By Lori Capullo

There’s no better reason for Floridians to choose a staycation as their vacation than the fact there are so many fabulous places we can get to by car. Wherever you drop the pin on the Florida map, you’re likely to find a place to suit your interests. Rather than put you through any rigorous research, we found five ideas that work whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full seven days to spend away from reality, bringing along the kids or dallying a deux. Get out your calendar and prepare to plan.

1. Inn on Fifth
699 Fifth Ave.,South, Naples, innonfifth.com

To make the most of a jaunt across Alligator Alley to Naples — a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, but still offering its own brand of fun — stay in the middle of the action there. That means book a room at a beautifully appointed property in the center of the Downtown Fifth Avenue district, which is chockablock with restaurants, shops, galleries and other such places to keep you amused day or night. The Inn on Fifth, a newly renovated boutique hotel that is just such a place, allows you to bask in a cozy ambience while enjoying the conveniences of modern technology to which we’ve all become so accustomed (and in many cases, addicted) and luxurious amenities, and — bonus — it’s within walking distance of just about any place you’d want to visit while in town. Check that — it’s actually home to a few places you’ll want to visit, like the Spa on Fifth, and McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill for casual eats and a brew or two. By day, rent a bike and pedal to the beach, take advantage of the guest privileges at one of Naples’ many famed golf courses, knock around some tennis balls at Cambier Park just across the street, or stroll up and down Fifth Avenue South and give your credit card a workout at one of the many stores (don’t miss the Mon “Key” Bread Factory’s to-die-for monkey bread, in flavors like pecan pie and maple and bacon).
For reservations, call 239-403-8777.

2. Omni Amelia Island Plantation
6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, omniameliaislandplantation.com

Far from the madding crowds of South Beach and only 13 by 4 miles in size, Amelia Island is a tiny piece of paradise at the northeast corner of the peninsula that’s rich in historic significance, having been under eight different flags over the past 500 years. But despite its diminutive size, plenty goes on here throughout the year: it’s home to the annual Eight Flags Shrimp Festival each May, which brings about 150,000 visitors to the island; along with an annual Jazz Festival, Film Festival, Blues Festival and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance every March, a rare-car show dubbed one of the best by The New York Times. Just reopened this March to unveil an $85 million renovation, Omni Amelia Island Plantation is an all-new (literally) way to experience this little-hyped but wonder-filled town. This one’s a biggie — more than 400 rooms strong — on more than three miles of beach, with three golf courses, a range of eateries from upscale to casual, lakes for fishing and paddle boarding and even a shopping village where you can scoop up sporting togs for working out, toys for the kids, clothing (a new Tommy Bahama shirt may be in order) and even new luggage to tote it all back home in. While you’re there, pick up a picnic at the Marché Burette gourmet market. And if you’re too worn out to walk after that, hop a Segway from Amelia’s Wheels and tour the property standing still. If you don’t fit everything in this visit, don’t worry — that’ll give you the perfect excuse to return again next year. For reservations, call 904-261-6161.