs, and views that felt like they belonged to me alone. Dolphins played just off the dock as I sat with a coffee, wrapped in a blanket, and let the morning arrive on its own terms. I remember whispering to myself, “I need more mornings like this.”
What I Loved Most: Rocking gently on the porch swing at dusk, listening to the water and the faint laughter of boaters coming home. It was the kind of moment you don’t rush.
My highlights? Breakfast made fresh by the owners: cheddar and chive scrambled eggs, banana bread still warm from the oven, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Served in the cozy dining room overlooking the river, it felt like family—but better.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~4.5 hours north
- Vibe: Quiet, nostalgic, waterfront warmth
- Highlights: Private dock, dolphin sightings, homemade breakfasts
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for peaceful weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Mid-range B&B pricing
- Hours: Check-in at 3pm; breakfast served 7–9am
- Address: Night Swan, 512 S Riverside Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Escaping to Marrero’s Guest Mansion - 3 hours 30 minutes from Miami, Florida
Marrero’s Guest Mansion in Key West felt like stepping into a story. Once a Victorian private home, the place still holds its secrets—in the creaking floorboards, the soft hush of ceiling fans, and the scent of plumeria on the breeze. I wandered from room to courtyard, always finding something charmingly old-world around every corner. One morning, curled up in a hammock beneath the palms, I remember thinking, “This is the kind of escape you don’t try to explain—you just let it carry you.”
What I Loved Most: The shaded pool in the garden courtyard, where butterflies floated above the water and no one was ever in a rush.
My highlights? The simple but satisfying breakfast: hard-boiled eggs, bagels with cream cheese, and fresh guava pastries from a local bakery. It wasn’t about extravagance—it was about feeling like I belonged there.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~3.5 hours (or a short flight)
- Vibe: Romantic, eclectic, whisper-of-the-past
- Highlights: Historic Victorian home, garden pool, close to Duval Street
- Best Time to Visit: January to April for warmth without crowds
- Cost: Moderate boutique rates
- Hours: Check-in 3–6pm; breakfast available until 10am
- Address: Marrero’s Guest Mansion, 410 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040
Feeling at Home at Hoyt House Inn - 5 hours 45 minutes
Hoyt House in Fernandina Beach felt like the kind of place where you arrive as a guest and leave as part of the story. The Victorian mansion was full of charm—from the hand-carved staircase to the peaceful back garden—and the innkeepers had this way of knowing just when to chat and when to let you be. One evening, sitting with a book on the front porch while a gentle rain tapped the roof, I remember thinking, “This is the kind of quiet I didn’t realize I missed.”
What I Loved Most: The saltwater pool tucked into the garden, where I floated under the stars like the world had gently pressed pause.
My highlights? Breakfast at the communal table: cinnamon French toast with caramelized bananas, smoked bacon, and local roasted coffee. It felt like starting the day wrapped in kindness and comfort.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~6 hours north
- Vibe: Romantic, storybook-like, warm hospitality
- Highlights: Saltwater pool, gourmet breakfasts, downtown walkability
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for breezy porch weather
- Cost: Mid to high-range depending on the room
- Hours: Check-in 3–7pm; breakfast served daily at 8:30am
- Address: Hoyt House, 804 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Why These Places Stay With Me:
Each of these getaways gave me more than rest—they gave me moments I didn’t expect. A peaceful porch swing at sunset, breakfast on a quiet veranda, or the way ocean air softens everything. These are the kind of weekends that fill you up in all the right ways.
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