The Sunshine State is one of the best states in the country for road trips. Our small towns are packed with everything from the best natural wonders to haunted attractions. Don’t wait until summer to try one of these adventures. These unique and fun destinations are perfect for a weekend getaway:
- Tarpon Springs
Flickr/Walter
Visit this small town in Southwest Florida, and you’ll be transported to a Greek fishing village. Endless rows of little shops overflow with shells, sponges, and Grecian decor.
Flickr/Art
This is the perfect trip for those who dream of a relaxing vacation in Greece, complete with incredible authentic Greek food on every corner. You’ll fall in love with this unique community.
Flickr/Richard Elzey
- St. Augustine
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
You’ve probably been to St. Augustine a few times on field trips, but it’s definitely worth returning as an adult. Ex;plore over 450 years of history in our nation’s oldest city, and then discover North Florida’s natural beauty at Anastasia State Park.
Flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
The city isn’t just for history buffs, though, it’s full of plenty of options for dining and nightlife, and wonderful historic hotels and B&Bs to stay in.
Flickr/Scott Smith
- Dunnellon
Flickr/Melissa Franklin
This town is a nature lover’s dream. Come hike through the pretty scenery of Rainbow Springs State Park, complete with manmade waterfalls, or dive into the crystal-clear waters at K.P. Hole County Park. Both are popular spots for swimming, kayaking, and tubing in the summertime.
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
- Lake Wales
Flickr/VisitCentralFL
Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most scenic places in the state, surrounded by rolling hills you don’t usually associate with the Sunshine State. The lush gardens provide the perfect backdrop for the gorgeous and historic Singing Tower.
Flickr/Paul Hamilton
Complete your outdoor adventure with a trip to Lake Kissimmee State Park for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in a beautiful Old Florida setting.
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
- Marianna
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft
This small town in Northwest Florida is home to a geological wonder, Florida’s only public open-air caves.
Flickr/4Nzik
The town is full of historic sites, and the downtown area had been lovingly restored. If you like ghost stories, pay a visit to the Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, where you can hear the tragic and true story of a young woman who died (and supposedly aunts the bridge) and her heartbroken husband.
Facebook/Bellamy Bridge Historic Site
- Homestead
TripAdvisor/Sol G
This South Florida city is the gateway to some incredible natural attractions, as well as a hub of culture, history and agriculture. Schnebly Redland’s Winery, Fruit & Spice Park and Knaus Berry Farm make this the perfect Florida foodie adventure.
TripAdvisor/4theluvofgolf
Don’t miss one of Florida’s weirdest and most fascinating landmarks, Coral Castle. It resembles something out of the Flinstones, with giant stones carved into furniture and elaborate dwelling spaces. The most amazing part is that it was all sourced, moved and carved by one man, in tribute to a lost love.
Flickr/lancearoundorlando
- Cedar Key
Flickr/Monik Markus
This town in Levy County is full of Old Florida charm, a tourist town that doesn’t feel like a tourist town. It’s famous for its clams, so seafood lovers will enjoy this trip. This is a great place for fishing, boating, exploring the very walkable streets lined with unique shops and restaurants, and most of all, relaxing.
Flickr/Lenna Young Andrews
Have you visited any of these places in the Sunshine State? What’s your favorite place for a weekend getaway in Florida?
Flickr/Walter
Flickr/Art
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
Flickr/Scott Smith
Flickr/Melissa Franklin
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
Flickr/VisitCentralFL
Flickr/Paul Hamilton
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft
Flickr/4Nzik
Facebook/Bellamy Bridge Historic Site
TripAdvisor/Sol G
TripAdvisor/4theluvofgolf
Flickr/lancearoundorlando
Flickr/Monik Markus
Flickr/Lenna Young Andrews
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