Caribbean islands are the stuff of dreams, but there’s similar magic closer to home.
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Sitting on a beach in the Caribbean with an adult beverage in hand is nothing short of paradise, especially in the dead of winter. Adventure by day, dine on fresh seafood in the evening, and dance the warm night away under the stars? Yes, please.
But those plane tickets aren’t cheap, especially to farther-flung Caribbean locales. Fortunately, you can save money on travel by heading to these Florida destinations instead — without missing out on what makes the Caribbean so amazing.

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The sugar sand beaches and lack of highrises in this beloved beach community rival the less commercial destinations in The Bahamas. Whether you prefer laid-back seafood shacks or upscale multi-course dining, Anna Maria Island has the flavor you crave.
For a Caribbean-like excursion, cross onto the mainland to ride horses in beautiful Palma Sola Bay.

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Home to the incredible Bahia Honda State Park, this paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts offers unparalleled underwater exploration. In fact, you’ll likely come face-to-face with marine life you’d encounter in the Caribbean Sea.
Above ground, the old Henry Flagler Bridge invites photography and introspection.
Although impacted by Hurricane Ian, Cayo Costa is an unspoiled island only accessible by boat, and it has some of the best shelling in Florida.
You’ll also be able to spot marine life like dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles — the latter who nest on this pristine and serene oasis.

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Puerto Rico is famous for its bioluminescent kayaking, but you can experience this bucket-list phenomenon right in Cocoa Beach. By day, enjoy the sandy shores and visit the shops and restaurants in Cocoa Village.
You’re in the heart of the Space Coast here, so a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is also a must.
The aptly named “Manatee Capital of the World” is one of the only places you can legally and sustainably snorkel with wild manatees in crystal clear water — not unlike in the Mexican Caribbean. The locals fiercely protect this natural treasure.
Afterward, enjoy dining on fresh seafood like grouper sandwiches and stone crab.
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The Emerald Coast of Florida is home to Destin, a coastal city with beach views and water activities on par with any Caribbean island. Swim, paddle, and snorkel to your heart’s content, or fill your days with fishing and golfing.
A visit to the famous Crab Island sandbar is a must for boat and party aficionados.

Accessible only by plane or boat, this remote outpost is a treasured national park 70 miles from Key West. Like many destinations in the Caribbean, it’s heaven for snorkelers as the marine life here is abundant and often quite large.
Intrepid folks will enjoy camping and stargazing — just be sure you bring everything you need, as it is a rugged experience.
Downtown Dunedin is downright adorable, with plenty of local shops and restaurants to enjoy while strolling.
However, you’ll really feel like you’re in the Caribbean when you visit Honeymoon Island State Park just over the Dunedin Causeway. Once there, hop on your paddleboard and keep your eyes out for birds and marine life.
The “Sportfishing Capital of the World” is great for fishing, but this oasis in the Keys also has world-class snorkeling, beaching, and boating.
At Theater of the Sea, you can swim with dolphins, just like in Jamaica, Bermuda, St. Kitts, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas.

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Lounging in a hammock is a popular activity on Key Biscayne and will have you feeling like you’re relaxing in the Caribbean. Arguably the main draw, though, is the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the U.S.
Picning, kayaking, and cycling are also fun activities on this barrier island. Climb the Cape Florida lighthouse for sweeping views of Miami.
Just 90 miles north of Cuba is Key West, the southernmost point in the United States. The city is famous for its Jimmy Buffet lifestyle found mostly on Duval Street. Take in a sunset amongst local street performers in Mallory Square before you begin your evening revels.
Bring your appetite, as the food scene is diverse and delicious, including plenty of Caribbean favorites.
Miami is home to millions of Cuban Americans, but this incredible city is also home to folks from all over the Caribbean, from Haiti to the Dominican Republic and beyond. In that way, Miami is the Caribbean.
Enjoy some of the best nightlife in the world once you’re done eating and exploring by day in places like South Beach, Little Havana, and more.

There’s a reason Siesta Key’s beaches win awards year after year: they’re some of the best in the state, if not the world.
The sand is akin to powdered sugar and the views are like the turquoise-blue waters you think of when you dream of the Caribbean. Head to the mainland for excellent Cuban food at Mirna’s.
Just like Puerto Rico is known as one of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the Caribbean, St. Petersburg is one of the top LGBTQ+ locales in Florida. It has the biggest Pride parade in the state, as well as many LGBTQ+ shops and nightclubs to enjoy.
The beaches here win awards on par with Siesta Key and will have you feeling like you stepped foot right in the Caribbean.
Nightlife is king in Ybor City, which was settled by Cuban immigrants working in the cigar industry. Here, Cuban bread is made fresh every morning at La Segunda Bakery, and Cuban sandwiches are abundant. A meal at the century-old Columbia Restaurant is a must.
A stroll through the shops and restaurants gives the city a Caribbean feel, and make sure to stop by Jose Marti Park to literally enter Cuban-owned territory.
With its rich cultures, delicious cuisine, gorgeous beaches, and endless activities, the Caribbean is a popular bucket-list destination. Thanks to all of these incredible Florida destinations, you can scratch that itch without leaving the lower 48.
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