Best Cities To Vacation in Florida When You Want To Get Away
Most people consider Florida vacation spots busy with beaches, theme parks, and exciting nightlife. Those can be fun, but sometimes you just want a quiet escape. Florida has many peaceful spots perfect for relaxing, from calm coastal towns to pretty nature parks and small, charming cities.
Places like Sanibel Island, Cedar Key, and Mount Dora let you enjoy nature, avoid crowds, and experience unique local cultures. Check out Otter Self Storage’s blog on the five Florida beaches you must explore for more ideas. Pack your bags and get ready to relax in the following best places to visit in Florida!
1. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a magical place with beautiful beaches and seashells, making it perfect for nature lovers. You can walk along Bowman’s Beach, watch amazing sunsets, or take in nature at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you can go bird-watching or kayaking.
Sanibel Island is also a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants like Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille and Thistle Lodge Restaurant.
2. Apalachicola
In Florida’s panhandle, Apalachicola is a charming little town perfect for a quiet getaway. The downtown area has unique shops, galleries, and restaurants to visit. You can also take a boat tour on the Apalachicola River to see beautiful scenery and wildlife. Nearby, St. George Island has peaceful, uncrowded beaches where you can soak up the sun.
3. Mount Dora
Mount Dora, a beautiful town just north of Orlando, is perfect for a peaceful Florida vacation. With its antique shops, scenic lakes, and fun festivals, this charming spot combines old-world charm with natural beauty.
Wander through downtown to find unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. We also recommend taking a boat ride on Lake Dora or strolling along the town’s walking trails. With its friendly atmosphere and annual festivals, Mount Dora is a wonderful place to visit any time of year.
4. Cedar Key
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cedar Key is a quiet island town away from the busy tourist spots. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature—you can go kayaking, fishing, or try delicious fresh seafood. Take a kayak tour of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge to see wildlife up close.
The small downtown area also offers unique art galleries, shops, and cozy seafood restaurants. With its calm, classic Florida charm, Cedar Key is great for bird-watching, fishing, or soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
5. Key Largo
While the Florida Keys are known for Key West’s lively energy, Key Largo offers a peaceful escape. As the quietest of the Florida Keys, it’s perfect for snorkeling, diving, and boating in its crystal-clear waters. The vibrant coral reefs are a great spot to enjoy the ocean’s beauty.
Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S., to see colorful marine life up close. Nature lovers can enjoy tropical walking trails at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
6. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a peaceful place on Florida’s Gulf Coast, full of old Florida charm. It has soft white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and a relaxing atmosphere. Spend time fishing on the Anna Maria City Pier, visiting the unique shops and restaurants on Pine Avenue, or simply relaxing on the beach.
You can even enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant like the Sandbar Restaurant or watch a beautiful sunset over the Gulf.
What To Bring On a Vacation
Use this vacation checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a great Florida vacation. Your Florida getaway will be stress-free and fun if you have the right gear:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
- A backpack or tote for day trips
- Chargers, headphones, and cameras
- Identification cards and maps
Plan Your Next Getaway With Otter Self Storage
Planning your relaxing Florida getaway? Otter Self Storage can help make your trip even easier! Our personal storage units are here whether you need a place to store your beach gear, outdoor equipment, or household belongings. With Florida storage facilities near many of the Sunshine State’s top vacation spots, we make keeping your items simple while traveling.
Rather than worrying about packing and storage, store with Otter Self Storage and enjoy the sunshine, nature, and quiet towns. Call or contact us online to rent your storage unit today and make your Florida vacation smooth and hassle-free!