You’ll love these unique and affordable weekend getaways in Florida!
Are you getting cabin fever? With all of the current restrictions on international travel and even domestic travel I am finding myself growing restless! I am based in Florida so I decided to come up with easy weekend getaways that I can do safely and cheaply.
Florida is known for its beaches but it’s also home to some incredible history and wildlife (have you swam with manatees before?) I have seen a few of these places but I was pleasantly surprised how many other hidden treasures are in Florida!
Weekend getaways are a great way to unplug and explore your state on a budget! You don’t have to fly somewhere to have a memorable vacation.
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7 Unique places to visit in Florida
Despite all of the stunning beaches in Florida, the sunshine state is also home to virtually untouched wildlife, history, and sights you’d never even imagine! Traveling around Florida is like going to an exotic country (but much cheaper!)
1. St. Augustine
The architecture is incredible and your stay will be jam packed with history, museums, and memorable sights.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Located less than 30 minutes from Miami you’ll never run out of things to do! This state park has a lighthouse, beaches, and would make a beautiful nature excursion.
3. Weeki Wachee
This is arguably my favorite place in Florida! Luckily, it’s just a short drive from me so I’ve been able to visit it quite often but it mesmerizes me every time. I try to avoid the state park as it’s always packed but The Kayak Shack has a more hidden and convenient entrance.
When you’re here you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. The water is crystal clear and if you’re lucky, you’ll even have manatees swim alongside your kayak! It’s also the perfect place to swim during Florida’s sweltering hot summer as the water stays a refreshing 72 degrees year round.
4. Indian Rocks Beach
This is also in my neck of the woods so I’m biased but this lies just a short drive from America’s number 1 beach (Clearwater). Clearwater tends to be packed with tourists and locals and Indian Rocks is a much more peaceful alternative. You can easily find parking here and there are numerous cute eateries you can walk to!
5. Gasparilla Island
If you’re looking for a way to truly unplug then you need to make Gasparilla Island your next weekend getaway! There are no paved roads throughout the whole island and you get around via golf carts or walking! If you’re lucky, you’ll see manatees, porpoises, sea turtles, and other wildlife! One thing to note is that there are no stores on the island so you’ll have to be responsible with your packing list (There is one restaurant though!)
6. Dry Tortugas & Florida Keys
You’ll have to take a boat to Dry Tortugas or a sea plane! It is often described as a tropical playground where you can see barracudas, sharks, peregrine falcons, and beautiful fish. The construction on the historic fort began in 1845 and it is teeming with history. Pair this trip with a stay in the Keys so you can truly experience the coral reefs, legendary shipwrecks, and beaches.
7. Florida Cavern State Park
This is quite a unique hidden treasure! The Florida Cavern State Park will astonish you! The limestone cave is filled with “stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies.” Not only that but nearby you can swim in The Blue Hole Spring, a cold naturally blue spring! This weekend excursion is perfect for nature lovers!
Tips For Road Trips
A few years ago I drove from SC to Seattle and back so I grew to be quite an expert at passing the time! Surprisingly I still love long drives and it’s where I come up with my best ideas! Here are my top tips for road trips:
- Listen to Pandora comedy radio! – My boyfriend actually gave me this tip! Find your favorite comedian on Pandora and start playing that radio station! It’ll keep you engaged and laughing for hours on end!
- Audible– download a few of your favorite books to listen to on your trip!
- Podcasts– did you hear that Michelle Obama is getting a podcast? Podcasts are so popular these days, just look up what interests you and chances are there’s a podcast dedicated to that niche!
- Music– Sometimes you just need a good jam sesh on your drive! You can plan ahead by making a few Spotify playlists for different moods (hype up, dance, nostalgia, etc)
- Call all of your friends – road trips are the best time to play catch up with your friends!
- Try to time your bathroom breaks with your gas and food breaks so that you make better time!
- Do a few simple stretches every time you break!
- Bring fun snacks!– When I was younger, my parents always brought healthy snacks on road trips so now I secretly rebel by bringing candy and swinging by a fast food place! (I know, I know, fast food is actually proven to make you sleepier but it gets me excited for the road trip!)
Packing tips
If you choose to drive to your weekend getaway, you’ll be able to bring a lot more items so this packing list is geared towards you! One of the best things about traveling by car is that you can pack as many snacks and clothes as you’d like! (I always over pack on road trips).
- Sunscreen! You’ll need plenty of this!
- Bug repellent – especially if you’re going in the woods!
- Beach towels
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Umbrella & rain jacket -especially during hurricane season!
- Breathable clothing
If you decide you want to camp at any of these destinations, here’s how to camp on a budget!