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Sometimes, a lake just doesn’t cut it. We asked our readers for locations they wanted to see featured in our road trip guides, and beaches were certainly a common theme. 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 shrimp Cobb salad for lunch at Sunday.
- Explore: Attend the free Music and Art by the Sea at St. Johns County Ocean Pier (350 A1A Beach Blvd.) for live music, art shows, food trucks, and more on select Wednesdays in May, June, August, and September.
- Stay: Funshine 2-bedroom yacht (~$198/night)
- Shop: Beach cooler
📍 Clearwater Beach | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Check out the menu of the day at Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant, an upscale spot with a piano bar that opened in 1948.
- Explore: The whole family will love a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of the late Winter the Dolphin.
- Stay: Lighthouse Towers condos (~$126/night)
- Shop: Waterproof speaker
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. to 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: Cozy Old Florida beach cottage by the sea (~$406/night)
- Shop: Seasickness wristbands (just in case)
Take some time from your beach trip to explore the city.
Photo by @onceuponabeachami
📍 Bradenton Beach + Anna Maria Island | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Grab breakfast or lunch at Tahini Beach Cafe. The Mediterranean spot is known for its gyros and fresh salads.
- 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: The Pink House (~$155/night)
- Shop: Beach tent
📍 Fort De Soto Park | 1.5 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Hit The Island Grille on your way home from the beach + order oysters from the raw bar.
- Explore: Take a self-guided tour of Fort De Soto, which was completed in 1900, and the Quartermaster Museum.
- Stay: Oceanview Tierra Verde Escape (~$148/night)
- Shop: Sunscreen applicator
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 ($111+/night)
- Shop: Personalized beach bag
📍 Siesta Key | 1 hour 45 minutes from Lakeland
- Eat: Plan a romantic post-beach date night at Ophelia’s on the Bay, where you’ll find fine dining with views of Little Sarasota Bay.
- Explore: Rent a boat or jet ski from CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, or take your vacation up a notch by going parasailing.
- Stay: Siesta Key Beach Condo (~$216/night)
- Shop: Cornhole boards
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 — boats accommodate up to six guests.
- Stay: Waterfront home with beautiful views (~$251/night)
- Shop: Waterproof phone pouch
📍 Daytona Beach | 2 hours from Lakeland
- Eat: Dine and drink your way through the Ale Trail to taste the area’s best craft beer and spirits.
- Explore: Got a need for speed? Hop in a race car for the NASCAR Racing Experience at Daytona International Speedway.
- Stay: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach ($183+/night)
- Shop: Customizable cabana beach towel
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. Leashed pets are also welcome on the nature trail.
- Stay: Dog-friendly Cook Cottage (~$146/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: Find Key West-inspired bites, bevs, and live music at Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach — yes, it’s literally on the sand for easy access.
- Explore: Pedal 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: Waterfront Villa (~$287/night)
- Shop: Body + face sunscreen
That’s not all — check out our favorite quiet beaches or tell us what beach should be added to this list.
