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
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
“This is what relaxed feels like,” I thought as we stepped onto the balcony and looked out over the turquoise water and the wide Hollywood Beach Broadwalk below. At Margaritaville, everything leaned into ease—bright decor, friendly faces, and music that drifted from poolside speakers like a soft invitation to do nothing at all. The vibe was playful without being loud, and every corner—from the colorful lobby to the beachside loungers—felt like it was built for sunshine and letting go.
What I Loved Most: Waking up to the sound of waves and walking barefoot to the sand within minutes—coffee in hand, breeze in my hair, our son already running ahead toward the shore.
My highlights? Dinner at JWB Prime Steak and Seafood: pan-seared grouper with lemon butter caper sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted asparagus. The fish was delicate, perfectly crisped at the edges, and the sauce smelled of citrus and salt. For dessert, we shared the key lime pie—tart and creamy with a graham crust that tasted just like the beach should. We ate slowly, windows open to the ocean breeze, the sky fading into its soft evening colors.
Plan your beachside stay:
- Location: Hollywood Beach, Florida (between Miami and Fort Lauderdale)
- Vibe: Laid-back, colorful, tropical resort style
- Best Time to Visit: November–April for dry, sunny weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: ~$300–$500/night depending on room and season
- Extras: Direct beach access, rooftop pool, family-friendly, live music, spa, multiple dining options, walkable Broadwalk
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
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.
The Marker Waterfront Resort - Key West, Florida
Stepping into the tropical courtyard, coconuts rustling overhead, I felt, “This place hums with just the right kind of ease.” The Marker Waterfront Resort is a vibrant escape set on two lush acres beside Key West’s Historic Seaport.
My favorite moment? After biking around Old Town, I lounged by one of the resort’s three pools—the adult-only pool quiet and inviting. I later enjoyed dinner at the on-site restaurant overlooking water taxis and yachts. A fresh peel-and-eat shrimp appetizer followed by a Cuban-inspired seafood entrée tasted like Key West on a plate—salt air, zest, and sunshine wrapped together.
Plan your enchanting escape:
- Drive Time from Miami Airport: ~4 hours south to Key West (or fly in locally)
- Vibe: Tropical waterfront luxe meets island leisure
- Don’t Miss: Biking through Old Town, relaxing at the adult-only pool, sunset views from your balcony, exploring Mallory Square and Duval Street on foot
- Cost: Rooms typically from ~$700+/night; resort fee includes Wi-Fi, valet, and better rates for longer stays
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.
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.
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
- • Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
- • Escaping to Bayfront Westcott House - 45 minutes from Jacksonville
- • Perry Hotel Key West
- • The Marker Waterfront Resort - Key West, Florida
- • Ibis Bay Beach Resort
- • Havana Cabana