Cheap Travel: Where To Experience Florida’s Magic on a Shoestring Budget

With its balmy climate, gorgeous beach resorts and, of course, star attractions like Walt Disney World, Florida has a lot to offer vacationers. But consider that Florida spans 65,758 square miles. It literally covers a lot of ground, and some locations are far pricier to visit than others.

Take Orlando, for example. A one-week trip for two to this hotspot costs $4,488 on average, or $321 per day per person, according to Budget Your Trip. Included in this steep price-tag is accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing — but not popular tourist activities like hitting up the Disney parks.

Fortunately, there are several places in Florida where you can experience the magic of the state on a frugal budget. Let’s explore.

Consider the cozy seaside town of St. Augustine, located about 40 miles south of downtown Jacksonville. The city was named the No. 1 best small town in the South by “Southern Living” in 2023. Vacationers will appreciate the city’s pristine beaches, fine dining, historical sites and educational attractions (great for the whole family).

According to Budget Your Trip, those visiting St. Augustine can plan to spend $159 per day. A one-week stay for two averages $2,230 and includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing.

Cocoa Beach is an ideal destination for vacationers looking for tons of fun water activities, be it kayaking or kite-boarding. Adventurers on the seas can possibly catch sight of manatees, dolphins and various different species of birds. It’s also great if you don’t want to dish out as much as you would visiting more famous beachside towns in Florida.

According to Budget Your Trip, plan to spend around $145 per day on a trip in Cocoa Beach, Florida. A one-week stay for two, including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,027.

Never heard of Marathon, Florida? It may be time to get acquainted, as it’s one of the least expensive cities in the state for tourists. Smack dab in the middle of the Florida Keys, Marathon is a great spot for snorkeling or scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, fishing, paddling and even hiking.

Those visiting Marathon should plan to spend around $158 per day. A one-week trip for two averages $2,211, according to Budget Your Trip.

Pensacola is a bit more expensive to visit than other cities on this list, but it’s still dramatically cheaper than Orlando. According to Budget Your Trip, those vacationing here should plan to spend around $198 per day. A one-week trip for two averages $2,778.

You’ll find no shortage of summer fun in this westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle. In addition to adventures in and along the sea (hello, white-sand beaches), you can enjoy a charming arts and culture scene, sporting events, festivals and lush golf courses.

Also a bit pricier than some other destinations in Florida — but again, still much cheaper than Orlando — is Daytona Beach. This coastal resort city brims with opportunities for fun in the sun. You might want to check out the strong motorsports scene, or embark on water adventures like surfing or kayaking.

If you’re planning to vacation in Daytona Beach, allot around $211 per day, and expect to spend $2,949 on a one-week trip for two. That price covers accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, according to Budget Your Trip.

Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is a prime spot to visit if you’re craving a gondola ride through canals. It’s also ideal if you’re into golden beaches, interesting attractions such as the Museum of Discovery & Science and, of course, all sorts of water activities like fishing and boating.

If visiting Fort Lauderdale, plan to spend around $182 per day on your vacation, according to Budget Your Trip. A one-week vacation for two averages $2,549.