9 Warmest Florida Towns For A Winter Visit

Living up to its name through small towns for any taste, the Sunshine State is an all-season destination sought after around the world. Between Juno Beach and Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter offers access to some of the most scenically charged sights in the state. Most reinvigorating off-season in winter, there's actually more room to breathe without crowds.

Escape the snow and frigid temperatures into the beautiful weather outdoors—not nearly as hot as the summer for mid-day adventures and lounging on the beach. Hernando Beach and Homosassa are renowned for bountiful scalloping. From yoga on the beach in Siesta Key to holiday shopping and sales, these towns make you forget life as you know it.

Cocoa Beach

Just an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a prime water sports destination with easy-going vibes year-round, but its winter beach is unlike any other. Numerous Santa surfers descend to ride the waves every Christmas Eve, drawing thousands for the unlikely visual. Drop by a carnival costume contest alongside the highlighted sands and colorful surf. The cozy beach is ideal for celebrating the season in the warm-weather outdoors with picnics, water sports, and sunset strolls along the promenade. Renowned for its calm, consistent surf, park by the shore to ride or learn with a rental board or bring your own. From holiday shopping to the best hotels, like the Inn At Cocoa Beach and Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, you’ll feel like you are part of civilization apart.

Lori Wilson Park features a clean, wide-swept beach with free parking to trudge its molasses-like sands, plus a winding nature trail. Stretch your legs into a shaded maritime hammock of lush live oak with a picnic in a frame of local palmetto and greenery. The world's largest, Ron Jon Surf Shop, open 24 hours a day, offers to buy your way into a real beach lifestyle over its 52,000 square feet of space, with fish tanks, glass elevators, and flowing waterfalls. The shallows attract families to splash or wade past the breakers. Explore the Cocoa Beach Pier; the 800-foot boardwalk into the ocean is really photogenic to browse shops, restaurants, and boutiques in great view of the swell and the beach, plus the iconic Atlantic Ocean Grille, serving juicy fish sandwiches.

Hernando Beach

Hernando Beach is an oasis along the Weeki Wachee River and Springs. Those who find it once discover a welcoming shrimping mecca to enjoy the freshest catch year-round. So, how about a holiday feast at Hernando Beach Tropical Grille? Not a seafood fanatic? The colorful Lei-Lo Tiki Hut "On the Water" is a must-stop for American fare with a beachy vibe. You'll be full and happy to explore the waters or hike Weekiwachee Preserve, with cycling trails and birding, plus fishing and boating. Nature Coast Botanical Garden & Nursery is the most serene, while the nearby Touchstar Cinemas is the most lively in the next-door town. Score a charming beachfront rental with access to the beach scene, take a fishing charter, or explore the Weekiwachee Wildlife Management Area.

Developed by Charlie Sasser in 1970, it just so happened before the next year's restrictions on wetland development, which prompted a dike construction around the 144 acres, separating it from the Gulf. Today, the little-known paradise flaunts shallow, glistening sandbars and many scallop patches to rejoice in along the scenically lined houses by the canal and turquoise surf. Don't miss Aripeka Stone Crab Company, the local seafood market just south, open every day to delight your frozen friends with a feast right off the grill back home. With direct access to Gilligan's Island, you will tell stories of off-the-beaten-path adventures, sharing photos out of sight, like the town from another perspective, or while trekking the Hernando Flats, which brings visions of the Caribbean.

Homosassa

Across from Monkey Island, Homosassa is the "Florida Cracker Riverside Resort." One of the most beautiful spots in Florida, it is great to escape the wintertime city along various waterways. Beat the heat with plenty of shade at the eponymous state park, among native Floridian wildlife like alligators, black bears, red wolves, deer, flamingos, and whooping cranes, plus manatee viewings through an underwater observatory. Bring your whole gang to Bluebird Springs Park for a picnic in the covered pavilion, a playground, a dog park, restrooms, and a pond in the middle. River Safaris is a popular pursuit to experience "Adventures on the Wild Side" with various tours that are wildly captivating, fun, and educational for every age.

Offering the opportunity to swim and fish without crowds, scalloping is by far the most popular pursuit that tourists and locals enjoy alike. Whether you're in for the quintessential springs or the "throwback to simpler times" vibe, join scenery-seekers and outdoors-lovers under the sunny skies while it snows back home! Known for its several state parks, Yulee Sugar Mill State Park features a sugar mill dating to the Civil War. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park immerses visitors in the majestic and diverse world of the springs. From backcountry fishing adventures with local guides to a quaint marina at sunset, you'll be starving for dinner at the laidback Crump's Landing, a waterfront restaurant serving surf-n-turf.

Jupiter

North of West Palm Beach and June Beach, Jupiter is a quintessential Southeast Florida town. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is the spring training home for the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, while the River Center at Burt Reynolds Park brings life in and around the Loxahatchee River up close over interactive exhibits and a touch tank with wild inhabitants. Offering access to the region's best, the Blowing Rocks Preserve is an Anastasia limestone outcrop surrounded by wildlife and an education center. Next door north, Jonathan Dickinson State Park skims the iconic Loxahatchee River for hikes and paddling the mangroves, plus river swamps. Heading south along the shore towards the center, Coral Cove Park boasts limestone formations and coral reefs abundant in marine life.

From ocean surfing and fishing in the river to sea turtle walks on the sand, outdoor adventures form here. Enjoy hiking and biking the beachfront park trails, plus the popular DuBois Park, a jetty on a scenic lagoon with a sandy fringe for swimming, boat slips, and a playground. The next-door Carlin Park boasts a scenic boardwalk along the sands to photograph, build castles, and picnic with access to swimming, playgrounds, tennis courts, and even an amphitheater. Downtown Abacoa, the "it" spot in town, offers specialty shops and sidewalk dining. Shop at Harbourside Place with river views, and catch the sunset behind the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse before turning in at one of its luxury resorts, a boutique hotel, or a vacation rental.

Key Biscayne

Bursting with small-town charms, this true island delight is often overlooked despite being just a short way from Miami. Wedged between Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the south and Crandon Park to the north, Key Biscayne is an enviable destination for outdoor lovers to escape the cold, promising a sunlit streetscape with unspoiled scenery around—an itinerary full of waiting. Enjoy adventures at your pace in a calm environment, including crowd-free beaches, fishing with the locals, and cycling when not hiking through the parks. Crandon Park is a fun one, with a protected beach, tennis, and amusements like eco-tours and concessions, plus a garden, a pond, and cabanas around Calusa Park.

Waking up, you'll be drawn by the fresh-baked scent from Piononos for a treat to enjoy at the central Village Green Park with a playground and interactive fountain. Whether you're in central Key Biscayne Beach or the rugged Ocean Park just south, soak up the water vistas and explore beyond. You'll be smitten by its coastal barrier reef—the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the US, which is among the state's best places to snorkel. The state park features the historic Cape Florida lighthouse, one of the oldest structures in Miami-Dade, drawing couples and photographers at sunset. End the day or reserve a holiday dinner at Milanezza Kitchen Bar & Market with a retro feel and Italian and Argentine dishes.

Marco Island

This idyllic barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico attracts tourists year-round. Since most of us descend for the summer vacation, the sprawling island feels like your own in acceptable winter temperatures to explore the outdoors. Offering doorstep access to several relaxed parks, Mackle Park features a leisurely trail, basketball, sand volleyball, and fishing. The Great Florida Birding Trail, with local species like great blue herons and ospreys, traverses the smooth, sandy shores of Tigertail Beach with a tidal lagoon to watch shorebirds and collect shells, plus a bathhouse. Perfect for biking under the palms, the hedge-lined paved pathway at South Beach leads you to unspoiled white sands overlooking the Ten Thousand Islands. Marco Island Historical Society offers thousands of records to browse.

From fishing charters to golf, Marco Island Farmer's Market boasts a lively feel, while Goodland Boat Park offers a double ramp, a bait and tackle store, and a cleaning station. Stop by the town's intimate Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve before dinner next door at Snook Inn, a chill hangout with seafood and a salad bar, waterfront tables, and live music. With plenty of rentals, resorts, and spas, you'll be ready for the next day's set of adventures after the delightful Doreen's Cup of Joe, serving coffee drinks and favorite breakfast foods. You can take the Key West Express or adventure through Otter Mound Preserve, which has a trail through a historic tropical hardwood hammock. Catch the sunset at Marina At Factory Bay or Dolphin Cove Marina next door.

Pine Island

Just off Cape Coral shore, west of Matlacha, Pine Island offers a quick escape without crowds from the bustle of Fort Myers. Home to tiny communities and photogenic shores with undeveloped beaches, you'll get an authentic taste of lifestyle on island time, returning home reinvigorated. Pine Island has grown while maintaining a largely undeveloped environment; it reflects aspects of how the Sunshine State was centuries ago. Randell Research Center conveys the ecology, archeology, and history of Southern Florida, while the Museum of the Islands offers human history with ancient exhibits and archeological finds from the Calusa Indian community.

Today, each of the four communities infuses its flavor into the largest island on the Gulf Coast, with plenty of ways to revel in the peaceful, simpler way of life. Rivaling the best towns in Florida to escape in the cold season while the days are away over leisure and adventures, like fishing, hiking, and picnicking at the beautiful Galt Preserve with local fauna and flora. Tropical Point Park is excellent for a hike with a picnic to the top views of the water slit through the greenery. Just south, Phuzzy's Boat Shack is a popular old-school joint on a canal with a funky outdoor bar serving surf-n-turf, rum drinks, and beer. Boasting bountiful agriculture and fishing opportunities, the Bokeelia Fishing Pier is renowned for scenic strolls and fishing among the locals who have enjoyed its length for over a century.

Siesta Key

Just imagine a siesta away from the snow under the pleasant sunshine with easy-on-the-eyes views. Boasting a longstanding history of recognition, you couldn't feel further from the bustle, just a crossing west of Sarasota. Many out-of-state visitors reserve an afternoon for the state-of-the-art, historic John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art back on the mainland. Everything hints at relaxation; the island offers free trolleys to explore its length between the outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing and parasailing spots to the fine white quartz sand of Siesta Beach that stays cool. Boasting a playground, tennis courts, and year-round lifeguards, this award-winning, heavenly sand stretch took silver home among US beaches, according to TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Head south to Crescent Beach for lower crowds and further down to Point of Rocks, a scenic seascape for photography, shelling, snorkeling, and fishing. Clear waters wash over the white-sanded Sarasota Beach, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and surf breaks between the beach bars. Between fishing charters and watersports, the nearby Phillippi Estate Park is a dog-friendly 60-acre space to trail around a historic mansion, plus fishing piers and a kayak launch. Grab your last-minute gifts at South Village Shopping District, or keep the holiday feel going after the Boxing Day specials through Siesta Key Village, alongside dining and live entertainment. Full of rentals, resorts, and hotels, Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar boasts a tiki bar, live music, and renowned clam chowder.

Vilano Beach

This quiet Florida beach town between the Tolomato River and the Atlantic is an artist's dream. Particularly quaint during the winter months, it is great to pick up a new skill, like learning to surf or skimboard, with rentals available throughout. Famed for its aesthetics along the Scenic and Historic Coastal Highway, relish in the easygoing vibes of luxury around Vilano's intricately tiled fountains and Art Deco décor. The one-of-a-kind backdrop against the endlessly brilliant waters will imprint in your mind as an enviable escape year-round. Many escaping the winter from out of state enjoy minute access southeast to St. Augustine's vibrantly historical downtown and Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

From North Beach Park to Surfside Park Beach, both dog-friendly, Vilano Beach defines a transformative experience for the mind, body, and soul. Escape the snow at home for yoga on the beach to really breathe deep the salty sea scent. The beach near the inlet offers to recompose in an intimate space, perfect for couples, with the complementing Casa Monica Resort at the doorstep. Whether you're in for thrilling water sports, family fun in the surf, or some really down beach time, complete your winter holiday on the beach at Cap's On the Water at sunset with views from the wooden deck and an oyster bar. The Reef offers an elevated feel, while Aunt Kate's serves eclectic dishes like smoked fish dip and fried alligator tail.

Escape to Florida's Warm Winter Getaways

Seeking solitude in the gorgeous outdoors? It’s not an easy task in the Sunshine State, but winter is the ideal time to visit. With its pleasant weather, lively festivals, and small-town charm spilling onto picturesque beaches perfect for water sports, Florida feels more refreshing than ever this time of year. Imagine lounging on a beach, where the concept of "snow" becomes a distant memory.

Siesta Key, home to the second-best beach in the US, offers easy access to Sarasota's attractions. Vilano Beach lies just 5 miles away from the oldest European settlement in the continental US, St. Augustine, while Pine Island preserves the pristine environment of Florida as it once was. Leave your worries behind and gift yourself a getaway in one of Florida’s warmest towns this winter.