Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
10 Family Weekend Getaways in Florida for Families [2024] ✈️
Picture this: you’re sitting on a pristine beach, the sun warming your skin, and the sound of waves crashing in the background. Your kids are building sandcastles and splashing in the crystal-clear water. You’re all relaxed, happy, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s time to turn that dream into a reality with a family weekend getaway in Florida!
Florida is a paradise for families, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling attractions, and endless fun. With 700 freshwater springs, 825 miles of beaches, and 1,300 trails, Florida has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Florida has got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation in the Sunshine State!
Quick Answer
Looking for the best family weekend getaways in Florida? Here are our top 10 picks:
- Orlando: The theme park capital of the world, with attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
- Destin: Known for its stunning white sand beaches and emerald green waters, perfect for beach lovers.
- Miami: A vibrant city with beautiful beaches, a lively art scene, and delicious cuisine.
- Florida Keys: A tropical paradise with stunning coral reefs, water sports, and a laid-back island vibe.
- Fort Lauderdale: A family-friendly beach destination with a bustling promenade and plenty of water activities.
- Tampa: Home to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Lowry Park Zoo, offering endless family fun.
- Jacksonville: A city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and family-friendly attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo.
- Pensacola: Known for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
- Daytona Beach: Famous for its wide sandy beaches and thrilling motorsports events.
- St. Augustine: The oldest city in the United States, with historic sites, charming streets, and beautiful beaches.
Now, let’s dive into the details and discover what makes each of these destinations a perfect choice for a family weekend getaway in Florida!
Quick Tips and Facts
- The best time to visit Florida for a family weekend getaway is during the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your family from the Florida sun.
- Consider renting a car to explore the different attractions and destinations in Florida at your own pace.
- Many hotels and resorts in Florida offer family-friendly amenities like pools, kids’ clubs, and on-site restaurants.
- Make sure to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and activities in advance, as some may have limited hours or require reservations.
Orlando: The Ultimate Family Playground 🎢
✅ Rating: 9.5/10
If you’re looking for the ultimate family weekend getaway, look no further than Orlando. Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando offers a magical experience for kids and adults alike. Here are some must-visit attractions in Orlando:
Walt Disney World 🏰
✅ Rating: 10/10
Walt Disney World is the epitome of family fun. With four theme parks, including the iconic Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s something for everyone. Meet your favorite Disney characters, go on thrilling rides, and watch enchanting shows. Don’t forget to catch the nightly fireworks spectacular!
Universal Orlando Resort 🎥
✅ Rating: 9/10
Step into the world of movies and TV shows at Universal Orlando Resort. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, go on thrilling rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure, and meet your favorite characters from Universal’s iconic films. Don’t miss the stunning Hogwarts Castle at night!
SeaWorld Orlando 🐬
✅ Rating: 8.5/10
Get up close and personal with marine life at SeaWorld Orlando. Watch incredible shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas, and learn about conservation efforts. Don’t miss the thrilling roller coasters like Mako and Kraken Unleashed!
Destin: Beach Bliss in the Emerald Coast 🏖️
✅ Rating: 9/10
If you’re a beach-loving family, Destin is the perfect destination for your weekend getaway. With its stunning white sand beaches and emerald green waters, Destin offers a slice of paradise. Here’s what you can do in Destin:
- Relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant underwater world.
- Take a dolphin cruise and spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
- Visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and learn about marine life through interactive exhibits and shows.
Miami: Where Culture Meets Fun in the Sun 🌴
✅ Rating: 9/10
Miami is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culture, art, and beach fun. Here’s what you can do in Miami with your family:
- Visit the iconic Miami Beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Wynwood, known for its street art, and Little Havana, where you can experience Cuban culture.
- Discover the Miami Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids.
- Take a boat tour and explore the beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Florida Keys: A Tropical Paradise 🏝️
✅ Rating: 9/10
Escape to the Florida Keys for a tropical family weekend getaway. Here’s what you can do in the Florida Keys:
- Explore the stunning coral reefs through snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Visit the Dolphin Research Center and interact with these intelligent creatures.
- Take a kayak or paddleboard tour and explore the mangroves.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants and soak in the laid-back island vibe.
Fort Lauderdale: Beach Fun and Beyond 🏖️
✅ Rating: 8.5/10
Fort Lauderdale is a family-friendly beach destination with plenty of activities for everyone. Here’s what you can do in Fort Lauderdale:
- Relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy water activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
- Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science, which offers interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
- Explore the Everglades through an airboat tour and spot alligators and other wildlife.
- Take a stroll along the bustling promenade of Las Olas Boulevard and enjoy shopping and dining.
Tampa: Thrills and Wildlife Encounters 🎢
✅ Rating: 8.5/10
Tampa is a city that offers a perfect mix of thrilling attractions and wildlife encounters. Here’s what you can do in Tampa:
- Visit Busch Gardens, a theme park with thrilling roller coasters and a zoo with over 12,000 animals.
- Explore the Florida Aquarium and learn about marine life through interactive exhibits.
- Visit Lowry Park Zoo and get up close to animals from around the world.
- Take a river cruise and spot manatees in their natural habitat.
Jacksonville: History, Parks, and Family Fun 🏞️
✅ Rating: 8/10
Jacksonville is a city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and family-friendly attractions. Here’s what you can do in Jacksonville:
- Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which is home to over 2,000 animals and beautiful botanical gardens.
- Explore the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which offers art exhibits and stunning riverfront gardens.
- Take a stroll along the Jacksonville Riverwalk and enjoy the scenic views.
- Visit the Museum of Science and History and learn about the natural and cultural history of the region.
Pensacola: Beaches and History Combined 🏖️
✅ Rating: 8/10
Pensacola is known for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Here’s what you can do in Pensacola:
- Relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy water activities like swimming and snorkeling.
- Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum and explore the history of naval aviation through exhibits and aircraft displays.
- Explore the historic Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf Coast.
- Take a dolphin cruise and spot these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Daytona Beach: Sun, Sand, and Speed 🏁
✅ Rating: 8/10
Daytona Beach is famous for its wide sandy beaches and thrilling motorsports events. Here’s what you can do in Daytona Beach:
- Relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
- Visit the Daytona International Speedway and take a tour of the iconic racetrack.
- Explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and enjoy amusement rides, arcades, and delicious food.
- Take a scenic drive along the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
St. Augustine: History and Beaches Combined 🏰
✅ Rating: 8/10
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and offers a unique blend of history, charm, and beautiful beaches. Here’s what you can do in St. Augustine:
- Visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a historic fort that offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
- Explore the historic streets of St. Augustine and visit landmarks like the Lightner Museum and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy water activities like swimming and surfing.
- Take a ghost tour and learn about the city’s haunted history.
Conclusion
Florida truly is a family paradise, offering a wide range of destinations and activities for every age and interest. Whether you’re seeking thrilling theme parks, relaxing beaches, or cultural experiences, Florida has it all. From the magical world of Walt Disney World in Orlando to the stunning beaches of Destin and the vibrant city of Miami, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.
So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a family weekend getaway in Florida. Create memories that will last a lifetime and discover why Florida is the ultimate destination for family fun!
Recommended Links
- Beach Escapes: Discover more about Florida’s beautiful beaches and find the perfect beach getaway for your family.
- Family Adventures: Explore more family-friendly destinations and activities in Florida.
- How to Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget: Get tips and tricks for planning an affordable family vacation in Florida.
Reference Links
- Visit Florida – Ideas for Your Family Vacation in Florida: Find more ideas and inspiration for your family vacation in Florida.
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Orlando Resort
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Miami Children’s Museum
- Biscayne Bay Boat Tours
- Dolphin Research Center
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Everglades Airboat Tours
- Las Olas Boulevard
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- The Florida Aquarium
- Lowry Park Zoo
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
- Jacksonville Riverwalk
- Museum of Science and History
- National Naval Aviation Museum
- Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum
- Daytona International Speedway
- Daytona Beach Boardwalk
- Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Lightner Museum
- St. Augustine Lighthouse
- Ghost Tours of St. Augustine