Cheap staycation ideas in florida

Fellow Floridians, hear me out: have you ever considered staying in Florida for vacation?

I know, I know. We live here. Don’t we dream of getting out, escaping the humidity, and maybe even seeing a tree that changes colors? And don’t get me started on theme parks. After a long day of waiting in lines with screaming children, the last thing you want is to wait an hour for a table at Olive Garden.

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But Florida has some pretty awesome staycation ideas that won’t break the bank. It turns out there are some cool beach towns, state parks, and historic sites right under our noses. Even better, many of these destinations welcome cannabis users.

Here are five cheap staycation ideas in the Sunshine State that stoners will love.

Englewood Is a Hip Beach Town That Welcomes Cannabis Users

So, you live in Sarasota or Charlotte County. You work all week, deal with traffic, and dream of the beaches of Southwest Florida. Well, my friend, you don’t have to drive to Sanibel for a day at the shore. Head north to Englewood instead.

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This charming town has plenty of pot-friendly lodgings, including the Beachview Cottages & Suites. This adult oasis (no kids allowed) features one-, two-, and three-bedroom units right on the Gulf of Mexico. Each suite has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and private balcony. Oh, and did I mention the stunning sunsets? Rates start around $170 per night.

If you feel like cooking weed-laced meals, you’ll dig the vibe at Beachview. But if you want to go out to eat, there are dozens of fantastic restaurants within walking distance. Some local favorites include the Over Easy Diner, The Groves Restaurant, and Bacopa's Waterfront Grill.

Englewood also has tons of outdoor activities for stoners. Stroll the beaches, rent a kayak, or hit the Englewood Trail System for some hiking and biking. If you time it right, you could even catch one of the town’s many festivals, such as the Chili Cook-Off or the Pink Banana Festival (yes, really).

Finally, Englewood is only about 90 minutes from Tampa and Sarasota. So if you absolutely must get your hands on some medical cannabis, it’s not a huge drive. But with such reasonable rates, you may find yourself cancelling your MMJ card and sticking with flower from home.

Silver Springs State Park Is Perfect for Nature Lovers

Do you dream of leaving Florida but still wanting to see nature? Well, pack a bowl and head to Silver Springs State Park.

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Located between Ocala and Gainesville, Silver Springs offers crystal-clear springs, glass-bottom boat rides, and plenty of pot-friendly cabins. At just $55 per night, these cozy abodes feature a full kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning—and did I mention the screened porch? There’s even a fire ring outside, where you can light up a fat doob and gaze at the stars.

By day, Silver Springs State Park has plenty of activities for stoners. Rent a bike, take a dip in the springs, or go wildlife spotting. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for $16 per person, which is a great way to view turtles, birds, and other creatures without lifting a finger.

History buffs should check out the nearby Village of Silver Springs, which dates back to the 1800s. Many buildings from this era still stand, including the Old Mill, a wooden grist mill built in 1872. Talk about an Instagram shot that’ll make your friends jealous!

Of course, driving under the influence of cannabis is never a good idea. Make sure you have a designated stoner before hitting the roads.

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St. George Island Is a Budget-Friendly Beach Getaway

Florida’s Panhandle is known for its white-sand beaches and affordable cost of living. Sound familiar, SoCal residents?

St. George Island extends into the Gulf of Mexico, offering spectacular views of the sunset. This seven-mile barrier island features quaint beach towns, pristine beaches, and tons of places to smoke weed and relax.

One of my favorite spots is The Turtle Inn, a waterfront resort with efficiencies starting at $120 per night. Here, you can wake up, light a joint, and watch the boats go by. Then, stroll across the street to the beach and soak up the rays.

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Apalachicola is the largest city on the Forgotten Coast, and it has plenty of pot-friendly eats. Check out Sam’s Seafood Steamer for fresh seafood and frozen samplers. Or grab a sub and a six-pack at Melt Down Grilled Cheese and Catering.

Speaking of beer, recreational cannabis users should try the Wobbly Pop IPA from Prohibition Brewing. With 75 IBUs and 7.5% ABV, this hoppy brew will put a wobbly pop in your step. Just don’t drive after imbibing. Call an Uber or Lyft, or designate a sober stoner behind the wheel.

St. George Island is a great destination for anglers, sunbathers, and shell collectors. Rates for hotels and condos average around $150 per night during the summer months, making this an affordable alternative to California beach towns.

Fanning Springs Is Home to Crystal-Clear Springs and State Park

Another great option in Florida’s Nature Coast is Fanning Springs. Located near the Gulf but further inland, this area features cooler, clearer water than many Gulf beaches. Plus, the crowds tend to be thinner, allowing for a more peaceful swimming experience.

There are several pot-friendly parks and campgrounds in the Fanning Springs area. One of the best is the Gulf Hammock Campground & Cabins, located about four miles from the springs. A grassy oasis in the middle of the forest, this campground features cabins, RV hookups, and tent campsites. Rates range from $40-$80 per night, depending on amenities.

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At Gulf Hammock, you can wake up, crack open a sativa-dominant hybrid, and listen to the birds chirping. Then, jump in your car and drive four miles to the crystal-clear waters of Fanning Springs. Last time I was there, I saw turtles, fish, and a few curious muskrats.

History buffs should check out nearby Fort Fanning Historic State Park. During the Second Seminole War, fortifications were built along the Withlacoochee River to protect settlers from Indian attacks. Today, visitors can tour the ruins of Fort Fanning, which dates back to the 1800s.

For lunch, I recommend taking a short drive to Old Florida Fish House. This waterfront restaurant serves up delicious seafood while overlooking the Rainbow River. Be sure to save room for key lime pie!

Weeki Wachee Is Known for Its Mermaids and Clear Spring

Remember Weeki Wachee? As a kid in the 1970s, I watched in awe as mermaids swam through the underwater stadium on TV. Little did I know that one day, I would move to Florida and visit the world’s first undersea kingdom.

Today, Weeki Wachee is part of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Visitors can watch mermaid shows, take glass-bottom boat rides, and swim in the park’s crystal-clear springs. Best of all, there are several nearby campgrounds that allow cannabis use.

We recently stayed at the Rainbow River Rv Resort & Campground, a pot-friendly park with shaded campsites and easy access to the river. From our site, my wife and I awoke each morning, fired up a blunt, and watched herons and turtles along the banks. The campground even has rentals for tubes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

After a leisurely float down the rainbow River, we headed to Rod & Reel Pier for some fried gator tail and waterfront marijuana. (Okay, the weed was in the car.) Live music, cold beer, and stunning sunsets make this pier a must-visit for stoners.

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Back at the campground, we feasted on grilled shrimp and played our guitar for the critters. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park charges $13 for adults and $6 for kids to enter. Once inside, you can stay all day and enjoy numerous attractions. My favorite is the Buccaneer Bay Splash Pad, where kids (and adults) can cool off on a hot day.

Mermaid shows run throughout the day, with performances every hour on the hour. Trust me, it doesn’t matter how old you are—you’ll be mesmerized as these ladies swim amongst the fish and bubble machines.

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Weeki Wachee is located between Tampa and Orlando, making it a convenient stop for tourists. But why leave next next time? Pack a bowl, load the family into the Suburban, and spend a weekend in Weeki Wachee. Your out-of-state friends will think you’re fancy, taking them to an underwater kingdom. In reality, you’ll simply be exercising your right to enjoy cannabis in Florida.

Other Cheap Staycation Ideas in Florida

The Sunshine State is filled with hidden gems for cannabis users. Whether you dig nature, history, or shells, there’s bound to be a Florida destination that tickles your fancy.

Looking for something I didn’t cover? Here are a few more suggestions for cheap staycations in Florida:

Cedar Key: Located on Florida’s Nature Coast, this charming town boasts beautiful beaches, art galleries, and seafood joints galore. Take a sunset cruise, rent a golf cart, or go fishing for red grouper and flounder.
Devil’s Den Springs: This Prehistoric Spring-fed diving location is said to have mystical powers. Allegedly, divers can see ancient paintings on the walls, and mermaids have been spotted frolicking with the scuba folks. Okay, maybe I made that last part up. But Devil’s Den is a cool place to visit, whether you scuba dive or just hang out poolside.
Edward Ball Wakula Springs: Located in Crawfordville, this first-magnitude spring features crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. Bring your snorkel gear and explore the underwater caves. If you’re lucky, you might spot a giant clams. Okay, they’re not really giant, but some of these bivalves can grow to eight inches!
Lake Placid: Located in Central Florida, Lake Placid is dubbed “Tree City USA” because of its many oak trees. This quirky town is also known as the “Hall of Bubbles,” thanks to the colorful sculptures scattered about. Artists John and Michelle Navaro create these spheres using a technique called “crochet.” Who knew cannabis could inspire such creativity?

No matter which Florida staycation you choose, remember to bring plenty of cannabis and related supplies. Joints, bongs, edibles—whatever gets you through the day. If you need help finding dispensaries, look no further than Wholesale Marijuana’s Dispensary Finder. Happy travels!

Before you hit the road, make sure you're up to date on Florida's cannabis laws. Then, check out the following articles for more staycation inspiration:

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Dr. Reefer is a senior editor at GreenRush Daily and a licensed physician with years of experience in the medical marijuana industry. His interests include becoming best friends with Snoop Dogg, studying the endocannabinoid system, and spreading awareness of medical marijuana.