10 Best Cities In Florida For An Active Vacation Plus The Hotels You Will Want To Stay At
I am often asked what is the best place to vacation in the Sunshine State if you like to do water sports and/or spend outside. So, I thought about it and for those that like to keep it moving on vacation, below are the 10 best cities in Florida for an active vacation.
Watch for future articles on relaxing cities, historic cities and more to help you plan. Florida is a state that offers endless possibilities for a fun vacation.
As far as active getaways, whether it’s exploring nature, enjoying water sports, or indulging in some retail therapy, Florida has something for everyone. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect city for your vacation.
To help make the decision easier, this article will highlight the 10 best cities in Florida to visit for an active vacation. These cities offer a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and entertainment options.
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From the bustling city of Miami to the laid-back town of St. Augustine, each of these destinations has its own charm and allure.
For those looking to make the most of their vacation, the article will also provide a list of the best places to stay in each of the 10 cities. Only hotels with 4 stars or better will be included, ensuring that readers can have a comfortable and luxurious stay while exploring all that Florida has to offer.
Top 10 Cities in Florida for an Active Vacation
Florida is a popular vacation destination for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and diverse range of activities, there is something for everyone.
Here are the top 10 cities in Florida that offer the best options for an active vacation.
City 1: Miami
Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife, but it also offers plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay active during the day. Visitors can enjoy water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, or take a bike ride along the scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk.
For those who enjoy a good workout, there are plenty of fitness classes and gyms available. Some of the best places to stay in Miami for an active vacation include the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotel Miami.
Best hotels in Miami:
City 2: Orlando
Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but it also offers a variety of outdoor activities for those who want to stay active. Visitors can explore the city’s many parks and gardens, or take a hike in the nearby Ocala National Forest.
For those who prefer water activities, there are plenty of options for fishing, boating, and swimming. Some of the best places to stay in Orlando for an active vacation include the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
Best Hotels In Orlando:
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
City 3: Tampa
Tampa offers a mix of urban and outdoor activities for visitors. The city has a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Clearwater Beach.
Visitors can also take a bike ride along the Tampa Riverwalk or go kayaking in the nearby Hillsborough River. Some of the best places to stay in Tampa for an active vacation include the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection and the Tampa Marriott Water Street.
Best Hotels In Tampa:
City 4: St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a stroll along the St. Pete Beach Boardwalk or go fishing in the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
The city also has a number of parks and gardens, including the popular Sunken Gardens. Some of the best places to stay in St. Petersburg for an active vacation include the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club and the Don CeSar.
Best Hotels In St. Petersburg
City 5: Clearwater
Clearwater is a popular vacation destination for those who enjoy water activities. Visitors can go fishing, boating, or take a dolphin watching tour.
The city also has a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Clearwater Beach. Some of the best places to stay in Clearwater for an active vacation include the Sandpearl Resort and the Opal Sands Resort.
Best Hotels In Clearwater:
City 6: Naples
Naples is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a bike ride along the Naples Beach Promenade or go kayaking in the nearby Everglades.
The city also has a number of parks and gardens, including the popular Naples Botanical Garden. Some of the best places to stay in Naples for an active vacation include the Ritz-Carlton, Naples and the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
Best Hotels In Naples:
City 7: Key West
Key West is a popular vacation destination for those who enjoy water activities. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a sunset sail. The city also has a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Smathers Beach.
Some of the best places to stay in Key West for an active vacation include the Ocean Key Resort nd the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
Best Hotels In Key West:
City 8: Sarasota
Sarasota offers a mix of urban and outdoor activities for visitors. The city has a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Siesta Key Beach.
Visitors can also take a bike ride along the Sarasota Bayfront or go kayaking in the nearby Myakka River. Some of the best places to stay in Sarasota for an active vacation include the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
Best Hotels In Sarasota:
City 9: Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a bike ride along the Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade or go kayaking in the nearby Everglades.
The city also has a number of parks and gardens, including the popular Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Some of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale for an active vacation include the W Fort Lauderdale and the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale.
Best Hotels In Fort Lauderdale:
City 10: Jacksonville
Jacksonville offers a mix of urban and outdoor activities for visitors. The city has a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Jacksonville Beach.
Visitors can also take a bike ride along the Jacksonville Riverwalk or go kayaking in the nearby St. Johns River. Some of the best places to stay in Jacksonville are:
Jacksonville
And there you have it! Florida is a great destination for an active vacation, with plenty of cities offering exciting activities and attractions for visitors. Miami is a popular spot for beach goers and nightlife enthusiasts, with a variety of luxury hotels to choose from.
Orlando is home to many theme parks and family-friendly attractions, making it a great destination for families. Tampa is a great option for those looking to explore nature, with many parks and outdoor activities available.
St. Petersburg and Clearwater are ideal for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation, while Naples offers a quieter, upscale atmosphere. Key West is a unique destination with a laid-back vibe, while Sarasota is perfect for those interested in the arts.
Fort Lauderdale is a great spot for beach goers and water sports enthusiasts, and Jacksonville offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
Each of these cities offers a variety of 4-star hotels to choose from, providing visitors with the perfect place to stay during their vacation. From luxury beachfront resorts to elegant downtown hotels, there is something for everyone.
Here are a few more links to help you plan the perfect Florida vacation for you:
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About Denise
Denise Sanger lives a life split between her love for fitness and her passion for travel particularly to the BEACH. Denise also has a love of marketing and lives in beautiful Suwannee County, Florida. You can find out more about Denise here: About Denise
