Have you been craving a vacation? For many people, daydreaming about an upcoming trip to a new destination is an exciting escape from your everyday routine. However, there are a lot of reasons why a vacation may not be in your near future. If you’re looking to feel like you’ve taken a getaway without actually getting away, consider a staycation! Below, we list some staycation activities you can enjoy within a short drive of each Minto community.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona International Speedway
As adrenaline junkies know, Daytona’s biggest attraction is the famous Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona International Speedway hosts racing events regularly, from brand-sponsored 250 races to the world-known Daytona 500. You can even camp right next to the speedway itself to get the real staycation feel before returning home!
Daytona Beach Boardwalk
For any adult, the opportunity to bring out your inner child at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a great way to stay active on your staycation trip. From enjoying the rides and amusements, playing classic arcade games or just strolling the boardwalk and hitting the gift shops, this boardwalk experience will be a memorable staycation. Racing enthusiasts can also go on a self-guided tour of auto and motorcycle racing commemorative plaques along the boardwalk.
Stand Up Paddle Board Tour
When you live near gorgeous beaches and bodies of water like the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River, there are so many active water-based activities to enjoy. Try a Stand Up Paddle Board tour! This is where you stand up on a flat board similar to a surfboard and row along calm waters, checking out the natural beauty while getting some serious exercise.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Golf Courses
Living in Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is already like a vacation with the nearby white sand beaches and relaxed Lowcountry environment. One of the best ways to tap into that is to enjoy a game of golf at Hilton Head’s many immaculately cared for golf courses.
Hilton Head Bike Paths
An active way to enjoy all that Hilton Head has to offer is to bike around! Biking is one of the healthiest activities you can do and is also a great way to get to know an area and to explore sections of town not accessible by car. You can learn about various bike paths on Hilton Head’s website.
Harbour Town Lighthouse
For some classic seaside charm, you can enjoy the Harbour Town Lighthouse, which features a museum, gift shop and a tall climb through the lighthouse itself. This is a great way to get a lovely view of the ocean and to learn more about Hilton Head’s history.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Fishing Charter Boats
There’s nothing that feels more like a vacation than being on a boat in the sea! Thankfully, Panama City Beach offers many different options for fishing charter boats. From deep-sea fishing to casual reel casting, it’s a fun way to enjoy the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on your staycation.
Panama City Beach Winery
For a fun and delicious outing on your staycation, visit the Panama City Beach Winery for a complimentary tasting! Their fruity selections – from guava-flavored white to blueberry and blackberry flavored port – make this is a great option to enjoy some unique tropical wines close to home.
Shell Island
What could be better for a staycation than a boat ride to a nearby island? Shell Island is gorgeous and just a short shuttle boat ride away from Panama City Beach. Once there, you can snorkel, hike the interior for an opportunity to explore rare coastal plants, birds, and wildlife, or just relax on the pristine beaches.
Pier Park
Pier Park is an open-air shopping and entertainment destination located in the heart of Panama City Beach. There are amazing stores, restaurants and entertainment options, making it a full-day staycation you don’t want to miss! They also host seasonal events and concerts so check their website before you head over.
Naples, Florida
Fifth Avenue South
Naples’ Downtown area is called Fifth Avenue South, and it is the classiest way to spend a day or evening of your staycation. Established in 1923, Fifth Avenue South hosts events and offers boutique shops, art galleries, a wide variety of dining options, entertainment and more.
Naples Zoo
One of the most exotic things you can do for a staycation is to go to the zoo. The Naples Zoo offers a wide variety of animals native to regions all over the world. This is a great way to spend your staycation learning and appreciating wildlife.
Naples Botanical Garden
For a taste of nature and beauty, you can spend your staycation in the Naples Botanical Garden! Botanical gardens are highly curated outdoor spaces that offer a wide variety of flora, fauna, flowers, and everything in between. Best of all, it’s located right next door to The Isles of Collier Preserve!
West Palm Beach, Florida
Lion Country Safari
If you want your staycation to feel like you jumped into a different world, bring the entire family to the Lion Country Safari. Unlike a zoo, a safari is an experience where you stay in your car while the uncaged animals roam around. Lion Country offers a variety of amazing animals, like lions, giraffes, rhinoceros and apes, to name a few!
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
One of the best things about living in a community as vibrant as Westlake is that there are many interesting things to explore nearby. The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is a great way to make your staycation meaningful by learning about the local area and the world we live in.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Of course, you can’t have a real Palm Beach staycation without hitting the beach! The John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is one of Palm Beach County’s many beautiful options. Since it’s a state park, MacArthur beach offers tons of activities, from lounging on the sand, to water activities like boating and snorkeling, to hiking and birding.