July 17, 2026
The Best Places for a Summer Staycation in Central Florida
Living in Central Florida means people travel from all over the world to vacation in our backyard. Meanwhile, many of us spend the summer driving past those same resorts and destinations on the way to work, the grocery store, or another afternoon of errands.
A staycation gives you a chance to enjoy the area like a visitor without dealing with a long road trip, crowded airport, or the stress of packing for an entire week. Whether you want a quiet weekend, a family-friendly pool day, or a quick escape with your significant other, there are plenty of options close to home.
Here are a few of our favorite places for a summer staycation in Central Florida.
1. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
The resort has an 850-foot lazy river, a wave pool, family pools, waterslides, and an adults-only pool for anyone hoping to find a quieter place to relax. With so much available on the property, you can check in, put your car keys away, and stay busy for the entire weekend.
This is a particularly good option for families. The kids can rotate between the pools and water attractions while the adults enjoy the spa, golf courses, or a little time by the pool with a cold drink.
Best for: Families who want a full resort experience without leaving Central Florida.
2. The Alfond Inn in Winter Park
For a staycation that feels a little more polished but still relaxed, head to The Alfond Inn in Winter Park.
The hotel is located within walking distance of Park Avenue, making it easy to spend the afternoon browsing local shops, visiting a museum, or stopping for lunch without getting back in the car. Once you return to the hotel, you can relax by the pool, schedule a spa treatment, or explore the artwork displayed throughout the property.
Winter Park has plenty to do, but it never feels as hectic as the major tourist areas. That makes The Alfond Inn a great choice when you want a change of scenery without filling every hour of your weekend with activities.
Best for: Couples, friends, or anyone looking for a peaceful weekend with good food and walkable surroundings.
3. Margaritaville Resort Orlando
The cottages are especially convenient for families or groups who want more room to spread out. Options range from smaller cottages to larger multi-bedroom accommodations, and guests still receive access to the resort amenities.
You can spend the day by the pool, explore nearby Sunset Walk, grab dinner, and catch some live music without traveling far. It offers plenty to do while still leaving room for the most important staycation activity: doing absolutely nothing for a while.
Best for: Groups, larger families, and anyone who wants a lively vacation atmosphere.
4. Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora
If you would rather trade the resort crowds for a slower pace, Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora is worth the short drive.
Opened in 1883, the hotel overlooks Lake Dora and sits near Mount Dora’s walkable downtown. The property has an old Florida feel that is very different from the modern hotels found closer to Orlando’s attractions.
Spend the morning by the lake, take a boat tour, browse the downtown shops, or stop at one of the local restaurants. In the evening, head back to the inn and enjoy the sunset over the water.
Mount Dora feels far enough away to count as a getaway, but it is still close enough that you will not spend half your weekend sitting in the car.
Best for: Couples and families looking for a quiet escape with historic charm.
5. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The property is themed around Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, with colorful courtyards and larger-than-life characters throughout the resort. Guests can also choose from three pools, including the Big Blue Pool, which is the largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World Resort.
Another major perk is access to the Disney Skyliner, which provides transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Complimentary buses are also available for other areas around Walt Disney World.
You do not need to fill the weekend with park days, either. Spend time by the pool, explore the different themed sections, ride the Skyliner, or visit Disney Springs for dinner.
Best for: Families who want a more affordable Disney-themed getaway with plenty to enjoy outside the parks.
A Few Tips for Planning Your Staycation
Before booking your room, check whether the hotel offers special rates for Florida residents. Many Central Florida resorts run seasonal deals during the summer, especially during weekdays.
It’s also a good idea to check what’s included in the nightly rate. Parking charges, resort fees, and additional activity costs can add up quickly. Knowing the full price ahead of time will help you choose the staycation that works best for your budget.
Finally, leave a little room in your schedule. It can be tempting to plan every meal and activity, but the best part of a staycation is not having to rush anywhere.
Come Home to a Fresh Start
After a weekend of floating in the pool, exploring a new neighborhood, or simply enjoying a hotel room you do not have to clean, the last thing you want is to come home to a smelly trash can sitting in the Florida heat.
Before heading out, clear away any food waste and make sure your trash is collected. For an even fresher return home, schedule a professional trash can cleaning with Clean Cans.
We clean, sanitize, and deodorize your trash and recycling bins right at the curb, so you can spend less time dealing with dirty cans and more time planning your next Central Florida adventure.
Ready for cleaner cans this summer? Sign up for our professional trash can cleaning service today.
Categories:
