Fly to Cities

A weekend trip to Florida with the family does not have to break the bank if sufficient hard work goes into the planning. Here we have a list of nine inexpensive weekend getaway destinations in Florida that you can visit.

1. New Smyrna Beach

Nearly 15-miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a family-friendly option with thinner crowds and a lot of pocket-friendly rental condo options for you to accommodate your entourage.

In 2018, Marriott opened their new SpringHill Suites in Flagler Avenue, adding another affordable hotel option for the budget-conscious traveler. The only thing to look out for is the traffic, which can get gnarly at times. It is a good thing that you can drive and park on the beach.

You could drive down to the Smyrna Dunes Park, located at the northern end of the barrier island, and take a stroll down the boardwalk to catch a glimpse of gopher tortoises and some of the native bird species.

2. Cocoa Beach

Perhaps the best destination for the old-school Florida vibe, a host of affordable motels, hotels, beach rental condos, and the family-friendly surfing sun, all within walking distance from the beach.

Among the pocket-friendly fun activities, there is cruise-ship peeping from Port Canaveral, catching waves from the same beach where world champion surfer Kelly Slater grew up, or take a stroll down the historic bricked streets of downtown Cocoa village.

3. Gainesville

When you think of a vacation spot in Florida, an inland destination is not what you have in mind. But the Central Florida college town of Gainesville can change that perspective for good! Lined with a host of inexpensive housing options and family activities, Gainesville offers a unique experience under the Florida sun.

During the day, take the kids out to see the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum, and in the evenings go bat-spotting at the UF Bat Barn and Bat House. There are numerous fresh-water springs in and around the town that make for the perfect day trip.

There is nothing more refreshing than spending a day at the itchetucknee Springs, floating in an inner tube down a crystal-clear river as the temperature outside soars to 72-degrees.

4. Jacksonville Beach

Located towards the northern border of Florida, Jacksonville Beach is home to numerous cheap accommodation options, including beachside condos and motels. Most people share the notion that you need to head down south to enjoy the warmth of the Florida sun. But the there are plenty of affordable and picturesque beaches on the north too.

Try out Jax Beach, or the more residential enclaves of Atlantic Beach or Neptune Beach for a true flavor of northern Florida.

5. Pensacola Beach

At the far western region of Florida lies inexpensive Pensacola Beach, known for its old-school charm and budget-friendly hotels, perfect for people looking for a pocket-friendly weekend destination in Florida.

Nearly every budget-focused hotel chain is represented here along with a plethora of affordable vacation rental homes and condos right next to the bay lined with white sand beaches.

Some of the inexpensive activities at Pensacola Beach include spending an evening at the Pensacola lighthouse, a trip to the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Fort Pickens, an excursion to the Pensacola Children’s Museum, and a stroll down the picturesque Gulf Islands National Seashore, the longest stretch of federally protected shoreline in the States.

6. Marathon

The closest Key to Miami is overcrowded with people from the mainland thronging to catch a view of the beautiful ocean while the farthest Key is any budget traveler’s worst nightmare. That leaves us with Marathon, which is centrally located and the best bet for an affordable budget getaway.

Outside of the peak summer season, you can enjoy a bike ride or stroll along the free-access Old Seven Mile Bridge that leads to Pigeon Key, and all you need is a mask and snorkel to admire the school of tropical fish swimming around Sombrero Beach.

7. Bradenton Beach

With a handful of family-run hotels, motels and an abundance of beachfront properties on rent, Bradenton Beach near the tiny town of Sarasota is an inexpensive Florida family vacation destination on this side of the Gulf Coast.

While planning a trip here, make sure to visit the powdered sand Coquina Beach, with its crystal-clear shallow water that is perfect for taking a dip. Coquina Beach is one of the prettiest coastlines in the entire state of Florida and deserves greater exposure.

Stroll down the Bradenton Beach Pier and to see what the locals are fishing in, or try your own hands at reeling, by casting out a line. Paradise Boat Tours offer affordable wildlife cruises into Sarasota Bay, where spotting dolphins, stingrays and manatee is quite a common sight.

8. Fort Myers Beach

Located near Captiva Islands and Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach is a favorite among families due to its affordable range of motels and condo rentals. This quaint riverside district with its white-sand beaches and postcard-perfect sunsets offers the perfect inexpensive weekend getaway destination.

You can easily laze away the day by casting a line from the Fort Myers Beach Pier, with rentals offers along the Pier, or playing mini-golf at one of the numerous area courses, or collecting some of the prettiest seashells on the beach.

9. Orlando

When you think of an affordable weekend destination in Florida, Orlando is not the first place that pops in our head. But there are plenty of inexpensive activities here along with a range of cheap accommodation options that has compelled us to include Orlando in this list.

With a plethora of accommodation options in Florida’s tourism capital, there is something across every budget in Orlando. It is just a matter of time before you find a cheap place to stay. Tourists can take a stroll around lake Eola and Thornton Park.

Do not forget to check out the oak hammocks, wetlands, flatwoods at the fabulous Disney Wilderness Preserve. The free live street performance at Disney Springs is also a thing of wonder!