Whether you like to go wild in the waters or just want to escape the freezing winter of the north, the following tropical destinations and Hipmunk hotels on Florida beaches can be your best bet.
Panama City Beach
Image via Flickr by Karsun Designs Photography
With beautiful beach resorts and loads of entertainment options like cruising, aquatic adventures, shopping, and fine dining, Panama City Beach is a tropical paradise on the Emerald Coast. The city offers plenty of affordable hotels, car rentals, and cheap yet comfortable public transport options so that you can spend a fun-filled vacation in Panama City Beach within budget. Ocean Breeze Hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites Panama City Beach, and Days Inn Panama City Beach are some of the hotels in Panama City Beach, FL that provide comfort and luxury such as sea-facing rooms, a pool, spa, and fitness center within $150 a night. Enjoy adventure activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat ride, and specialized dolphin tours during the day, and chill out at the downtown bars in the evening. Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark are the places where kids can have their share of fun and adventure.
Fort Myers Beach
Pristine white beaches lined with swaying palms, balmy weather, and a laid-back lifestyle in Fort Myers creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxing vacation. With its beautifully paved lanes for biking you can conveniently explore this beach town on a bicycle. Alligator Creek and Babcock Ecotour Trail promise exciting hiking tours in the wilderness. Spring is a good time to visit for baseball lovers as Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox carry out their preseason training in Fort Myers during this time. A relaxing day’s activity in Fort Myers can typically include exploring Butterfly Estate or bird or dolphin watching at Everglades Day Safari. Add some excitement with airboat rides at the Everglades.
If you want a closer look at the city’s cultural side, visit the winter estates of Ford and Edison. Like a perfect beach vacation destination, Fort Myers houses several luxury beach resorts. However, there are budget-friendly hotels in Fort Myers, FL as well. Days Inn Fort Myers, Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites, and Harbour House at the Inn are some of the affordable options in high season.
Clearwater Beach
Image via Flickr by milan.boers
With picturesque white-sand beaches and pure water Clearwater beckons beach lovers and vacationers from across the country. Clearwater beaches are lined with shops and eateries. There are many beachfront hotels in Clearwater, FL that offer ocean-view rooms and access to a pool and fitness center at a price ranging from $150 to $180 per night. Clearwater Beach Hotel and Beachview Inn fall in this category.
Whether you like swimming, sailing, or deep-sea fishing, options are aplenty by the ocean. Adventure lovers can also try jet skiing and parasailing. Meet a wide variety of marine animals such as stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is the one of the chief attractions in Clearwater. With quiet beaches, beautiful walking trails, and playgrounds for kids, Sand Key Park is a great place to relax with family.
West Palm Beach
With upscale urban amenities, plush shopping malls, and luxurious beachfront accommodations, West Palm Beach is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Florida. The city has beautiful golf courses where you can relax. Spot wild animals and endangered species like white rhinos at the Lion Country Safari. Take a day trip to Peanut Island, which houses historical sites, museums, landscaped picnic spots, and walking and biking trails. Downtown West Palm Beach is a vibrant place with fine dining restaurants, buzzing flea markets, busy nightlife, and cultural live shows. Downtown hotels in West Palm Beach, FL are ideal for casual vacationers, but hotels near the airport are more convenient and cheaper for business travelers. DoubleTree by Hilton West Palm Beach Airport, Hilton Garden Inn West Palm Beach Airport, and Courtyard by Marriott West Palm Beach Airport are some affordable hotels offering airport shuttle service as well as quick access to the city center.
Daytona Beach
Image via Flickr by StevenM_61
Daytona Beach is a thriving metropolitan area located 242 miles northwest of Miami. While beautiful, vibrant beaches and resorts are the main attractions in Daytona Beach in Florida, Daytona International Speedway and two excellent golf courses add to its touristy charm. Aptly called as the ‘Festival Capital of Florida’, Daytona Beach hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. From waterfront adventures to motor racing, from historic walking tours to exciting nightlife, Daytona Beach has plenty in store for visitors. If you are traveling with family try outdoor adventures like kayaking in Tomoka River, stand-up paddle boarding, or sea surfing. Don’t miss the Selfie Photo Contest for extra fun.
There is no dearth of luxury hotels in Daytona Beach, FL if you want to splurge, but Plaza Resort & Spa offers luxurious rooms and amenities including complimentary surfing and paddleboard rentals and quick access to Daytona Lagoon water park and Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier at $89 a night. However, if you are visiting Daytona in racing season, Daytona Beach La Quinta Inn Daytona Beach/International Speedway is the place to stay.
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