For those of us who have the luxury of living in South Florida, it’s never a bad time of the year to take a mini vacation. The sun is always shining, and our nearby travel destinations are the envy of the entire nation. For we lucky few, these destinations are no more than a few hours away, and all offer the classic Florida experience, whether on the beach or just off the beaten path. Here are a few of our top picks for mini vacations near the South Florida area.

The Clewiston Inn

108 Royal Palm Ave.

Clewiston, FL 33440

(863) 983-8151

www.clewistoninn.com

Located 60 miles east of Fort Myers and 60 miles West Palm Beach, Clewiston has been called “America’s Sweetest Town.” This quaint lake hamlet is home to the Clewiston Inn, which has been pampering travelers for 85 years. It’s a bastion of old Florida-style and authentic southern hospitality. Registered as a National Historic site, the hotel offers luxurious lodging as well as a connection to the rich history of the region.

If you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll love the many freshwater fishing opportunities in nearby Lake Okeechobee, which has some of the best black bass and pan fishing in the state. If you’d rather stay on shore for some laid back R&R, find yourself a hammock and gaze out over the broad palm tree-laden landscape.

Marco Beach Ocean Resort

480 S. Collier Blvd.

Marco Island, FL 34145

(239) 393-1400

www.marcoresort.com

Take the 2-hour Drive to Florida’s “other coast” to Marco Island in the Gulf of Mexico. There, at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, you’ll experience one of the area’s most elegantly modern lodging experiences. The hotel is stunningly designed in a Mediterranean style and features a menu of amenities that are only offered by the finest resorts.

Opulence surrounds you here, with maid service twice a day, 24-hour concierge service, and world-renowned golf courses. The water views from your room’s balcony or terrace are stunning. Trust us – once you arrive, you’ll be very glad you made the trip to southwest Florida.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

1451 Middle Gulf Drive

Sanibel Island, FL 33957

(239) 472-4151

sundialresort.com

The property also features five pools, (the one for the little kids has their own water slide) and plenty of activities for the whole family. Spend some time at the resort’s Environmental Coastal Observatory Center. It has a massive tank of local beach critters, as well as three giant fresh and saltwater aquariums. Don’t miss the freshwater turtle exhibit.

These are just a few of the many reasons to start planning your next mini-vacation in South Florida. While the beaches in Miami and Fort Lauderdale are always fabulous, why not hit the road and checkout some of the other fantastic destinations upstate and on the other coast? Enjoy your road trip!