Where to Stay in Florida: Top Vacation Spots

Florida isn't a one-destination vacation.

One trip might mean waking up beside the Gulf of Mexico, walking barefoot to the beach and watching the sunset from a waterfront home. Another could mean a family vacation minutes from Orlando's famous theme parks. Head farther south, and your days can revolve around boating, fishing, beaches and island life.

That's what makes choosing where to stay in Florida so exciting—and sometimes a little difficult.

The best destination depends on the vacation you have in mind. Whether you're planning a beach escape, Disney-area family trip, boating vacation, romantic getaway or extended winter stay, Florida offers destinations for almost every style of travel.

From family-friendly Central Florida to laid-back Gulf Coast communities, Florida vacation rentals give travelers the freedom to choose a stay that fits the way they want to experience the Sunshine State.

Orlando & Kissimmee: Best for Theme Parks and Family Vacations

For families planning a vacation around Walt Disney World and Central Florida's major attractions, Orlando and Kissimmee are among the most convenient places to stay.

Orlando vacation rentals provide a comfortable home base for exploring theme parks, entertainment, restaurants and attractions throughout Central Florida.

Nearby, Kissimmee vacation rentals are particularly popular with families and groups thanks to the area's wide selection of private homes, condos and resort communities. Many properties provide something a traditional hotel room simply can't—separate bedrooms, kitchens, living areas and, depending on the home, private pools and game rooms.

Reunion Resort: Space, Comfort and Easy Access to Orlando

Travelers who want the space of a vacation home combined with a resort setting can consider Reunion Resort vacation rentals.

The community offers everything from comfortable condos to expansive vacation homes suited to families and larger groups. Depending on the individual property and access included, guests may also find swimming pools, dining, golf views and other resort amenities.

Its Central Florida location also makes Reunion an appealing base for travelers planning to spend time around Disney and the greater Orlando area.

Miami Beach: Best for Beaches, Dining and City Energy

If your ideal Florida vacation combines the ocean with restaurants, nightlife, shopping and an unmistakable city atmosphere, Miami Beach belongs near the top of the list.

Days can begin beside the Atlantic and continue through South Beach, Ocean Drive, local restaurants and nearby Miami neighborhoods.

Miami Beach vacation rentals are particularly appealing to travelers who want more independence and space while keeping beaches, dining and entertainment within easy reach.

From condos to larger vacation homes, there are options for couples, families and groups looking to experience one of South Florida's most recognizable destinations.

Fort Lauderdale: Best for Beaches, Boating and Waterfront Living

Fort Lauderdale offers its own distinctive South Florida experience.

Known for beaches and an extensive network of waterways, the city works particularly well for travelers interested in boating, waterfront stays, restaurants and a relaxed coastal vacation.

Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals range from beach-oriented stays to homes near canals and marinas, giving couples, families and longer-stay travelers different ways to experience the area.

Visitors can spend their days along the coast, explore the waterways or use Fort Lauderdale as a base for discovering more of South Florida.

Fort Myers Beach: Best for a Relaxed Gulf Coast Vacation

Travelers dreaming about warm Gulf waters and an easygoing coastal atmosphere should consider Fort Myers Beach.

This Southwest Florida destination appeals to travelers who want plenty of time outdoors, whether that means relaxing near the water, exploring the surrounding area or simply enjoying a slower vacation pace.

Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals can provide families and groups with kitchens, living space and the flexibility to enjoy the Gulf Coast on their own schedule.

Sanibel & Captiva: Best for Island Time and Nature

For a quieter Southwest Florida experience, Sanibel and Captiva offer an entirely different rhythm.

These islands appeal to travelers who value beaches, natural surroundings, wildlife and slower vacation days over packed itineraries.

Sanibel vacation rentals make an excellent base for travelers interested in the island's beaches, natural environment and laid-back atmosphere.

Nearby, Captiva vacation rentals offer another option for visitors looking for an intimate island getaway surrounded by the beauty of Southwest Florida.

Choosing between the two often comes down to the type of island experience you're looking for—and exploring both can be part of the fun.

Marco Island: Best for Beaches, Boating and Island Living

Marco Island offers a relaxed Southwest Florida escape where Gulf beaches, boating and waterfront experiences take center stage.

It's an appealing choice for families, couples and travelers looking for a slower-paced coastal vacation surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida's Paradise Coast.

Spend the day relaxing near Tigertail Beach, explore the area's waterways by boat or enjoy waterfront dining as the sun sets over the Gulf.

Marco Island vacation rentals range from comfortable condos to spacious vacation homes, giving travelers plenty of options for experiencing the island at their own pace.

For visitors who value space, privacy and the comforts of home, Marco Island can make an excellent base for discovering this distinctive corner of Southwest Florida.

Cape Coral: Best for Boating and Waterfront Vacation Homes

For travelers who picture their Florida vacation revolving around the water, Cape Coral deserves serious consideration.

The city's extensive canal system makes it particularly appealing for boating-oriented vacations and travelers searching for waterfront accommodation.

Cape Coral vacation rentals can include spacious homes suited to families and groups, with some properties offering waterfront settings, pools and outdoor living areas.

It's an appealing alternative for travelers who want the privacy and flexibility of a vacation home while exploring Southwest Florida.

Bradenton & Bradenton Beach: Best for a Gulf Coast Getaway

The Bradenton area provides access to another appealing stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast while giving travelers several different ways to structure their vacation.

Bradenton vacation rentals can provide a convenient home base for exploring the wider region, local attractions and nearby coastal communities.

For travelers who want to stay closer to the sand and Gulf waters, Bradenton Beach vacation rentals offer a more traditional barrier-island vacation experience.

Families, couples and longer-stay visitors can choose between mainland convenience and a stay closer to the coast.

Longboat Key: Best for a Quieter Coastal Escape

Travelers looking for a slower and more relaxed Gulf Coast experience should also consider Longboat Key.

Its coastal setting makes it particularly appealing to couples, seasonal visitors and travelers who prefer peaceful beach days while remaining close enough to explore the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

Longboat Key vacation rentals provide an attractive option for visitors who want to settle into the destination and experience the Gulf Coast at a more leisurely pace.

Daytona Beach: Best for an Atlantic Coast Beach Vacation

On Florida's Atlantic side, Daytona Beach combines a famous stretch of coastline with entertainment, events and convenient access to other parts of Central Florida.

It can be a good choice for families, couples and groups looking for a traditional Florida beach vacation without traveling all the way to South Florida.

Daytona Beach vacation rentals give travelers the opportunity to stay near the coast while enjoying the additional space and flexibility that a vacation home or condo can provide.

Which Florida Destination Should You Choose?

The easiest way to decide where to stay in Florida is to start with the experience you want.

For Disney and theme parks: Orlando, Kissimmee and Reunion Resort
For city and beach: Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale
For boating and waterfront stays: Cape Coral, Marco Island or Fort Lauderdale
For quieter island escapes: Sanibel or Captiva
For Gulf Coast beaches: Fort Myers Beach, Bradenton Beach or Longboat Key
For an Atlantic Coast vacation: Daytona Beach

There isn't one “best” place to stay in Florida for everyone—and that's precisely what makes the state such an interesting vacation destination.

Why Choose a Florida Vacation Rental?

Vacation rentals can be particularly useful in Florida because so many trips involve families, groups and longer stays.

Instead of limiting everyone to traditional hotel rooms, a vacation home may provide separate bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, outdoor spaces and other amenities depending on the individual property.

Travelers can choose from beachfront condos and waterfront homes to villas, resort properties and family-friendly houses.

For travelers who prefer a more direct approach, Florida vacation rentals by owner can also provide an opportunity to communicate directly with owners or hosts about the property, availability, rates and booking terms.

Through FVHR – Find Vacation Home Rentals, travelers can discover vacation homes across Florida and connect directly with the owners and hosts offering them.

Find Your Place in Florida

The best Florida vacations don't all look the same.

For one family, it might be an Orlando vacation rental with plenty of space to relax after a day at the theme parks. For another traveler, it could mean morning coffee beside a Cape Coral canal, an afternoon exploring Sanibel, or sunset from Marco Island.

Start with the experience you want, choose the destination that fits it, and then find a vacation home that gives you the space and location to enjoy it.

Explore Florida vacation rentals with FVHR and discover places to stay across some of the Sunshine State's most appealing destinations.