Girlfriends, listen up! Are you looking for a fun and much-needed girls' trip destination? Make your group chat dreams a reality in Florida. 😎
Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind, but it definitely should be!
From peaceful beaches without crowded shores to charming small towns full of shops and eateries, many underrated destinations await.
In this article, you'll learn about some of Florida's underrated girls' trip destinations that you might not have considered before.
When you're finally making your girlfriend trips official, you might think of the usual suspects like Miami, Orlando, or Key West.
But if you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, plenty of underrated Florida destinations are perfect for a girls' getaway!
1. Amelia Island
Amelia Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, so this is a must-do for any girls' trip.
This versatile island has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip.
Here are some activities you can enjoy at Amelia Island:
Spend a Day at the Beach
No trip to Amelia Island would be complete without spending quality time relaxing on the beach.
The island has miles of beautiful beaches with soft sand, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, playing beach games, or unwinding on a towel with a good book.
Popular beach access points include Main Beach Park, downtown Fernandina Beach's heart, and the beachfront at The Ritz-Carlton and Omni Amelia Island Resort.
Pack your swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and don't forget a beach umbrella and chairs to escape the mid-day sun!
Pamper Yourselves at the Spa
What better way to indulge in a girls' getaway than a relaxing spa treatment?
Several excellent spas on Amelia Island offer massage therapies, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its treatments and lavish amenities like a hydrotherapy pool.
The Spa and shops at Omni Amelia Island Plantation also offer calming massages, salon services, and boutique shopping.
Or check out Kayak Amelia for a relaxing paddle through coastal marshes and a therapeutic massage at the kayak launch.
Savor the Local Cuisine & Wine Scene
One of the joys of visiting Amelia Island is getting to sample fresh local cuisine, often with an emphasis on seafood.
Downtown Fernandina Beach has fantastic restaurants lining Centre Street, like T-Rays Burger Station, 29 South, and España Restaurant & Tapas.
For a fine dining experience, make reservations at Salt or Coast at The Ritz-Carlton.
Cheers to a great girls' getaway!
2. South Walton
Another underrated destination for a girls' trip is South Walton. This area of the Florida Panhandle is known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and laid-back vibe.
Yes, Another Beach
With 26 miles of pristine shoreline along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, South Walton is a paradise for beach lovers.
Popular spots like Grayton Beach, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach have sparkling white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
Pack the cooler, slather on the sunscreen, and claim your spot early to enjoy a full day of fun in the sun with the girls.
The beaches here are some of the best in the country!
Indulge in Retail Therapy
The charming beach towns of South Walton are loaded with adorable boutiques, shops, galleries, and markets — perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy on your girls' getaway.
Browse through the latest fashions and accessories at boutiques in Seaside, shop artisan crafts and souvenirs in Grayton Beach, or discover unique home goods and gifts in Rosemary Beach.
Stop for a sweet treat or coffee break along the way.
And don't miss the array of beach supply stores to pick up any last-minute items for your beach days!
Sip and Savor at Local Restaurants
With farm-to-table fare, fresh Gulf seafood, innovative cocktails, and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant scene in South Walton is incredible.
Head to Bud & Alley's in Seaside for waterfront dining on coastal classics. Try hot chicken and waffles at Stinky's Fish Camp in Santa Rosa Beach.
Wherever you dine, toast to good times on your girls' getaway over delicious food and drinks.
3. Solomon's Castle in Sarasota
If you're looking for a destination that's a little more off the beaten path, consider visiting Solomon's Castle in Sarasota.
Tour the Eclectic Castle
The centerpiece of a visit to Solomon's Castle is touring the architectural wonder.
This 12,000-square-foot medieval-style castle was built entirely from discarded materials like printing plates, old appliances, and salvaged metals.
Whimsical features like a fire-breathing dragon, a waterfall, and secret passageways delight touring the castle.
Don't miss King Solomon's elaborate throne room and see the one-of-a-kind artworks, sculptures, and displays crafted from recycled objects.
Lunch at the Boat in the Moat Restaurant
Dining at Solomon's Castle is a must! The on-site Boat in the Moat restaurant serves up scale-inspired entrees and appetizers with flair.
The nautical-themed dining room decorates the walls with portholes, fishnets, and oars.
Sit back, savor delicious dishes, and admire the view of the castle grounds from this unique eatery built into the castle's moat.
It's a memorable, tropical twist on medieval feasts!
Explore the Sculpture Gardens
After touring the castle's interior, wander through Solomon's sculpture gardens showcasing Alfredo's imaginative metal artworks.
Meander along winding pathways past whimsical sculptures like an octopus bench, a glass-bottomed boat, and rearing metal horses.
The lush gardens surrounding the sculptures make for great photo ops and let you appreciate Alfredo's creative vision.
Don't miss the Peace Fountain's spectacular display!
4. Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs
Finally, consider visiting Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs for a truly unique girls' trip.
Kayak to Wekiwa Island
Paddle through the tranquil waters of the Wekiva River to reach beautiful Wekiwa Island, a state-protected preserve only accessible by water.
Rent kayaks in downtown Apopka and spend the day gliding across the river, viewing the lush foliage, wildlife, and natural springs that feed it.
Once on Wekiwa Island, explore nature trails and picnic on the shore.
For an even more immersive experience, check into a waterfront yurt at the state park's campground to stay right on the island.
Swim in Wekiwa Springs
At Wekiwa Springs State Park, the focal point is the stunning blue pooling of the springs.
Walk down to the water to swim and snorkel amid the gushing springs, which stay a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
Dive down to discover fossilized shells and follow the path of the springs.
The swimming area has a fun rock "sandbar" to relax and concessions if you want to make a day of it.
Hike Sand Lake Nature Trail
Also within Wekiwa Springs State Park is the gorgeous Sand Lake Nature Trail, winding nearly a mile around turquoise Sand Lake.
The trail takes you through Florida forests and wetlands on elevated boardwalks over the swampy areas.
Keep your eyes peeled for Florida wildlife like birds, turtles, and alligators! The whole hike makes for a pleasant and picturesque afternoon during your girls' getaway.
The natural beauty of Wekiwa Island and Wekiwa Springs is the perfect setting for making fun memories during a Florida girls' trip!
Also read: 17 Iconic Animals to Spot in the Florida Keys
Must Try Culinary Experiences in Florida!
A girls' trip to Florida isn't complete without indulging in the state's culinary delights. From seafood to Key Lime Pie, Florida offers something for every taste bud.
Here are some of the must-try culinary experiences in Florida for your next girls' trip:
Seafood Delights
Florida is known for its fresh seafood, and you won't be disappointed with the variety of seafood dishes available.
The Fish House in Pensacola is a must-visit for daily fresh catches, such as snapper or grouper, served with sides of fresh vegetables or mashes.
The Vue on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach is another excellent spot for seafood lovers, offering a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico and its seafood dishes.
If you want something more unique, head to Apalachicola for some oysters. The town is known for its oysters; you can find them at places like Boss Oyster.
Key West's Signature Dishes
Key West is famous for its signature dishes; you can't leave without trying them.
Head to Blue Heaven for their famous Key Lime Pie or Sloppy Joe's for their Sloppy Joe sandwich.
For a taste of Cuban cuisine, head to El Meson de Pepe, which offers a variety of Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja and Cuban sandwiches.
Trendy Restaurants in Miami
Miami is known for its trendy restaurants, with plenty to choose from.
Time Out Market Miami is a great spot to try a variety of cuisines from different vendors, while Komodo offers Asian-inspired dishes in a chic atmosphere.
For a unique dining experience, head to The Bazaar by José Andrés, which provides a variety of small plates in a whimsical atmosphere.
Shopping and Nightlife
Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping and nightlife.
Whether you're looking for high-end boutiques or vintage shops or want to dance the night away with your girls, Florida has got you covered.
Shopping in Orlando
Orlando is a shopper's paradise.
Everything from upscale malls to outlet centers has something for every budget and style. The Mall at Millenia is a must-visit for high-end shopping.
With stores like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, you'll feel like walking down Rodeo Drive.
If you want something more budget-friendly, head to the Orlando International Premium Outlets.
With over 180 stores, including Nike, Coach, and Kate Spade, you'll be able to find some great deals.
What about some unique items? You can head to the East End Market.
This indoor market is home to various local vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade jewelry.
You'll also find some great coffee shops and restaurants here.
Nightlife in Miami
When the sun goes down, Miami comes alive. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone.
If you want a more laid-back vibe, head to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami.
This outdoor bar has a great atmosphere and serves up some delicious refreshments.
For something a bit more upscale, head to the LIV at the Fontainebleau.
This iconic nightclub has hosted some of the biggest names in music and is known for its over-the-top decor and VIP service.
If you want something more low-key, head to the Wynwood Arts District. This neighborhood has various art galleries and street art on top of places to dine.
No matter what your style, Florida has something for everyone when it comes to shopping and nightlife.
Planning Your Girls Trip
What are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your underrated girls' trip to Florida!
Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect trip:
Best Time to Visit
Florida is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
If you're looking to hit the beach, the best time to visit is between March and May, when the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider staying in the fall when the weather is still warm, but the summer vacationers have gone home.
If you're planning a bachelorette party or girls' trip, consider visiting during the off-season when lower prices and crowds are smaller.
Packing Essentials
When packing for your girls' trip in Florida, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a swimsuit.
Florida is known for its sunny weather, so protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential.
Bring a beach bag, towels, and a cover-up to hit the beach. Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket for cooler evenings to explore the city.
Don't forget to pack your camera to capture all the memories!
So, grab your besties, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Sunshine State!
For more Florida trips you can try, check out:
Elephants: 8 Places in Florida to Encounter These Gentle Giants
Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Florida: Unforgettable Fun for All Ages
10 Best Florida Resorts For Families
Florida’s Enchanting Sunken Gardens: A Paradise For Nature Lovers