Explore our Florida vacation rentals
Save your spot in the sand with a Florida beach house rental and let the good times begin. With the sparkling Emerald Coast, impeccable surf, the Everglades and national parks, and theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida is alive with endless activities. The state is almost entirely a peninsula and boasts the longest coastline in the United States, bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
Here, you'll find everything from major cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the Everglades, where alligators outnumber people. Hop from one rollercoaster to another in Orlando, enjoy drinks by the ocean on Miramar Beach, or watch for sea turtles along Sarasota. Gather loved ones together in a family beach house or live luxuriously on a romantic getaway in a resort condo, with amenities to choose from like outdoor pools, hot tubs, direct beach access, enclosed yards, boat docks, and pet-friendly stays.
Things to do in Florida
Boasting relaxation, a diverse landscape, and one-of-a-kind adventures, there’s plenty to see in the Sunshine State.
- Hit the beach. Explore the Gulf of Mexico’s Emerald Coast, famed for its warm, gentle waves and world-class fishing, or hang out on the soft sands along the Atlantic Coast, known for its surfing opportunities and stunning coastal nature preserves. Take a dip in the waves or lounge out on the sand at some of Florida’s most beloved beaches, like Clearwater Beach, Panama City Beach, Amelia Island, and West Palm Beach.
- Try a few water sports. If you’ve been curious about trying your hand at surfing, parasailing, or stand-up paddle boarding, Florida is the place to do it. You’ll also find dreamy spots for jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating along lakes, mangrove forests, and the ocean.
- Plan a trip to Florida’s theme parks. Kids everywhere know why Florida is one of the happiest places on earth. Rev up your getaway with a visit to Disney World, cast a few spells at Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, see high-flying dolphin acts at Sea World, or cool off at the many water parks, amusem*nt parks, museums, and attractions in the Orlando area. Between coasters, rides, and shows, both the young and young at heart are sure to have a screaming time.
- Reconnect with nature. Savor some peace and quiet on a stroll through a state park or a coastal nature sanctuary. Catch a glimpse of alligators, manatees, and marine birds on an airboat tour through Everglades National Park, snorkel the coral reefs in Biscayne National Park, tour John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park by glass bottom boat, walk the trails at Henderson Beach State Park, or enjoy a day of bird watching at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
- Reel in a catch. With two major coastlines and over 30,000 lakes, it’s no surprise Florida is a central hub for all things fishing. Head out with a fishing pole for a day at the beach, on the fishing pier, or on the water. Find saltwater trophy fish like blue marlin, tuna, sailfish, swordfish, and more on a fishing charter tour, or head out for freshwater fishing at Lake Okeechobee or Lake Kissimmee and reel in largemouth and smallmouth bass, sturgeon, catfish, and tilapia.
- Enjoy city thrills. If you’re up for dancing, dining, and shopping until your drop, sunny Florida is sure to please. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa are the main hubs for nightlife and shopping, but be sure to check out offerings in Panama City Beach, 30A, and Naples. You’ll also find fresh seafood around every corner, not to mention fine dining and waterfront bars.
Exploring the Florida panhandle, Emerald Coast, and state capital
The Florida Panhandle includes long stretches of visitor-friendly resorts, beachfront Florida vacation rentals, and lively towns like Destin and Panama City. The warm, blue-green waters lapping the sandy shores give this beautiful region its name: the Emerald Coast. We offer a variety of vacation homes on the Emerald Coast, from homes at the front and center of ocean views to private, residential neighborhoods.
The state's capital, Tallahassee, is in the northernmost part of the state. Go horseback riding or ATV mudding in the Apalachicola National Forest, or get up close and personal with alligators and American bald eagles at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. To the southeast is Jacksonville, where you can get nose-to-nose with a lion at The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, or simply stretch out and sunbathe on the pristine shores of Neptune Beach.
Find paradise at a vacation rental on Florida's western coastline
The western coastline boasts lighthouses, untouched marine habitats at the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve, and some spectacular oceanfront Florida vacation rentals. Just a little further inland, the Orlando area is home to Micky and Minnie at The Magic Kingdom, and witches and wizards at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Anna Maria, Bradenton, Holmes Beach, and the other cute towns near Tampa each offer something special for those in search of a tropical escape. Colorful vacation rentals and pristine beaches make this Gulf Coast area a prime beach destination. A little further south, you'll find the Fort Myers Beach area, home to some of Florida's prettiest beaches and delightful resorts.
Florida's Atlantic coast and the Florida Keys
On the eastern coastline, take part in endless summer activities at Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, or watch a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center. Conga line your way down to Florida's hottest nightclub in Miami, watch The Miami Heat battle it out on the basketball court, eat excellent cuisine in Little Haiti, or lounge under palm trees in trendy South Beach.
The southern portion of the state is primarily made up of the Everglades (including the iconic Everglades National Park), and at the southern-most tip is the Florida Keys, which include strings of tropical islands, posh resorts, and all the coral reefs you can snorkel.
What is Florida's number one tourist destination?
If you guessed its mascot has two mouse ears and access to hundreds of theme park rides, you’d be right. Disney World is Florida’s number one tourist destination, and with so many theme park rides within the Orlando area, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. For the perfect balance of excitement and privacy, grab a family home or condo in nearby Kissimmee, with all the resort amenities like fun outdoor pools and game rooms kids will love, with the bonus of peace and quiet for parents.
Does Vacasa have snowbird or long-term rentals in Florida?
Yes, Vacasa has snowbird and long-term vacation rental options available, including beach house rentals, resort condo rentals, and family home rentals. Browse amenities to add to your vacation like oceanfront locations, direct beach access, on-site golf courses, outdoor pools, hot tubs, boat docks, and pet-friendly stays.
Florida travel inspiration
Explore Florida Snowbird Rentals
The 8 Best Beach Towns Near Tampa for Every Traveler
7 Charming Anna Maria Beach Cottages for a Seaside Retreat
The Ultimate Escape: Key West Cottages with Private Pools
4 Florida Keys Races and Marathons for Every Skill Level
Plan Your Florida Keys Snorkeling Vacation
Tropical Vacation Rentals for an Island Retreat
6 Top Spots for Surf Vacation Homes
5 States for the Best Secluded Beach Rentals
8 Best Florida Snowbird Destinations
5 Best States for a Water Sports Vacation
Guide to Florida’s Beachfront Condos
7 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
Guide to Florida's Best Beach Resorts
Unique Weekend Getaways in Florida
Travel Guide: Things to Do in 30A, FL
Travel Guide: Things to Do in Panama City Beach, FL
Travel Guide: Things to Do in St. Augustine, FL
The Best Fishing Vacations in the U.S.
Best Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. By State
