Unusual & Unique Places to Stay in Florida
Sometimes you just want a hotel. Clean room, decent bed, job done. But every now and then, it’s nice to stay somewhere with a bit more personality. Th...
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Florida’s massive. Like, you look at it on a map and think, “oh yeah, that’s drivable.” But then you’re actually there, and everything’s way more spread out than expected. It’s not impossible to get around without a car, but you do need to think things through a bit.
Some places make it easy. Others… not so much.
If you’re heading to Orlando for theme parks and not much else, going car-free actually makes sense. A lot of the big hotels — especially around International Drive — run free shuttle buses to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.
Some run more often than others though. So if you’re a morning person who likes getting to the parks early, you’ll probably be fine. If you want flexibility or like to stay late for fireworks, it’s worth checking the schedule carefully. Some stop running surprisingly early.
You’ve also got the I-Ride Trolley, which covers International Drive with stops at restaurants, shops, and attractions. It’s cheap and kind of charming in a touristy way. Bit slow, maybe, but it gets the job done.
Flying into Orlando International? You’ve got options.
There are pre-booked shuttles (like Mears Connect), ride shares like Uber or Lyft, and — if you’re staying at a Disney hotel — buses that run straight to the resorts. Some hotels do their own pickups, though you usually have to book it in advance. Don’t just assume it’s included.
Same goes for Miami or Tampa — just make sure you’ve got something lined up before you land, especially if it’s late. Public transport from airports does exist, but it’s not great if you’re tired and dragging suitcases.
And honestly? Trying to figure out US buses with jet lag and kids in tow… probably not worth the hassle.
Clearwater Beach is one of the easiest spots if you don’t have a car. Once you’re there, you can walk to restaurants, the beach, and shops. There’s a little trolley service too if you fancy heading up the coast to somewhere like Dunedin.
Miami Beach is good too. You can walk everywhere, or hop on the free trolley loops that circle through South Beach and beyond. The local buses work fine for short journeys, though they’re not especially fast.
Key West is tiny. No car needed at all. Just rent a bike or walk it — everything’s close, and it’s actually better without the traffic.
But other places? Like Naples, Marco Island, or even parts of the Gulf Coast? You’ll probably feel a bit stuck without a car. Things are just that little bit too far apart, and buses aren’t really built for tourists.
When You Might Still Need a Ride
Even in Orlando, there’ll be moments where a quick Uber makes life easier — getting to a restaurant that’s “only” 3 miles away but along a 6-lane highway, for example.
If you’re staying somewhere with limited shuttles or want to explore outside the usual spots, having the option of a ride share is helpful. The good news is: they’re everywhere. And often cheaper than you’d expect.
You can also use services like SunRail (a commuter train in Orlando) or Brightline, which connects cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and now Orlando. Not the fastest for all routes, but handy if you want to skip the highways altogether.
Yes. You just need to choose your base wisely.
If you’re doing:
Just… don’t expect seamless travel across the state. If your trip involves hopping between cities or exploring quieter beaches, not driving gets a bit tricky. Doable, but you’ll need patience. And maybe a few Uber receipts.
That said, if you’re sticking to one area — and you pick the right area — not having a car can actually be kind of freeing. No parking. No tolls. No “wait, which side of the road again?”
