Florida staycation destinations from Georgia and Florida
One of the many reasons to live in Florida or Georgia is never having to venture too far for a fabulous vacation. There are endless Florida staycation destinations reasonably close to everyone!
Here you’ll find a short list of fun staycation spots we’ve discovered over the years that will work great to drive to from Florida or Georgia. We organized them in groups of two, giving the option of pairing them together to create a longer stay.
As always with vacation planning, take the time to research dates and check out the hotel’s packages. On peak dates rates can be pricey but if you play with timing a bit more times than not you can book for 1/2 the standard rate!
Sarasota area, West Coast Florida
Lido Key Resort, Lido Beach, Sarasota County – This resort is on the beach, family friendly and only a short distance away from St. Armand’s Circle shopping and nightlife. People travel from around the country to come here, including from Florida and Georgia. The resort’s pools are both beachfront adding an extra treat. Relax in a lounge chair, admire the turquoise waters, and take in all this white sand beach has to offer.
Zota Beach Resort, Longboat Key – Ok, this one may be better without the kids but it’s beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico! Why go any further really? Upscale and contemporary this resort feels far from home. It has a lovely pool area with private cabanas and again, it’s beachfront. If your kids are older, your young kids are well behaved, or you need to get away so bad you don’t care about the stares and dirty looks from other guests, book today!
The Florida Keys
Hawk’s Cay Resort – Located on Duck Key, Hawk’s Cay is a very manageable drive from most points in Florida and the perfect place for a longer beach stay-cation. Book a room in the resort or in a 2-4-bedroom townhome. The resort offers the Camp Hawk Environmental Education day camp for kids, several different dolphin experiences, five pools including a pirate ship pool, a lagoon, a spa and fitness center, tennis center, golf cart rental, and loads of water sport options.
Tranquility Bay – Located on Marathon Key, Tranquility Bay is another perfect choice for a longer stay-cation. The resort is peaceful and relaxing and is a great option if you’re looking for a beach house feel. The resort offers guest rooms as well as 2-3 bedroom townhomes that feel like your own home with a water view. With a swimming lagoon, private beach, putting green, garden pool, water sports, and on-site restaurant and tiki bar, there’s no reason to leave the resort once you arrive.
St. Pete
The Renaissance Vinoy Resort – If you want to explore someplace new and have 3-4 days to do it, St. Pete is a perfect getaway and The Vinoy is an excellent kid-friendly resort option. The Vinoy is located on the waterfront of Downtown St. Pete, a top US destination to visit for food, arts and culture, activities, a bustling local scene, and world-class museums. The hotel is absolutely stunning both inside and out and offers spacious rooms and suites. For kids, The Vinoy provides a Kids Night Out on select Saturday evenings 6-10pm, various poolside activities, and dive-in movies. During the Holiday’s The Vinoy hosts special events just for kids!
Best of all, you will be in the heart of St. Pete where restaurants and breweries offer plenty of kid-action while you enjoy your stay too. You’ll find outdoor games like corn hole and bocce right on Central Ave! Check out Great Explorations Children’s Museum for interactive play and the Dali Museum for a surreal experience.
While in town be sure to do a walking tour of the murals that grace Downtown. The kids will love the larger than life artistic expressions. Check out the Ultimate List of Street Art to find your way.
Don’t forget – you’re just minutes from the beach too! We love Fort Desoto for an off the beaten path beach day. You can also extend your stay and hop up to Clearwater Beach, rated America’s Best Beach by Trip Advisor 3 years in a row!
Orlando
Orlando is definitely a vacation destination most people have on their radar. This theme park mecca includes Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld. What if you’re in the mood for an experience beyond theme parks? Orlando has that too. Here are our two favorites:
The Gaylord Palms – There are A LOT of Orlando options but give this one a try. It’s enormous with nice rooms and a huge atrium filled with paths, ponds, fish and baby gators. The pool area is amazing; The Cypress Springs water park includes a huge water structure “tree house” for kids of all ages to climb and explore, 7 waterslides, a zero-entry pool, and a surf rider experience. With so much to offer it’s perfect for a low key weekend away where you don’t even need to leave the resort. Try it in May or October for lower rates.
West Gate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – Located south of Orlando is an actual dude ranch…in Florida! Horseback riding, fishing, a mechanical bull, archery, horseshoes, a petting farm and accommodations ranging from guest rooms in the lodge to teepees, to glamping tents to bring your own tent. Check. It. Out!
Amelia Island
Amelia Island is in Northern Florida, offering a heightened level of southern charm in its food and its vistas. With 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island is a coveted destination for visitors.
Ferdinando Beach is excellent for family fun and surfing while the Historic District has plenty of shopping and dining options. A laid back southern experience everyone will remember is what you’ll find here.
For an Amelia Island getaway the Omni Resorts and The Ritz Carlton are nice options for all the same reasons these two brands are always top options: luxury, location and top level service. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, there are plenty of fabulous VRBO or Airbnb options up and down this east coast island.
