I’ve traveled to Florida more times than I can count (it’s always a cheap flight from DC!) and my favorite time of year to go? Winter. I love a chance to get some sunshine, relax without a crowd, and enjoy an easy trip!
These Florida winter getaways are some of my favorite spots in the Sunshine State I’ve visited. This list includes plenty of different choices, from the small, quaint beach towns sure to help you escape the crowds to cities worth exploring and everything in between!
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Things to Know Before Visiting Florida in Winter
Before we get into this list, I wanted to share a few tips and things to know before you visit Florida in winter. Florida really is a great year round destination with plenty to keep you busy, no matter the time of year, but there’s some things you should keep in mind.
- The weather in different parts of Florida really varies. It’s a large state, with the southern parts of Florida staying pretty warm year-round, while northern parts could even experience snow (although rare!). Keep this in mind when looking at the region you want to visit. I’ll help out in this post by adding the region and average temperatures.
- The most popular time of year to visit Florida is generally the summer. Winter is less popular, but if you go around a holiday, you are bound to be met with crowds, especially in larger cities or theme parks.
- Take advantage of the mild weather and plan a lot of outdoor activities. The weather on most of this list averages in the high 60s to low 80s in winter (in Fahrenheit). Take advantage of that by planning lots of things to do outside – even if it’s not the beach!
- Many rental homes have indoor and even heated pools. If you want time to swim in the sunshine but worry about the temperature dropping, rent a place with an enclosed pool. It’s really common across the state!
- Pack for warmer days and cooler nights. Bring beachwear for daytime and light layers for cooler evenings.
- Prices are generally cheaper in the off-season, which is not necessarily all of Florida, but definitely the northern part of the state. Take this into consideration for your budget and where you might want to go!
Iconic Spots Perfect in Winter
We’re starting off this list with some of the more obvious options that are perfect for Florida in the winter! These are spots that are best known in Florida as beautiful destinations and great to visit any time of year.
If it’s your first time in Florida and you want a destination with plenty to keep you busy, then this part of the list is perfect for you!
1. Miami
Experience Miami, and not just the party side. While both can be fun, Miami has plenty more to offer than the party scene. I’d recommend three days – that gives you a nice mix of relaxation, neighborhoods, culture, food, and outdoor adventure.
Miami is perfect in winter because you’re getting nice weather without sweltering heat or humidity; I’d definitely avoid Miami in summer! I went to Miami in the winter and had a fantastic time.
Miami Must-Do List
- South Beach — beach, pool, and spa days are perfect here in winter
- Wynwood — street art, galleries, coffee, and brunch
- Vizcaya — stunning mansion and gardens on the water
- Cuban food in Little Havana
- Española Way — dinner and drinks
- Comedy, live music, or nightlife
- Everglades — airboat adventure to get out of the city
2. Orlando
The perfect Orlando trip combines the excitement of Disney and Universal with Florida’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, beaches, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and explore beyond the theme parks.
While the holidays are busy in Orlando, you’ll get mild weather and far fewer crowds visiting in most parts of the winter. I’d recommend a February trip!
Orlando Must-Do List
- Theme park magic — Disney and Universal are the main attractions.
- Florida nature — springs, wildlife, gardens, lakes, and opportunities to get outdoors.
- Beach escape — a day trip to New Smyrna Beach adds a slower, coastal experience.
- A break from the theme parks — Orlando isn’t treated as only a Disney/Universal destination; explore the surrounding area with plenty of day trips, too.
3. Key West
A laid-back tropical getaway that combines crystal-clear water and outdoor adventures with historic sites, local food, and lively nightlife. Key West is one place that feels like you are almost in another country. It is beautiful, unique, and a great warm spot to visit in winter.
Key West is the furthest south city in the contiguous (lower 48) United States. For that reason, it is usually one of the warmest winter getaways you can have in Florida!
Key West Must-Do List
- Looe Key Reef – snorkel and experience Key West’s incredible underwater world
- Pool day – plan with plenty of downtime into the trip
- Historic Key West – explore on foot, including charming neighborhoods, historic homes, and landmarks
- Duval Street – Wander into different spots for live music, drinks, restaurants, and Key Lime Pie
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – Visit for history, beaches, wildlife, and ocean views
- Cuban and Caribbean-inspired food scene
- See iconic sights – Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, the Hemingway House, and the Key West Lighthouse
4. Palm Beach
Palm Beach Must-Do List
- Worth Avenue — luxury shopping, charming vias, and iconic Palm Beach architecture
- Palm Beach beaches — relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the Atlantic views
- Flagler Museum — Gilded Age history and stunning historic architecture
- The Breakers — classic Palm Beach glamour, dining, and oceanfront views
- Lake Trail — walk or bike along the Intracoastal Waterway
- Society of the Four Arts — gardens, art, and peaceful waterfront scenery
City Escapes
Up next, let’s talk some fun city escapes! While the section above includes arguably Florida’s most famous cities, this section includes some mid-sized to small cities that have plenty to do on a weekend trip in the winter.
Personally, I prefer a smaller city escape for a unique weekend away or a fun time with friends over the big touristy cities. You can’t go wrong, though, with any of these options!
5. Tampa
Tampa is a fun, laid-back Gulf Coast city where you can experience outdoor activities and waterfront relaxation with history, neighborhood exploration, local food, breweries, and nightlife. Overall, it’s a great weekend getaway for friends that balances sightseeing and adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy Tampa’s food and waterfront scene.
I have been to Tampa in winter for Gasparilla, and it is the most fun time of year to go! There’s nothing quite like a giant pirate parade on the water. If you can’t make it for the parade, winter is still a fun time in Tampa!
Tampa Must-Do List
- Tampa Riverwalk — waterfront views, parks, museums, restaurants, and nightlife
- Busch Gardens — thrilling roller coasters, wildlife, and animal encounters
- The Florida Aquarium — marine life, interactive exhibits, and dolphin experiences
- Bayshore Boulevard — scenic waterfront walks, biking, and Tampa Bay views
- Downtown Tampa — museums, Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, shopping, sports, and entertainment
6. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a laid-back Gulf Coast getaway that blends beautiful beaches and water activities with a surprisingly vibrant arts, food, and nightlife scene. There’s a perfect balance here of relaxing by the water and exploring. It’s especially perfect for a fun girls’ weekend or bachelorette trip, with plenty of opportunities to socialize, explore, and unwind.
I went to St. Petersburg in December, and the weather was absolutely perfect! Warm enough for a beach day, but cool enough to just walk around during the day.
St. Pete Must-Do List
- St. Pete Beach — white sand, swimming, relaxing, and sunset
- Water adventures — dolphin watching, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or island hopping
- Downtown arts and museums — The Dalí, Museum of Fine Arts, or Chihuly Collection
- Central Avenue — boutiques, murals, galleries, restaurants, and bars
- Great food and cocktails — explore the EDGE District and Central Avenue
- Waterfront dining and nightlife — dinner, drinks, rooftop bars, and bay views
- Relaxed Gulf Coast atmosphere — a mix of beach downtime, culture, and fun with friends
7. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a charming destination that combines historic beauty, beach relaxation, and lively nights out. A trip here offers the perfect balance of exploring the city’s Spanish colonial history and cute local shops with pool and beach time, making the weekend fun without feeling overly packed.
I chose St. Augustine for my bachelorette party and had an absolute blast! This is a great spot for a girls’ trip any time of year.
St. Augustine Must-Do List
- Explore historic St. Augustine — Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Flagler College, and charming historic streets
- Beach and pool time — relax at Vilano Beach or St. Augustine Beach
- Wine tasting cruise — wine, charcuterie, dolphins, and waterfront views
- Haunted pub crawl — combine St. Augustine’s ghost stories with drinks and nightlife
8. Panama City Beach
A classic Florida Panhandle beach getaway is centered around beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, wildlife, and laid-back coastal fun, with enough shopping, dining, and nightlife to round out the trip.
There’s plenty of beautiful places along the Emerald Coast of Florida, but making Panama City your home base is a good way to ensure you have some fun on a winter Florida trip.
Crowds disappear, accommodation prices drop, and the atmosphere turns quiet, making it a favorite retreat in winter. It does get colder in this part of Florida in the winter than in other parts of the state, so keep that in mind!
Panama City Beach Must-Do List
- Panama City Beach — white-sand beaches, emerald water, swimming, and relaxing
- Shell Island — secluded beaches, snorkeling, shelling, and dolphin spotting
- Dolphin or sunset cruise — get out on the water and experience the Gulf from a boat
- Water adventures — paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, or fishing
- Pier Park — shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and the SkyWheel
- Local seafood and nightlife — enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, beach bars, live music, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere
Quiet Getaways
We’ve gone through big cities and small, but what about small towns and even quieter places to get away? The rest of this list is smaller towns and places that are a little harder to get to by plane, but worth the trip! Many parts of Florida are quieter in the winter, but these areas are especially quiet.
These areas are also best for those who might want to rent a beach house and enjoy a relaxing vacation with a few things sprinkled in here or there to do in winter.
9. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a peaceful Treasure Coast escape centered around uncrowded beaches, nature and wildlife, outdoor adventures, and a surprisingly vibrant arts and dining scene. My family recently stayed at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and even in the summer it feels quiet!
In the winter, rain is infrequent compared to the summer, making it the driest and sunniest time of year; however, there are occasional cold fronts here, so check the weather frequently before a trip!
Vero Beach Must-Do List
- Vero Beach beaches — uncrowded beaches, swimming, sunbathing, and beautiful Atlantic views
- Indian River Lagoon — kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife watching, and boat tours
- McKee Botanical Garden — explore lush tropical gardens, ponds, and winding paths
- Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge — hiking, birding, wildlife spotting, and scenic lagoon views
- Vero Beach Museum of Art — enjoy rotating exhibitions, American art, and cultural events
- Ocean Drive & downtown Vero Beach — boutique shopping, restaurants, galleries, and a relaxed beach-town atmosphere
10. 30A
30A is the perfect laid-back Florida beach getaway, combining beautiful Gulf beaches with charming coastal communities and plenty of outdoor activities. This stretch of highway is 25 miles of cute small towns and beaches between Destin and Panama City Beach.
A trip here is all about exploring scenic beach towns and discovering great local restaurants and shops. It’s especially ideal for a relaxing couples’ trip, girls’ weekend, or family beach vacation.
In winter, you can expect cooler temps that are still great for being outdoors. It’ll be too cold to really enjoy the water, but that just makes it even more quiet on a trip!
30A Must-Do List
- Seaside and Seaside Amphitheater — iconic architecture, shopping, food trucks, and sunset strolls
- Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach — explore charming streets, boutiques, restaurants, and beautiful architecture
- Grayton Beach State Park — hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and natural scenery
- Coastal Dune Lakes — explore one of 30A’s most unique natural features by kayak or paddleboard
- Bike the Timpoochee Trail — cruise between beach communities while taking in Gulf Coast views
11. Central Florida Springs
Central Florida is full of natural springs that are absolutely stunning! You can easily stay in one of the small towns in central Florida, or base yourself in Orlando and take day trips. You’ll find endless water adventures, Florida wildlife, and immersive outdoor experiences, with a mix of relaxing and adventurous activities.
While the springs stay cold year-round, winter is still a great time to visit if you want to spot wildlife. Springs are particularly special in winter because manatees gather in many of them to mate; however, swimming and other water activities in the springs are closed during manatee season to protect them.
Central Florida Springs Must-Do List
- Blue Spring State Park — see hundreds of wintering manatees from the boardwalk and overlooks
- Wekiwa Springs — hike through lush Florida landscapes or kayak the Wekiva River
- Silver Springs — take a glass-bottom boat tour or paddle the crystal-clear Silver River
- De Leon Springs — explore the trails and enjoy the famous cook-your-own pancakes
- Devil’s Den — crystal-clear water in an underground cave holding a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round
12. Naples and Fort Myers
Naples and Fort Myers could be separate spots on the list, but they’re close enough to make a joint trip easily! Famous for calm Gulf beaches, you can’t go wrong choosing this in winter. Even downtown areas in Naples like Fifth Avenue South lean more toward relaxed strolling and fine dining rather than loud nightlife
Choose Naples if you want a more upscale feel with high-end shopping and pristine, uncrowded white-sand beaches. Choose Fort Myers (or nearby Sanibel) if you prefer a more casual, budget-friendly vibe.
In winter, the weather varies here between the 80s to 50s, so check the weather ahead. With the warmer temps here in winter, there are heavy crowds and higher lodging rates here.
Naples and Fort Myers Must-Do List
- Naples beaches and sunsets — relax on the Gulf, enjoy the white sand, and watch the sunset
- Fifth Avenue South — boutique shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and cocktails
- Naples Botanical Garden — explore lush tropical gardens and beautiful walking paths
- Everglades adventure — take an airboat or eco-tour and experience Southwest Florida’s wild side
- Fort Myers River District — explore historic architecture, shops, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates — tour the historic homes, museum, gardens, and riverfront grounds
- Sanibel and Captiva — spend the day shelling, biking, exploring beaches, and spotting wildlife
13. Mexico Beach
A peaceful Florida Panhandle getaway focused on uncrowded beaches, outdoor adventures, fresh seafood, and the laid-back charm of Florida’s Emerald Coast. The sunsets here are stunning on the beach, especially during the winter.
While winter here can be on the cooler side, it’s still warm enough to enjoy walks along the beach, outdoor adventures, and bask in the sun while in Mexico Beach in the winter.
Mexico Beach Must-Do List
- Mexico Beach — uncrowded white-sand beaches, emerald water, swimming, shelling, and relaxing
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park — pristine beaches, towering dunes, hiking, wildlife, and spectacular sunsets
- Water adventures — kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, or boating
- Dolphin or sunset cruise — get out on the Gulf or St. Joseph Bay for wildlife and beautiful coastal views
- Explore the Forgotten Coast — take a day trip to Cape San Blas or Port St. Joe for additional beaches, the lighthouse, and small-town charm
14. Anna Maria Island and Sarasota
While Sarasota is not technically a small town with 55,000 residents, but it does have a small town feel! The city is compact, and it has lots of great coastal small town vibes. Add on Anna Maria Island, and you’ve got a perfect quiet winter getaway.
Anna Maria Island and Sarasota make an ideal laid-back winter escape, combining warm Gulf Coast beaches with charming small-town experiences and cultural attractions. It’s a great destination for a peaceful winter getaway that still offers plenty to explore and do.
Anna Maria Island and Sarasota Must-Do List
- Anna Maria Island beaches — white sand, calm Gulf waters, sunsets, and relaxing
- Explore Anna Maria Island — charming shops, local restaurants, historic sites, and the free island trolley
- Water adventures — kayaking, paddleboarding, dolphin cruises, fishing, or boating
- St. Armands Circle — boutique shopping, restaurants, galleries, and lively streets
- The Ringling — explore the art museum, historic estate, circus museum, and gardens
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — tropical gardens, waterfront views, and seasonal exhibits
I hope these ideas help inspire you to take an amazing Florida winter getaway! From manatee season to outdoor adventures and amazing winter sunsets, you will love your trip.
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