Christmas Day in Florida, 2012
When you envision a family vacation to Florida, the usual suspects come to mind — Orlando, Disney, Universal, St. Petersburg, and even Miami — but throughout the state are pockets that offer a fun and relaxing vacation without all the hype and the hustle. Areas like Sunnyvale, near Orange City in central Florida, provide a great home base that’s close to the action without paying the sometimes inflated prices that come along with it. And if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Florida, staying in or near an out-of-the-way spot like Sunnyvale means you can easily find something suitable for well under $100 per night. Definitely less expensive than hotels in Sunnyvale, CA!
When planning family vacations with babies and kids, you have four main things to consider: where to stay, what to eat, what to do, and how you’ll all get around. Central Florida has many options to suit the needs of any family.
Stay Near Sunnyvale for a Steal
Orange City has a Days Inn and a Quality Inn with incredibly reasonable rates for spacious rooms and free breakfast. No longer party central, Daytona Beach is less than thirty miles away, and has a number of family friendly and reasonably priced beach motels. To the west of Sunnyvale is Lake County, and with it some charming inns and resorts among the lakes.
Condos, villas, and home stays are also very popular and provide affordable accommodation options throughout the area.
Family-Friendly Activities Abound In and Around Sunnyvale
Staying near Sunnyvale, Florida means you can fully immerse your family in all that Central Florida has to offer — great beaches, abundant nature, and of course, theme parks! Heading east will take you to the Atlantic Ocean, and you’re spoiled for choice with numerous beach options from Daytona on down to the Space Coast. Nearby Lake County offers unparalleled opportunities for fishing and boating as well as river tubing in Alexander Springs. Orlando is only 35 miles south of Sunnyvale, so you can hit as many theme parks as you can manage with a very reasonable drive back to your hotel.
Dining Deals are Easy to Find
It’s easy to eat healthfully and inexpensively in Florida. Hit the local Publix as soon as you’re settled to stock up on staples and snacks for your family. Dining in restaurants is very affordable when you’re staying outside of Florida’s main drags. And since families tend to dine early, take advantage of the many “early bird specials” posted for seniors and snowbirds that call the area home. Popular family-friendly chain restaurants are plentiful as well.
Getting Around Central Florida
Orlando International Airport is just over 50 miles from the Sunnyvale area, and in order to make the most of your Florida vacation, a rental car is essential. Florida’s roads and highways are easy to navigate, especially with GPS. All of the major car rental players operate throughout the state, giving you the opportunity to shop around for the best rate.
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