From the Everglades to the panhandle and everywhere in between, Florida is full of amazing vacation destinations. With 1,350 miles of coastline to choose from and plenty of excitement in the middle of the state as well. Narrowing down where you want to go between the best vacation destinations in Florida can be a daunting task.
Whether you’re looking for time away as a family, a romantic outing for two, or something on the adventurous side, Florida has it. Within driving distance of much of the US and plenty of airports to choose from, the only thing left to decide is where you’re going to go.
Let’s dive into this specially curated list of Florida vacation destinations to choose the one that fits you.
Located at the far end of the Florida Panhandle, Perdido Key is a barrier island between Pensacola, Florida, and Orange Beach, Alabama. Known for its uncrowded, sugar-white beaches and emerald waters, Perdido Key is a haven for those looking to unwind in nature’s beauty.
Spend a morning at Johnson Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where serious shellers arrive early for sand dollars, whelks, and scallops along one of the most unspoiled stretches of Gulf Coast beach you'll find. In the afternoon, head into Perdido Key State Park for the boardwalk trail that winds past four species of rare pitcher plants and some of the best birdwatching on the panhandle. If fishing is your thing, Panhandle Salt Beach Fishing puts you right on the beach, no boat required.
When the sun goes down, head to Flora-Bama, this Gulf Coast legend has been straddling the Florida-Alabama state line since the 1960s, and it earns every bit of its reputation for live music across five stages, freshly shucked oysters, and an atmosphere that feels like a block party on the beach. For something more sit-down, Fisherman's Corner delivers casual fine dining with a Creole edge. The Shrimp & Grits and Creole Seafood Alfredo are standouts, and the kitchen takes real pride in sourcing locally. If a special occasion calls for something more refined, Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort in nearby Orange Beach is a coastal dining experience worth dressing up for.
To make the most of your stay, book your Perdido Key vacation rental with our partner Perdido Realty Vacations. With a variety of accommodation types, you can stay oceanfront in a comfortable condo or spread out in a spacious villa. These luxury homes offer gorgeous interior designs that relieve your stress at the front door because you know you’re living the beach life with a vacation company that will take care of you.
Destin, often referred to as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," is famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. Much like Perdido Key, the emerald waters and ivory beaches make it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers. This is a place built for people who want to be on, in, or near the water, whether that means booking a deep-sea charter at dawn or floating all afternoon at Crab Island, the legendary shallow sandbar in the harbor where locals anchor their boats and wade in crystal-clear water with a cold drink in hand.
On land, HarborWalk Village is the heart of the Destin social scene, a waterfront strip of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, perfect for a date night or a slow evening stroll, watchingcharter boats come in. Families traveling with kids will want to pencil in a day at Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park, which offers over 20 water rides and a wave simulator that keeps the energy up from open to close.
For dinner, East Pass Seafood & Oyster House inside HarborWalk Village is the real deal fresh local seafood with a Cajun twist, excellent oysters, and craft cocktails that make the meal feel like an event. McGuire's Irish Pub is a Destin institution that goes well beyond pub food, with dollar bills covering every inch of the ceiling, live Irish music, and a New York cheesecake that's worth the trip alone. And when the occasion calls for proper fine dining, Bijoux delivers an elegant, unhurried experience in a setting that feels genuinely special.
Our partner, Holiday Isle Properties, offers premium oceanfront condos for you to book your Destin vacation rental. Large windows flood your living space with natural light, complementing the ocean views. Sip your wine or coffee from your private balcony as you watch the sun go up or down. Grand multi-level homes are also available for those traveling with loved ones and who really want the space to spread out and relax. No matter what you choose, Holiday Isle Properties will give you the best vacation yet.
Continuing our tour of the Florida panhandle, South Walton is well known for its charming communities, like scenes from a storybook, and unbeatable beaches. Visitors can explore the coastal dune lakes, lush state parks, and the vibrant arts scene. The Scenic Highway 98 Trail offers the perfect spot for biking or jogging while enjoying expansive views of the coastline. After enjoying the water, the Scenic Highway 98 Trail offers a scenic route for biking or jogging, with open-ocean views throughout.
As the sun sets, the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin offers evening entertainment for families and couples, including boutiques, restaurants, live events, and an adventure zone featuring adventure zone with zip lines and a ropes course. Meanwhile, Grayton Beach State Park remains one of the most beautiful beaches in the US and deserves a dedicated morning visit.
The dining scene here is genuinely impressive. Fish Out of Water at WaterColor Inn is a standout, offering sweeping Gulf views, southern coastal cuisine made from scratch, and one of the best happy hours in South Walton, complete with live entertainment. Bud & Alley's in Seaside has earned its reputation over more than 40 years of beachfront dining and is as reliable as it gets. For a proper date night with views to match the food, Vue on 30A sits high on a dune overlooking the Gulf and serves NOLA-style BBQ Shrimp and daily catch specials that are hard to forget. Reserve ahead of time, as it fills up especially during the summer.
When booking your South Walton vacation rental, choose our partner Scenic Stays. Their curated collection of luxury vacation rentals in South Walton’s most desirable locations offers you the opportunity of a lifetime. From Gulf-front condos to stunning homes in Lake Tresca, you can find the perfect South Walton vacation rental, and there is no wrong choice.
The scenic Highway 30A stretches along Florida’s Gulf Coast, connecting a series of beach communities each with its own unique charm. From quaint cottages to the upscale ambiance, 30A offers something for every traveler. The beaches along 30A are second to none, with turquoise Gulf Coast waters and alabaster sand to sink your toes into.
Year-round, 30A offers a variety of events and activities. Each January, the 30A Songwriters Festival attracts over 200 singer-songwriters who perform at small venues across the communities, providing four days of unique music you can't find elsewhere. Every Saturday morning, the Seaside Farmers Market features local vendors, live performances, and some of the best street food in thepanhandle. Additionally, the area includes an aquarium, waterpark, mini golf, and more, ensuring there's always something to do along this vibrant stretch.
The restaurant scene on 30A exceeds expectations. Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach has long set the bar for casual fine dining, offering fire-roasted seafood, housemade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a relaxed yet refined setting. The Red Bar in Grayton Beach offers an energetic vibe with eclectic decor, live jazz most nights, Gulf Coast seafood staples, and a weekend line that moves surprisingly quickly. Meanwhile, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate in Rosemary Beach is ideal for catching up with friends or unwinding with shared plates, including excellent crab cakes, Patatas Bravas, and a chocolate-focused dessert menu that makes leaving difficult.
Our partner at ELP Luxury Vacations offers way more than just a place to sleep. These exclusive vacation homes along 30A give you a lavish and memorable stay. With private pools, open balconies, vast floor plans, and truly high-end finishings, these homes were built and designed with the discerning traveler in mind. The modern coastal designs will not be easily found elsewhere, so book with ELP Luxury Vacations for the best 30A vacation rentals anywhere.
Further down the Florida coast, just south of Tampa, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota provide a blend of Old Florida charm and contemporary sophistication. Anna Maria Island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, broad beaches, and historical charm. Sarasota brings the sophistication. The Ringling Museum Complex alone is worth the visit, with the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, Ca' d'Zan mansion on the bay, and sprawling gardens that make the grounds as impressive as the collections inside. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is one of the better aquariums in Florida, with active research on sharks and sea turtles that gives the exhibits a genuine sense of purpose beyond the fish tanks. For families, kayaking and paddleboard tours through Anna Maria's mangrove channels are an easy half-day activity with a good chance of spotting manatees and dolphins.
You’ll find that the food is excellent at both locations. On the island, The Sandbar Restaurant is the gathering spot, literally in the sand, offering Gulf views, coconut shrimp, grouper sandwiches, and world-famous margaritas. It's where locals and visitors meet every evening without fuss. Meanwhile, Beach Bistro on Holmes Beach provides a romantic ambiance with direct beach views, an impressive wine list, and dishes like seared foie gras and bouillabaisse that have earned it praise for decades. In Sarasota, Indigenous Restaurant shifts its menu weekly, highlighting the freshest ingredients from local farms and fishermen. It's a place where the food clearly comes from someone who truly cares.
Together, these destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation and enrichment and you'll find the ideal vacation rentals for Anna Maria Island and Sarasota with our partner, Seabreeze Vacations. Seabreeze Vacations complements this with their stunning collection of beachfront properties featuring private pools, Gulf views, and spacious outdoor living areas where you can soak in the island breeze. Both property managers deliver exceptional hospitality and attention to detail, ensuring you enjoy an incredible vacation rental experience you truly deserve.
Don’t really want a beach vacation? That’s okay. We saved one of the best Florida destinations for last. Orlando is synonymous with world-famous theme parks that you will not find anywhere else on the planet. Explore the new Galaxy’s Edge theme park at Disney World or step inside Hogwarts at Harry Potter World at Universal Studios. These theme parks will give you and your family memories for years to come.
Beyond the parks, ICON Park on International Drive is a free-admission entertainment complex with over 50 attractions, including The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds. Orlando's downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods have also quietly developed into a genuinely strong food and nightlife scene for when you need a break from the theme park universe.
Speaking of food: 4 Rivers Smokehouse has won best barbecue in Orlando so many consecutive times it's almost unfair to the competition, slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs that can hold their own against anything in the South. The Osprey in Baldwin Park is a neighborhood favorite with a vibrant atmosphere, a creative menu, and a bar scene that makes it equally great for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory night out. And if you want something truly special, Kaya in the Mills 50 District earned a Michelin Green Star and ranked in Yelp's Top 10 restaurants in the entire US in 2025.
After a day of adventure, retreat to a luxurious vacation rental with our partner, Element Vacation Homes. These homes were specially designed to match all the entertainment Orlando has to offer. From Mickey and pirate-themed bedrooms to massive TVs and surround sound, the fun doesn’t have to stop just because you left the park. Element Vacation Homes offers top-of-the-line Orlando vacation rentals packed with luxury, comfort, and game rooms!
Amelia Island, located in the northeastern corner of Florida, is a coastal destination known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and small-town charm. Situated just south of the Georgia border, this barrier island offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a perfect getaway for visitors seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of old-world charm.
Start with Fort Clinch State Park at the north end of the island, where living-history programs and guided tours bring the 1860s fort to life amid excellent hiking, fishing, and birding. Spend an afternoon walking the 50-block Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the independent boutiques, wine bars, and galleries are genuinely worth your time. And if you want the trip's standout experience, book a boat over to Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, where wild horses roam freely across pristine wilderness beaches. Most Florida visitors never know it's there.
The restaurant scene on Amelia Island punches well above its size. The Patio at 5th & Ash is the most consistently recommended spot on the island, a lively outdoor bistro where the shrimp scampi, short rib, and redfish are all excellent, and the craft cocktails keep pace. Timoti's Seafood Shak is where locals send their friends for casual seafood: the Baja Box with blackened, grilled shrimp is as good as people say, and the homemade sauces make everything taste like someone put real thought into it. For a more elevated evening, 29 South has been on Florida's Top 100 Restaurants list since 2010 for good reason a farm-to-table bistro that grows ingredients in its own Chef's Garden out back and lets the menu reflect what's actually in season.
For the perfect home away from home, booking with our partners, Destination Amelia is the best way to go. With a variety of stunning homes that embody the bright atmosphere and unique charm of the island, you are guaranteed to enjoy every moment of your stay. Seamlessly blending comfort and relaxation with thoughtfully designed spaces, lush amenities, and prime locations, Destination Amelia provides the experience to make your Amelia Island vacation one to remember.
There is a destination and vacation rental for everyone in Florida. The hardest part is choosing which destination you want to go to first. Whether you’re looking for charming, quiet coastal towns or bustling entertainment hubs, you’ll have one of the best vacations of your life when you plan your Florida vacation and book with one of our 100 Collection™ partners!
