Five Florida cities make list of top affordable vacations spots for families
Five Florida cities made the top 100 of favorite affordable vacation destinations for families.
The survey of 3,000 families was conducted by FamilyDestinationsGuide.com. Families were asked which affordable destinations they would most like to visit this year.
The top Florida destination was St. Augustine Beach, which was ranked No. 24.
Florida cities ranked as favorite affordable family destinations for 2023
Florida locations that made the list were:
No. 24: St. Augustine Beach
No. 25: Daytona Beach
No. 26: Pensacola
No. 50: Fort Myers Beach
No. 78: Sarasota
What cities were ranked as the top family destinations in the U.S.?
Top 5 affordable family destinations were:
No. 1: Long Beach, New York
No. 2: Coney Island, New York
No. 3: Surfside Beach, South Carolina
No. 4: Oak Island, North Carolina
No. 5: Galveston, Texas
Here's what FamilyDestinationsGuide.com had to say about each of the Florida locations:
No. 24: St. Augustine Beach known for family-friendly attractions
St. Augustine Beach offers opportunities for fishing, beachcombing, and water sports at affordable rates.
Moreover, St. Augustine Beach is known for its family-friendly attractions, many of which are budget-friendly or offer discounted rates for families.
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Families can visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, or explore the interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
Furthermore, the town hosts various affordable events and festivals throughout the year, including live music performances, art shows, and cultural celebrations.
No. 25: Daytona Beach described as 'lively beach town' with beautiful coastline
Daytona Beach is an affordable vacation destination that families can enjoy without straining their budget.
This lively beach town is known for its beautiful coastline, exciting events, and family-friendly experiences that won't break the bank. Families can enjoy free access to the expansive Daytona Beach, where they can swim, build sandcastles, and soak up the sun. In many places on and near Daytona Beach, you can even drive and park on the beach.
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The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier provide affordable entertainment options, including arcade games, amusement rides, and affordable food vendors.
Families can also explore the Daytona Lagoon waterpark, which offers affordable admission and features water slides, wave pools, and mini-golf.
Additionally, the area hosts affordable events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and NASCAR, go-kart and other races at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
No. 26: Pensacola 'vibrant beach town' with pristine beaches
Situated along the stunning Gulf Coast, Pensacola is a vibrant beach town that offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Families can find affordable accommodations, including beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, and budget-friendly motels, ensuring a comfortable and cost-effective stay.
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Pensacola Beach boasts pristine white sandy beaches, which are free to access, providing ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
Families can also enjoy affordable outdoor activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters.
The town offers affordable attractions like the Gulf Breeze Zoo, where families can get up close and personal with a variety of animals.
Families can also visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, which showcases historic aircraft and offers interactive exhibits at no cost.
No. 50: For Myers Beach coastal town with beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere
Fort Myers Beach is a vibrant coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly experiences that won't break the bank.
Families can enjoy free access to the pristine shores of Fort Myers Beach, where they can swim, build sandcastles, and soak up the sun. The area is perfect for outdoor activities like beach volleyball, shell collecting, and dolphin spotting.
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Families can also explore nearby Lovers Key State Park, an affordable nature reserve offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Fort Myers Beach features affordable dining options, including casual seafood shacks and family-friendly restaurants, where families can savor delicious meals without straining their budget.
The town hosts affordable events and festivals throughout the year, including live music performances, street fairs, and fireworks displays.
No. 78: Sarasota offers several family-friendly attractions
Sarasota offers a range of affordable lodging options, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds, ensuring that families can find comfortable accommodations that fit their budget.
Additionally, Sarasota boasts beautiful white-sand beaches with free access, providing families with ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles without any additional expenses.
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Families can also enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling at affordable rates. Moreover, Sarasota offers several family-friendly attractions that are budget-friendly or even free.
Families can explore the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, which offers educational exhibits and interactive experiences, or visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a tropical oasis showcasing exotic animals and lush gardens:
Want to see all 175 affordable family vacation destinations in the U.S.?
Go to FamilyDestinationsGuide.com
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Top Florida cities for affordable beach, fun family vacations
