9 Best Towns In Florida For A Two-Day Recharge
The Sunshine State is prime vacation territory, and its smaller towns are ideal for an express recharge and a dreamy weekend getaway. Between tropical landscape, vibrant culture, and historic architecture, each one is a picture postcard come to life. Boasting 1,350 miles of mainland coast, there's ample opportunity to soak in every ounce of sun, sand, and surf, even on a short escape. From state parks to botanical gardens and everything in between, these nine hot spots deserve a closer look.
Captiva Island
Just off the coast of Cape Coral and one hour from Fort Myers, this friendly island village transports you to another realm of beautiful beaches and amenities. Smaller than its sister island, Captiva is easily manageable on a nature-driven beach escape. Your entire itinerary begins and ends with Captiva's white sand beaches.
Hit the water for a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure, try snorkeling, or try dolphin spotting with New Wave Eco Charters. Local guides offer scuba diving lessons and fishing charters for a wide range of species. Among the lux villas and resorts, 'Tween Waters Inn & Marina offers classic rooms, private beach access, and beautiful Gulf views, only 40 minutes from Sanibel's J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, home to part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. Explore the nature trails and keep your eyes peeled for over 250 different species of birds, as well as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Destin
Destin is a popular escape along the Florida Panhandle for its postcard views and unique Appalachian quartz white sands. Some 2.5 hours west of Tallahassee, it feels just remote enough from the nearest urban center along the often-overlooked Emerald Coast. Lapped by vividly turquoise surf, Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a bustling destination for bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, boating, and tours, while oceanfront resorts like Pelican Beach offer deals to escape at your convenience year-round.
Boasting 30-foot white sand dunes and a wooden jetty over a beach, you can take sandcastle building lessons, snorkel, or swim, sharing the clear waters with rays and turtles. Escape the crowds through Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk, with a boardwalk over the bayou wetlands, a pier for fishing and crabbing, and a picnic area. Nearby Henderson Beach State Park is a kid- and dog-friendly area with a nature trail, a boardwalk along the beach, and a campground, should you wish.
Dunedin
Just 30 minutes west of Tampa, Clearwater's neighbor claims two unspoiled islands across the Dunedin Causeway. Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island State Park boast soft, white sand beaches. Whether you're a culture vulture or an island escapist, Dunedin imprints in your heart as a place to return.
In addition to miles of walking trails, the lively downtown is a bike-friendly affair, celebrating Scottish roots with independent shops, craft breweries, and local eats. Escape the crowds through Hammock Park, a tranquil waterfront preserve under the shade of century-old trees and a butterfly garden with 225 plant species. If you prefer the city's fishing pier, dock, and rentals for paddleboards or kayaks, head to the marina in the heart of downtown. When it's time to call it a night, Seaside Artisan Motel is a family-run boutique hotel just a short stroll away.
Flagler Beach
An hour south of Jacksonville, Flagler Beach is not just a classic Florida beach town; its retro appeal, culinary flair, and fine art scene inspire a nostalgic getaway. From historic parks to horseback riding on the beach, find adventures at every turn, like the thrilling Graham Swamp mountain bike trail. The 5-mile singletrack makes for a great ride or a moderate hike. For a more mellow excursion, Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park displays the remnants of a 19th-century sugar and cotton plantation in a lush, photogenic setting with trails and a boat ramp.
Between the breezy beach bars and roof decks overlooking the Atlantic, escape the hustle and bustle at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, a hop from the dog-friendly boardwalk through Betty Steflik Park. Meanwhile, Gamble Rogers State Park offers a serene half-mile of beach, a boardwalk, and rentals for scenic kayak, canoe, and biking adventures. For top-rated beachfront accommodations, try Island Cottage Inn, where comfort and quality meet convenience.
Islamorada
Under two hours from Miami, Islamorada is the Sportfishing Capital of the World, with sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and tarpon teeming between Florida Bay and the Atlantic. Home to tranquil parks, museums, and art galleries, don't miss the curated Keys History & Discovery Center, with a range of interactive exhibits that explore the early culture and history of the Keys. For unique photo shoots, Indian Key Historic State Park on a deserted 11-acre island offers ruins of a ghost town from the early 1800s, plus colorful reefs for snorkeling.
This laid-back coastal village may feel overwhelming, but in reality, it is the "key" to a crowdless escape. For all your fishing cruises, kayak, and boat rentals, Robbie's of Islamorada is a vibrant marina with tarpon feeding and a restaurant. Best of all, you'll be tripping over affordable lodgings, like the Ragged Edge Resort and Marina. This laid-back resort is 3 miles from the luscious Theater of the Sea marine park for swimming with dolphins and a range of aquatic shows.
Marco Island
An hour south of Fort Myers, wide-open ocean vistas define the largest of Southwest Florida's Ten Thousand Islands. Marco Island's sunny skies and white-sand beaches reflect the warm sentiment of this artsy community, a haven for water sports like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The Marco Island Historical Museum details the intriguing history of the region, with exhibits from indigenous Native American life to modern-day. Tigertail Beach is a tidal lagoon with shorebirds, seashells, and stunning sunsets.
Beyond the beaches, Otter Mound Preserve boasts a relaxed waterfront with a trail through a historic tropical hardwood hammock. At the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, channel your inner explorer to remote beaches and preserved wilderness where you can spot plentiful wildlife, like manatees and sea turtles. For a good night's rest, Marco Island Lakeside Inn has a pool and rooms with private balconies overlooking the island's only freshwater lake.
Naples
The endlessly elegant and romantic city on Florida's Paradise Coast is more than just the luxurious and relaxing destination that it first appears to be. As a gateway to the Everglades, the historic Tamiami Trail winds through the heart of Naples, lined by surprisingly affordable lodgings, like La Quinta Inn & Suites, in Downtown Naples. For scenic strolls, the trails of Naples Botanical Garden meander through cultivated tropical plants across 170 beautifully manicured acres, and guides offer tours daily.
Further north, Clam Pass Park is a tranquil wildlife area with a trail around Outer Clam Bay to the white sands of Clam Pass Beach and a boardwalk. Beyond the sugary dunes, challenge a friend to tee off at one of the city's incredible golf courses, or indulge in a shopping spree between Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. Alternatively, families love the historic Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens for its exotic species, and catamaran tours through islands of monkeys, gators, and lemurs.
Rosemary Beach
With its picturesque architecture and relaxed vibe, this atmospheric beach town exudes tasteful luxury, thanks to cobblestoned paths that wind past al fresco cafés, romantic courtyards, beach homes, and boutique inns like The Pearl Hotel.
Lined with sun-dappled balconies, Main Street is a bustling runway of locally-owned shops, like Pish Posh Patchouli’s, which offers custom scenting, as well as other unique gifts and services. Drop in for a morning java or an after-lunch dessert from La Crema Tapas & Chocolate. Though the beach is for locals only, Camp Helen State Park offers public beach access just a couple of miles away.
Seaside
Founded in 1981, this planned community in Northwest Florida is famously the birthplace of New Urbanism, a movement geared toward fostering a sense of community through intentional urban planning. Explore film locations from the set of The Truman Show, shot here in 1998, and take a selfie by the Chapel at Seaside.
Seagrove Village Market is a popular spot for seafood and southern specials, and you can splurge on a night at the WaterColor Inn, a resort hotel on 499 acres. Meanwhile, nearby Grayton Beach State Park offers campsites and multi-use trails, like Dune Lake Trail. This one-mile walk to the beach meanders through a tree tunnel with wildflowers and tons of shells. Hit the ocean for swimming or paddleboarding in the crystal-blue waters, with Turtle Snorkel Reef straight ahead and a boat ramp on the lake behind.
Florida draws plenty of attention with its year-round fair weather, fun cities, and an attractive coastal lifestyle. For a change of scenery, even just for a couple of days, these nine picks reveal the other side of the state, where wildlife and a slower pace replace the crowds and chaos of bigger cities. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or escaping impromptu, the stunning beaches, natural preserves, and hotels for every budget make Florida a dream destination.
