Everybody loves a beach day, right? We asked our readers for locations they wanted to see featured in upcoming road trip guides. Here are a few beachy destinations within three hours of Swan City recommended to us by our readers and followers.
Sit in the shade and enjoy a refreshing drink before hitting the beach.
Photo by @discoverstaugustine
📍 St. Augustine | 2 hours 45 minutes from Lakeland
- Eat: Enjoy avocado toast for breakfast or a Bocadillo sandwich for lunch at Sunday.
- Explore: Attend the free Music and Art by the Sea 2023 at St. Johns County Ocean Pier (350 A1A Beach Blvd.) for live music, art shows, food trucks, and more from May 24-June 28, then again from Aug. 16-Sept. 27.
- Stay: The Luxury Historic Island Dog House of Downtown St. Augustine (~$204/night)
- Shop: Beach cooler
Could this be your next Instagram photo?
Photo by @magwhat
📍 Nokomis Beach | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Stop by The Breakfast Cottage daily from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for specialty coffees, smothered French toasts, and cinnamon swirl pancakes.
- Explore: Charter a fishing boat for a day of quality time with the family — everything you need is included.
- Stay: Beachfront resort (prices vary)
- Shop: Seasickness wristbands (just in case)
Stop by this beach cafe from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Photo by @glutenfreedisneyworld
📍 Bradenton Beach | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Grab breakfast or lunch at Tahini Beach Cafe. The Mediterranean spot is known for its gyros and smoothies.
- Explore: Walk the iconic Bridge Street to visit the Historic Old Town District — did you know this area was first visited by Spanish explorers in 1530?
- Stay: Boutique inn with rooftop lookout (~$280/night)
- Shop: Straw sunhat
Are your kiteboarding days ahead of you?
Photo by @tarponkiteboardingadventures
📍 Tarpon Springs | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Touted as one of Tarpon Springs’ premier dining establishments, Dimitri’s on the Water offers seafood, steak, and Greek cuisine.
- Explore: Learn how to kiteboard from an experienced instructor — multiple or single-day lessons are available.
- Stay: Innisbrook Golf Resort (prices vary)
- Shop: Woven beach bag
A bottle of red on a sunset cruise is on our summer bucket list.
Photo by @captainskycruises
📍 Longboat Key | 1 hour 45 minutes from Lakeland
- Eat: Wine and dine at Euphemia Haye Restaurant, a fine dining establishment touted as the area’s “most extraordinary restaurant” by Frommer’s Travel Guides.
- Explore: Book a luxurious custom cocktail cruise with Captain Sky Cruises — vessels accommodate up to six guests.
- Stay: Waterfront home with beautiful views (~$288/night)
- Shop: Polaroid camera
Leashed dogs are welcome at Honeymoon Island State Park — they even have their own beach.
Photo by @oswaldandmortimer
📍 Honeymoon Island State Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Dine like a local at Hog Island Fish Camp. Pro tip: Check out the restaurant’s special dog-friendly menu.
- Explore: Bring your pup to the state park’s pet beach at the southern tip of the island. Pets are also welcome on the nature trail.
- Stay: Dog-friendly Cook Cottage (~$160/night)
- Shop: Dog leash beach stake
Catch a sunset at Treasure Island.
Photo by @ethans.pic.dump
📍 Treasure Island | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Drink up at the world’s longest waterfront bar at Crabby’s On The Pass.
- Explore: Peddle your way through the island on a Treasure Island E-Bike Tour. You’ll traverse through neighborhoods, over drawbridges, and along four miles of the gulf coast.
- Stay: Courtyard room at Silver Sands (~$200/night)
- Shop: UV protection athletic shirt
That’s not all — check out our favorite quiet beaches or tell us what beach should be added to this list.
