Flights to Florida

Planning a trip to Florida? You’re in for a treat. Each of the cities Breeze flies to in the Sunshine State have beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, year-round balmy weather, bustling culture, and plenty of entertainment options. Find out what makes each destination a can’t miss choice for your next vacation and itinerary ideas for trip.

Jump to: 

• Which coast is best?
• Pensacola
• Tampa
• Sarasota/Bradenton
• Fort Myers
• Key West
• Jacksonville
• Daytona Beach
• Orlando
• Vero Beach
• Palm Beach
• Fort Lauderdale

Which coast is best? 

Why settle for one when they’re both so great? Whether you’re an early-riser and want to watch sunrises from Florida’s Atlantic Coast, or you’d prefer to watch the last minutes of daylight escape over Gulf Coast waters, you can’t go wrong.  

On Florida’s west coast, warm southern waters lap the shore and create idyllic beach conditions. Turquoise water sweeps over bright-white sand with a calm tide. Leave your surfboards behind, the Gulf Coast is better for soaking and snorkeling. On the west side, you’ll find a more remote coastline perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. 

The other side of the state borders the Atlantic Ocean. Dark blue waters ebb and flow over golden-white sands with some moderate waves that makes it a rare East Coast hub for surfing, especially near northern cities like Jacksonville. It tends to be slightly cooler on the Atlantic side (think San Diego weather). You’ll also find a plethora of entertainment options on the more developed coastline. 

Each part of the state offers a unique experience, and we recommend trying both out! Now that you know where to start, here’s a breakdown of each city.

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Gulf Cities 

Spend a Day in Pensacola 

One of the northernmost cities in Florida near the border of Alabama, Pensacola sits atop the panhandle part of the state. It rests on a bay protected by barrier islands with stunning, secluded beaches. The city has a military and historical presence with its own naval base and the preserved site of a fort built in the 1800s. Travel to Pensacola for a low-key tropical vacation. 

Our ideal day in Pensacola starts with a 45-minute drive or a quick ferry ride to Fort Pickens. This military installation was built in the 1830s by the United States to protect Pensacola Bay as an important port for European trade ships. The brick archways that make up the walls of the fort almost feel pastoral as surrounding green hills roll out into the great blue waters beyond.  

After you check out the fort, spend some time wandering the Gulf Islands National Seashore, protected by the National Parks Service. Enjoy miles of white sand with the occasional grassy dune rising from nearby turquoise waters. All the while, you may not run into another person. Langdon Beach is an excellent spot to go for a swim, lay out in the sun, or search for seabirds.  

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, make your way back to Downtown Pensacola and get some fresh seafood from one of several local vendors. Wander the brick-lined walkways until you find the perfect place to stop for dinner, bringing to end a day in paradise.

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Pensacola. 

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Spend a Day in Tampa 

Tampa is an intriguing mix of urban living, laid-back crystal beaches, thriving entertainment around the bay, and notable golfing greens. It sits in a cove protected from the ocean by nearby twin city St. Petersburg. Outside the bay runs a stretch of barrier islands covered in pristine shoreline and surrounded by emerald water. With 45 golf courses to choose from within 15 miles of the city, Tampa has something for everyone. 

Start your day in Tampa with a 5 minute ride to Cypress Point Park. Enjoy the Old Bay from a grassy beach great to peruse on a short hike. If you’re really up for an adventure, you can rent a kayak or paddle board and explore nearby shoals. Once you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, head downtown for a metropolitan adventure. 

Animal lovers and those interested in local marine ecology will want to make Florida Aquarium their next stop. Here you can see over 8,000 fish, birds, and other aquatic creatures, and try your luck looking for wild dolphins out in the bay. If history is more your thing, visit the nearby American Victory Museum where you can explore a massive, fully-restored World-War II cargo ship. 

Next, catch a ride on the historic TECO Line streetcars, originally built in the late 1800s, up to Ybor City. This district in the heart of the town is known for its Cuban and Colombian roots and is an excellent place to shop for gifts in quaint brick shops and listen to live music. Finish the day with a sunset dinner cruise on the bay or peruse the Tampa Riverwalk for stunning views of the city lights and plenty of options for local eats right on the Hillsborough River. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Tampa Bay.

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Spend a Day in Sarasota/Bradenton 

Sarasota, just down the coast from Tampa, is perfect for escaping the bustle of the city and getting right on the ocean. The shore is known for its wide sandbars stretching into the waves as well as endless grassy dunes that really enhance those long walks on the beach. The area is best for people who just want to relax by the water and avoid big crowds. 

After you arrive, you can’t go wrong with a straight-shot trip to Lido Key, or a visit to Siesta Key and Sarasota Beach on the southern island. Spend the day cooling off in the mildest surf on earth, where the water is shallow enough that you can go pretty far out without a worry. Pack some umbrellas and take a picnic lunch on the beach so you can maximize your time building sand castles, reading a novel while you listen to waves lap the shore, and floating in translucent waters. 

Break up the day with an afternoon jaunt to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a sanctuary for tropical plants close to the coast. Enjoy 45 acres of breathtaking foliage originally cultivated by the manor’s owner for whom the gardens are named and opened up to the public in 1973. Learn about a trove of native Florida flora including orchids, ferns, gesneriads, and bromeliads, among others.

As the day winds down, head back to the beach to catch a beautiful gulf sunset. Grab dinner at one of several oceanside restaurants with plenty of seafood choices available. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Sarasota/Bradenton. 

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Spend a Day in Fort Myers 

One of our southernmost cities, Fort Myers is warm year-round and makes for a great escape from wintertime cold. It’s a great spot for a combination of secluded white beaches and outdoor adventures for those looking to get in touch with their wild side. It’s also known for diverse and exotic wildlife which you can enjoy in a variety of ways. For an added bonus, Big Cypress and Everglades National Parks are within driving distance. The nearby town of Naples also has an excellent golfing scene. 

Kick things off by heading out to Sanibel Island, a renowned Fort Myers treasure. Pick up some kayaks and head into the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle through mangrove forests and look out for dolphins, alligators, large fish, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of egrets and herrings. Hire a guide to enhance your visit and make it easier to navigate. This is a unique experience you won’t want to miss. 

Afterwards, head over to Sanibel Beach for a chill afternoon in a less-developed area right on the ocean. Enjoy wide stretches of sand great for exploring and looking for shells. Cool off in perfect water around 80 degrees all year long. Keep your eye out for marine life that lingers across the whole island. Sanibel is great for beach hopping as the island is readily accessible on foot or by bike. 

Head up the shore to finish your day in Captiva, the northwest corner of Sanibel. Grab a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant and watch the sunset from a western-facing beach. It’s hard to go wrong in this coastal paradise where you’re sure to make the best memories.

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Fort Myers.

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Discover Key West 

Key West is a tropical paradise near the Caribbean that marks the southernmost point of the continental United States. The remote town is known for stunning turquoise waters and colorful reefs popular with snorkelers. It also features several historical sites, such as Fort Zachary Taylor built on the tip of the isle. From there, you can easily get on a boat tour to visit the more isolated shoals and beaches deep out in the gulf. One of the highlights is Dry Tortugas National Park, a hotbed to spot marine wildlife, only accessible by ferry or sea plane. 

There’s no better way to start your day in Key West than by being a beach bum. Feel free to hop around from one coastal spot to another and see as much as you can. You'll find some areas are great for lounging in the sun and enjoying some water sports while others are better for snorkeling. Jump on a tour boat to get out to the reefs farther out from the shore for an experience you won’t forget. Spot sea turtles and brightly hued fish in the clear waters. Just be careful not to get too close, you don’t want to disturb their ecosystem. You’ll also see several lighthouses, some on the islands and some out in the water. Look for the iconic all white one in the middle of town. 

Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the area. Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum, the charming mansion of the famous American author. President Harry S. Truman also had a winter home in Key West that you can tour, nicknamed the Little White House. Those interested in nautical lore will want to make a stop at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum filled with artifacts from the height of the “Golden Age of Sail”. If science and nature are more your thing, you’ll want to check out the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Watch tropical birds and colorful insects frolic through beautiful greenery. The Key West Aquarium is another must-see with its expansive exhibits featuring sharks, turtles, stingrays, and other exotic marine life. 

Finish the day at Mallory Square, where a daily sunset celebration occurs. Nearby Duval Street is a happening place with plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants, and pubs to explore. Grab some fresh seafood or scrumptious southern cooking at one of many local spots. If you’re looking for something a bit more private, a dinner cruise along the coast would also make for a great evening.  

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Key West.

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Atlantic Cities 

Spend a Day in Jacksonville 

One of Florida’s largest cities, Jacksonville has a diverse landscape that includes skyscrapers, St. John’s River, coastal beach locales, and green marshy inlets. It’s also known for its fabulous golf courses. You’ll never run out of things to see and do here. Jacksonville is an underrated getaway that’s sure to delight. 

Have a day to spend in Jacksonville? Make the 30-minute drive from downtown to Neptune Beach. From there, you can hit up one of several surf shops for lessons from a pro. Learn how to catch the wave, glide along the water, and bail to safety. This unique beach is one of the few places on the East Coast with the right-sized swell for surfing and is great for beginners.  

Once you’ve taken some time to dry off in the warm sun, head up the coast and catch a ferry in Mayport to get to Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Enjoy hiking through wild jungle trails along snaking rivers, or head over to the shoreline for a more secluded beach walk through green dunes. This area is the perfect escape from resort-heavy coastline into a more natural side of Florida. 

To finish off the day, head back to Downtown Jacksonville to try some southern cooking at a local restaurant. Take in views of the St. Johns River and the skyline from Riverfront Plaza. Watch the sunset from the pedestrian area on the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge. Across the river, check out the massive Friendship Fountain all lit up with the surrounding skyscrapers at night. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Jacksonville. 

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Spend a Day in Daytona Beach 

This town in the mid-to-northern region of Florida’s Atlantic Coast has a solid boardwalk scene and plenty of options for golf. Enjoy a variety of options for entertainment across town and along the beach. Daytona Beach is a great spot for families with children and adult groups alike. Everything is nearby, you can see it all while minimizing travel time. 

From the airport, you can practically walk off the plane to Daytona International Speedway, where we recommend you start your day. Tour the renowned racetrack where the famous February race, the Daytona 500, is held each year. This race kicks off the NASCAR season when local temperatures sit in the 70s. Make sure to check out their event calendar before you go to see if you can catch a local race or even have a chance to drive a real race car with a professional. 

Shift gears for a relaxing afternoon along endless coastline on Daytona’s long barrier island. Lather your sunscreen and catch some rays, soak in the mild surf, cool off at the nearby splash pads, go for a walk in the soothing sand, or try your hand at the fishing pier. Snack on seafood from one of several vendors. However you choose to spend your time at the beach, you won’t be disappointed. 

As the day winds down, explore Daytona’s nightlife at the Main Street Pier and Boardwalk. Play flashy arcade games, take a ride on the Sling Shot or another carnival ride, shop for fun souvenirs, enjoy the bright lights, and dine right on the water. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch an oceanside concert at the Bandshell. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Daytona Beach.

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Spend a Day in Orlando 

The Theme Park Capital of the World is a paradise for cinematic ride experiences, dreamy food creations brought to life, animal encounters, immersive fantasy, comic hero meet-and-greets, and more. Its expanse of green space also makes it one of the top golfing destinations in the world. You could spend your entire trip in one or several of these parks and courses scattered around the Greater Orlando area. 

There’s a lot to do beyond what the city is typically known for. An hour outside the city on the edge of a series of islands lies Cocoa Beach, where we recommend you start your day exploring the lesser-known gems of Orlando. Get competitive with a game of beach volleyball, walk through grassy spaces, and enjoy golden sands and blue waters. For a little more adventure, rent a kayak and explore Thousand Islands and Banana River Aquatic Preserve. 

After an adventurous morning, channel your inner pioneer spirit and visit Cape Canaveral. Visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where you can see rockets, learn about life in space, and meet real-life astronauts. If you visit at the right time, you could catch a space shuttle launch from one of several launch complexes along the cape. For the best views of the Space Force’s campus stop at the top of the black-and-white-striped Canaveral Lighthouse. 

The small communities of Merritt Island and Cocoa, further inland along the Indian River, make for a nice local-feeling diner stop. Most people will spend the majority of their trip in the heart of Orlando, where entertainment and magic await. However, visiting the coast provides a nice change of pace and one of the coolest scientific and educational experiences available to tourists.

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Orlando. 

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Spend a Day in Vero Beach 

Think of Vero Beach as the more remote, great-outdoors-oriented town on the Atlantic Coast. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, explore, and spot wildlife. The Indian River ecosystem between the mainland and the barrier coast creates a diverse landscape for those looking for something different from the typical beach experience. 

Kick things off with a trek up north to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Hike across boardwalks over blue lagoons and through mangrove thickets to spot swaths of the long-beaked birds. Take the aptly named Jungle Trail along the inlet waters for views of Egret, Pelican, Roosevelt, and Horsehoe Islands. Make sure to stop at Treasure Shores Park for access to a secluded beach complete with grassy dunes and foliage overgrowth that makes for more excellent hiking. 

Once you’re done, make your way back to town and visit South Beach Park. Picnic in the green areas near the water. Walk across a boardwalk through a grove of trees out to the ocean. It feels as though you’ve come across a secret beach. Spend the afternoon away from the crowds playing in the sand and surf in your own little spot in paradise. 

Pick any spot up or down the coast for delicious seafood, Mexican, or Italian eats. You can also find some nice waterfront restaurants on the Indian River, perfect for watching the sun set over the sound. Vero Beach may not always be the first town that comes to mind when you think of Florida, but it will leave you dying to return. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Vero Beach.

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Spend a Day in Palm Beach 

This southern Florida staple makes for a more low-key, upscale alternative to visiting Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy a bougie vacation on Florida’s Gold Coast with plenty of upscale resorts, endless golf courses, an impressive skyline, and a ritzy nightlife. However long you stay on the lagoon or the shore, you’ll always find more fun and excitement around the corner. 

Start your day on Flagler Drive alongside Lake Worth Lagoon. Take in the many yacht clubs that line the waterway, with boats of all shapes and sizes to admire. Rent a boat of your choice or opt for jet skis instead. Go for a cruise along the water and enjoy the bustling downtown sites. Make sure to look out for dolphins and other wildlife.  

Next, head to one of the many all-inclusive resorts on Palm Beach Island for a day relaxing by the seaside and swimming in fancy pools. Take some time for self-care with a spa treatment.  Enjoy a cold beverage while you tan in the sun. You’ll find many options for accommodation including adult-only or family-friendly locations. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, go resort hopping and discover which one has the best ocean view.  

Finish your day on Worth Avenue, a notable spot on the island with boutiques and restaurants. Make sure to arrive early enough to visit the art galleries before they close. You can walk all the way from the Atlantic side to the lagoon, shopping and grabbing bites along the way. If you time it right, you can get to the end just in time to watch the sunset. Afterwards, head back downtown to explore Palm Beach’s nightlife with more restaurants, shopping, and clubs. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Palm Beach.

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Spend a Day in Fort Lauderdale

Spoil yourself with a luxurious trip to Florida’s Gold Coast. Fort Lauderdale is close to several of the state’s most iconic spots. Parade the flashy city lights and swanky resorts of Miami. Discover your style as you shop local boutiques along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Escape to a haven of jungle foliage and marine wildlife in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. You also have quick access to the Florida Keys for the best tropical snorkeling conditions in the states. Travel up and down the shore at will along the Intracoastal Waterway. However, you don’t have to stray far from the airport to have a great time in Fort Lauderdale, hailed as the Venice of America. 

Start your day exploring the Riverwalk along the New River. Grab a water taxi to get from point to point or walk the charming brick and wood pathways along the water’s edge. Peruse the galleries and museums that line the historical section of the city. Browse modern installations of staggering proportions at NSU Art Museum, home to hundreds of murals, portraits, and sculptures that reflect pop culture. Interact with native reptiles, exotic fish, sharks and other aquatic life and learn about dinosaurs, engineering, and other fascinating subjects at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Uncover local history at the Stranahan House, a 20th century trading post-turned residence right on the river and the oldest surviving home in town.

 

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the sunny isles of Las Olas, where Fort Lauderdale gets its comparison with Italy’s beloved Venice. Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals and watch sailboats and yachts cruise by. Make your way to the beach and stretch out on the sand, with a view of turquoise water as far as the eye can see. Go for a swim to cool off or curl up under an umbrella for a nap. On certain days there may be a farmer’s market or outdoor concert at Oceanside Park. Nearby you can visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, an urban nature retreat with trees of hanging vines, native tortoises, kayaking, and beach trails. 

For dinner, go for seafood on the beach. Las Olas Boulevard also has a variety of upscale options farther inland. Another fun option is a dinner and sunset cruise on Jungle Queen Riverboat, a themed ship modeled after Mississippi paddleboats hosting shows and other activities along with your meal. In town, Broward Center for the Performing Arts is your spot for theater and orchestra. You’ll find several concert venues along the river hosting acts of all sizes. Sawgrass Mills is the perfect place for a shopping excursion, filled with familiar stores and its own market stocked with sweets and other delicacies. 

Book your flight and view more fun ideas for Fort Lauderdale.

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Florida has something for everyone. Get outdoors and into nature, chill by the beach, soak up the sun poolside, get your golf game on, look for wildlife, uncover entertainment, visit theme parks, and explore scientific and educational activities. Book your Breeze flight to your city of choice today! 

Book a Flight to Florida