Happy summer! It’s been a long year, to say the least! With the kids now out of school and the heat taking its toll, planning a little getaway may be the cure to your mid-year grogginess and just what you need to refresh. But you don’t have to go far! One of the most overlooked forms of vacations are staycations, which are overnight stays within a short distance of your home to partake in leisurely activities with your family and get a chance to be a tourist in your own town! With so many seaside towns and cities here in south Florida, there are so many places to take a staycation in your very own backyard. Here, we’re highlighting five summer staycation spots that will get you in relaxation mode in no time, all without straying too far from home.
Located in the heart of Boca Raton, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is probably a local monument you’ve driven past hundreds of times (who could miss that tall pink building you see on the horizon?). Maybe you’re a member, maybe you’re not, but regardless, anyone can book a stay at this gorgeous resort! There’s so much for the whole family to do on this property: Play a round or two of golf on one of their gorgeous courses, a game of pick-up tennis or pickleball, or a lawn game around the resort; head to the beach to relax, book boat cruise, or rent water sport equipment; enjoy a spa day while the kids hang out at the clubhouse; or have an unforgettable dining experience at one of the many award-winning restaurants on site. Right now, the Boca Resort is offering daily breakfast and a fourth night free! Plan your stay here.
Miami is a culturally rich city that can be an extravagant experience for adults or an enriching adventure for families depending on what you do! The Loews South Beach Hotel is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Miami; they provide cribs and playpens, board games, gaming systems, and more to families who want to spend some quality time together in their gorgeous rooms. Step outside and they have the iconic Miami Beach coastline right outside their doors, as well as a stunning pool complete with private cabanas and personal concierge services. Nearby, families or partners can visit Little Havana, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Museum of Science, or the Wynwood Arts district-- the activities are endless! Book a room here.
Ranked the #1 resort in Key Largo by Conde Nast, Playa Largo offers individual rooms or beach houses for the whole family if you’re looking for more room. The pool, pure-white sand beaches, and on-site watersports are available at your fingertips. Families can also go fishing or take a cruise ride, and if the adults want some relaxing time away, they can visit the spa! Florida residents get a special discount at this resort, all the more reason to keep it on your list of staycation spots near you. Learn more here.
Looking for something uber-fancy to really make it feel like you’re on some faraway luxurious vacation? Try the Ritz Carlton on Fort Lauderdale Beach! While definitely a staycation spot more for adults who want to relax poolside, the Ritz offers stunning pool views of the ocean and private cabanas. When you’re not soaking up the sun, you can have a serene spa day or hang out at the tropical restaurant on site called the Burlock Coast, where fresh Florida seafood and rum-focused cocktails are served. Interested? Visit their website here.
We couldn’t conclude our list without adding one west coast destination! The Marriott Resort on Marco Island is the perfect all-inclusive staycation spot for families. With picture-perfect huts dotting the white shoreline and a peaceful, tropical-themed interior, this resort is definitely a hidden gem! Families can partake in watersports, take a biking trail or nature hike, lounge by the pool (there’s a slide!), play a round of mini-golf, and even hang out at the gaming emporium! Not traveling with kids? This resort recently opened up an adult-only section complete with a private beach and an exclusive rooftop pool. See what else this hotel & area have to offer by clicking here.