Great Florida Winter Getaways

When the temperatures drop, thoughts naturally turn to warmer climes. If you're dreaming of sun, sand and sea, there's no place quite like Florida.

Winter is an ideal time to visit the southernmost state. During the off-season, the climate is mild and the crowds subside, making it easy to catch those relaxing, old-school Florida vibes. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a serious vacation, here are a few of our favorite Florida winter getaways.

Emerald Coast

If balmy weather and beach towns sound good, the Emerald Coast fits the bill. Named for its deep green waters and pristine white beaches, this gorgeous destination stretches for about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The Emerald Coast boasts the perfect mix of city excitement, laid-back beach towns and unspoiled nature.

For shopping, dining and entertainment, Destin and Panama City Beach offer all the amenities, from nightlife to kids attractions, without the summer crowds. Here, you can browse art galleries, take in a show and shop to your heart's content. For a quieter beach town vibe, settle into Fort Walton Beach or the famous Seaside vacation rentals, for walkable charm and picturesque neighborhoods.

And there's nature. Biking, hiking, fishing and birding are year-round activities at Topsail Hill Preserve, Grayton Beach and Henderson Beach State Parks. Best of all, winter is an ideal time to visit normally crowded spots like St. George Island and Crab Island, and enjoy the Emerald Coast's stunning scenery.

Sanibel Island

Just south of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island offers mild, sunny weather and gorgeous beaches. Winter visitors will avoid the summer crowds, as well as experience less rain and lower humidity in this popular eco-tourism spot.

Winter is a great time to bike or hike on Sanibel's miles of trails, take a dolphin or manatee cruise, and peep at the wildlife in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. But Sanibel Island may be best known for its seashells. You'll find hundreds at low tide, including some rare and unusual species that aren't found in many other places.

When you've had your fill of the great outdoors, learn about the region's rich past at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. This living history museum brings turn of the century Florida to vivid life with carefully restored buildings.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine has been continuously inhabited since 1565, earning it the name of America's oldest city. There's definitely much history to be explored in this lovely coastal city. Start with a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour through St. Augustine's Old Town, home to the oldest main street in the USA – St. George Street – as well as attractions such as the Lightner Museum, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the Pirate and Treasure Museum. The Colonial Quarter living history museum brings the colonial past to life, as does the 17th century Castillo de San Marcos fortress.

Get your steps in (more than 200 of them!) at St. Augustine Lighthouse. A climb to the top rewards you with stunning views of Conch Island, Anastasia Island and the Salt Run lagoon. Or explore local fauna at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, home to swamp-dwelling species like turtles, snakes and those famous Florida ‘gators.

Visitors in the holiday season will enjoy seeing the city lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights. The “Night of Lights” runs every evening from mid-November until end of January, turning St. George Street into a shimmering wonderland.

Miami

While Miami is a popular destination year-round, winter tourism offers many benefits. The weather is still warm and sunny, with average temps in the 70s, but you'll skip the crowds and that summer humidity.

Best of all, the city's famous culture doesn't take a break during the off season. In fact, winter is the perfect time to take advantage of some of the region's best festivals, like Art Basel, the South Beach Jazz Festival, Art Deco Weekend, and the Miami International Boat Show.

But even if you don't time your visit to a big winter festival, you can still enjoy Miami's amazing cultural scene. Immerse yourself in creative inspiration on a tour of the Art Deco Historic District, the Wynwood Walls outdoor art galleries, and the Miami Institute of Contemporary Art. For even more local culture, take in a Miami Dolphins or Miami Hurricanes game, and be sure to set aside time to stroll South Beach and do a little people-watching.

Florida Keys

Florida has so many pools, hot tubs and luxury soaks that the ocean temperatures falling in winter are not a big problem for many vacationers. But if you're dreaming of ocean sports in winter, then head south to the Florida Keys, where the water stays warm all winter long.

From Key Largo to Key West, you'll find a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Don't-miss destinations include Bahia Honda State Park near Marathon. Here, tropical breezes complement long stretches of palm-lined beaches and sparkling waters, creating a backdrop that's iconic Florida.

At the southernmost point, Key West is balmy year-round. Travel back in time at Ernest Hemingway's house, indulge in local Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and snorkel through the clear water of Dry Tortugas National Park in this historically and culturally rich destination.

From the Emerald Coast to the Florida Keys and everywhere in between, there's nowhere quite like Florida. Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches, clear oceans, exciting nightlife, or colorful culture, you'll find it all in Florida this winter.