Planning the cheapest honeymoon in Florida doesn’t mean you have to settle for a parking-lot view. If you’ve just navigated the expenses of a wedding, you deserve a white-sand retreat that respects your savings. Florida is home to hidden “Old Florida” towns and state-protected islands where a budget honeymoon in Florida feels like a luxury escape. Whether you are looking for cheap beach honeymoon Florida options or historic charm, it is entirely possible to enjoy a 3-night romantic getaway for under $1,000.
Cheapest Honeymoon in Florida (Quick Budget Breakdown)
Before we dive into the destinations, here is a snapshot of what your wallet can expect for a 3-night stay for two people in 2026.
| Category | “Barefoot” Budget ($500) | “Comfort” Budget ($1,000) | “Splurge-Lite” Budget ($1,500) |
| Lodging (3 Nights) | $240 (State Parks/Cabins) | $550 (3-Star Hotel/Airbnb) | $850 (Boutique Resort) |
| Dining | $150 (Food Trucks/Picnics) | $300 (Nice dinners + Happy Hour) | $450 (Fine dining + Wine) |
| Activities | $50 (Beaches & Hiking) | $100 (Kayaking/Museums) | $150 (Sunset Cruise/Tours) |
| Transport | $60 (Public Transit/Gas) | $50 (Gas/Short Ubers) | $50 (Gas/Short Ubers) |
| TOTAL | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Top 10 Cheapest Honeymoon Places in Florida
1. St. Augustine (The Historic Romantic)
The nation’s oldest city offers European flair at a fraction of the cost.
- Best Month: September–November.
- Why Romantic: Walking through the Lightner Museum grounds at sunset.
- Free/Cheap Things to Do: Walk the Bayfront, visit Magnolia Avenue, or lounge at Vilano Beach.
- Est. Daily Cost: $165 for two.
- Where to Stay Under $150: Magic Beach Motel (Vibrant retro vibes).
- Local Food Spots: The Floridian and Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops.
2. Dunedin (The Small Town Gem)
![Cheapest Honeymoon in Florida (Under $1,000) – 10 Romantic Getaways [2026]](https://travelfinancehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dunedin-Cheapest-Honeymoon-in-Florida-Under-1000.jpg)
Home to Honeymoon Island State Park—this is the quintessential cheap beach honeymoon Florida spot.
- Best Month: May or October.
- Why Romantic: Cycling the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail together.
- Free/Cheap Things to Do: Ferries to Caladesi Island (rated #1 beach).
- Est. Daily Cost: $145 for two.
- Where to Stay Under $150: Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn.
- Local Food Spots: Taco Baby and Old Bay Café.
3. Cocoa Beach (The Surfer’s Paradise)
Affordable honeymoon resorts in Florida are easiest to find on the Space Coast.
- Best Month: January–March.
- Why Romantic: Watching a SpaceX rocket launch from the sand.
- Free/Cheap Things to Do: Exploration Tower and the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier.
- Est. Daily Cost: $155 for two.
- Where to Stay Under $140: Beachside Hotel & Suites.
- Local Food Spots: Fat Donkey Ice Cream and Sandbar Sports Grill.
4. Pensacola Beach (The White Sand Dream)
- Best Month: October.
- Why Romantic: The secluded trails of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- Free/Cheap Things to Do: Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail.
- Est. Daily Cost: $135 for two.
- Where to Stay Under $140: Surf & Sand Hotel.
- Local Food Spots: Peg Leg Pete’s and Native Cafe.
5. Cedar Key (The Old Florida Escape)
- Best Month: April–May.
- Why Romantic: No traffic lights, just you and the Gulf sunset.
- Free/Cheap Things to Do: Kayaking to Atsena Otie Key.
- Est. Daily Cost: $120 for two.
- Where to Stay Under $125: Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast.
- Local Food Spots: Tony’s Seafood (World-famous clam chowder).
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3-Day Itinerary for Two Budgets
Low-Budget Itinerary: St. Augustine ($550 Total)
- Day 1: Arrive and walk the St. George Street historic district (Free). Dinner at a local taco truck ($30).
- Day 2: Spend the day at Anastasia State Park ($8 entry). Afternoon nap, then a sunset walk at the Castillo de San Marcos.
- Day 3: Morning coffee at Kookaburra. Visit the Cathedral Basilica (Free). Relax at Vilano Beach.
Mid-Budget Itinerary: Dunedin & Clearwater ($1,000 Total)
- Day 1: Check into a waterfront hotel. Rent bikes for the Pinellas Trail. Dinner at a craft brewery ($65).
- Day 2: Take the ferry to Caladesi Island ($32). Evening sunset dinner at The Screened Porch ($85).
- Day 3: Visit Pier 60 for the nightly festival. Brunch at Maggie Mae’s on the Bluff.
Money-Saving Hacks for Florida Honeymoons
- State Park Pass: Instead of private beaches, use State Parks. For $6–$10, you get pristine views and clean facilities.
- Happy Hour Dinners: Florida beach bars often have BOGO drinks and half-price apps from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- The “Pub Sub”: Grab a world-famous Publix sandwich for $10 and have a beach picnic instead of a $60 sit-down lunch.
- Free Transport: Use the free trolleys in places like St. Petersburg and Clearwater to avoid $20/day parking fees.
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FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the cheapest honeymoon destination in Florida?
Dunedin and Pensacola Beach consistently rank as the most affordable due to the abundance of state parks and lower hotel rates compared to South Florida.
Can you have a Florida honeymoon for $1,000?
Yes. By focusing on cheap romantic getaways Florida offers outside of major theme parks, you can cover 3 nights of lodging, food, and activities for under $1,000.
How can I find affordable honeymoon resorts in Florida?
Look for “boutique motels” or hotels one block away from the beach. Staying “off-beach” can save you $100+ per night while still being within walking distance.
When is the cheapest time to visit Florida?
Late August through early November (Hurricane Season) offers the lowest prices. For better weather at a low price, try the “shoulder seasons” of May or January.
Are there free things to do for couples in Florida?
Yes! Public beach access, exploring historic districts like St. Augustine, and attending sunset festivals at Pier 60 are all free.
Which airport is cheapest to fly into for a Florida honeymoon?
Orlando (MCO) is usually the cheapest. From there, you can drive to either the Atlantic or Gulf coasts in under 2 hours.
How much should I budget for food daily in Florida?
For a budget honeymoon, $70–$100 per day for two people is sufficient if you mix quick bites with one nice dinner.
Is Key West expensive for a honeymoon?
Yes, Key West is one of the priciest spots. For a similar vibe on a budget, try Cedar Key or Vero Beach.
Conclusion: Your Dream Florida Honeymoon is Within Reach
Planning the cheapest honeymoon in Florida doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic of your first trip as a married couple. By choosing “hidden gem” locations like Dunedin or the historic streets of St. Augustine, you can enjoy world-class beaches, romantic sunsets, and fresh seafood without the premium price tag of South Beach or Key West.
The secret to a successful budget honeymoon in Florida lies in the balance: leveraging free natural beauty like state parks, dining during happy hours, and visiting during the shoulder seasons. Whether you have $500 or $1,500, the Sunshine State offers a romantic backdrop that proves the best things in life—like a sunset over the Gulf—really are free.
Disclaimer
Travel Finance Hub provides this information for educational and inspirational purposes only. While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date cost estimates for 2026, travel prices are highly volatile and subject to change based on inflation, seasonality, and availability.
- Accuracy: Costs for hotels, dining, and transport are averages based on February 2026 research. Your actual expenses may vary.
- Safety: Always check local weather advisories and travel warnings (especially during hurricane season, June–November) before booking your trip.
- Note: Prices fluctuate based on seasonality. We recommend checking VisitFlorida.com
for the latest event calendars and discount passes. Last Updated: February 2026
