Last Minute and Weekend Getaways from Orlando (That the Whole Family Will Love!)

Maria DiCicco
1 day ago
7 min read

Whether it's Thursday and you are looking ahead to a three day holiday weekend, or you've got a little time before the next big school break and need something cool to tell the kids at dinner, I've got you covered.

Don't just stay home again for another long break off work and school, instead surprise the family with a great vacation from your home base of Orlando.

Living in Orlando for the better part of 30 years, I've rounded up some tried and true, wonderful weekend getaways from Orlando area that will surely make you, the travel planner, the hit of tonight's dinner table conversation. All you have to do is book!

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a run down looking Marina and boats — Potters Cay Dock, Nassau, Bahamas

In this article find a round up of previously published articles I've written on the below topics, as well as links to booking platforms, useful ideas, and tips for travel. Some of these topics include:

Mexico
Bahamas Cruise
Ferry to Bimini
Staycations
Camping
Road Trips
Train Trips
Last Minute Nonstop Flights

and more!

Let's dive in.

Head to Mexico for a Weekend or More!

Itineraries to Mexico can be as low-key as a three day resort stay near Cancun or as action-packed as a one or two week trek around Mayan ruins, cenotes and other inland adventures.

Mexico Itinerary Ideas

If You Go

Flights from Orlando average around 2-3.5 hours of flight time and there are nonstop flights available to:

Cancun (via Spirit Airlines or JetBlue)
Merida (on Viva Aerobus)
Mexico City (Viva Aerobus, Volaris or Aeromexico - code shared with Delta!)
Guadalajara (Volaris Airlines)
Monterey (Viva Aerobus)

Flights are typically very affordable, making this an ideal exotic getaway last minute. Read more on how to book last minute airfare using Google Flights tools.

Consult my added guides and advice on family trips to Mexico here:

Take a Last Minute Cruise to the Bahamas

This one is so fun and so easy, provided that the ships aren't already sold out. The good thing is - last minute cruises tend to be absolutely dirt cheap if you time it right. I'm talking less than $100 a night (per person) all included.

Shop Last Minute Cruise Deals

Take a ship out of Port Canaveral for the easiest trip, with departures typically leaving on Thursdays, returning Sunday. There are many ships that offer 3 and 4 day itineraries to various Bahamian ports.

Expect plenty of sun, a dose of culture and seafood, and family memories.

Possible Port Stops

Nassau (learn all about a day in port here)
Bimini (learn more below)
CocoCay (learn about this private island here)

Things to consider with cruising:

What are the ports you will be visiting? Do you require a passport? (Passports are not required for many port stops, so you may be ok if you don't have one!)
For families with kids - you will need rooms that can accommodate bunks, or get adjoining rooms. Two adjoining rooms will be difficult to find last minute so think ahead!
Have you cruised before? Brush up on how to Cruise Like a Pro: How to Avoid Common Cruising Mistakes
Remember to factor in the cost of tips to your bottom dollar, which is not included in the cruise rate (learn more about this at the cruising mistakes link above)

If You Go

Here is everything you need to know about How to Book Last Minute Cruise Deals Like the 90-Day Ticker.

Also, for those traveling with the kids, you should absolutely surprise them each with a copy of my kid's travel journal, Scavenger Hunt Cruise. It's a fun and interactive book of treasures from learning about cruising to doodling about their adventures. Check it out here!

Take a Ferry to Bimini and Stay at the Hilton

Bimini is a lesser known but still popular cruise ship port in the Bahamas that can also be accessed by ferry from Florida. It's a big diving destination known for their shark dives with hammerheads and reef sharks, or you can also go snorkeling at a shipwreck, go sport fishing, and take glass bottom boat rides!

Families with love the simple tropical vibes - conch stands, beach days, pools and sun rays. Not too shabby!

Visit Radio Beach, the Dolphin Museum, take a stingray tour or siteseeing dolphin tour.

The Best Way to Get to Bimini

Balearia offers ferry rides to and from Fort Lauderdale several times a week for foot traffic only (no cars allowed). Click the button below to see rates and schedules.

Browse Ferry Schedules and Rates

Optionally, these outfitters offer day trip bookings to take all the guesswork out:

Cost-Comparing the Ferry to Taking Flights to Bimini from FLL

Three day trips in summer average $284 per person round trip vs. round trip ferry at $850 for my family of 3...so almost identical pricing.

Watch the dates using the Google flights tools. You'll likely see the following flights and routes:

FLL to NSB - North bimini airport

Tropic ocean airways

35 minute flight

FLL to BIM - South Bimini airport (requires short ferry to north island)

Silver airways/United

35 minute flight

How To Get to Fort Lauderdale From Orlando

Take the Brightline train or (even cheaper option) take the FlixBus! FlixBus is super comfortable, easy to ride, and offers great fares. Brightline will be the most fun for a family, but can be costly (especially last minute).

Show Me FlixBus Prices

The Best Place to Stay in Bimini

The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is your best bet. Family-friendly, full of great dining options, swimming, shuttles around the area, and tour options, it's even better if you have a handle of Hilton points to spend. Easy peasy.

Otherwise, book and compare rates at this link.

Take a Staycation

Gaylord hotel in Orlando — Gaylord Hotel in Orlando

Whether it is a relaxing and romantic few days sans kids you are looking for, or a fun and family-friendly staycation in your backyard, I've rounded up some goodies here:

Go Camping

I love Florida camping. Granted, we have a large travel trailer with air conditioning and even a fireplace and kitchen island, so we aren't exactly roughing it.

Nevertheless, camping is an affordable and perfect last minute vacation idea from Orlando if you want to do something abnormal for your tribe.

Grab the s'more sticks, the bug spray and your favorite camping gear (or buy some over at Walmart) and check out these great suggestions for Orlando-area camping:

Take the Family on a Road Trip

All over Florida you will find perfect family fun from inland adventures to coastal retreats. Try some of these ideas on for your next family road trip:

Skip the Car and Take the Amtrak Train

Amtrak cannot and probably will not ever surpass the easy travel of European train travel, but taking the Amtrak train can be a lot of fun for a day or weekend adventure.

I've taken the train from Orlando to Tampa for a simple day trip, but you can also take it to Jacksonville or up the coast on the overnight sleeper train to Washington DC!

For short journeys there are cafe cars for snacks and even alcoholic beverages, and on the longer routes there are white tablecloth restaurants on board. Pretty cool!

There are a ton of great options. Head to Amtrak's site directly for updated fares, which often include 'children ride free' rates on the Auto Train from Sanford.

Can't afford all that time away? Plan a day on the Sun Rail commuter train! It's fun to walk around Winter Park for lunch or dinner, head into downtown, or venture north.