Florida is an ever-popular destination, bathed in sunshine all year round and with countless fun things to do for the whole family. So why not leave the passport at home and explore one of America’s favorite places? Florida staycations promise the perfect escapism. Be it for the weekend or for an endless summer, soak up a dream vacation on the doorstep.
With 700 miles of pearly white shores and 1,540 navigable miles of waterways, those who love relaxing by water will fall for Sunshine State. Add in the mix of vibrant cities and world-class theme parks and you have yourself infinite choice! A go-to destination for families, couples, pet-friendly breaks, and multigenerational groups, whatever the pace you need your staycation to be, Florida is it.
With long, balmy summers and mild winters, you won’t need to worry about what to pack either! Read on and grab yourself a slice of Sunshine State, with Top Villas.
Central Florida Staycations
Easily accessible by road, rail, or plane, Central Florida is the perfect destination for a hassle-free staycation. Whether it’s hitting the famous golf courses, soaking up the beaches, or experiencing the fun Latin-American flavor of Miami, Florida staycations let you switch off and have fun.
1. Tee-off with an Orlando golf break
Fan of the fairways? Orlando is one of the best places in Florida to tee-off. Choose from 24 golf courses, or better still pick a luxury golf resort so you can stay and play all staycation long. Our best scenic golf villas in Orlando set the scene for an effortless golf break. With 54-holes of championship golf to take on, you’ll love the varied signature Reunion courses of Palmer, Watson, and Nicklaus.
These luxury golf villas also enjoy access to the world-class amenities of Reunion Resort. You also have proximity to the theme parks, leaving you free to bring along your golfing buddies, or your fun-loving family.
2. Pick up the pace in Miami
Miami is renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning Art Deco buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Factor in a fun Latin-American streak, live music, and sublime cuisine and you have yourself a world-class city break.
Heading to Miami for a short weekend? Soak up the Instagrammable style of Ocean Drive and Miami’s best bars, beaches, and shopping districts. For a laid-back way to sightsee, a city tour will drive you past the most iconic landmarks. Love culture? Take in the world-class art at the city’s top galleries, or visit Biscayne Bay for the Renaissance-style Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Looking for some downtime? Explore Miami’s stunning Botanical parks.
From 2-bedroom apartments near the major attractions to sleek poolside villas and 5-star hotel condos overlooking Miami Beach, our chic Miami vacation rentals place you on the pulse of this colorful, coastal metropolis.
3. Dip into the sights from Clearwater
Offering some of the best beaches in America, as well as a strategic setting in Central Florida, Clearwater is hard to beat for Florida staycations. The photogenic city boasts endless sunny days and pearly white beaches, from its dreamy position on the Gulf of Mexico.
At Clearwater Beach, the calm, aquamarine waters offer the perfect spot for swimming and year-round watersports, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Prefer to stay on dry land? Enjoy cycling or rollerblading along the beachfront promenade, which is lined with laid-back cafes and seafood restaurants. Grab a bite to eat and celebrate the daily sunsets at Pier 60, which hosts lively, nightly festivals.
For families, head out and enjoy the world-class theme parks of Tampa (30 minutes’ drive away) and Orlando (90 minutes’ drive away), for fun-packed vacation memories. At the end of an exciting day, head back and make the most of your luxury Clearwater villa.
The ultimate Florida staycation for families
As Florida staycations go, families are in for endless amusement. With 10 major theme parks on the doorstep, you’ll also find a plethora of smaller attractions for a fun staycation in Central Florida. From swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove to gator wrestling and swamp walks at Gatorland! Whether you’re bound for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or the theme parks of Orlando, pack your bags and head for the action.
Not sure where to start? Discover our Florida villas and condo rentals and reserve your perfect staycation base. Next, let the fun commence!
4. Head to theme park central
When thinking of fun Florida staycations, Orlando is the no.1 destination. Within the magical world of Walt Disney World, soak up the world-class theme parks of Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. Beyond Disney, Universal Orlando and Legoland promise an extra dose of amusement.
Looking to go all out for the kids? Our luxury Orlando villas with themed kids’ rooms promise VIP amenities and proximity to Disney. Our affordable condos near Disney are also ideal for smaller family groups and couples.
Weekend retreats in Florida
Florida staycations needn’t be all summer long. When time is precious, treat yourself to a luxury break. Even if it’s just for 3 or 4 nights, Orlando offers the perfect escapism. With theme parks galore and first-class attractions and activities, Orlando is the place to get away from it all. Couples, families, golfers, and multigenerational groups are fully catered for in the City Beautiful.
5. Soak up a luxury Orlando resort
For 3 night breaks, our Encore Resort villas provide a super luxury vacation base in Orlando. Equipped with themed rooms, home theaters, game rooms, private pools, hot tubs and resort membership, all your wildest dreams for a luxury staycation are here.
Tempted to stay for 4 nights or more? Our exclusive villas in Reunion Resort and our vacation communities at Windsor Hills, Championsgate, and Storey Lake Resort promise the perfect sanctuary for an unforgettable few nights away. With access to resort amenities and the nearby world-class attractions, soak up a 5-star staycation with your family and friends.
Unique staycations in Florida
Florida staycations don’t need to be grand affairs. Sometimes you want to shake things up for the day. For a unique outing near Orlando, head to Weeki Wachee Springs (1hr 40 minutes’ drive away). This natural tourist attraction hosts underwater performances by ‘mermaids’. That’s right! Women wearing fish tails put on a mesmerizing performance, within the spring of the Weeki Wachee River.
Another unique day trip has to be to the Everglades. As a sprawling 1.5 million-acre wetland reserve, the Everglades National Park invites you to see a whole new world for the day. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, they offer a diverse landscape in which to spot some greats, including the American alligator and the Florida panther. The best way to take in the Everglades is from the water, by kayak, canoe, or airboat.
6. Discover the hidden charms of Fort Myers
Have more time on your hands? Head to the gateway of southwest Florida. There you can explore the fascinating heritage and buzz of Fort Myers. This unique city proves that Florida staycations can be as cultural or as laidback as you like.
Explore the famous Edison and Ford Winter Estates or enjoy a scenic boat tour, a spot of fishing, shopping, and beach bliss. Discover the natural beauty of the Six Mile Cypress Slough preserve and catch a baseball game at the Hammond stadium.
After a day of sightseeing, relax in your Fort Myers luxury vacation home equipped with all the mod cons, including a covered private pool. Florida staycations are the life indeed!
Relaxing places to stay in Florida
Hoping to switch off and reconnect? Filled with southern charm and captivating scenery, Florida staycations can unwind before your very eyes, as these two super holiday spots go to show.
7. Soak up the waterways of Cape Coral
Just a 20-minute drive from Fort Myers, you’ll find staycation paradise. Cape Coral boasts an impressive waterway system of navigable canals, more than in any other country in fact! This southwest Florida city is also home to a plethora of things to do.
From watersports and boating to kayaking in Sirenia Vista Park, Cape Coral is a real-life ‘Waterworld’. Soak up the community spirit at the local Yacht club and pier along the Caloosahatchee River, or check out the abundant wildlife at the Aquatic and Ecological Preserves. When it’s time to eat you’ll find a plethora of great dining options too.
Looking to stay? Our Cape Coral vacation homes are unparalleled. Pick from scenic covered pools and boat pontoons with speedboats to pet-friendly interiors and private Tiki bars. With amenities like these on tap, come and switch off in style.
8. Unwind by the pool in Destin
Far away from the craze of the theme parks (400 miles to be exact), you’ll find the breathtaking Emerald Coast. Famed for its stunning waters and a 24-mile stretch of sand, Destin is what Florida staycations are made of. Leave the rat race behind and soak up the incredible beaches, golfing, and fishing opportunities. Gear things up with some retail therapy or soak up the buzz along Destin’s Harbor Boardwalk. You’ll also find plenty of things to see and do in Destin to keep all ages amused.
Whether you’re a couple or a large family group, our Destin vacation rentals promise the perfect break. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly and are equipped with scenic balconies and pools, whilst some make beach days a breeze, thanks to private beach buggies.
Staycations for Florida residents
As a local, you may think you know Florida inside out. Think again! Enjoy exploring some of America’s most beautiful beaches in Cape San Blas. For pure ‘out of office’ mode, head to the Florida Keys. Checking in to these Florida destinations will feel a million miles away from the major tourist attractions of Central Florida.
Surprise yourself and enjoy discovering the gentler qualities of this breathtaking state.
9. Florida Keys calling
This 120-mile long stretch of tropical islands forms the most iconic archipelago in Florida. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, head here for snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, and fishing. Or simply zone out in a hammock!
Reachable from Miami in just 90 minutes, Islamorada lets you call the shots. This unique paradise is spread across 6 islands. Switch off and explore its beaches, swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea, or enjoy visiting its diverse range of State Parks. You’ll find its fantastic dining scene equally tempting.
For a 5-star Florida Keys staycation, our oceanfront resort homes offer VIP amenities to write home about. From couple-friendly rentals to wheel-chair accessible villas, you’ll find your dream staycation here.
Florida staycation deals
Thanks to the incredible weather, booking time away in Sunshine State is always a good idea. What’s more, Florida staycations needn’t cost the earth. Many of our Florida homes enjoy special offers, saving you on last-minute breaks and seasonal stays.
You’ll also enjoy a saving of up to 70% on long-term staycations.
Book with Top Villas
When booking one of our beautiful Florida vacation homes, you’re guaranteed first-class service. Our Guest Experience team is on hand to help enhance your vacation too, with amazing Concierge services.
What’s more, we make payments a breeze. Our new Affirm credit payment option* means you can spread the cost of your villa stay over a 3, 6, or 12 month period. Simply look out for properties with the Affirm banner!
*Subject to meeting Affirm’s credit criteria. T’s & C’s apply.
Choosing our flex properties
Many of our Florida vacation rentals also benefit from our hassle-free Flex cancellation policy. You’ll be free to cancel within the specified time for any reason, for a full refund. Alternatively, amend your travel dates for free.
To benefit from this extra peace of mind, reserve a vacation home with one of the following badges:
- Flex 14 – Cancel for a full refund or amend your dates free of charge, up to 14 days before check in.*
- Flex 30 – Cancel for a full refund or amend dates free of charge, up to 30 days before check in.*
*T’s & C’s apply.
