Getaway in February, 2026

Question

My wife and I would like to escape the NE winter weather in February to come to Florida. Likely a long weekend - Thursday to Monday. Something like that.

Priorities include: A place that has dining options on site, or a very short walk to them - less than 10min. A small kitchen to prepare breakfast. We will eat out for lunch and dinner. A nice pool and gym. More modern, but we don't need something built last year. We also don't want something built 20 years' ago. I'd prefer to stay around a price of around $400/night. But, would stretch some if it's worth it.

It needs to be far enough South that the weather will be nice. Above 60 degrees? Sun.

We would likely avoid the Orlando area. Aside from that, not particular.

Thoughts? Thanks!

Answer

For a long weekend getaway in February 2026 to escape the Northeast winter, focusing on South Florida is a smart choice. By February, temperatures in areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s with plenty of sunshine, which fits your desire for warmer weather.

Given your priorities—modern accommodations, a small kitchen for breakfast, on-site dining or nearby restaurants, a nice pool and gym, and a budget around $400/night—here are some options and areas to consider:

Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood Beach: This area has a range of modern resorts and condo-style hotels along the beach. Many offer pools, gyms, and small kitchenettes. Walking to nearby restaurants is easy in the beachside neighborhoods.
Miami Beach / South Beach: Plenty of modern hotels and condos with kitchenettes are available. You’ll find on-site dining and countless restaurants within a short walk. Properties from the mid-2000s to 2015 are common and often include pools and fitness centers.
Key Largo or Key West: Slightly further south, the Keys offer boutique resorts and modern vacation rentals with small kitchens, great pools, and ocean views. Dining is usually within walking distance, particularly in Key West.

Specific considerations and tips when choosing a property:

Look for “suite” or “condo-style” hotels, which often include a small kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop suitable for breakfast prep.
Check reviews for pool and gym maintenance to ensure they meet your standards for a relaxing getaway.
Proximity to dining is crucial—confirm either on-site restaurants or multiple options within a 5–10 minute walk.
Modern construction is generally found in properties built between 2005 and 2018; this balances contemporary amenities without being brand new and overly expensive.

Additional tips:

Booking early for February is recommended, as prices rise around Valentine’s Day and winter break periods.
Consider vacation rental platforms in addition to hotels, as condos often fit your requirements perfectly with kitchens, pools, gyms, and convenient locations.
If avoiding Orlando, focus on coastal cities for sunshine and warmth, as central Florida can still be cooler and slightly more unpredictable in February.

Overall, Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach are excellent choices for your criteria. You can enjoy pleasant February weather, modern accommodations with kitchenettes, convenient dining, and recreational amenities without exceeding your budget. If you want a more laid-back, tropical vibe, the Florida Keys are also a fantastic option, though nightly rates may be slightly higher.

Getaway in February, 2026

More Florida (FL) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions