Now that you've made holiday dreams of family and friends come true, kick off 2026 with some time for yourself. Get away for a day or a weekend at one of these exciting locations that are favorites of our real estate agents.

While these destinations may be a bit of a drive from our immediate service area, that's part of the beauty of life in Florida and Georgia. Living here means you're never far from an incredible beach town, historic city, or island escape—many of which are accessible year-round thanks to mild winters and well-connected highways. A long weekend getaway is often just a tank of gas away, making spontaneous travel an easy part of everyday life in the Southeast.

Top Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Around Florida and Georgia

Key West, FL

If you like to chase the sun, Key West is a natural destination. As the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West enjoys tropical weather year-round, with little to no rainfall from December through April. The island gained a reputation as an artists' colony thanks to residents such as Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett, and, most famously, Ernest Hemingway. 

Get a glimpse into Hemingway's life at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, which is populated by descendants of the writer's legendary six-toed cat. Afterwards, pay a visit to Sloppy Joe's Bar, one of Hemingway's favorite haunts, which dates back to the end of Prohibition.

Savannah, GA

Glamor, history, and romance combine to make Savannah one of the more popular getaway locations around Georgia and Florida. Known as the "Hostess City of the South" for its hospitality, Savannah was one of the first planned cities in the United States, and much of the stunning architecture is still on display. Wormsloe State Historic Site is home to the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

Other places to put on your itinerary include:

• Tybee Island and its picturesque red-and-white lighthouse
  
  
• Chippewa Square, where you can recreate the iconic bench scenes from Forrest Gump
  
  
• The Olde Pink House, serving Lowcountry cuisine in an elegant 18th-century mansion

Destin, FL

Share some quality time with your significant other in Destin, home of Henderson Park Inn, frequently cited as one of the country's most romantic hotels. The adults-only inn is steps from a stunning oceanfront white-sand beach, which offers concierge service. 

Plan your trip to coincide with one of these fun festivals:

• Foodiesfest - 1/30-2/1
  
  
• Sandestin Gumbo Festival - 2/20-2/21
  
  
• Shrimp & Grits Festival - 2/28

Jekyll Island, GA

Chill like a millionaire with a visit to Jekyll Island, one of the Golden Isles of Georgia. The island's colorful past lives on at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, which was built in 1888 as a winter retreat for wealthy guests such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Pulitzers. As the center of the island's National Historic Landmark District, the resort has grown to encompass three distinct luxury accommodations:

• The stately Victorian-style "clubhouse" of the original Jekyll Island Club
  
  
• Three mansions that now serve as cottages with guest rooms and communal spaces
  
  
• Jekyll Ocean Club, the newest addition, holds 40 oversized oceanfront suites

Jekyll Island is well-known for beautiful beaches, such as Driftwood Beach, which was famously featured in The Walking Dead. Other attractions include the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Great Dunes Beach Park, and various family-friendly amenities.

Sanibel Island, FL

Limber up before traveling to Sanibel Island, where visitors are prone to the "Sanibel Stoop" thanks to the island's reputation as the "Seashell Capital of the World." Keep your eyes open for Junonia, the most prized species of seashell, which often makes local celebrities of those fortunate enough to find one.

When you're ready for a break from shelling, take a spin along the island's 25 miles of bike paths or take to the water for canoeing or kayaking on the Great Calusa Bluewater Paddling Trail.

Turn to Our Friendly and Experienced Real Estate Agents in Florida and Georgia

Do your plans for 2026 include buying or selling a home? Contact us at Watson Realty Corp. to get started.