Spring is the perfect time for a road trip, and some states in the U.S. are best explored by car, with lots of fun stops along the drive. Florida is one of these places because there are so many unique things to do and quirky roadside attractions here just waiting to be explored. The crisp spring weather is beckoning us to pack a bag and hit the road, perhaps in a convertible rental, to explore both coasts, the barrier islands, South Beach, and beyond. Here are some of the best hotels to treat yourself on a spring road trip across the Sunshine State!
AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown
It’s fun to explore the city of Gainesville while on a Florida road trip because it’s home to the University of Florida and a great starting point for your journey. The AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown is an ideal place to stay if you want to be near the campus and explore this interesting town on foot. The hotel is a newcomer on the local scene with European-inspired rooms, a fitness center, a rooftop spa pool, and panoramic views. There are lots of restaurants nearby so this is a perfect place to relax after museum hopping, nature-filled day trips, and even visiting Paines Prairie to get up-close and personal to alligators and other Florida wildlife.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key
The Florida Keys always make a great road trip, and the Resort at Longboat Key Club is a great place to stop by for a night on your journey. It’s on Longboat Key’s barrier island and a AAA Four Diamond Resort on the beach. Come here to take advantage of recreational and wellness activities in a jungle-like tropical setting. The sprawling 410-acre resort has a peaceful garden and meditative labyrinth to stretch your weary legs and relax your mind in a secluded setting. There are also multiple restaurants onsite to choose from, a pool, and a spa as well.
Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota
Another destination for your road trip is the Lido Key, and the Lido Beach Resort is a highly recommended place to stay here. One of the best beach hotels in Florida, it’s perfect if you’re craving a simple vacation with piña coladas and relaxing time to work on your spring tan. Here you’ll find spacious rooms and suites with full kitchens, private balconies, and separate bedrooms. Suite balconies overlook the beach. There is a family pool and an adults-only pool here where you can lay out and grab a cocktail from the Tiki Bar. When you stay here, you can also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle to St. Armand’s Circle, which is about four blocks away and has lots of restaurants and shops to explore.
Art Ovation Hotel, Sarasota
If your road trip route includes going to the Gulf Coast, then an overnight stop in Sarasota is a must, especially if you love art and culture. The Art Ovation Hotel is a newly built hotel on the Gulf Coast that was inspired by the vibrant arts and culture scene of Sarasota and is located in the heart of downtown. There are so many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants around here. And the hotel itself has around 10,000 square feet of flexible space for events, a lobby bar, full-service restaurant, rooftop pool and bar, and a fitness center. There’s also an Artists in Residence program here and guest access to in-room art amenities and in-house art curators to fully immerse yourself into the local art scene.
Marriott Stanton South Beach, Miami Beach
Miami is always an epic road trip destination, and there are so many luxury hotels to choose from here. One great one is the Marriott Stanton South Beach, which is in an exclusive neighborhood and in a less-crowded area of Ocean Drive. You’ll enjoy direct beach access, and as part of its $22 million renovation, new restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. Lolo’s Surf Cantina serves Mexican fare, and the Michelin Star concept Azabu Miami Beach serves authentic Japanese food. You’ll also be close to South Beach’s top nightclubs, boutique shops, and restaurants when you stay here and take a break from driving.
The Julia, Miami Beach
Another highly recommended road trip stop in Miami Beach is the Julia, an artsy and adults-only boutique hotel that opened its doors in 2017. It’s located in the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood and named after the inspiration and design of founder Julia Tuttle. Stephen Busto designed these designer hotel rooms with stylishly mismatched décor, and there’s a lovely art and portrait gallery to check out in the lobby. The Ibis rooms even have paper butterfly art installations that are nine feet tall and dangle from the ceilings! This is a great budget-friendly pick too because there are lots of complimentary amenities offered, such as Wi-Fi, French-inspired continental breakfasts, beach chairs for guests, and a daily wine and cheese happy hour.
W Fort Lauderdale
One of the best beach hotels in Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale is a perfect break for road-trippers in Florida. There are sleek guest rooms and suites here, a rooftop pool, and a new design that’s brimming with energy. You can mix and mingle with other guests in the hotel lobby, known as the Living Room, and soak up the sun on the WET Deck with its views of Fort Lauderdale Beach, plush lounge chairs, and bottle service. Steak 954 and El Vez are the onsite restaurants, while at night, there are great complimentary programs on the lineup with themes like Cuban cigars, make your own body scrubs, and henna designs.
The Perry Key West at Stock Island Marina, Key West
So many amazing road trips end at Key West, and the Perry Key West at Stock Island Marina is an awesome place for your final road trip indulgence. This is a new hotel that just opened up last summer. You’ll enjoy easy access to pretty much any water sports excursion you can imagine while staying here, as well as onsite artist studios where you can watch local craftsmen. This is also a pet-friendly option if your pup has come along for the adventure. There are two dog parks within the Stock Island Marina complex and pet-friendly guest rooms on the ground floor.
