Whether you’re planning a South Florida staycation or simply visiting family and friends, there are a variety of places you can explore. Read on to explore ideas for ways you can start planning a staycation of your own.
When my family and I moved to South Florida in 2014, we didn’t know our way around.
My husband had been visited a couple of times in the past, but it’s different when you live somewhere.
To help us get around, we’d explore different areas. Of course, we Googled everything!
From local dog beaches to local dog parks, we wanted to make sure our family would be able to go with us — including our pup.
It’s always fun to explore with the dogs as well!
The best part about South Florida is the many dog-friendly places you’ll find. One of the beaches we frequent in Miami has a designated time and area for pups to enjoy.
When we first moved to South Florida, I’d have everything ready for an evening at the dog beach when my husband returned home from work.
This is one of the ways we’d soak up all the moments together during our first months in Florida.
South Florida Staycation Beach Ideas To Enjoy As A Family
Living in South Florida means you live where most people vacation, so how can you enjoy it if you already live there?
This is one of the questions I hear often. Followed by, “Don’t you ever get tired of the same thing?”
Not a chance!
There’s always something exciting to see in South Florida, and my family and I love to explore our surroundings.
Here’s a list of beach destination ideas for a family staycation in South Florida:
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach has a great boardwalk with a variety of cuisines. You have Italian spots and even Greek.
There are also Argentinian and Colombian restaurants for those of you who enjoy Spanish food.
If you’re looking for a way to cool off without dealing with the sand, there’s a splash pad right on the boardwalk for you to enjoy.
There are designated times during the week when you can bring your dog to Hollywood Beach. This is a great South Florida staycation plan for a morning at the beach.
Halouver Beach Park
If you’re looking to tire out the dogs, then this Miami destination is the perfect location. With a dog park next door, you can get the most out of the morning hours with your family.
Halouver Beach Park is dog-friendly from 8 AM to 3 PM daily. Pets are friendly and will come up to you while you sunbathe.
Be sure to keep your belongings away. Dogs are known to stop by and “mark their territory” from time to time.
Juno Dog Beach
If you’re looking to visit the West Palm Beach area, then I recommend heading over to Juno Dog Beach as a South Florida staycation idea.
Juno is a fun place for the dogs — it’s where they can roam free all day. There are no limits, but you must keep an eye on your dogs.
As usual, clean up their mess and such.
5 Benefits Of A Staycation
Moving from one state to the next can be exhausting at times. Exploring your area is a wonderful reminder of why you made the choice to move.
For us, South Florida screamed excitement. Not only was it something new, but it was a place to enjoy time as a family — regardless of the weather.
More time outdoors also meant a better quality of life for our family.
1. Staycations mean little to no packing
A staycation is a great opportunity to relax at home or nearby. It’s perfect for those who dislike packing.
2. More options when planning a staycation
Without having to worry about additional costs, you can plan to explore more in your are. Most places offer discounts for residents, more so for Florida attractions.
3. You can build on your bond.
When you explore new areas together, you’re giving yourselves something to talk about. You can even learn something new about each other along the way.
4. Your mental state improves when you opt for a staycation.
You can gain more by planning less. That’s one of the ways a staycation can help with your mental health.
5. More room for creativity.
Whether you’re thinking of staying somewhere local or staying at home, there are a variety of ways you can get the most out of a staycation.
At-Home Romantic Staycation Ideas
Planning a night out without the kids sounds like a dream come true. It’s rare for us to leave the kids with anyone.
Most of our date nights occur at home, in our yard or our dining room/living room area. This means my husband and I don’t need to worry about hiring a babysitter because the kids are asleep at home.
Below are some ways you can enjoy more quality time with your partner right where you live:
Use your outdoor area
The patio is one of our favorite places to enjoy together in our home. We’ve done our best to create a little oasis for us.
Here’s a look at our backyard:
The hammock is something family and friends enjoy the most. It’s relaxing to just lay outside and enjoy an evening on it.
Snuggle up on the couch
Another great place in your home that functions as a date night for you and your partner is the living room.
It’s the best place to cuddle up and enjoy a movie or a show together. Grab the snacks and make it happen!
Planning a picnic date is always a bonus when you’re short on time. You can head to a local part and layout on the grass.
Make a dish together
Cooking together is a great way to bond. Whether you’re planning to feed the family or just the two of you, it’s important to think of ways you can get the most out of your time.
My husband loves to grill, and he does it often. When he’s home, we always cook dinner together. I season the dishes and he cooks it on the grill.
We spend time in our patio together while the kids play inside.
Explore your area
Learning more about where you live is never a bad thing. I bet there are restaurants or local parks you have been hoping to visit.
Now if your chance to make it happen. Simply jot down some ideas of where you’d like to visit with your partner and make time to see it this month.
There was a taco spot that had been on my mind for a while, so I planned a date night and we went. It’s become a favorite of mine for business meetings as well.
Go for a walk
The weather may be unpredictable at times in South Florida, but it’s typically pleasurable. From sudden thunder showers to sunny evenings, there’s no reason why you can’t plan something exciting together.
Walking with your partner is a great time to strike up conversation. It’s one of my favorite times to discuss upcoming plans together.
Going for a walk around your neighborhood is a plus. You can also visit a local park and enjoy the views.
Anytime you can spend outdoors together is a bonus. Get the kids involved so you can tired them out and get alone time later.
Are you looking to plan a family staycation this year?
21 responses to “South Florida Staycation Ideas With Dogs”
Florida is so beautiful and has so many awesome beaches. If I lived there we would be doing lots of staycations!
What an excellent staycation in South Florida guide! You shared so many fun things to do without venturing far from home. I love it and I bet everyone who lives in South Florida will thank you for this resource.
Looks like you really had an amazing time! This is such a great guide! Thank you!
To be honest, beach is one of our favorite family getaway but due to Covid19 we are not able to visit the beach for almost 8 mos now but hopefully once everything is okay we were able to see the beach again. Thanks for sharing these guidelines and tips really appreciate that.
I’ve never thought about visiting Florida, but the beach pictures were definitely calling to me here!
We take our pup everywhere too. One of our favorite camping trips was to the beach. So fun! These ideas are great, and staycations are fun too and a great bonding opportunity.
growing up in that area, i usually dont opt for the beach for getting out these days
I can’t wait to start traveling outside of California again! I do love stacations and we’ve been taking some around Southern California. But this place looks amazing. Thanks for inspiring!
I’ve never been to Florida. Hope I get to visit someday. Thanks for all the lovely ideas in this article x
There are so many great places to stay in Florida. I love the beaches there.