Florida dazzles with its bright skies and coastal charm. It’s a place where flip-flops feel just right, and every corner promises a good time. But even laid-back spots can come with surprising price tags. Here’s where things are getting too expensive.
Walt Disney World, Orlando
Ticket prices now vary by day and park, with the highest reaching nearly $200. That’s before parking or Genie+ upgrades. For families hoping to do it all, a single day can rival the cost of a weekend trip elsewhere once you factor in added fees for Lightning Lane access through Multi-Pass or Single Pass selections.
South Beach, Miami
Hotel prices in South Beach surge during holidays, with luxury spots like 1 Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton charging over $1,000 a night. Even mid-range hotels run $300 or more. Moreover, dining along Ocean Drive often falls between $50 and $100 per person. That level of spending has more visitors trimming the length of their stay.
Key West
Key West has its laid-back charm, but it’s become pricier lately. Throughout the peak season, affordable accommodations book up fast, and even a simple night out can be costly. For example, a popular sunset sail now runs about $100 per person, highlighting the island’s shift toward more upscale tourism.
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando
While tickets for adults start at $119, add-ons like the Universal Express Pass now range from $119 to $329, depending on the date. Consequently, a day here delivers on thrills, but combined with meal and souvenir costs, the final bill often surprises visitors who arrive without a detailed plan or set budget.
Clearwater Beach
Once a go-to for a classic beach day, Clearwater now sees higher costs. For starters, parking can cost $40. In addition, rentals with ocean views book up early at steep rates. Even seafood shacks near the sand have raised prices as visitor numbers climb year-round.
Naples
Boat rides and museum visits often push daily expenses higher than expected. Meanwhile, mid-range hotels now have luxury-style pricing, with average rates around $270 per night and high-season prices reaching approximately $503. Naples has always leaned upscale, but the widening affordability gap makes it harder for some tourists to keep up.
St. Augustine
As visitor numbers have grown in this historic city, rates for lodging and attractions have climbed alongside them. For instance, The Collector Inn, a boutique hotel, offers rooms ranging from around $200 to $400 per night. Therefore, while ghost tours and national landmarks still draw crowds, staying on budget takes more planning.
Fort Lauderdale
Upscale hotels now stretch along Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront, offering rooftop pools and ocean-view suites. The dining scene on Las Olas has changed, too, with white tablecloths replacing plastic trays in many spots. Those updates carry new price points, including $30 entrees and rising nightly rates.
Sanibel Island
Since Hurricane Ian struck in September 2022, recovery has reshaped the visitor experience. In turn, accommodations remain limited, and available options often come at a premium. Additionally, beach parking now costs $5 per hour through a mobile system, and some lots are still closed. These factors have pushed overall trip costs higher.
Destin
In summer, Destin fills fast with travelers drawn to its clear waters and white sand. But seasonal demand pushes up the price of everything, from condo rentals to fishing charters. Private fishing trips for up to six passengers usually cost $165 to $240 per hour, totaling $660 to $960 for a four-hour charter.
Amelia Island
Interest in Amelia Island has surged in the spring and winter months, and rates at local inns and beachfront rentals reflect that demand. Rent prices now range from approximately $300 to $800 per night, with a few premium properties exceeding that range. Likewise, kayaking and waterfront seafood dinners now cost more.
Seaside
Although Seaside gained national attention in 1998 through “The Truman Show,” its recent rise as a luxury vacation spot has accelerated. Vacation rentals average $1,915 per night in August and around $5,051 per week, while January offers lower rates near $252 per night. Such steep pricing is due to limited lodging and high seasonal demand.
Brickell, Miami
Once considered a business district, Brickell has turned into one of Miami’s trendiest and priciest neighborhoods. Hotel rates and brunch spots in the area now rival those in South Beach, and rooftop bars such as Rosa Sky and Sugar offer cocktails priced between $14 and $24, with some requiring a minimum spend.
Hollywood Beach
Strolling along the 2.5-mile Broadwalk, visitors pass live performers and oceanfront cafes that keep the area buzzing. That popularity now comes at a cost. Parking rates hit $4 per hour on weekends, and nearby hotels and restaurants have raised prices to match the steady demand.
Daytona Beach
Travelers on a casual weekend trip often get caught off guard by fluctuating event surcharges. Even the hotel rates in Daytona spike dramatically during bike rallies and spring break, with nightly prices ranging from $350 to $469 at popular spots like Boardwalk Inn. Outside peak season, prices ease, but key attractions still raise the final bill.
Marco Island
While still more peaceful than nearby Naples, Marco Island has shifted toward a high-end vacation model. Most beachfront hotels list rates above $300 per night during tourist season, and dining skews upscale, more so for lunch spots. Budget-conscious travelers choose to stay farther inland or visit for the day.
Anna Maria Island
Visitors love Anna Maria’s relaxed pace, but its rising popularity comes with higher costs. House rentals average $730 per night and condos around $450, reflecting strong seasonal demand, particularly during winter. Additionally, restaurants and tour operators increase rates to match the steady visitor demand in peak travel months.
Islamorada
This village is a favorite for fishing and boating in the Florida Keys, which draws a high-spending crowd. As a result, room rates at boutique inns exceed statewide averages. Meanwhile, private charters and paddle rentals frequently top $100 per person, especially during the busy season.
Siesta Key
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Although less expensive than Orlando’s major parks, Busch Gardens still adds up fast. Admission starts at $59.99, but with All-Day-Dining and Quick Queue Unlimited packages, the total can reach $174.99. Furthermore, parking charges of $34, in addition to in-park expenses, can quickly raise the overall cost of a single-day visit.
