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:
Unwinding at PGA National Resort & Spa - 1 hour 15 minutes from Miami, Florida
There’s something about arriving at PGA National Resort that makes your shoulders drop an inch the moment you walk in. The scent of eucalyptus drifts from the spa, the palms sway in the breeze, and the whole place just feels like ease. My weekend here felt like a long exhale I didn’t realize I was holding. I spent slow mornings wrapped in a plush robe, sipping coffee by the pool, and long afternoons either swinging a golf club or doing absolutely nothing. At one point, stretched out in a cabana, I caught myself thinking, “This is what luxury feels like when it’s done right.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the adults-only pool after a deep tissue massage, the sound of water trickling nearby and the faint clink of glasses from the poolside bar. It felt like time had thinned out completely.
My highlights? Dinner at Honeybelle, the resort’s Southern-inspired restaurant by Chef Lindsay Autry. I had the buttermilk-brined fried chicken with hot honey and a side of skillet cornbread. Every bite was crispy, comforting, and full of warmth. Paired with a citrusy cocktail and the golden glow of sunset over the golf course, it was my perfect Florida evening.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1 hour 30 minutes north
- Vibe: Upscale, polished, rejuvenating
- Highlights: Five championship golf courses, full-service spa, wellness programming, poolside relaxation
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring for cooler temps and less humidity
- Cost: Resort rates vary by season; spa and dining are additional
- Hours: Spa open daily; restaurants open for lunch and dinner
- Address: PGA National Resort, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Recharging at Innisbrook Resort - 35 minutes from Tampa
Innisbrook Resort felt like a place built for deep exhale moments. Tucked away in the pines of Palm Harbor, it gave off this rare blend of old Florida charm and fresh-air quiet. My suite opened to rolling greens and oaks dripping with Spanish moss, and I spent most of the weekend feeling like the rest of the world had been muted. One afternoon, walking the Copperhead Course path just as the shadows stretched long, I remember thinking, “This is the version of me I want to bring back home.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun rise over the fairways with a coffee in hand, the morning fog still clinging to the grass—it felt like being let in on a secret.
My highlights? Lunch at Packard’s Steakhouse, known for its laid-back elegance. I had the blackened grouper sandwich with crisp fries and a house-made remoulade. Sitting near the window with a view of the greens, it was one of those meals where the setting made the flavor sing even more.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Tampa: ~40 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Tranquil, classic, nature-wrapped
- Highlights: Four golf courses, Salamander Spa, tennis, nature trails
- Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler, sunny weather
- Cost: Moderate to upscale depending on package
- Hours: Spa and restaurants open daily; tee times vary
- Address: Innisbrook Resort, 36750 U.S. Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Slowing Down at Adults-Only Bungalows Key Largo
From the moment I stepped onto the property, Bungalows Key Largo wrapped me in calm. No phones ringing, no decisions to make—just island time and tropical ease. It’s all-inclusive, adults-only, and blessedly quiet. The kind of place where bare feet are the norm and the only agenda is hammock naps, ocean dips, and happy hour mojitos. One evening, watching the sun melt into the Gulf, I found myself whispering, “This is the kind of silence I could fall in love with.”
What I Loved Most: The outdoor soaking tub on my private deck, surrounded by palms and a salty breeze—it felt like my own secret spa under the stars.
My highlights? Dinner at Sea Señor, the resort’s vibrant Mexican-inspired spot. I had the grilled mahi-mahi tacos with mango salsa and coconut rice, paired with a fresh-squeezed margarita. The flavors were bright, coastal, and just the right kind of indulgent.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~2 hours south on US-1
- Vibe: Romantic, barefoot-luxury, serene
- Highlights: Overwater hammocks, spa cabanas, sunset cruises, private bungalows
- Best Time to Visit: December to May for dry season sunshine
- Cost: Premium (all-inclusive, adults-only)
- Hours: Check-in at 4pm; restaurants rotate service schedules
- Address: Bungalows Key Largo, 99010 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Resetting at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Carillon Miami felt like a full-body exhale. Nestled right on the beach, it blends sleek wellness with ocean calm in a way that made me feel like I’d stepped into my future self—rested, centered, and energized. Between hydrotherapy rituals, ocean-view yoga, and long walks on soft sand, I barely touched my phone. One morning, just after a meditation class, I paused in the spa’s thermal suite and thought, “This is what it feels like to come back to yourself.”
What I Loved Most: The sound of waves crashing outside the floor-to-ceiling windows while I lounged post-massage with herbal tea in hand. Healing doesn’t always need silence—but this kind of silence helped.
My highlights? Dinner at Tambourine Room, the resort’s fine-dining gem. I had the scallops with citrus beurre blanc and a side of roasted cauliflower. It was elegant and soothing, just like everything else here. Watching the last light slip across the ocean as I ate—that’s a memory I keep tucked close.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Miami Beach: ~15 minutes north
- Vibe: Peaceful, upscale, restorative
- Highlights: Full-service spa, thermal circuit, fitness classes, beachfront
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or early spring for calm seas and breezes
- Cost: Premium with wellness inclusions
- Hours: Spa open daily; restaurant reservations recommended
- Address: Carillon Miami, 6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Drifting Away at Bella Beach Resort
Bella Beach Resort had that hidden-away feel, like I’d stumbled on a secret the locals wanted to keep for themselves. The sand was soft, the water clear, and the whole place moved to its own slower rhythm. I checked in, kicked off my shoes, and didn’t put them back on for days. One morning I woke up early, walked the beach in silence, and thought, “This is what peace looks like when it’s wrapped in sunshine.”
What I Loved Most: Watching pelicans dive while floating in the Gulf, completely unbothered by time or tasks. There was nothing urgent—just the moment.
My highlights? Breakfast at Drift Kitchen + Bar, where I had a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and a lavender latte. The sweetness of the syrup, the view of the sea, the hush of early morning—it felt like vacation at its most pure.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Tampa: ~2 hours south
- Vibe: Secluded, barefoot-luxury, mellow
- Highlights: Private beach, minimal crowds, spacious suites, coastal charm
- Best Time to Visit: March to May for warmth without summer humidity
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Hours: Beach access all day; restaurant open for all meals
- Address: Bella Beach Resort, 6230 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Escaping to Bayfront Westcott House - 45 minutes from Jacksonville
Stepping into Bayfront Westcott House felt like being wrapped in a love letter to old St. Augustine. The Victorian elegance, the sound of horses passing on brick streets, and the breeze off Matanzas Bay—it was all charm and quiet romance. I stayed in a room with a clawfoot tub and vintage flair, sipping champagne on the porch in the afternoon sun. One night, walking along the waterfront under string lights, I remember thinking, “There’s magic in places that remember their past.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting in the courtyard garden with a book and a glass of wine, listening to the rustle of leaves and the hum of far-off laughter. It felt like time folded in on itself for a little while.
My highlights? Breakfast on the veranda, where I had baked French toast with fresh peaches and a side of crispy bacon. Served warm with fresh-squeezed juice and good conversation—it was everything I didn’t know I’d been missing.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Jacksonville: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Romantic, historic, charming
- Highlights: Waterfront views, period décor, walkable to downtown St. Augustine
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Mid-range boutique pricing
- Hours: Check-in 3pm; breakfast served daily until 10am
- Address: Bayfront Westcott House, 146 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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.
Related ideas:
Perry Hotel Key West
I checked into my room at Perry Hotel Key West. It was airy and light, coastal blues framed a balcony with marina views. I paused, letting soft rays dance across the whitewashed walls, and thought, “This feels like my own seaside hideaway.” “I felt the water before I saw it,” I thought as I stepped onto the breezy terrace overlooking the marina, sailboat masts tapping rhythmically against the dock.
For Golfers: Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort
Innisbrook felt like a resort built for unwinding in layers. Tucked inland, it’s known for its golf courses, but I found just as much peace in the shade of its quiet walking trails. I remember thinking, “This is what retreat feels like—wide open and just far enough away.” The pace was slower here. Intentional. And deeply restorative.
What I Loved Most: Sipping coffee on my patio while golfers teed off in the distance, the morning still cool and quiet.
My highlights? Dinner at Packard’s Steakhouse. I had a perfectly grilled filet with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Everything was cooked with care—and the kind of meal that makes you linger longer than you planned.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Tampa: ~40 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Peaceful, green, resort-classic
- Highlights: Four golf courses, spa, tennis, multiple pools
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter for golfing weather
- Cost Moderate; golf packages available
- Hours Amenities vary by season; check ahead
- Address: 36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL
Ibis Bay Beach Resort
Ibis Bay Beach Resort captures the charm of Old Key West with a fresh, colorful twist. I found that this vintage resort blends retro flair with modern comforts and Cuban influences. It's located on North Roosevelt Boulevard in the heart of Key West.
Havana Cabana
The resort spanned a lush, tropical oasis along Roosevelt Boulevard. My room felt breezy and relaxed, with warm wood tones, a mini-fridge, and a balcony that invited lingering mornings. I sipped coffee and thought, “If this is paradise, I’ll take the early shift.”
Midday, I strolled toward the pool—the largest in Key West—where hammocks, yard games, and lounge chairs waited under palms.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Unwinding at PGA National Resort & Spa - 1 hour 15 minutes from Miami, Florida
- • Recharging at Innisbrook Resort - 35 minutes from Tampa
- • Slowing Down at Adults-Only Bungalows Key Largo
- • Resetting at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
- • Drifting Away at Bella Beach Resort
- • Escaping to Bayfront Westcott House - 45 minutes from Jacksonville
- • Perry Hotel Key West
- • For Golfers: Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort
- • Ibis Bay Beach Resort
- • Havana Cabana