With its mild climate, beautiful seaside resorts and, of course, top attractions like Walt Disney World, Florida has a lot to offer vacationers. But consider that Florida is 65,758 square miles. It literally covers a lot of ground and some places are much more expensive to visit than others.
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Take Orlando, for example. A week-long trip for two to this hotspot costs an average of $4,488, or $321 per day per person, according to Budget your trip. This high price includes lodging, food, local transportation, and sightseeing, but not popular tourist activities like visiting the Disney parks.
Luckily, there are several places in Florida where you can experience the magic of the state on a frugal budget. Let's explore.
Sainte-Augustine
Consider the charming beach town of St. Augustine, located about 40 miles south of downtown Jacksonville. The city was named Best Small Town in the South by Southern Living in 2023. Vacationers will enjoy the city's pristine beaches, fine restaurants, historic sites, and educational attractions (ideal 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 people costs an average of $2,230 and includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing.
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Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a great destination for vacationers looking for tons of fun water activities, whether it's kayaking or kitesurfing. Sea adventurers may spot manatees, dolphins and various species of birds. It's also ideal if you don't want to spend as much as you would visiting more famous Florida beach towns.
According to Budget Your Trip, plan to spend around $145 per day for a trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida. A one-week stay for two people, including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, costs an average of $2,027.
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Marathon
Never heard of Marathon, Florida? It might be time to get acquainted, as it's one of the least expensive towns in the state for tourists. Right in the middle of the Florida Keys, Marathon is a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving, coral reef exploration, fishing, boating, and even hiking.
Those visiting Marathon should plan to spend around $158 per day. A week-long trip for two costs an average of $2,211, according to Budget Your Trip.
Pensacola
Pensacola is a little more expensive to visit than the other cities on this list, but it's still significantly less expensive than Orlando. According to Budget Your Trip, those vacationing here should plan to spend around $198 per day. A one-week trip for two people costs an average of $2,778.
Summer fun abounds in this westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle. In addition to adventures in and by the sea (hello white sand beaches), you can enjoy a charming arts and culture scene, sporting events, festivals, and lush golf courses.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is also a bit more expensive than some other Florida destinations – but again, much cheaper than Orlando. This resort town is full of opportunities for fun in the sun. You might want to check out the vibrant motorsport scene or take up water adventures like surfing or kayaking.
If you're planning a vacation to Daytona Beach, budget about $211 per day and expect to spend $2,949 for a week-long trip for two. This price covers accommodation, food, local transport and sightseeing, depending on Budget your trip.
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Fort Lauderdale
Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is a great place to visit if you fancy a gondola ride on the canals. It's also ideal if you like golden beaches, interesting attractions such as the Museum of Discovery and Science and, of course, all kinds of water activities like fishing and boating.
If you're visiting Fort Lauderdale, plan to spend around $182 per day on your vacation, according to Budget Your Trip. A week-long vacation for two costs an average of $2,549.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: Cheap travel: where to discover the magic of Florida on a budget
