The Worst Florida Cities For Summer Vacation

Yes, there is a list of the worst Florida cities for summer vacation. People usually come to Florida for summer vacation, but this list is highlighting some of the worst places to go. So this list comes from Forbes Advisor, who looked at 43 metro areas in the United States. They looked at the criteria, including crime prices, ease of travel, and extreme weather. So these cities are based on something other than beaches, attractions, and entertainment.

Florida has three cities in the top 10 with Jacksonville topping the list. Jacksonville actually scored a perfect 100 on their ranking. They say that Jacksonville is the worst for walkability. Additionally, they say that Jacksonville’s lack of public transportation is bad and it has a high crime rate. Finally, there is a lot of heat and humidity in the summer. Duh, it’s Florida.

The other two worst Florida cities for summer vacation are Tampa and Miami. Tampa is #8 on the list while Miami is #10. When looking at the different criteria for Tampa and how they are scored. The city scores bad in air travel experience and driving experience. Tampa ranks on the better side for the city experience, which includes the crime rate and the median hotel price during the summer travel season.

On the other end of this list, they say that Minneapolis, Minnesota is the best city for summer vacation. Following Minneapolis is Long Beach, California, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Washington, and Omaha, Nebraska. I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna go to Florida cities for summer vacation before I go to Minneapolis or Omaha.

Taking your family to a beautiful Florida beach can be so much fun and very relaxing. But what kills the fun almost immediately is when you can't find parking anywhere. Driving around in circles only to see that every lot is full can really get you down. But then there's a glimmer of hope when several parking lots where you can pay to park. Paying $5 or even $10 doesn't seem too bad when you have a car full of kids screaming "Are we there yet?" However, the cost of parking at Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach has skyrocketed over the years. If you want to know where the best free or cheap beach parking is look no further.

Our biggest tip for finding free parking at one of the most famous beaches in Tampa Bay is to go early. That might not be ideal if you're traveling from far away but trust us, it's worth it. You're not going to deal with the hassle of fighting for parking with every other family. And if you are fighting for parking the worst part is you'll just be following the same cars from street to street hoping for a spot to open up. Which is unlikely because once you get to the beach you're not leaving for a while. The perfect time to get a free parking spot at the beach arriving between 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. which might seem too early, but you'll thank us later. For all available free beach access in St. Pete click HERE. And if you need to find free beach access in Clearwater click HERE.

Parking prices have gotten outrageously expensive. We've seen reports that some parking prices on holiday weekends like Mother's Day charge as much as $70! One mom was extremely upset about the hike in prices saying, "Don’t go to Madeira beach, they just raised their prices again for parking. I paid $70 to park there on Mother’s Day and it was ridiculous." Again, you can find free parking but that's first come first serve so if you don't want to pay that expensive fee make sure you get there extra early. See our options below for affordable parking in Tampa Bay by scrolling down.

Fort Desoto Beach is absolutely beautiful peaceful beach that's a great option. Last time we went it was anywhere between $5-$8 per car for parking. Either way that's a steal compared to other areas that are charging an arm and a leg.

Entrance to the park is free and parking only costs $5 per day. However, they are closed on certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. They open daily at 7 a.m. and close at sunset. Great option for families.

Another option you might like is Honeymoon Island. Last time we went it was only $8 for per car and very relaxing. That is way more affordable than $70 at other beaches. Definitely worth the drive to check it out.

Life hack for you! Park behind the shops, where residents live, there’s always parking, and no one tows. Yes, it’s slightly further of a walk, but it’s really not that far, maybe extra 5 minutes of walking, but it’s free parking.

There's several areas there that are hourly and it only costs $2 an hour. You can find the location on the Parkmobile app. Check before you go are on your way there. Again, get there early.