Perfect Suncoast Daycation Ideas
If you are yearning for a little vacation to mix up your everyday routine but it is just not in the cards this summer, we have some great daycation ideas that won’t break the bank and will make you feel like you have had some relaxing time away.
If I am planning a perfect day trip to satisfy my need for something a little special, then a few criteria must be met. First, since we live in paradise, I am going to need that kind of vibe happening, so think tropical and sunshiny. Second, going to need some great eats and drinks. Third, I don’t want to spend a fortune on this one day, so budget creativity is going to have to come into play. And lastly, I want to share the day with people I love. Sound fun? Come on, let’s review options for our perfect daycation.
If all the amenities of a resort, including beautiful pool and outdoor bar, food, comfy lounge chairs and private cabanas sound appealing then checkout ResortPass | Buy a Day Pass to a Hotel or Resort starting at only $25. You are able to preview a variety of participating hotels and resorts which allow visitors to hang out at the properties with inexpensive day passes. Many of the hotels have workout rooms and other extras to make the day fun. Reviews online for local boutique hotels like Art Ovation and Hyatt Sarasota make spending the day at a rooftop hotel seem like the perfect little getaway for everyone.
Another tried and true plan for a special daycation is staking out a spot on the beach or at a bayside park and having a long, luxurious sunset picnic. Now, we know it doesn’t cost a ton of money or forethought to put together a great picnic. But there is something about snacks and sunsets. Add in some beach football or a dip in the gulf and it is truly a special occasion. Grab a Pub-sub, some deli chicken and a prepared fruit salad, nice bottle of wine and waters and you are set. Of course, you’ll need a soft blankie, and don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. But, if you want to notch the experience up to a new level, consider companies like Home | Once Upon a Picnic, who will come to virtually any park in the area and set up a beautiful picnic spot, chockful of pillows, tables, flowers, food, drinks and table settings. It is eye-candy for picture-takers and what a delightful surprise to have waiting for a special person.
One of the greatest aspects of living in Florida is to find a small, quirky, mom-and-pop attraction and help sustain some of Florida’s first entertainment options. We aren’t talking the big boys like Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, etc. Instead, we are thinking of places like Mixon Farms, eating ice cream and tasting fresh-squeezed orange juice. Or, Myakka Elephant Ranch, Myakka Elephant Ranch | Elephant Conservation Florida an elephant conservation compound where you can get up close and personal to these gentle giants and even watch them get a bath. If you feel lie you need to replenish your soul, take a soak in waters that contain the highest mineral contents in the United States. Make it a reality and plan a day at Warm Mineral Springs. Warm Mineral Springs Park | North Port, FL (cityofnorthport.com) You will leave feeling ready to take the world on until your next daycation.
Photos courtesy of Myakka Elephant Ranch and Once Upon a Picnic Facebook pages.