With summer vacation season right around the corner, these desirable destinations throughout Florida offer visitors an opportunity to build lifelong memories in a relaxing setting.

Whether it’s the everyday stress of work, the hectic routine of raising kids or the anxiety from reading the daily headlines, most people can surely use a vacation. One of the best aspects of living in Florida is that residents don’t have to look far to find one, since opportunities for relaxation, adventure or a combination of the two abound from one end of the state to the other. 

With summer quickly approaching and plans being made for the perfect getaway, Orlando Family Magazine is thrilled to once again highlight area destinations within driving distance for families, couples or friends to unwind, recharge their batteries and make lasting memories together. 

Clearwater Beach

Overview: The pristine, white-sand beaches here have been feted on multiple occasions with regional and national awards, and visitors of all ages are drawn to the clear Gulf waters as well. Clearwater Beach offers the best of both worlds with its small-town vibes and close proximity to Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Where to stay: Shephard’s Beach Resort Clearwater Beach boasts fantastic dining options for every meal of the day with stunning views, and a bustling nightlife to boot. The Tiki Beach Bar has live music seven days a week and The Wave Nightclub takes the party to another level from Friday through Sunday starting at 10 p.m., with no cover charge, dancing and VIP bottle service available.

What to do: Kick back and relax on the beach in the morning, set sail on a dolphin cruise in the afternoon, enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood in the evening and cap the day with the world-renowned Sunsets at Pier 60, a free celebration held every night from two hours before sunset until two hours after with street performers, local artisans and more food options.

Family fun: Clearwater Marine Aquarium stands out from other aquariums with its commitment to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, so kids will not only love seeing their favorite sea creatures but will learn valuable lessons as well.

Daytona Beach

Overview: Adventure awaits at Daytona Beach, where there are plenty of opportunities for sports fans to either be a spectator or to be part of the action themselves. Those seeking a chill vacation are also in lucks thanks to 23 miles of beaches along the Atlantic and a vibrant setting for entertainment, dining and shopping.

Where to stay: At the Holiday Inn Resort Beachfront, guests can wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the beach, take kids to the on-site splash park, spend cozy nights lounging by fire pits and enjoy easy access to Daytona’s most popular destinations.

What to do: For auto racing fans, a trip to one of the sport’s shrines, Daytona International Speedway, is a must. Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where the legendary Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier and played his first professional game, is home to the Daytona Tortugas and is the oldest ballpark in use in minor-league baseball. Active athletes can take part in water sports like kayaking, surfing, parasailing and paddle boarding.

Family fun: The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is filled with rides and amusements, a classic arcade and a fireworks show every Saturday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Florida Keys/Key West

Overview: Spanning more than 200 miles, the island chain known as the Florida Keys is renowned for its world-class scuba diving and fishing and its unspoiled natural wonders. Including prime destinations such as Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon, it is capped off by Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, which allows visitors to experience Caribbean culture without leaving the country. Duval Street is famous for its lively scene of bars, cafes and shops, and other attractions include art galleries, museums, theaters and the city’s unique architecture.

Where to stay: Midway between Key Largo and Key West and just off the Seven-Mile Bridge in Marathon, Isla Bella Beach Resort opened in 2019 and features a private beach, five oceanfront pools, a marina for fishing charters and harbor cruises, and 24 acres of tropical native gardens.

What to do: Walking tours are a great way to see everything Key West has to offer, and for those who love the water, snorkeling, fishing and sightseeing by boat are top-notch options. Be sure to check out the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum to learn more about the Nobel Prize-winning author.

Family fun: Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers more than 15 acres of native garden and forest for guests to explore, and summer promises plenty of birds and butterflies to complete the serene atmosphere.

Palm Beach

Overview: “America’s first resort destination” is all about elegance and style, as evidenced by its pristine beaches lined with historic resorts and old-world mansions. A diverse dining scene, championship golf and historic landmarks ensure that the small barrier island remains full of character.

Where to stay: A short drive from Palm Beach is Riviera Beach, nestled along the Singer Island coastline and an ideal spot for fishing, scuba diving, water sports or just relaxing on the beach. It is also the site of Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, which offers all of the comforts of home with condominium-style accommodations. Guests enjoy having the chance to escape the daily grind and pamper themselves with a massage at the spa or settle in for a quiet day in a poolside cabana.

What to do: Explore the area’s stately homes and Mediterranean-style architecture by land or sea, and make sure to visit Worth Avenue and its high-end shops. At the Henry M. Flagler Museum, guests can tour the 100,000-square-foot mansion of the railroad tycoon and learn about his impact on Florida history. The Society of the Four Arts features an art gallery, concert hall, two gardens and two libraries and bills itself as one of Palm Beach’s most respected cultural destinations.

Family fun: The Lake Trail is one of the most scenic routes in all of Florida and is a great spot for walking, jogging or biking.

Palm Coast

Overview: One of the Sunshine State’s newest cities at just 26 years old, Palm Coast is filled with natural beauty. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway and 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals, it also includes a dozen parks and more than 130 connected trails perfect for taking in the outdoors.

Where to stay: The oceanfront luxury of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has long been a premier option for family vacations, getaways with friends, corporate gatherings and destination weddings. It features world-class golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, a gorgeous stretch of beach along the Atlantic, a 91,000-square-foot pool complex the kids will love and rejuvenating spa services.

What to do: In addition to Hammock Beach, there are plenty of other picturesque courses where golfers of all skill levels can challenge themselves. More relaxing outdoor activities include fishing and bird watching, and the adventurous types in the group can try a number of water sports or go horseback riding on the beach.

Family fun: James F. Holland Memorial Park has one of the best playgrounds in the area for toddlers along with fields and courts for every sport imaginable, from baseball and basketball to tennis, sand volleyball and shuffleboard.

St. Augustine

Overview: Known as the “nation’s oldest city,” St. Augustine’s roots date back to 1565 and its rich history includes influences from the Spanish, English, Greeks, Native Americans and African Americans. Vacationers can go back in time by visiting historic landmarks and centuries-old buildings, or celebrate modern living at the upscale restaurants and boutique shops.

Where to stay: From the inns of the Historic District to the majestic resorts by the ocean, St. Augustine has suitable accommodations for all, and most come with a breathtaking view.

What to do: Climb the spiraling steps of an old-fashioned lighthouse, embark on a pirate cruise, go parasailing above the Atlantic, visit Ponce de Leon’s “Fountain of Youth” or check out the World Golf Hall of Fame. For those who appreciate the finer things, the city is filled with cultural experiences like the Lightner Museum, located in a former Gilded Age hotel and featuring an immersive blending of art, architecture, history and design.

Family fun: Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers visitors an opportunity to create lifelong memories by swimming with dolphins or observing a daily sand tiger shark feeding. 

Vero Beach

Overview: For anyone seeking a laid-back vacation, Vero Beach just might be the spot. Its quaint, small-town charm and the friendly manner of its residents are appealing, not to mention the sparsely crowded beaches that make for relaxing days connecting to nature.

Where to stay: There may not be high-rise hotels here, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t posh resorts along the ocean. Vero Beach also has plenty of smaller inns where families on a budget can be comfortable.

What to do: Take in a live opera or ballet performance, set off on a kayak, sample a local farmers market, play a round of golf or see a baseball game at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, the former spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Family fun: McKee Botanical Garden is a stunning natural setting that is home to more than 10,000 native and tropical plants. It also includes internationally renowned exhibits, a variety of educational programs and the Children’s Garden, created in 2020 to inspire youngsters’ imagination and curiosity through immersive exploration.

West Palm Beach

Overview: One of the premier cities in South Florida, West Palm Beach is known for its idyllic palm-lined streets, its rich arts and cultural offerings and its beautiful year-round weather that allows for outdoor activities and festivals during every month on the calendar.

Where to stay: The Hilton West Palm Beach has accommodations to suit any type of traveler and guests always seem to check out raving about the hospitality. Connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center and walkable to all of the downtown destinations, it has several fine dining restaurants open to the public, resort-style pools and special events like Moonlight Movies for the whole family.

What to do: Downtown West Palm Beach contains four retail and entertainment districts lined with boutique shops and exciting nightlife options. The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has a Broadway series and also hosts musical and comedy acts throughout the year. Of course, most vacationers want to get outside, and they will want to visit the many Instagram-worthy beaches along with the Grassy Waters Preserve to get a look at the Florida Everglades.

Family fun: The Cox Science Center and Aquarium can fill an entire afternoon with more than 100 educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, a digital planetarium, a science laboratory and more.

Take Flight

For local residents looking to travel outside of Florida, Orlando Sanford International Airport offers service to more than 70 destinations and all of its flights are non-stop. Some of the popular cities it reaches are Provo, Utah, host of the Freedom Fest Balloon Festival in July; Bangor, Maine, home to Acadia National Park; and Rapid City, South Dakota, just a short drive from Mount Rushmore. Nearly three million passengers took advantage of the convenience of Orlando Sanford International in 2024 and spent an average time of just 78 minutes at the airport.