What’s new in Florida?

Florida

remains the top U.S. destination for snowbirds. While Orlando, Palm Springs and Fort Lauderdale are popular with Canadians, they’re by no means the only options — especially for those looking to winter somewhere low-key or less pricey. Some of the more popular winter escapes are getting overcrowded, leading to pricier accommodations and longer booking windows. And not all snowbirds want to live in gated communities, purpose-built for retirees — which is why they’re venturing out into lesser-known destinations across the state, like Pensacola Beach, Ormond Beach or Gainesville.

THE PANHANDLE

The Florida Panhandle, for example, offers plenty of options that aren’t as pricey as their betterknown counterparts. The region typically gets 350 days of sunshine a year, so it’s ideal for snowbirds looking to get their vitamin D. There are several smaller communities along the coast, such as Fort Walton Beach, which has a population of 25,000 and is surrounded by water on three sides. It offers up miles of beach with nearby islands to explore, such as Okaloosa Island, Holiday Island and Niceville.

SEASIDE

For those who want a small-town feel, Seaside — also located on the Panhandle — is small enough to get around by foot or bicycle, yet it’s easy to find beachfront accommodation thanks to a halfmile stretch of beach in town. Pensacola is another option, located on Santa Rosa Island, considered one of the longest barrier islands in the world, with 52 miles of beach, plus a quaint downtown with art galleries, historic sites and local festivals.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

Snowbirds who want to be near Orlando should consider New Smyrna Beach, Florida’s “secret pearl.” According to TripAdvisor, it’s the second-most affordable snowbird destination in Florida, and it’s also been voted one of the best small cities for the arts. With beaches, shops and cafes, it’s only an hour’s drive from Orlando, and it’s a whole lot quieter than Daytona Beach.

COCOA BEACH

For active snowbirds, Cocoa Beach is also an hour’s drive from Orlando, with plenty of action on tap, such as canoeing, yoga and whale watching. It’s easily accessible to visiting family members but offers much cheaper vacation rentals than Orlando.

ORMOND BEACH

Those who want to be surrounded by wildlife could head to Ormond Beach, a snowbird destination with small-town charm and cheap winter rentals, ideally located near Tomoka State Park — inhabited by alligators, manatees and more than 160 bird species.

GAINESVILLE

Not every snowbird wants the beach. Gainesville is an option in central Florida, surrounded by forest, natural springs and winding rivers. The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens offer 62 acres of woodlands, meadows, gardens and Florida’s largest bamboo collection, while Paynes Prairie State Preserve is a 20,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, ideal for birdwatchers, hikers and cyclists. And there are nine golf courses in the area.