11 Best Towns In Florida For A Two-Day Recharge
You do not always need a long vacation to feel recharged. Sometimes a couple of days away from the usual routine is enough. Florida has plenty of small towns built for exactly that kind of quick escape. Lively festivals sit within reach of quiet walking trails and uncrowded beaches. These are the best Florida towns to slow down and come home feeling rejuvenated.
Fernandina Beach
Check in to the Florida House Inn, in the heart of Fernandina Beach, before setting off on your adventure. The Inn is conveniently located in the historic downtown, known for its Victorian-era architecture, including a house locals point out as a filming location for the 1988 Pippi Longstocking movie. Stroll along the sidewalks, pop into locally owned shops and art galleries, and pick up a coffee from one of the many cafes.
The uncrowded beach makes this location a dream for beach lovers. Set up your chair and umbrella to settle in with a good book or meander down the shoreline to look for seashells.
If you're a history buff or nature lover, check out Fort Clinch State Park. Learn about the fort's place in Civil War history through battlefield demonstrations. The park is also great for hiking and bicycling paths, fishing, birdwatching, and even shark-tooth hunting.
Dunedin
Looking for a laid-back small town with plenty of outdoor activities? Dunedin awaits! First, drop your things off at the waterfront Fenway Hotel, built in 1924. The hotel is rich in Jazz Age history and used to operate as Pinellas County's first radio station.
Take a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park, one of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast and known for its breath-taking beaches, nature trails, and kayaking.
For walking or biking, visit Pinellas Trail. Tip: the most scenic part of the trail is its northern portion, between Dunedin and Tarpon Springs.
If shopping is what you're after, explore the waterfront and stores in the buzzing downtown area.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Seashell enthusiasts will want to book their two-day vacation in Sanibel or Captiva Island. Sanibel is widely known as the "Seashell Capital of the World" because of the seashell-covered beaches, but you'll also find plenty of shells on Captiva. Start or add to your collection while enjoying the warm ocean water.
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see. People love coming here to kayak, bike, or drive along the scenic loop for a chance to see alligators, birds, and even manatees.
Pick up souvenirs at cute coastal-themed shops, then enjoy a delicious meal at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille.
After a relaxing day, you'll sleep soundlessly at The Island Inn, located right on the beach in Sanibel.
Stuart
Stay in a secluded cottage at the Old Colorado Inn, conveniently located in the Historic District of Stuart where you can walk to galleries, restaurants, and entertainment.
If you're bringing the kids on your vacation, spend time at Bathtub Beach in Stuart, which is described as a "lagoon near the shore." When the tide goes out, the shallow waters are perfect for little ones to play in. Water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving at the coral reef right offshore.
Travelers highly recommend diving at Georges Valentine Shipwreck Site, just 100 yards offshore from Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge. As one of the Historic Places on the US National Register and an underwater archaeological preserve, the wreckage now serves as a home to sea life.
Celebrate Florida's maritime history at the House of Refuge Museum. It pays tribute to shipwrecked sailors and is the last surviving House of Refuge in Florida. Check out shipwreck artifacts and learn how keepers sheltered sailors.
Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach is described as an "Old Florida" getaway because it has gone to great lengths to prevent its beaches from overdevelopment. Start by checking in at the Driftwood Inn where you can admire beachfront views and take leisurely walks on the white sand beach. The uncrowded shore and clear waters will instantly put you at ease.
There are more than 300 artificial reefs where you can get up close and personal with sea life. Rather stay above water? Try jet-skiing and parasailing! Fishing is also a popular activity year-round in Mexico Beach. Cast a line from the shoreline or book a deep sea fishing charter for a chance to catch redfish, snapper, and grouper.
For a nearby day trip, drive out to Cape San Blas to see the lighthouse or go horse-back riding on the beach.
St. Augustine
Perhaps the most popular attraction in St. Augustine is Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an old Spanish fort that overlooks the coast. Board a trolley to pack in a lot of sight-seeing during your two-day vacation. You can hop on and off as much as you want and you won't have to worry about parking.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a must-see to get the full Florida experience. Take in the exciting wildlife performances, get up close to exotic animals, and go on an exhilarating zipline over the alligator habitat.
Recharge at the end of the day at the St. Augustine Distillery or a classy wine tasting at San Sebastian Winery.
If you're a history buff, book your stay at Casa Monica Resort & Spa in the very walkable historic downtown. Spending more time on the water or the beach? Consider Guy Harvey Resort.
Crystal River
The best place to stay in Crystal River is the Paddletail Waterfront Lodge. Here you can book manatee encounters, tours, fishing/scalloping charters, or rent paddlecraft or pontoon boats.
Crystal River is centered around King Bay and is made up of 20 islands. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, created to protect West Indian manatees, gives Crystal River the title "Manatee Capital of the World."
Much of the refuge is only accessible by water, so be prepared to either bring your own boat or paddleboard, rent one, or book a relaxing guided tour. You can swim and snorkel with manatees at both Three Sisters Springs and Hunter Springs. Keep in mind when planning your trip that manatee season begins November 15 and ends March 31.
Curious about the town's history? Get some walking in at Crystal River Archaeological State Park, where one of Florida's oldest Native American ceremonial sites is preserved.
Navarre Beach
Travel + Leisure nicknamed Navarre Beach "Florida's Most Relaxing Place" for its laid-back coastal town, white-sand beaches, and beautiful ocean water. The town isn't typically crowded, making it a quiet retreat to recharge.
After you check in at SpringHill Suites located directly on the beach, pack your bathing suit and head out to Navarre Beach Marine Park for free artificial reef snorkeling and shore diving. There's also Blackwater River, perfect for a peaceful float under canopy trees. There are numerous ways to explore Navarre Beach, from renting a bike or golf cart to paddleboarding and kayaking. Early birds will enjoy a refreshing morning yoga session on the beach. Be sure to stop by Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico!
New Smyrna Beach
There's a lot to see and do in the Shark Bite Capital of the World! First things first: the Inn on the Avenue is a beautiful beachside bed and breakfast that is also close to Flagler Ave, the heart of New Smyrna Beach (NSB). You'll find galleries, surf shops, restaurants, and more.
A trip to Canaveral National Seashore is a must. Collect seashells, search for shark teeth, swim, or check out the boardwalk. A variety of wildlife call the park home, so be on the lookout for armadillos, wild pigs, dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more.
There's always something going on in NSB, like WOW (Wine on Wednesdays), craft beer tours, and music festivals.
Lastly, the Marine Discovery Center offers daily kayak eco-tours, as well as relaxing boat tours through Indian River Lagoon.
Micanopy
During your two days in Micanopy, stay at the Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast built in 1845. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it beautifully blends a rich history with tranquility.
The self-proclaimed antique capital of Florida is ideal for those who love perusing the aisles of antique shops. Stop in at Delectable Collectables on Cholokka Boulevard to find a treasure to take home with you.
The Micanopy Festival happens each fall and is a favorite among the locals for its crafters, artists, and musicians.
At the end of the day, enjoy a hearty Southern meal at Pearl Country Store, complete with ribs, pulled pork, and all the delicious sides you can ask for.
Mount Dora
Another great choice for history lovers is Mount Dora, a lakeside town known for its history and quality antique shops, such as the Village Antique Mall. Relax at the Mount Dora Historic Inn right in the center of downtown where you can walk down cobblestone streets to nearby shops and restaurants.
Mount Dora may be a small town, but it hosts more than 30 events each year that draw in crowds from all over. The Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora Craft Fair, and Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival are most popular.
A relaxing two-hour boat tour down Dora Canal is a great way to spot local wildlife, such as alligators, osprey, and turtles. In addition to plenty of walking trails and kayaking areas, you can take an electric carriage ride or visit the Starry Night House, the exterior of which is painted to look like Van Gogh's famous painting.
Choosing Your Destination
Florida's small towns are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of home and work life. Whether it's walking cobblestone streets to brush up on your history, soaking up the views at a secluded beach, or browsing a festival, each town has something special to make your trip both refreshing and memorable.
