Who says you've gotta drop a huge amount of dollars or time on a vacation this summer?  Lucky for us here in the Tampa Bay area, we've got all of Florida in our big backyard to enjoy.  From great Orlando attractions like Disney World to the cool beach vibes of Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, there are plenty of great vacation destinations around the state that don't have to take up too much money or time.  Read on and discover!

Tampa

Tampa's got a variety of attractions all throughout town perfect for anyone looking to get away, but stay close to home.  Spend a day or two across the bay and enjoy some of the country's most beautiful beaches on St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach, each boasting a variety of restaurants, nightlife, recreation opportunities, and more.

You don't have to go to Orlando to experience great Florida theme parks, either.  Go all out with a trip to Tampa's Busch Gardens and enjoy the all new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster and more.

Orlando

Speaking of those theme parks, Orlando boasts some of the best amusement parks in the world including Universal Orlando, Disney World, and more.  Bring the little ones out for a day if you've got them and enjoy a day that, while surely expensive, will make them forever grateful and happy (until the next time they want to go).  Or, just go alone and relive childhood at parks like Islands of Adventure, Magic Kingdom, and more.

Downtown Orlando is also a fantastic destination for adults looking to enjoy great restaurants, nightlife, and more.  Check out Wall Street Plaza for a great all-in-one destination featuring some of the newest and best nightlife destinations in the area.

Jacksonville

Don't overlook Jacksonville if you're looking to break away from the Tampa Bay area for a nice, mini vacation.  Jacksonville plays home to Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island, both of which are scenic, sunny destinations offering a variety of quaint beaches, shopping, restaurants, and more.  Amelia Island also plays home to The Fernandina Beach Golf Club, who's twenty-seven-hole course is considered one of the best public courses in the Southeast.

Jacksonville Beach is also widely revered as the entertainment capital of North Florida and is prime destination for a variety of things to do including free community events offering everything from live music to movies, and art all throughout the year.

Fort Myers

The Fort Myers area boasts a variety of fun and laid-back attractions throughout great areas like Downtown Fort Myers, but nothing beats the fun that can be had on Marco Island.

Forget driving across the dreaded Alligator Alley to head over to Miami when you can live it up, kick back, and have a great time on the long stretches of beaches on Marco Island.  Marco Island provides tourists and residents alike with a wide variety of adventurous activities, including fishing, canoeing, and kayaking as well as restaurants, nightlife, and more.

Miami

Party in the city where the heat is one with a small vacation south to the Miami area.  Live it up like a celebrity on the world famous South Beach and enjoy one of the best beach destinations in the world.  Venture into town and revel in a beautiful, artistic community boasting some of the best ethnic cuisine, gourmet restaurants, and more.

Or, have some serious fun as the sun goes down.  Miami plays host to some of the hottest night clubs in the nation including LIV, Mansion, and many more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great, small vactions in Florida.  Get to planning and explore this great state of ours soon!