When you need a break to recharge and reconnect—and you need it, like, now—there’s no place better than the Sunshine State. It’s the ultimate destination for what we’re officially dubbing a “YouCation,” where you can hit the pause button on everything else and focus on what really matters: your own personal well-being and your relationships with friends and loved ones.
So, if you’re ready to put up that OOO message and escape to somewhere warm and wonderful for a couple days, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to discover three fun itineraries—packed full of adventure, food, and culture—in three of our favorite Florida getaway spots. Whether you want to reconnect on a couples’ trip or cruise the scene with your crew, you’ll find that these last-minute group trip ideas offer everything you’re looking for.
St. Petersburg
With the title for most consecutive days of sunshine (768 days!) and a buzzing art scene that belies its smallish size, St. Petersburg is an arts- and culture-lovers paradise situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It’s the perfect place to escape with a crew of friends that love art exhibitions and outdoor adventures in equal measure.
Start your weekend with an early-morning clear kayak tour around Shell Key Preserve, where you’ll paddle alongside mangroves, collect shells on sandbars and white sand beaches, and explore hidden coves that’ll make you feel like you’re in a screensaver. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins, manatees, and other fascinating sea life, so keep an eye on the underwater world passing beneath your see-through vessel.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite with all that paddling, you’ll want a central location where you can explore lots of amazing local cuisine. With that in mind, head to Central Avenue—considered St. Pete’s coolest street—for a self-guided foodie tour that encompasses modern Italian, farm-to-table fare, sushi, and authentic flavors from Cuba, Greece, and Lebanon. Save some room for a fried grouper sandwich, a Florida favorite that is leveled up with fresh-off-the-boat fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Some faves to add to your itinerary: Grassroots Kava House for local kava; Hawkers for Asian street-food specialties; and The Hyppofor refreshing fruit ice pops.
While you’re exploring Central Avenue, check out the dozens of independent shops that carry everything from on-trend clothing to home decor. Wrap up the day by exploring the nightlife and live music scene in the neighborhood, which encompasses high-style cocktail bars and laidback dives, classic jazz clubs, and craft beer hotspots.
On day two, spend some time immersing yourself in the city’s art scene. Start by checking out the major museums, especially the Salvador Dali Museum—home to the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Spain—and the Museum of Fine Arts, Florida’s encyclopedic art museum.
From there, shift gears and explore the abundant street art that populates the city’s many districts, including Central Arts, Warehouse Arts, the EDGE, Grand Central, and MLK North. Pro tip: Download the Pixelstip app and scan the “smart plaque” on many of the murals to learn more about them.
Close out your weekend getaway with a visit to Fairgrounds St. Pete, an indoor world full of immersive art exhibits celebrating everything that’s weird, wonderful, and wacky about the Sunshine State.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known for its stunning beaches, superb shopping, and 165 miles of inland waterways that earned it the nickname “the Venice of America.” It’s a go-to destination if lazy beach days paired with river cruises and a bit of wildlife-watching sound like your cup of tea.
If you like to dive into a vacation headfirst, then you’ll want to kick off your Fort Lauderdale experience with one of the state’s most bucket list-worthy activities: Taking an airboat ride through the Everglades. Perched atop a high-powered airboat that skims the surface of marshy wetlands, you’ll explore places other boats can’t reach and experience alligators in their natural habitat, along with species of birds and fish that are unique to the region.
After seeing some of the wilder parts of the area, head to Las Olas Boulevard for world-class shopping and dining. If you’ve got a taste for fresh local seafood with a view of the New River, make your way to Boathouse at the Riverside, an elegant spot for a meal or happy hour at the lively central bar. Afterward, head over to the Arts and Entertainment District, where you’ll find more than 20 curated outdoor contemporary art murals alongside the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the NSU Art Museum. It’s the perfect ending to your first day in Fort Lauderdale.
Ready for another full day of fun, sun, and surprises? After a leisurely morning basking on the golden sandy beaches, take a ride on one of the famed water taxis and get a unique view of the city and its distinctive neighborhoods. Choose between an all-day or evening pass so you can glide among historic areas, shopping districts, nightlife destinations, and other local attractions—including the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale—and stop to explore at your own pace.
Cap off your time in Fort Lauderdale with another core memory-making experience: a catered sunset picnic on the beach by local company The Little Gatherings. With floor-style seating, Insta-worthy decor, and tasty food options, these pop-up picnics are an ideal—and decidedly glamorous—way to share a toast with friends and loved ones.
Miami
With its well-earned reputation as one of the world’s best vacation spots, Miami is an obvious choice if you’re seeking a warm-weather escape with your nearest and dearest. From top-notch shopping and sparkling nightlife to art festivals, a thriving food scene, and plentiful water sports and fishing opportunities, it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter who’s in your crowd.
Start your weekend away by spending some time on jet skis, skimming across warm turquoise waters as you take in the views of the city. Not a speed demon? There are plenty of other ways to get out on the water, from stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to sightseeing cruises and snorkel or scuba excursions. Pro tip: Miami boasts easy access to the coral shelves and reefs of the Florida Straits, the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
For the foodies, a Little Havana food tour is a non-negotiable. Booking a curated tour means you can forgo the hassle of driving and parking and simply enjoy all the flavor this lively neighborhood has to offer. (Spoiler alert: It’s a lot!) With an experienced host guiding your journey, you’ll be able to connect Miami’s cuisine to its cultural and historic roots. Our favorite can’t-miss spot: La Ventanita, Miami’s most iconic coffee window serving the restaurant’s revered Cuban Cafecito. Wrap up your day of ocean adventure and foodie fun with a trip to Ball & Chain, a Calle Ocho institution known for live music and over-the-top entertainment.
Finish off your time in Miami with an all-day adventure in the Wynwood Arts District. Head to Wynwood Walls to explore a huge array of outdoor murals by groundbreaking artists; you can also create some colorful work of your own by booking a spray paint demo and hands-on painting time. Featuring everything from large-scale pop art murals to abstract works to sculptures and larger-than-life quotes, Wynwood is a photographer’s delight—it’ll definitely step up your selfie game. Once you’ve had your fill of art, say farewell to this spectacular gem of a beachfront city with dinner and drinks at The Oasis.
For more inspiring itineraries for your last-minute Florida getaway, head to Visit Florida.
