Traveling by yourself is an empowering experience, which can offer life-changing insights into who you are as a person. Florida is the perfect escape for those looking to travel solo, as it is a relaxing getaway with vibrant cities, full of diverse landscapes and pristine beaches just begging to be explored. Bask in the sunshine, explore a national park or eat local delicacies. If you’re ready to take the leap and soak the Sunshine State’s exciting attractions and endless sunshine, here are the best places in Florida for traveling solo.
The Florida Keys
The perfect place to indulge in outdoor activities or do nothing at all, the Florida Keys offers an abundance of pristine beaches and idyllic landscapes in the southernmost point in the United States. Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, dig your toes into the sand and catch up on your favorite book. Those who are looking for more adventure can find a wealth of snorkeling and diving excursions to explore underwater marine life or hire a charter for a fishing expedition. Visit the laid-back Key West and sample its famous key lime pie, head to Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel through colorful reefs, or drive to Key Largo, Islamorada, or Big Pine Key for a quiet island vacation away from it all.
Orlando
Orlando offers the best of both worlds, as it’s busy enough to find quiet solitude among the crowds and also provides plenty of socializing opportunities for travelers who want to meet new people. Boasting an array of attractions, from theme parks to museums and shopping opportunities, travelers are spoiled for choice in how they want to spend time on their solo adventure. Drive to the coast to find a quiet stretch of sand or head to one of the natural springs for a peaceful day out in nature. Orlando has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and events that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an easy city to explore by yourself.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island and nearby Fernandina Beach are two of Florida’s most treasured beach areas, where you’ll find a picturesque landscape of Spanish moss and quaint B&B’s. Perfect for travelers looking to have a moment to themselves and time to reflect, Amelia Island offers a break from everyday life, where a day spent lounging on the white sandy beaches or strolling through its historic downtown area is simply a delight. Browse the charming store-lined streets, take a guided horseback ride on the shoreline or try your luck in spotting a dolphin pod from the sandy shore. Those who want to indulge in water sports will also find a variety of kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities as well.
Clearwater
If you’re looking to dig your toes in one of Florida’s most famous beaches, Clearwater is the place to go. Award-winning for the quality of the beach, surrounding area, and awe-inspiring sunset views, Clearwater offers solo travelers an abundance of oceanfront hotels just steps from the ocean. Spend your days soaking in panoramic views of crystal clear waters and white sand beach, or head down to Sunset Pier 60 for a nightly event with street performers and musicians. Deep-sea fishing, jet skiing and scuba diving are popular beach activities in the area, while adventurous travelers can find complete peace and quiet at Honeymoon Island State Park just a short drive away.
Pensacola
A stunning beach destination that doesn’t get as many crowds as its counterparts in South Florida, Pensacola is located in the epicenter of Florida’s Gulf Coast in the Panhandle. A historic city lined with sparkling emerald-green waters, most visitors who come here simply want to enjoy its sugar-white sands and laid-back ambiance. With an array of attractions available, visitors can also go fishing, swimming, explore the historic Fort Pickens or visit the National Naval Aviation Museum. Perfect for solo travelers who want to be engulfed in a beautiful beach area, Pensacola’s miles of stunning coastline is also home to the Gulf Island National Seashore, where visitors can take a day trip to Florida’s other picturesque Panhandle destinations, including Perdido Key and Navarre Beach.
Sanibel Island
Perfect for solo travelers who want to lay back and simply enjoy some of Florida’s most beautiful natural landscapes, Sanibel Island is one of the Sunshine State’s most charming small towns. Running east to west in a banana-like shape, beach-goers flock to this area to comb through the over 300 species of colorful shells that wash up on its shores from the Caribbean. Boasting a small-town ambiance with a lack of chain stores and stop lights, it’s an island where you can get away from the stresses of daily life and enjoy the overwhelming sense of peaceful island bliss. With an unassuming personality, this shelling capital of the world offers a warm welcome to travelers from around the world.
St. Augustine
America’s oldest city, St. Augustine is a vibrant destination for visitors who appreciate history. Solo travelers have an array of historical landmarks to explore as they stroll down 450-year-old cobblestone streets lined with a variety of charming cafes and shops. Architectural treasures are found at every corner, where visitors can watch historical reenactments and explore the colonial-era Castillo de San Marcos fort. Climb to the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city, shop for souvenirs and antiques in the historic district, or relax after a day of adventure along the 43 miles of pristine beaches. A city that has an abundance of rich history, those looking for something spooky might also enjoy joining one of the city’s famous walking ghost tours.
Anna Maria Island
Soak in the salty breeze of Anna Maria Island, a stunning 7-mile barrier island on the coast of Florida. Solo travelers can enjoy the town’s simple way of life, where the speed limit doesn’t exceed higher than 35 miles per hour. Full of cyclists cruising the area and kayakers who are surrounded by its turquoise water views, Anna Marie Island is for travelers who want a peaceful ambiance to unwind and reflect. Sandy beaches and warm seas, dine on local delicacies at Gulf view restaurants, or visit one of the art galleries, museums, and boutiques to snag handmade crafts and souvenirs.
St. Petersburg
A vibrant city just a 30-minute drive from Tampa, St. Petersburg offers solo travelers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from. Relax and unwind at St. Pete Beach, take a day browsing the impressive collection of artwork at the Salvador Dali Museum or take a day trip to explore the unspoiled landscapes and wildlife at Caladesi Island. Take a walk through the colorful array of flora and fauna at the tranquil Sunken Gardens and Florida Botanical Gardens or take a tour of the vibrant mural displays found in the Central Arts District in the downtown area.
St. George Island
Home to St. George Island State Park and 17 miles of paved bike paths, St. George Island is nestled against the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida. Offering an outdoor adventure to nature enthusiasts, it is a photography and bird lover’s paradise where visitors can catch a glimpse of over 300 types of birds in the area. Consistently ranking as one of the best beaches in the United States, the area’s absence of high-rise buildings and traffic noise provide the perfect ambiance for travelers on their own. One of the last preserved barrier islands in Florida, spend a day relaxing on its soft sugary sands, get a bird’s eye view at the Cape Saint George Lighthouse or dine on Florida’s famous Apalachicola Bay oysters along the waterfront.
