Beyond the major hubs: Fly out of MacArthur to these neighboring Florida escapes
Experience Islamorada's aquatic adventures with a flight to Fort Lauderdale and a scenic drive. Credit: Getty Images
Think beyond the destination on your boarding pass. Long Island MacArthur Airport’s nonstop flights to Sarasota, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale can bring you close to some of Florida’s best low-key coastal escapes, from Old Florida beach towns along the Gulf Coast to laid-back island communities in the Florida Keys.
This winter, use those airport hubs as a jumping-off point for three getaways that offer a different side of the Sunshine State, just a short drive from where you land.
Anna Maria Island: Fly into Sarasota
Getting there: Long Islanders can fly nonstop from MacArthur Airport to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines, with round-trip fares between $150 and $300 in November, December and January. From the airport, the drive to Anna Maria Island takes about 40 minutes.
Past Sarasota, Anna Maria Island trades high-rise resorts for Gulf-front vacation homes, white-sand beaches and small beach-town streets lined with seafood restaurants and independent shops. At the island’s northern tip, Bean Point offers sweeping views across Tampa Bay toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key, a state park and national wildlife refuge accessible only by boat.
Fly into Sarasota for a peaceful getaway on Anna Maria Island's pristine beaches and quaint streets. Credit: Ryan Ketterman/Getty Images
Things to do
- Visit Bean Point: Head to the northern tip of the island for a quieter stretch of beach and views across Tampa Bay. Arrive early on sunny weekends, when parking throughout the island can be difficult.
- Explore Bridge Street: In Bradenton Beach, this waterfront district has shops, restaurants and an Old Florida atmosphere. Walk out onto the fishing pier for views across the bay toward the fishing village of Cortez or try the miniature golf course tucked into a landscaped garden.
- Take the ferry: The Gulf Islands Ferry connects Bradenton’s Riverwalk with the Anna Maria City Pier and Bridge Street Pier, offering an alternative to driving ($3-7).
Where to stay
For a rental near the sand, look north of Pine Avenue on the Gulf side of Anna Maria Island, where vacation homes can put you within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and shops. Rental agencies including Seabreeze Vacations (5372 Gulf Dr.; seabreezevacation.com; 941-462-4227) and Beach Boutique (208 Pine Ave.; beachboutiquerentals.com; 866-817-7974) offer a range of stays with nightly rates starting at $110. Some properties offer monthlong bookings for travelers planning an extended winter stay.
Anna Maria Island Inn (512 Spring Ave.; annamariaislandinn.com; 941-778-2000) offers a resort-style stay with its Sunrise Garden Resort starting at $129 per night.
MORE INFO visitflorida.com
St. Pete Beach: Fly into Tampa
Getting there: Long Islanders can fly nonstop from MacArthur Airport to Tampa International Airport via JetBlue, Southwest and Breeze, starting from $250. From there, St. Pete Beach is about a 30- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.
The pink Don CeSar hotel has stood above the sand on St. Pete Beach since 1928, but this Gulf Coast destination offers more than its signature landmark. Corey Avenue has boutiques, galleries and restaurants, while Pass-a-Grille, at the southern tip of the beach, has historic homes, quieter streets and a stretch of sand with fewer high-rises.
Discover St. Pete Beach's historic charm and vibrant culture, just a short drive from Tampa. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Things to do
- Walk Pass-a-Grille: Walk the historic neighborhood at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, then spend time on the beach.
- Visit John's Pass Village & Boardwalk: In Madeira Beach, north of St. Pete Beach, this waterfront complex has shops, restaurants and opportunities to book boat trips and other water activities. (12901 Gulf Blvd.; johnspass.com; 727-394-0756)
- Head to downtown St. Petersburg: The SunRunner bus rapid transit service connects St. Pete Beach with downtown, making it possible to explore the city without driving (single ride starts at $2.36).
Where to stay
For a splurge, the Don CeSar (3400 Gulf Blvd.; doncesar.com; 844-338-1501) has a signature pink exterior, a beachfront setting and full-service resort amenities at the southern end of St. Pete Beach. Rates start at $400 per night in November and December and climb to $800 in January.
The Luce (6300 Gulf Blvd.; marriott.com; 727-632-3300), a Marriott-affiliated property, offers a newly renovated, boutique-style stay with a pool, a beach club and direct beach access with rates starting at $200 in November, December and January.
MORE INFO stpetebeach.org
Islamorada: Fly into Fort Lauderdale
Getting there: Long Islanders can fly nonstop from MacArthur Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport via JetBlue and Southwest, starting at $300 round-trip. From there, Islamorada is roughly a two-hour drive.
Spread across several islands in the Upper Florida Keys, Islamorada is a destination built around the water. Visitors can feed tarpon at a marina, book fishing and snorkeling excursions, explore galleries or settle in for sunset at a waterfront restaurant. The village offers a laid-back alternative to Florida's larger resort areas, with much of the activity centered on its marinas and the Overseas Highway.
Visitors explore the dining scene in Islamorada. Credit: David Fischer/AP
Things to do
- Feed tarpon at Robbie's of Islamorada: This marina is known for its large tarpon, which visitors can feed from the dock. It also offers boat excursions, water activities and waterfront dining. (77522 Overseas Hwy.; robbies.com; 305-664-8070)
- Book a dive or snorkeling trip: Bud n' Mary's Dive Center offers excursions for visitors looking to explore the waters around the Keys. (85960 Overseas Hwy.; keydives.com; 305-664-2211)
- Visit Theater of the Sea: The marine attraction, which opened in 1946, offers animal encounters and educational experiences. (84721 Overseas Hwy.; theaterofthesea.com; 305-664-2431)
Where to stay
For a resort stay, Cheeca Lodge & Spa (81801 Overseas Hwy.; cheeca.com; 305-664-4651) sits on about 27 acres, with rates starting around $225 a night in November and December and $465 in January. This upscale oceanfront retreat features a 1,200-foot private beach, a Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole golf course, a signature spa and three restaurants.
Three Waters Resort and Marina (84001 Overseas Hwy.; marriott.com; 855-868-5172) features three private walk-in beaches and an adults-only enclave called The Cove. The property boasts a full-service deep-channel marina with access to offshore fishing charters and nine dining spots, including the historic birthplace of the Rum Runner cocktail. Rates start at $300 per night in November and December and $400 in January.
MORE INFO visitfloridakeys.com
