Florida is a top pick for beach vacations with many affordable choices. Its long coastline and sunny weather all year make it easy to find places that are both fun and cheap. You can find historic inns and barrier islands that are perfect for photos and Instagram, without spending a lot.
Places like New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach are great for those on a budget. They offer activities like kayaking, surfing, and exploring nature. This means everyone can have fun without spending too much.
Key Takeaways
- Inexpensive vacations to Florida are best from November to May. The weather is perfect and it rains less.
- Florida has many affordable places to stay, from historic inns to beachfront resorts.
- Fun activities like surfing, kayaking, and nature walks are both fun and cheap.
- Places like Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach add a special charm to your trip.
- Finding affordable travel packages means you can enjoy more without spending too much.
For more tips on saving money in Florida, check out the full guide on Travel + Leisure.
Affordable Beach Destinations in Florida
Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches. It offers many places for budget-friendly vacations. You can find cheap beach getaways and the best beaches near Orlando without spending a lot.
Apalachicola and St. George Island
Apalachicola and St. George Island offer a taste of Old Florida. Apalachicola is known for its oyster bars and seafood. It has historical inns like The Bowery Inn.
St. George Island is close by. It has untouched beaches perfect for kayaking and paddling. You can enjoy the sun or try local seafood without spending a lot.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is known for its surfing and affordable hotels like Beach Place Guest Houses. It’s a favorite spot for pro surfers like Kelly Slater. You can also watch rocket launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center nearby.
Staying in the center means free shuttle rides to the Cocoa Beach Pier. It’s a great place for fun without spending a lot.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is another great spot for a cheap beach getaway. It has 13 miles of white-sand beaches. It’s perfect for a budget-friendly seaside retreat near Orlando.
You can stay in oceanfront condos or riverside bed-and-breakfasts like Black Dolphin Inn. There are many activities to enjoy without spending a lot.
Hidden Gems for Affordable Florida Travel
Looking for cheap Florida holidays? Explore hidden spots. You’ll find amazing natural places and fun activities for families. These places are not well-known but offer great deals.
Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is 100 miles south of Miami. It’s perfect for those who love the water. Bahia Honda State Park has some of Florida’s best snorkeling spots.
Here, you can see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. It’s a peaceful place to visit.
Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe has a lively downtown area. It’s small and charming, away from the crowds. It’s close to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
Beach lovers and nature fans will enjoy it. You can swim, fish, and hike in beautiful coastal areas.
Orange City
Orange City is great for families on a budget. Blue Springs State Park is there for swimming, kayaking, and watching wildlife. It’s famous for manatees in winter.
| Destination | Main Attraction | Activities | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pine Key | Bahia Honda State Park | Snorkeling, Swimming | Water Enthusiasts |
| Port St. Joe | St. Joseph Peninsula State Park | Fishing, Hiking | Nature Lovers |
| Orange City | Blue Springs State Park | Kayaking, Wildlife Watching | Families |
Cheap Getaways to Florida
Traveling to Florida on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. You can find amazing beaches and cities to explore. Florida has many affordable choices for everyone.
Looking for adventure or peace? Florida has it all. You can find great deals all year round.
The best time to visit is from November to May. The weather is nice and it rains less. But, to save money, you need to plan smart. Here are some places to stay:
| Accommodation | Features | Distance from Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Vacation Club Lake Buena Vista | Kitchenettes, separate living areas, whirlpool tubs | 23 minutes from Orlando International Airport |
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | Kids’ playground, arcade, childcare services | 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport |
| Red Roof Inn Palm Coast | Kids under 17 stay free, budget-friendly | 1 hour from Orlando and Jacksonville airports |
| Red Roof Inn Ocala | Fitness center, outdoor pool | 1 hour from Orlando Airport |
For families, try Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Hotel. They have fun for kids. For couples, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Sunset Key Cottages, Key West are perfect for a romantic stay.
Florida has many ways to save money. You can find great deals for a memorable trip. So, start planning your affordable Florida vacation today.
Best Deals on Florida Vacations
Going to Florida can be fun and cheap if you know how. You can find great deals on vacations. This means you can enjoy the beaches and nature without spending too much. Here are some top places for amazing experiences and big Florida savings.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is on the Emerald Coast. It has clear waters and soft white sand. It’s great for affordable beach vacations. Families can visit the Air Force Armament Museum for free and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Many hotels and motels offer deals. This makes it easy to find a good price.
Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee is famous for its clear springs and mermaid shows. You can kayak on the Weeki Wachee River or go to Buccaneer Bay. It’s a water park with fun activities that are easy on your wallet.
For more Florida savings, look at nearby hotels. They often have good prices all year.
Ocala
Ocala is known for its forests and horse farms. It’s great for outdoor fun without spending a lot. You can ride horses or hike in Ocala National Forest.
Budget hotels like the Red Roof Inn Ocala have free tea and coffee. They also have a fitness center and pool. This helps you save money.
| Destination | Key Attractions | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Walton Beach | Air Force Armament Museum, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park | November – May |
| Weeki Wachee | Weeki Wachee Springs, Buccaneer Bay | November – May |
| Ocala | Ocala National Forest, Horseback Riding | November – May |
Discounted Florida Travel Packages
Planning your next vacation to Florida doesn’t have to cost a lot. Look for special offers to find economical resorts. This way, your trip can be fun and not too expensive. You can find deals for all kinds of trips, from quiet parks to lively cities.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is in North Florida. It’s a mix of culture and nature. You can see a museum and enjoy the outdoors by the Suwannee River.
This park is great for learning and relaxing. And it’s affordable, making it perfect for budget-friendly trips.
Liki Tiki Village and Disney Springs
For a taste of Orlando’s magic, check out Liki Tiki Village. It’s not far from the airport and offers a good deal. Plus, it’s close to Disney Springs.
At Disney Springs, you can have fun without paying for park tickets. This makes Liki Tiki Village a top choice for affordable Florida travel.
| Resort | Drive Time from Airport |
|---|---|
| Legacy Vacation Club Lake Buena Vista | 23 minutes |
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | 20 minutes |
| 1 Hotel South Beach | 20 minutes |
| Red Roof Inn Ocala | 1 hour |
Affordable Trips to Florida
Going on vacation in Florida doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can find fun and affordable places to visit. State parks and community events are great for all kinds of travelers.
For a cheap trip, visit from November to May. The weather is nice and it rains less.
Choosing where to stay can save you money. For example, Legacy Vacation Club Lake Buena Vista is close to Orlando Airport. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is also near, about 20 minutes away.
At Miami International Airport, you can find good deals. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is 32 minutes away. 1 Hotel South Beach is just 20 minutes away. Red Roof Inn Palm Coast and Red Roof Inn Ocala are about an hour from Orlando and Jacksonville airports.
If you’re traveling far, think about Sunset Key Cottages. It’s a three-hour drive and a ferry ride from Miami to Key West.
Florida has many affordable places to stay, no matter how long you’re there. You can have a great time without spending too much.
Economical Places to Stay in Florida
Florida is a great place to visit on a budget. You can find many cheap places to stay. This way, you can have a fun trip without spending too much.
Historic Inns and B&Bs
Florida has many historic inns and B&Bs. They offer a cozy stay. Places like St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine are perfect.
They are more affordable than big hotels. You get great value for your money.
Beachfront RV Resorts and Campgrounds
Beach lovers will enjoy RV resorts and campgrounds. Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine and Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg are great. They offer beautiful ocean views.
Staying here means you save money. You can enjoy the beach more without worrying about hotel costs.
Budget-Friendly Hotels and Motels
Florida also has many budget hotels and motels. They are near popular spots. Here are some good ones:
| Hotel | Location | Distance to Major Airports |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Vacation Club Lake Buena Vista | Orlando | 23-minute drive to Orlando International Airport |
| Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort | Port St. Lucie | 40-minute drive to Palm-Beach International Airport |
| LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Hotel | Winter Haven | 57-minute drive to Orlando International Airport |
| Disney’s Art of Animation Resort | Orlando | 20-minute drive to Orlando International Airport |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | Amelia Island | 45-minute drive to Florida A1A S |
| Red Roof Inn Palm Coast | Palm Coast | 1-hour drive to Orlando and Jacksonville airports |
| Red Roof Inn Ocala | Ocala | 1-hour drive to Orlando Airport |
Florida has many affordable places to stay. You can choose historic inns, beachfront RV resorts, or budget hotels. With these options, you can have a great trip without spending too much.
Family-Friendly Low-Cost Florida Holiday Options
Planning a fun and affordable family vacation in Florida is easy. The Sunshine State offers many budget-friendly options. You can find sandy beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cities to explore.
The Everglades
The Everglades is a world full of natural wonders at a low cost. It has camping spots that let you enjoy the wild. You can watch birds, hike, and go on boat tours without spending much.
The Everglades is home to many animals. It’s a great place for families to learn and have fun without spending a lot. It’s a top choice for budget-friendly family vacations in Florida.
Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is affordable and fun for families. It has 22 miles of coastline for beach activities. You can swim, build sandcastles, and do water sports without high prices.
There are over 400 parks in Jacksonville. You’re always close to an outdoor adventure. Jacksonville Beach is great for families looking for affordable fun in Florida.
Natural Springs of North Florida
The Natural Springs of North Florida are beautiful and cheap. Places like Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs have clear waters for swimming and diving. Entrance fees are low, making them perfect for budget-friendly family trips.
These springs are surrounded by greenery and calm. They’re a great place for families to enjoy nature and cool off without spending a lot. It’s a wonderful way to make memories while saving money.
Discovering these affordable spots in Florida can make your family holiday unforgettable. Enjoy the natural beauty and budget-friendly activities for a fun and affordable trip.
Outdoor Activities on a Budget
Florida has many outdoor adventures that won’t cost a lot. You can paddle on rivers or explore underwater. There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot.
Paddling on the Suwannee River
The Suwannee River in North Florida is over 240 miles long. It’s great for paddling and seeing nature. You can canoe or kayak here and enjoy the scenery without spending a lot.
Snorkeling at Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key is a secret spot for snorkeling. It’s cheap to get in, and the water is clear and blue. It’s a perfect place for snorkeling without spending a lot.
Horseback Riding in Ocala
Ocala is known for its beautiful views and natural springs. It’s a great place for horseback riding. You can ride here whether you’re new or experienced. It’s a cheap way to see Florida’s beauty.
Looking for cheap places to stay? Try Liki Tiki Village near Orlando. It’s affordable and has water parks and mini-golf. These deals help you explore Florida without spending too much.
Exploring Florida’s Lower-Cost Attractions
Florida has many affordable cultural spots. It’s great for those looking for cheap fun. Here are three places where you can have fun without spending a lot.
The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum is in St. Petersburg. It has lots of surrealist art by Salvador Dali. It’s cheap and fun for art lovers or anyone curious about Dali’s work.
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is in Tampa. It shows marine life at a low cost. It’s a fun and cheap way to see the sea’s wonders.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is in Sarasota. It’s about marine research and conservation. It’s cheap and fun for all ages, teaching about the ocean.
| Attraction | City | Average Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|
| The Dali Museum | St. Petersburg | $25 |
| The Florida Aquarium | Tampa | $30 |
| Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium | Sarasota | $24 |
Visiting these spots in Florida is fun and won’t cost a lot. Add them to your trip for a good time without spending too much.
Conclusion
Florida has many vacation spots for those on a budget. You can enjoy beaches, wildlife, and museums without spending too much. Planning ahead makes your trip affordable and fun.
For example, the Kennedy Space Center costs $47 to enter. But, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is just $4 per vehicle. You can also visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for about $20 or less.
Looking for cheap attractions is important for a good Florida trip. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum costs $18 or less. Veterans and their families get free tours at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
There are also many affordable places to stay. You can find budget hotels, motels, historic inns, and B&Bs that fit your budget.
Florida has something for everyone, from solo travelers to families. Last year, over 122.4 million people visited. With careful planning, you can have a great and affordable trip to Florida.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a fun and affordable trip to Florida.