3 Florida Getaways That Take a Little Extra Effort and Are Totally Worth It
In Florida, the most memorable & peaceful stays often aren’t the easiest to reach. Whether it’s a boat ride, a long stretch of open road, or packing in your own supplies, these three places require a little more effort, but the experience is so worth it.
Cabbage Key: An Island Escape with Old Florida Charm
Only accessible by boat, Cabbage Key sits between Boca Grande and Captiva and feels like a step back in time. Built in the 1930s by famed mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart, the island’s original hilltop estate is now home to the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant.
Most visitors come for a meal and drinks at the popular restaurant, but spending the night makes the experience even more memorable. There are six rooms at the inn, or you can stay in one of six standalone cottages for a more secluded getaway.
Tip: If you don’t have your own boat, take the Island Girl Charters water taxi from Pineland Marina.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve: Glamp Beneath Starry Skies
Roughly 40 minutes northwest of Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is Florida’s first Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in the state for stargazing.
For a comfortable stay, go glamping with Timberline Glamping. Their safari-style tents come with AC, cozy beds, a mini fridge, a coffee maker, a telescope, and games. Bathrooms are just a short walk away, and there’s plenty to do during the day, including hiking and renting bikes from the ranger station.
Tip: Bring all of your food and supplies with you. The closest large grocery stores are more than 30 miles away, so it's best to arrive prepared.
Flamingo: Sleep in a Shipping Container in Everglades National Park
At the southern tip of Everglades National Park, just under two hours from Miami, you’ll find one of Florida’s most unique places to stay. The Flamingo Lodge has 24 elevated rooms made from modified shipping containers. Choose from a studio, a one-bedroom, or a two-bedroom suites.
Flamingo also has houseboat rentals, glamping tents, and traditional campsites, so you can choose the experience that's right for you. However, the lodge provides the best shelter from Flamingo’s notorious mosquito population.
Tip: The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a day of paddling, hiking, biking, and spotting crocodiles, manatees, sharks, and more.
