Florida without a car
Travelling from UK. Thinking about spending 10 days in Florida late August or early September and will not have a car. Which would be best location? We like a relaxing holiday close to restaurants and the beach and if possible close to transport but do not want noisy nightlife. Thank you
For a relaxing Florida holiday without a car, the key is to choose destinations that are walkable, have good local amenities, and are well-connected by public transport or shuttles. Since you prefer to avoid noisy nightlife, focusing on quieter beach towns rather than major party hubs is ideal. Here are some good options:
- Naples – A very walkable town with calm beaches, plenty of restaurants within walking distance, boutique shopping, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area is upscale, safe, and quiet, with public buses and occasional trolleys connecting key areas. Car-free travel is feasible here.
- Siesta Key/Sarasota – Siesta Key is known for its soft white sand beaches and slower pace. Many restaurants and shops are clustered near the main beach areas. Sarasota also has a modest bus system, and many hotels offer shuttle services.
- St. Augustine Beach – This historic town has a charming, walkable historic district with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. St. Augustine Beach has a quieter vibe, and the city runs a local trolley connecting key points, making it possible to get around without a car.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – Offers a long, scenic beachfront with a variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance. It's quieter than Miami Beach in terms of nightlife, and there’s a public bus system and water taxi service to help with short trips.
- Sanibel Island – Great for shelling, biking, and relaxing on the beach. Most attractions and restaurants are concentrated near the main roads and beach accesses. Biking and limited shuttle services make it possible to manage without a car, though distances are longer than in denser towns.
Tips for traveling without a car in Florida:
- Look for hotels or resorts that offer shuttle services to nearby attractions or the beach.
- Consider renting bicycles or using e-scooters in beach towns where available.
- Choose accommodations in the heart of town or near the beach to minimize the need for transportation.
- Public transport in Florida is limited outside major cities, so some walking or biking will be necessary.
Overall, for a 10-day stay focused on relaxation, beach access, and dining, towns like Naples, Siesta Key/Sarasota, and St. Augustine Beach offer the best combination of convenience, tranquility, and car-free accessibility.
More Florida (FL) Travel Questions
- Osprey & Cape Canaveral 1 week in Feb w/ family of 6
- Logistics
- Clearwater In Late March - Hurricane Damage & Dogs
- Brightline
- Best options for passes to State/National Parks/Forests?
- Universal Studios
- Legoland
- Assistance available at TPA to car rental centre?
- Areas for walkable holidays (like Fort Myers Beach)
- Don't know anything about FL - tasked with finding a place t
- Beach day trip from Altamonte Springs/Orlando with teens
- Location advise
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- Upscale restaurant suggestions , good steak ft walton
- Hurricane damage
- Any early dining deals or happy hours in April?
- SJC to Big Sur 3 nights in May lunch spot?
- Roys
- Return Transportation from WP to Union Station
- Uber - Rta
- Golf
- Possible fishing last week of May
- Where to go from Irvine East for sightseeing?
- Driving to Tombstone and sierra vista from las cruces and
- Room for rent