Winter Garden is a charming destination in itself, but for residents or visitors looking for a quick weekend escape, Central Florida offers an abundance of nearby spots, each with its own unique flair. From vibrant cityscapes and tranquil beaches to nature adventures and cultural experiences, here are some of the best weekend trips that you can take from Winter Garden.
And when you’re ready to make Winter Garden or the surrounding areas your home base, Fernanda Negromonte, Central Florida’s top real estate producer, is here to help you find your dream property.
1. St. Augustine – A Step Back in Time
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by car
Known as the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers a blend of history, stunning architecture, and beachside relaxation. Wander down the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, explore the Castillo de San Marcos, and indulge in local seafood at charming waterfront restaurants. St. Augustine Beach provides a scenic spot for sunbathing and swimming, while the vibrant art and music scene add to the city’s cultural appeal. If you love history, this weekend escape is for you.
Known as the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers a blend of history, stunning architecture, and beachside relaxation. Wander down the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, explore the Castillo de San Marcos, and indulge in local seafood at charming waterfront restaurants. St. Augustine Beach provides a scenic spot for sunbathing and swimming, while the vibrant art and music scene add to the city’s cultural appeal. If you love history, this weekend escape is for you.
2. Daytona Beach – A Classic Coastal Retreat
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by car
Daytona Beach is a quick getaway spot that combines beach relaxation with a dash of adrenaline. Known for its iconic Speedway, Daytona Beach has miles of sandy coastline, water sports, and a lively boardwalk filled with attractions, eateries, and arcades. During the weekend, you can watch live concerts or festivals along the beachfront and visit the nearby Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. Daytona is a perfect beach getaway just a short drive from Winter Garden.
Daytona Beach is a quick getaway spot that combines beach relaxation with a dash of adrenaline. Known for its iconic Speedway, Daytona Beach has miles of sandy coastline, water sports, and a lively boardwalk filled with attractions, eateries, and arcades. During the weekend, you can watch live concerts or festivals along the beachfront and visit the nearby Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. Daytona is a perfect beach getaway just a short drive from Winter Garden.
3. Ocala National Forest – Nature Lover’s Paradise
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
If you’re in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Ocala National Forest offers a sprawling landscape filled with springs, trails, and wildlife. Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs are fantastic spots for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, all surrounded by lush forest views. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse trails winding through the forest’s scenic terrain. It’s an ideal destination for a weekend of unplugging and reconnecting with nature.
If you’re in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Ocala National Forest offers a sprawling landscape filled with springs, trails, and wildlife. Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs are fantastic spots for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, all surrounded by lush forest views. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse trails winding through the forest’s scenic terrain. It’s an ideal destination for a weekend of unplugging and reconnecting with nature.
4. Tampa Bay – City Vibes and Coastal Fun
Travel Time: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
Tampa Bay, with its mix of urban attractions, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene, is another excellent weekend destination. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, or check out the exciting exhibits at the Florida Aquarium. Sports fans can catch a game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Lightning, while beach lovers can enjoy a day at nearby Clearwater Beach. Tampa is a versatile spot offering plenty to see and do.
Tampa Bay, with its mix of urban attractions, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene, is another excellent weekend destination. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, or check out the exciting exhibits at the Florida Aquarium. Sports fans can catch a game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Lightning, while beach lovers can enjoy a day at nearby Clearwater Beach. Tampa is a versatile spot offering plenty to see and do.
5. Crystal River – Swim with the Manatees
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car
Known as one of the few places where you can swim alongside manatees, Crystal River is a unique Florida gem. Take a guided tour in Crystal River’s springs, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The area also has scenic kayaking routes, fishing spots, and biking trails. Crystal River offers a peaceful and unforgettable weekend for nature enthusiasts and families.
Known as one of the few places where you can swim alongside manatees, Crystal River is a unique Florida gem. Take a guided tour in Crystal River’s springs, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The area also has scenic kayaking routes, fishing spots, and biking trails. Crystal River offers a peaceful and unforgettable weekend for nature enthusiasts and families.
6. Cedar Key – A Quiet Coastal Escape
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by car
For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to Cedar Key. This quaint fishing village offers a slice of old Florida charm with its local seafood shacks, cozy inns, and art galleries. Rent a kayak to explore the surrounding islands, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and unwind with the area’s serene views. Cedar Key is ideal for anyone looking for a tranquil weekend retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to Cedar Key. This quaint fishing village offers a slice of old Florida charm with its local seafood shacks, cozy inns, and art galleries. Rent a kayak to explore the surrounding islands, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and unwind with the area’s serene views. Cedar Key is ideal for anyone looking for a tranquil weekend retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
7. Mount Dora – Small-Town Charm and Lakeside Views
Travel Time: Just under 1 hour by car
Mount Dora is a picturesque small town with lakeside scenery, antique shops, and a historic downtown area. Known for its vibrant art festivals, local boutiques, and charming restaurants, Mount Dora offers a leisurely weekend experience. Take a boat tour of Lake Dora, explore the Renninger’s Antique Center, or savor a meal at a cozy cafe overlooking the lake. It’s a quick escape that feels worlds away from the city.
Mount Dora is a picturesque small town with lakeside scenery, antique shops, and a historic downtown area. Known for its vibrant art festivals, local boutiques, and charming restaurants, Mount Dora offers a leisurely weekend experience. Take a boat tour of Lake Dora, explore the Renninger’s Antique Center, or savor a meal at a cozy cafe overlooking the lake. It’s a quick escape that feels worlds away from the city.
8. Lakeland – Gardens, Lakes, and Historic Downtown
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Lakeland is known for its scenic lakes and historic architecture, including the largest on-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world at Florida Southern College. Take a stroll through Hollis Garden, relax by Lake Mirror, or explore the antique shops and cafes in downtown Lakeland. This laid-back destination is perfect for a relaxed weekend close to Winter Garden.
Lakeland is known for its scenic lakes and historic architecture, including the largest on-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world at Florida Southern College. Take a stroll through Hollis Garden, relax by Lake Mirror, or explore the antique shops and cafes in downtown Lakeland. This laid-back destination is perfect for a relaxed weekend close to Winter Garden.
9. New Smyrna Beach – Surf, Sand, and Sunsets
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours by car
New Smyrna Beach is a charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches popular among surfers. The town has a lively art scene, with galleries, art festivals, and plenty of waterfront dining options. Whether strolling along Flagler Avenue, fishing from the pier, or simply enjoying the sand and surf, New Smyrna Beach offers a relaxing yet lively getaway.
New Smyrna Beach is a charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches popular among surfers. The town has a lively art scene, with galleries, art festivals, and plenty of waterfront dining options. Whether strolling along Flagler Avenue, fishing from the pier, or simply enjoying the sand and surf, New Smyrna Beach offers a relaxing yet lively getaway.
10. The Villages – Golf and Leisure
Travel Time: 1 hour by car
If golf, leisure activities, and relaxation are on your agenda, The Villages is a unique community offering multiple golf courses, recreation centers, and dining options. Spend the weekend golfing, enjoying live music at the town square, or exploring the scenic paths around Lake Sumter. It’s a fun and accessible option for those seeking a weekend of easy-going leisure.
If golf, leisure activities, and relaxation are on your agenda, The Villages is a unique community offering multiple golf courses, recreation centers, and dining options. Spend the weekend golfing, enjoying live music at the town square, or exploring the scenic paths around Lake Sumter. It’s a fun and accessible option for those seeking a weekend of easy-going leisure.
Make Winter Garden Your Home Base with Fernanda Negromonte
Winter Garden’s prime location offers easy access to these incredible destinations, making it an ideal place to live for those who love adventure and variety. Ready to make Winter Garden or Central Florida your home? Connect with Fernanda Negromonte, Central Florida’s top real estate producer. With deep expertise in the local market, Fernanda is dedicated to helping you find the perfect home base for all your future getaways.
Visit fenegromonte.com to get started on your journey to finding the ideal Central Florida property!
