When it comes to staycation ideas in Florida, your options are almost endless. These are our top 11 destinations to check-off your family’s to-do list before once again putting yourself through airport queues and expensive travel.
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1. Walt Disney World
The first destination that pops into most people’s minds when talking about Florida is Disney World.
Some may see it as a glorified theme park but the reality is, it’s so much more. Not only does the Magical Kingdom give your younger children a true flight of fantasy as their favorite cartoon characters wander about, but there are countless shows, places to explore, and adventures to have.
Literally, for any young family looking for staycation ideas in Florida, Disney World should rank #1 on your to-do list.
2. Universal Studios
If you’re a movie loving family, Universal Studios could be the perfect place to explore. From Minions and Jurassic World, to Hogwarts castle — Universal Studios has it all.
For those wanting a more relaxed experience, sit back, and enjoy the world-famous studio tour. Yet, if you’re a family wanting something a little more adrenaline-pumping, check out the countless theme parks rides.
Then when your adventures are winding down, head to the CityWalk outdoor dining and shopping environment. Its a sight to be behold.
3. Sanibel & Captiva islands Florida
At just three miles away from the Gulf of Mexico, the Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a must-see Gulf coast destination you and your family will never forget.
From its world-famous shelling, shopping, and fine seafood dining establishments, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the extent of what Florida offers.
4. Kennedy Space Center
If you’re seeking a more educational family-vacation experience, then the Kennedy Space Center should top your staycation ideas in Florida list.
This center is more than a museum showing the past, present, and future of space exploration. While visiting you can take a bus tour of launch sites, learn about the Apollo era, Saturn V-rockets, and even go inside a space shuttle.
There’s even an IMAX movie showing the nation’s plans for our future.
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5. Busch Gardens
If you, your partner, or your kids want roller coasters then there’s one destination above all others, and that’s Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. You can literally spend all day on back-to-back adrenaline-pumping rides. Yet, Busch Gardens offers even more.
Within its 335-acre theme park, there’s a zoo with over 12,000 animals, restaurants, and live shows, including indoor theatre.
So, whatever the age of your family, there’s plenty to explore at Busch Gardens while on your Florida staycation.
6. Miami Beach
Everything you’ve heard about Miami Beach is true. It is sun-soaked, has crystal clear waters, and is filled with a cultural explosion of art, food, and entertainment.
If a beach tops your vacation must-have checklist then this is the best destination in the world. And if you already live in Florida, visiting during a staycation shouldn’t break the bank.
Check out this guide to Miami Beach to plan your visit.
7. Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas
It’s no secret, a vacation is often about escaping the same four walls of home. So, one of the best staycation ideas in Florida is to book up at a resort for a few nights. It’s not cheating, we promise.
One of the best resorts to explore is the Sheraton Vistana. Once booked in you can take advantage of countless amenities like tennis courts, mini-golf, swimming pools. You could even go on numerous organized activities.
8. Everglades National Park
For any nature-loving activity-orientated family, the Everglades National Park offers limitless adventure. And if your idea of a family-friendly staycation includes; bicycling, bird-watching, boating, camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching, hiking, or slough slogging, then the Everglades is for you.
Not only is the Everglades packed full of adventures, it’s also a real ecosystem where you’ll get to see animals in their natural environment while enjoying the different products produced within its 1.5-million acres of wetlands.
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9. SeaWorld Orlando
Check out the video above to see a full walking tour of SeaWorld Orlando, one of the most visited amusement parks in the United States.
A theme park famed for its roller coasters, water rides, and aquatic attractions including dolphins, sharks, manta rays, penguins, and more.
10. Sarasota
Sarasota is an area renowned for its environmental and cultural amenities, resorts, beaches, and the Sarasota School of architecture. It’s a beautiful city located at the southern end of the Tampa Bay Area, north of Punta Gorda and Fort Myers.
Sarasota has countless beautiful performing arts venues for dance, theatre, and circus acts. Including the Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Ballet and many more
If culture tops your staycation ideas in Florida checklist then no location is better.
11. The Ringling Estate
The Ringling Estate is a collection of buildings; including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and the Ca’ d’Zan. Each of which perfect for an educational staycation day out.
Within the Sarasota based estate, you’ll find European art galleries, antiquities, and contemporary art from around the world. Plus, there are pavilions dedicated to glass, a miniature circus, a conservation lab, and much more to explore.
If you want a cultured family-friendly trip, the Ringling Estate should be added to your staycation ideas in Florida list first.
