If you’re a snowbird and looking for the best place to spend your winters, look no further than sunny Florida! With so many great places to choose from, determining the best Florida destinations can be tricky. As a young snowbird family, we have traveled all over Florida and discovered some of the best places to spend our winter months.
These 10 destinations below are some of our favorites! From beaches to boutiques to boating, Florida has something for everyone.
So pack your bags, leave the snow behind, and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Cape Coral
Cape Coral, in southwest Florida, is a boat lover’s paradise. With over 400 miles of navigable canals that lead directly to the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of waterfront properties to choose from.
In addition to boating, Cape Coral has a small downtown area with lots of entertainment, restaurants, and boutiques. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the beautiful parks and nature preserves.
Matlacha, Sanibel Island, and Fort Myers Beach are just short drives from Cape Coral, making it my favorite spot in Florida.
Winter temperatures range from 54 at night to 81 degrees during the day.
Ocala
Ocala, located in central Florida, has access to natural springs, state parks, and is known for its horse farm. In fact, Ocala is called the Horse Capital of the World!
Juniper Springs, pictured above, is a natural spring located in the Ocala National Forest. The waters are crystal clear and must be seen in person to be appreciated.
Silver Springs State Park offers glass-bottom boat tours over the crystal clear waters.
Winter temperatures range from 45 at night to 79 degrees during the day.
Key West
Key West offers an old town, historic feel with a tropical twist. Located in the southernmost tip of the continental United States, Key West is simply gorgeous.
As a cruise ship port, there are plenty of cruises to choose from, making it the perfect vacation spot. If you plan to stay put, Key West is home to amazing shopping, boating, and snorkeling to explore the beautiful coral reefs.
One of the most consistently great weather locations in Florida, winter temperatures only range from 67 at night to 78 degrees during the day.
Sarasota
Sarasota, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida is a popular choice for snowbirds. Bradenton, Tampa, and Siesta Key are closely located.
Nature lovers will enjoy Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, pictured above. This 15 acre botanical garden on Sarasota Bay is definitely worth visiting. Beautiful flowers in a serene, waterfront environment make this a hidden gem.
Siesta Key Village is a walkable shopping destination near Siesta Key Beach. If you visit Siesta Key, be sure to check out Point of Rocks Beach. The water is so clear it looks like bath water!
Winter temperatures range from 52 at night to 77 degrees during the day.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, located on the southeastern coast, offers beautiful beaches, shopping, and art. Clematis Street and downtown West Palm Beach offer great nightlife, boutiques, and live music.
Art lovers will enjoy the Norton Museum of Art. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy The Square which offers sidewalk cafes and gives a European feel and the Palm Beach Outlets.
Winter temperatures range from 57 at night to 79 degrees during the day.
Destin
Destin, located in the Florida Panhandle is near Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach, making it a great place for snowbirds who enjoy moving around to different areas.
Destin offers lots of golf courses, as well as fishing, shopping, and incredible turquoise waters.
Be sure to visit Henderson Beach State Park to see the sand dunes and emerald green water. Crab Island is another must-see location in Destin. Located on a sandbar, you can wade in waist-deep water (1-4 feet), listen to music, swim, or go fishing.
Winter temperatures range from 37 at night to 70 degrees during the day.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach, located between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton on the southeastern coast of Florida, is an excellent location for art and shopping lovers. It has been called the “Most Fun Small Town in the USA” and “America’s Happiest Seaside Town”.
Pineapple Grove, an arts district in downtown Delray, offers art galleries, boutiques, spas, salons, and restaurants. Atlantic Avenue is a walkable downtown area that offers stylish shops and restaurants.
Be sure to check out Wakodahatchee Wetlands and take the boardwalk over alligators, turtles, and frogs.
Winter temperatures range from 61 at night to 80 degrees during the day.
Clearwater
Clearwater is located near St. Petersburg and Tampa on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its powdery white sands and clear water, hence the name Clearwater, and has been named “America’s #1 Beach” several times.
Pier 60 offers gorgeous sunsets, fishing, and a recreational park. Take a walk on the beach, go on a dolphin tour, or visit Sand Key Park.
Winter temperatures range from 55 at night to 71 degrees during the day.
Sanibel/Captiva Island
Sanibel/Captiva Islands, located off the coast of Fort Myers Beach, is known for its amazing seashells. In fact, it is famous for being the best shelling in the entire world!
Pull your car directly onto the beach off the Sanibel Causeway or travel deeper into the island for the best shells.
We love going to The Mucky Duck Restaurant on the very tip of Captiva Island for some great seafood, unreal beach views, and a casual vibe. Bowman’s Beach is one of the best places to park and enjoy an unforgettable beach day.
I highly recommend taking a boat to visit Cayo Costa State Park which is just north of Captiva Island. With 9 miles of untouched beaches only accessible by boat, you will find the best shells, enjoy snorkeling in see-through waters, and even spot dolphins and manatees on the way.
Sanibel is truly a magical place that I recommend to everyone.
Winter temperatures range from 54 at night to 81 degrees during the day.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island, near Fernandina Beach in Northern Florida, is located on the Atlantic Coast. Amelia Island is known for its beautiful, uncrowded beaches, golf courses, and shopping. It is listed as one of America’s top 10 beaches.
Fort Clinch State Park is perfect for history and nature lovers. With over 1400 acres to explore, there is plenty to see. Go shark tooth hunting, collect seashells, or learn about the Civil War soldiers.
If you’re feeling adventurous, horseback riding is a popular activity on Amelia Island.
Winter temperatures range from 48 at night to 70 degrees during the day.
Conclusion
Snowbirds have spoken and the 10 best Florida destinations for escaping winter are…. Drumroll please….. Cape Coral, Ocala, Key West, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, Destin, Sanibel Island, Amelia Island, Delray Beach, and Clearwater! These hot spots offer beaches, shopping, and plenty of sunshine to help you forget about those chilly days back home.
What’s your favorite place in Florida to avoid the winter? Let us know in the comments below.