As the chilly winds and snowy days settle in, many Canadians start dreaming of a warm and relaxing getaway. Florida, with its sun kissed beaches, vibrant culture and stunning views is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the winter.
NORTH FLORIDA
AMELIA ISLAND - Amelia Island is a treasure trove of coastal charm and vibrant experiences. The island’s breathtaking sunsets can be enjoyed in many ways, such as the Adult Twilight BYOB Cruise with Amelia River Cruises. This special cruise invites guests to relax, sip their favorite drinks, and marvel at dolphins, sea turtles, and wild horses from nearby Cumberland Island. For food enthusiasts, Amelia Island offers a range of exceptional dining options. Brett’s Waterway Café overlooks the stunning Fernandina Harbor and Marina, while Coquina at The Ritz-Carlton provides a luxurious alfresco dining experience with coastal-inspired dishes and signature sangrias. For a more laid-back vibe, visit Salt Life Food Shack or The Sandbar, where rooftop seating and ocean views create an unforgettable ambiance. Families and couples alike can enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure on this enchanting island.
JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville offers outdoor enthusiasts the perfect winter getaway with its pleasant weather and a wealth of activities. Explore the lush Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, home to tranquil walking trails and diverse flora. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a paradise for campers, boasting nearly 300 campsites, 1.5 miles of pristine beaches, and activities like biking, kayaking, and surfing. For a mix of adventure and history, visit the 7 Creeks Recreation Area for over 30 miles of trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking in diverse ecosystems that are beautifully kept by the Timucuan Preserve. Don’t miss the Jacksonville Zoo’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where visitors can learn about these gentle creatures and see them up close.
GAINESVILLE AND ALACHUA COUNTY - Known for its natural beauty and cultural experiences, Gainesville and Alachua County are perfect for winter travelers. Birdwatchers will love Sweetwater Wetlands Park and the La Chua Trail, where vibrant avian species thrive. Nature lovers can also stroll through the lush Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, home to bamboo forests and seasonal blooms. Events like the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in January bring medieval fun with jousting, crafts, and performances, while February’s Gainesville Raceway NMRA Spring Break Shootout revs up excitement for car enthusiasts. For a historical touch, visit the Haile Homestead, a preserved 19th-century house surrounded by scenic trails.
WALTON COUNTY - South Walton, Florida, is a scenic coastal destination known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty. WaterColor Inn offers an idyllic getaway with nearly 500 beachfront acres, including access to the Gulf of America, a dune lake, and a private white-sand beach. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, beach bonfires, and outdoor movies, along with resort dining and the WaterColor Beach Club, featuring three pools, expanded seating, and stunning Gulf views.
For a more active and exclusive experience, Camp Creek and Watersound Inn offer perks at the private Water sound Club, including five outdoor pools, a wellness center, and access to two acclaimed golf courses - Camp Creek and Shark’s Tooth. Guests can also enjoy tennis, pickleball, and fine dining.
PANAMA CITY - Located in the heart of Florida’s northern Gulf Coast is Panama City, a destination that boasts a historic downtown, beautiful parks, an exciting arts scene and a collection of dining options that feature local flare and fresh seafood. Outdoor recreation is endless, too,including a myriad of water activities with fishing and paddling leading the way year-round.
Escape the ordinary this winter with a serene paddling experience at Econfina Springs, just north of Panama City. For nature lovers and adventurers, this hidden gem offers crystal-clear waters that remain a consistent, refreshing 21-22 degrees Celsius year-round. As the cool winter air settles in, the warm embrace of the spring waters provides the perfect contrast, making it an ideal getaway for those looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty in a unique way.
Surrounded by lush greenery, wildlife, and a peaceful ambiance, Econfina Springs is a paddler’s dream. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner, the gentle currents and pristine waterway promise a memorable experience. The tranquility of the winter months makes it an even more immersive adventure, where you can enjoy the serenity of the springs without the crowds.
In addition to paddling, Econfina Springs offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in its crystal-clear waters. The consistent year-round temperature creates perfect conditions for underwater exploration, allowing snorkelers to witness the vibrant aquatic life and natural beauty beneath the surface. The spring's clarity provides unparalleled visibility, making it easy to spot fish, turtles, and various plant species that thrive in this pristine environment.
SANDESTIN - Sandestin offers an exceptional winter getaway with its serene beaches, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. Whether you're seeking a luxurious retreat, a cozy escape, or a private beachside experience, the region has a variety of destinations perfect for a winter vacation.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, with over 70 neighborhoods and more than 1,000 vacation rentals, offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy over seven miles of beaches, four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, 20 swimming pools, and a luxury spa. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin’s charming waterfront town center, features boutique shopping, dining, and year-round events, ensuring there’s always something to explore.
For a more luxurious stay, Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection provides an upscale experience with 250 rooms and suites, four culinary concepts, and the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and Spa Lilliana, offering clean luxury treatments.
PENSACOLA - Pensacola is the perfect destination for coastal winter retreat full of charm, relaxation, and adventure. The new Pensacola Beach Resort, with over 800 feet of beachfront property with unobstructed Gulf and bay views, offers a tranquil stay with luxurious amenities like an elevated pool deck, Tiki bar, and paddleboarding.
Home to many native birds, Pensacola is also located between two major fly zones, making it a great place for birders. Pensacola’s Big Lagoon State Park is known as the official gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, which enjoys visits from over 23 species of migratory birds.
For diving enthusiasts, Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, Pensacola offers several once-in-a-lifetime dives for both amateur and experienced divers. The 872-foot aircraft carrier now acts as the world’s largest artificial reef, nicknamed the “Great Carrier Reef,” and divers can swim among goliath grouper, sea turtles, sunfish, eagle rays, tuna, amberjack and tropical fish as they explore Pensacola’s deeper waters. Beginners can visit the Pete Tide II, which sits upright and intact in 100 feet of water often teeming with schools of spadefish and minnows. Closer to the ship’s platform divers may spot wahoo and black fin tuna.
OCALA/MARION COUNTY - Ocala, also known as the "Horse Capital of the World," offers year-round activities with experiences fit for everyone. Visitors can enjoy paddling in freshwater springs, such as Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, and the Ocala National Forest, with options to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. For those seeking more excitement, the area is home to Florida’s longest, fastest, and highest zip lines over water at The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, which also offers horseback riding, gem mining, and kayaking. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the world-class Santos Trails, recognized as a bronze-level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, featuring trails of varying difficulty levels. Horseback riding provides a unique way to experience Ocala/Marion County's scenic beauty, allowing riders to explore cool forests and view wildlife such as owls, squirrels, hawks, and deer.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
CRYSTAL RIVER - Crystal River, located in Florida’s Nature Coast, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and "Old Florida" charm. This hidden gem is ideal for those seeking a mix of history, stunning landscapes, and recreational activities.
In Floral City, visitors can stroll down the Avenue of the Oaks, explore historic homes, and visit the Floral City Heritage Museum. The Withlacoochee State Trail, Florida’s longest paved recreational trail, is perfect for biking, walking, and horseback riding. For a taste of local flavors, stop by Pudgee’s Hot Dog Stand or Robin’s Country Kitchen, and don’t miss Ferris Groves for fresh citrus fruits in the winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of camping options, from RV resorts to more rugged nature preserves. Crystal River’s RV resorts, like Crystal Isles RV Resort and Rousseau RV Resort, provide excellent waterfront sites and amenities, while Nature’s Resort, Riverside Lodge RV Resort and Chassahowitzka River Campground provide a more nature focused experience.
For those seeking an off-the-grid experience, Crystal River’s Flying Eagle Preserve, Pott’s Preserve and Withlacoochee State Forest offer various trails for hiking, biking, and canoeing, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat or thrilling outdoor adventures, Crystal River is the perfect destination to connect with nature.
PASCO COUNTY - Pasco County offers unique winter experiences, blending sunshine with unexpected snowy adventures. The Giraffe Ranch in Dade City offers close encounters with wildlife, while Snowcat Ridge provides a wintry twist with its snow-covered tubing hill and ice-skating ribbon. Families can rent igloos at the Eskimo Outpost, complete with fire pits and cozy seating. After an adrenaline-filled day, relax at Alpine Village with delicious food, drinks, and a festive light show.
Travelers can escape harsh winters at the warm and exotic Giraffe Ranch, located in Florida’s Sports Coast or Snowcat Ridge, the only destination in the Sunshine State where locals and visitors alike can experience snow in Florida.
SEBRING - Sebring, a historic city in Central Florida, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and charm. Located near Tampa, Orlando, and Space Coast, it provides a peaceful escape from the hustle of bigger cities. Known as “The City on the Circle” for its unique circular design, Sebring features a vibrant historic district filled with boutiques, restaurants, and nearly two dozen historic buildings.
The city is famous for the Citrus Golf Trail, offering eight golf clubs and ten 18-hole courses set against the backdrop of moss-covered oaks and preserves. Sebring also offers plenty of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Jackson, just west of downtown, is ideal for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying sandy shores. For nature lovers, Highlands Hammock State Park, Florida’s oldest state park, provides hiking, cycling, and a museum dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps. Sebring is an outdoor haven perfect for both relaxation and adventure.
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER - St. Pete-Clearwater, located on Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, is not only home to the most beautiful beach in the USA but also offers some of the best experiences in the state. According to the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024, the transparent kayak tour through Shell Key Preserve is the top activity in Florida and one of the top 10 U.S. experiences.
The two-hour tour, starting in Tierra Verde, offers paddlers a chance to explore vibrant marine life and wildlife in the preserve’s waterways. Beyond kayaking, the region also offers other water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and dolphin watching, as well as kayaking through mangrove forests at Fort De Soto and exploring Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands.
SOUTH FLORIDA
FLAMINGO ADVENTURES AT EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK - Nestled in the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula, Flamingo Everglades is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy narrated boat tours, wildlife spotting, and ranger-led kayaking adventures that showcase the park’s diverse ecosystems. February’s Dark Skies Month offers stunning stargazing opportunities, with ranger-led programs highlighting the beauty of the night sky. For accommodations, choose from the Flamingo Lodge, eco-tents, campsites, or even houseboats for a unique stay amid nature. With so much to explore, Flamingo Everglades is perfect for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.
PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH - Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach offer a serene escape filled with outdoor adventures. The area boasts 830 miles of shoreline, featuring pristine beaches, mangrove-lined waterways, and idyllic islands. Visitors can explore nature trails, go boating, or hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the Gulf beaches. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or enjoying harbor tours, this coastal paradise offers something for everyone. The charm of Punta Gorda’s historic downtown and the natural beauty of Englewood Beach make this destination a must-visit.
SARASOTA - Sarasota offers the best of both worlds, with a combination of big-city living and close access to pristine natural areas and beautiful islands. At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, explore interactive exhibits, lively touch tanks, and a 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Opening in 2025, the state-of-the-art Mote Science Education Aquarium will take marine exploration to the next level. For plant enthusiasts, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places in 2024, showcases rare tropical plants and innovative sustainability practices. Don’t miss Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where you can hand-feed free-roaming flamingos, or the stunning Rose Garden at the Ringling Estate, home to 1,200 roses and historic charm.
THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST - Winters make the perfect time to visit the Florida Keys with mild temperatures in the mid-21s to low 13s and endless outdoor activities. Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in Florida Bay, explore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through snorkeling or diving, and visit outdoor museums and botanical gardens like the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. January and February also bring exciting events, such as the the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and the Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival. For water sports enthusiasts, Islander Watersports offers great January specials. After a day of activities, relax in a variety of vacation rentals, from beachfront homes to cozy cottages, while enjoying stunning sunsets and local cuisine.
MARTIN COUNTY - Martin County is the dream destination if you are looking to swap winter’s chill for sunshine and scenic coastal views. Visitors can now take advantage of the award-winning ecotourism program, Explore Natural Martin. This program lets visitors explore off-the-beaten-path areas and learn about the region’s unique ecology. For more information and to register, visit ExploreNaturalMartin.com.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a must-visit, being the largest park in Southeast Florida. It features 16 natural habitats, including mangroves, sand pine forests, and river swamps, providing a sanctuary for wildlife. Activities include hiking, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. In fact, the park is one of the dedicated stops along the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. For a special experience, stay at Timberline Glamping, which offers unique glampsites within the park.
For an unforgettable adventure, offshore fishing in Martin County is a must-do. Local charter services like The Fighting Lady Sportfishing Charters, Chaos Fishing Adventures, and Lady Stuart I Deep Sea Fishing offer thrilling excursions on the county’s waters. Whether you're a novice or experienced angler, these local guides will ensure an exciting day on the water.
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About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is the Sunshine State’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming over 140.6 million visitors in 2023, the highest number of visitors in the state’s history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, follow @FloridaTourism on X, connect on LinkedIn, or go to visitflorida.org. For inspiration in the Sunshine State follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.visitflorida.com. For media resources, visit www.visitfloridamedia.com.
About Vox International
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VISIT FLORIDA – Canada
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