Top 25 Amazing Weekend Family Getaways in Florida

Your weekend family getaway in Florida can be simple relaxation on a pristine white sandy beach listening to the waves crashing and feeling the gentle ocean breeze and the warmth of the sun on your face (covered in sunscreen, of course).

Or you could pack your weekend with family-friendly activities, taking full advantage of the multitude of exciting things to do in the Sunshine State year-round.  

Here is a list of the best family weekend getaways in Florida, from fun in the sun to cities, amusement parks, nature, the largest 55-and over community in the world, and maybe even meet a real astronaut.  

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Pack up your weekender duffle bags and let’s go!

The Herschel Duffle Bags are made for everyday use and light travel, and they are ideal for a weekend getaway in Florida.  They are durable, stylish, and conveniently equipped with a shoe compartment, an internal storage sleeve, and a removable shoulder strap.

Here’s a quick pick of the best duffle bags for a weekender in sunny Florida.

South Florida Family Weekend Getaways.

Miami.

Miami isn’t all about night clubs, fast boats, and big-city vibes. There are many things to fill up a family weekend getaway itinerary: museums and art, marine life and hundreds of species of birds, water sports, and sunbathing.

Catch an NBA, NFL, or MLB game, depending on the season. The Cuban food scene is spectacular. The shopping is incomparable to anywhere else in the state of Florida. And for a mindless, relaxing day of people-watching, South Beach is legendary.

The Everglades.

Fact:  Alligators and crocodiles live together in harmony in The Florida Everglades, which covers three million acres in Southern Florida.  

About an hour road trip out of Miami, visit an actual swamp at the Everglades National Park.  

An Ecosystem like no other in the entire world, the swampland of the Everglades is home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees, deer, bobcats, panthers, and nearly 400 species of birds.

You can explore the park on foot, bike, or airboat.

And a birder’s paradise with over 200 species of birds to discover, observe, and photograph.

Road Trip to Key West.

Leave the big city life of Miami, Florida, and head south on US-1 for about 3 1/2 hours to discover the laid-back casual vibe of Key West.

And the drive down is part of the adventure.   

My friend Nikki from She Saves She Travels listed 22 Awesome Things to Do on Your Miami to Key West Road Trip. She didn’t miss a thing in this post.  

Here a few stops not to miss:

• Glass bottom boat tour in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo, Mile Marker 102.5).
• Isla Morada is known as the sports fishing capital of the world (Mile Marker 77.5).
• Aquarium Encounters in Marathon Key (MM 53).
• The 7-mile bridge is around Mile Marker 47.

• Henry Flagler’s overseas railway (MM 40) is super cool for the kids, and parents will love the history of a railway built over 100 Years ago.
• MM1, you must get a picture.
• And then the southernmost point in the United States.

Islamorada.

Known as the sports fishing capital of the world, Islamorada is not only a quick stop on your way to Key West but a full weekend getaway of family fun.

At Robbie’s, charter a deep-sea fishing guide or a snorkel trip. Triple-dog-dare your teenager or your mate to go on a parasailing adventure. Purchase a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon from the docks; kids love the fishy fun. For dinner, delight in the freshest catch of the day. And finish out the evening on a sunset cruise.

Marathon Key.

The uber casual Marathon Key, located in the middle of the Florida Keys, is a perfect stop if you don’t plan on venturing all of the way down to Key West.

Check in to Isla Bella Resort for a relaxing weekend. This stunning resort is perfection and guaranteed to bring you a sense of peace and tranquility, beginning with the glass of Champagne they offer at check-in.

Here are a few family-friendly activities not to miss in Marathon.

• Aquarium Encounters ~ Feed the stingrays, giant grouper, and sharks.  
• Turtle Hospital ~ You will need a reservation to tour the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to see the dedication and commitment to rehabilitating endangered sea turtles.
• Swim with the dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center.
• Kayak through the mangroves on an ecotour.
• Charter a deep-sea fishing excursion.
• Water sports for all ~ Snorkeling, scuba diving, kiteboarding, sailing, and fishing.

Key West.

Once you arrive in Key West after your road trip adventure, don’t miss out on these activities.

• Stroll the eclectic Duval Street. Drop in the artsy boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops. Duval Street is the mecca of people watching.
• Visit the six-toed cats at Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
• Across the Hemingway Home, climb the 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters. At the top of the lighthouse, you have a 360-degree view of the entire town.
• Tour Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery.
• If you love a good mouthful of fire, step into the hot sauce heaven of Peppers of Key West (next door to the distillery).
• Eat fresh seafood and sip on sweet and strong umbrella drinks (adults only).
• Watch the most stunning sunset ever at Mallory Square.
• And don’t miss out on every chance you get to eat Key Lime Pie. 

West Coast Florida Family Weekend Getaways.

Sanibel and Captiva.

Located on the Gulf Coast, enchanting Sanibel and Captiva are known as the best beaches to collect shells in Florida, with over 400 seashell varieties to search.  

But there’s more.  

Sanibel has 25 miles of biking trails. And Captiva has the cutest restaurant ever, The Bubble Room, funky, whimsical, and fun for the entire family. And they will serve your Piña Colada in a pineapple.

Tampa.

Take me out to the ball game.

Let’s talk about significant sports history. If you prefer the pro sports scene, attend a Tampa Bay Rays MLB game, Tampa Bay Bucs NFL game, or Lightning hockey game.

For the minors, which are tons of fun too, choose from the Vipers of the XFL, the Rowdies of minor league soccer, or a choice of four minor league baseball teams. And, the MLB uses Tampa for six teams for spring training.

There is the college scene, too, with Rocky, The Bull of the University of South Florida, with eight men’s varsity sports and nine women’s varsity sports.

But, if you’re not into sports, Tampa also has something for you;  thrill rides at Busch Gardens, watersports in the bay, open-air shopping in Hyde Park Village, the best steak dinner and fine red wine at Bern’s Steakhouse, or a Cuban cigar in historic Ybor City, the cigar capital of the world.

Clearwater Beach.

Just as the name implies, the ocean water of Clearwater Beach is crystal clear. With the Gulf of Mexico’s warm blue water and the white powdery sandy beaches, Clearwater is a coastal paradise.

Of course, you could spend your weekend days lounging on the beach, but you won’t want to miss this:

• Meet Winter, the celebrity dolphin from the movie “Dolphin Tale.” She lost her tail after becoming entangled in a crab trap line. The team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium fitted Winter with a prosthetic tail, and she recovered fully.
• Go night fishing off Pier 60, a 1,080-foot fishing pier with spectacular views and unbeatable sunsets.
• Stroll down Beach Walk, a half-mile long promenade offering shops full of souvenirs from local artisans, ice cream from an old fashioned ice cream parlor, sunset gazing, and one of my favorite activities, people watching.
• Book your two-hour adventure on a real pirate ship, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, sailing off into the sunset while observing dolphins frolicking with their friends, hunting for treasure, singing, and dancing.  

Sarasota.

The bulk of your weekend getaway in Sarasota will be one with nature. Kayak through nature-made tunnels and channels created by the mangroves in Sarasota, searching for wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and hundreds of species of birds. Visit beaches, state parks, botanical gardens, golf courses, or an aquarium. 

But, unique to Sarasota is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. 

Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island, often considered an under-the-radar beach town, is a 7 mile long and few blocks wide barrier island on Florida’s west coast. Visit peaceful and tranquil Anna Maria Island for another relaxing Florida weekend getaway where you can experience a breathtaking sunrise and sunset all in the same day.

But there’s more to it for the kiddos in Anna Maria Island.  

Take them fishing off the pier or kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico. If they love competition, have a seashell collecting tournament on the shore or take them to play mini-golf. 

And if you are feeling courageous, head over to Bradenton for parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico. 

Punta Gorda.

Punta Gorda is a small town on the west coast of Florida. But, don’t let the size fool you, as this charming little piece of heaven is packed with things to do with your family.

Immerse yourself in nature by strolling the miles of nature trails, parks on the water, and botanical gardens.  

This birder’s paradise is home to hundreds of species of birds, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch, anhingas, great blue and little blue herons, white and glossy ibis, and the sandhill crane.  

Scalloping in Steinhatchee.

Spend a quiet weekend immersed in nature in the rustic little town of Steinhatchee, known as the best place to scallop in Florida. You know, those soft, sweet little white circular treats on your linguini? Those are scallops, and they are delectable, even better when you have collected, shucked, and cooked them fresh yourself.

Scallop season runs from July through September. Best to book a charter; they know how to spot the mother load, and you will be under their fishing license and won’t have to purchase your own.

Collecting scallops from the seagrass is kind of like hunting for Easter eggs. You will need a snorkel, mask, fins, and your scallop bag. Some people like to wear gloves, although not necessary.  

The little guys hide in the seagrass; you have to hunt for them. Dive down about four to six feet and search. Once you spot the shell, scoop it up. You will quickly develop a successful technique because the little buggers go snapping their way out of your hands if you don’t catch them quickly. They look like they’re going to bite, but they won’t. Just persevere, and you will have a healthy harvest in no time.

Shucking the scallops can be work, and many marinas will shuck for you for a price. Our kids loved this part, so try it out.

Then you have dinner, grilled or sautéed scallops topping a bowl full of linguini in a buttery garlic sauce, sprinkled with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Crystal River.

Crystal River is a lovely coastal city on the west coast of Florida. The town is located along Kings Bay, which is fed by multiple springs, meaning the water is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Crystal River’s unique marine environment creates an ideal haven for manatees, particularly in the winter when seeking warmer waters., and is one of the only places in the United States where you can legally interact and swim with the manatees. 

Stop by Pete’s Pier to begin your day on the water. Charter a boat captain who will take you to all of the best spots to find your catch of the day. Or schedule a manatee tour; it is a surreal experience to be so close to these gentle giants.  

The manatee population increases in the winter months as they seek warmer waters. Often Three Sisters Springs, the most beautiful spring ever, must be closed to the public because of the massive manatee population invasion. Other options for touring the river and the springs include river bikes, stand up paddleboards, and clear kayaks.  

When you are not on the water, visit the Crystal River State Archaeological Site and the Sugar Mill Ruins. Go cycling or hiking on the Cross Florida Greenway, and make sure to taste plenty of fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants with spectacular views of the bay. Some of them will even cook your fresh catch.

Central Florida and North Central Florida Family Weekend Getaways.

Orlando.

Of course, a weekend vacation to the Disney parks is a top choice. Where do I even start?

There’s Disney World, the happiest place on earth. But that is only the beginning. Check out Animal Kingdom, where you can stay in a room with a balcony overlooking the Savanna. Learn about our wonderful world at Epcot. And cool off at two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard.

Orlando isn’t all Mickey Mouse; there’s much more. Ride a gigantic Ferris wheel overlooking the city, a hot air balloon, or a helicopter tour. Shop your favorite designer at Mall at Millenia or celebrate a Medieval-style jousting match at Medieval Times. If you dare, skydive indoor at IFLY or swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove.  

The Villages.

It is well-known that Florida has lots of retirees, but there are a few reasons for that fact. The weather is ideal, so there are endless outdoor activities to keep active year-round. There is no state income tax, which also means that retirement income is exempt from state taxation.

The cost of living is a bit lower than the national average. And the healthcare options are abundant.

But, there’s one more thing.

The Villages, the largest active adult community in the United States, tucked into North Central Florida, and advertised that “your retirement adventure starts here.”

With tennis courts, pools, miles of walking and biking trails, and over 50 golf courses for the active, outdoorsy type. Arts, crafts, theatre, and music for more creative lifestyles. Plus, shopping and dining steps away (or a golf cart ride away), and Happy Hour every day.

It seems like a dreamy retirement. Doesn’t it?

Gainesville.

I couldn’t leave out the town where I live. Situated in North Central Florida and a couple of hours’ drive from either coast, Gainesville is full of fun for the entire family. And the perfect weekend getaway.

Home of the University of Florida, Gainesville is packed with college sports year-round. Add a Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum, biking trails, hiking trails, botanical gardens, springs, and a Bat House, and quickly fill up your weekend with family-friendly activities.  

East Coast Family Weekend Getaways.

Space Coast of Florida.

Remember when I said you could meet a real astronaut?

On the Space Coast of Florida, Kennedy Space Center is where you will find rockets, Space Shuttles, the Hubble Space Telescope, and maybe even meet a real astronaut. You can go to Space School and train to be the next space explorer. And you can ride the simulated eight-and-a-half-minute Space Suttle Launch.

But, the space coast has much more. Quiet beach towns dot the coast. Boating, skiing, kayaking, and sailing through the Intracoastal waterway is all in a day’s work. Add a bustling cruise port and a flourishing artsy scene, and this is the Space Coast. 

Daytona Beach.

The ever famous Daytona Beach is not only for Spring Break, Bike Week, and Nascar, although all of those weeks are enthralling. Daytona Beach is on the east coast and boasts an array of activities and adventures kids will love.

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier offer rides, arcades, go-carts, street performers, snacks, and gift shops, and in the summer, concerts and fireworks. Climb 175 feet up the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse.

Drive a race car by yourself, ride along with a driver, or take a behind the scenes tour at the Daytona International Speedway. Or tour the Marine Science Center, where you can pet a stingray and learn about marine life rehabilitation.

Palm Coast.

Find tranquility in a quintessential beach town when you visit Palm Coast, Florida. Book at room at Hammock Beach Resort and tuck yourself in for a few days of relaxation for mom, golf for dad, pool deck fun for the kiddos, and gourmet meals for all.  

Or discover the exhilaration of riding a horse down the coast, swimming with dolphins at Marineland, or tossing a line off the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier.  

If you need to get your heart pumping a little, Palm Coast has 125 miles of biking trails that include a vast array of terrain, from beaches to peaceful trails surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

St. Augustine, The Nation’s Oldest City.

Ponce de León landed in Florida in 1513 on his mission to find eternal youth. Some say he discovered the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, and you, too, can sip the magical waters during your visit to this charming, historic town on the east coast of Florida.

If you are a history buff, St. Augustine is the perfect find.

Everywhere you turn, and on every road you choose, you will find a bit of history like The Oldest House (dating back to the 1700s), The Old Jail, and the Oldest Schoolhouse.

Tour Castillo de San Marcos on Matanzas Bay, the oldest masonry fortress in the United States, where you can witness an actual canon or musket firing. And then, climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for a spectacular 360 view of this old city.

Enough about that history stuff. Time for some fun.  

Plan your visit over the holidays to experience Night of Lights, one of the country’s biggest and best holiday light displays.

Zipline over the alligators at the Alligator Farm, go for a voyage on a Pirate ship, or charter a deep-sea fishing boat for shark, cobia, red snapper, and king mackerel.  

Or maybe just a relaxing day at the beach.

Amelia Island.

Discover the tranquil and undiscovered beach town on Amelia Island. Less crowded than most beaches on the east coast, Amelia Island is a captivating coastal destination meant for relaxation and peace.

Beyond spending your weekend as a beach bum, which isn’t all that bad, there are various outdoor activities to explore on Amelia Island. Go river cruising, nature walking, or horseback riding down the beach. Watersports such as stand up paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling are enjoyable activities for the entire family.

Then explore the historic downtown brick streets of Fernandina Beach and end the day sailing off into the sunset, sipping champagne on a sunset cruise.

Family Weekend Getaways in the Florida Panhandle.

Destin.

Yes, another pristine white sandy beach for relaxing in the sun, sipping umbrella drinks. I know this is supposed to be all about the kids, but if momma’s happy, everyone is happy. Am I right?

Often I am content beaching it for the weekend; but, our family loves a little action. Destin has both. Here are a few activities to add to your weekend itinerary (when you aren’t sungazing).

• Big Kahuna’s Water Park.
• Sunset Cruise.
• The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
• Helicopter Tour.
• Stroll the Harbor Boardwalk.
• Go to Sandcastle School and learn from the pros.

Panama City Beach.

When not filled with rowdy spring breakers, Panama City Beach, located on the Emerald Coast in the Florida Panhandle, has plenty of family-friendly things to do for a weekend getaway.

When not basking in the rays or swimming in the salty seas of one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, quirky Panama City beach has these family-friendly activities to fill up your weekend.

• Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
• Dolphin sightseeing tours.
• Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
• The untouched and undeveloped Shell Island.
• Go fishing from the shore, the pier, or charter a fishing guide.
• Or go shopping at Pier Park.

Of course, I have your Florida Bucket List right here.

Not only for summertime fun, but Florida is also the perfect year-round destination for family weekend getaways.

Let me know your favorite Florida spot to spend the weekend, and why you love it so much.