The one-week Thanksgiving break is the perfect time for a short in-state road trip — explore hidden gems, relax and soak up cozy fall, quaint-town vibes.

From small historic towns to beach escapes, here are five places in Florida for the perfect Thanksgiving break getaway with the whole family.

Mount Dora

Mount Dora truly is a hidden Florida gem. From its historic downtown district to its parks and water views, it feels like home.

Downtown is packed with small shops and local businesses: famous Florida ice cream stops, clothing boutiques, cafes, craft stores, spice shops, family-owned dining and TikTok-trending restaurants, plus lunch spots with live music. This is the place to be.

Light Up Mount Dora, held a few days before Thanksgiving, kicks off the season with lights strung throughout downtown, plus live music and a fireworks show.

St. Augustine

In St. Augustine, autumn brings cool, crisp weather, perfect for wandering through the historic district without the summer heat.

The timing of Thanksgiving break works perfectly, too: Nights of Lights kicks off the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, when downtown gets strung with about three million white lights. The tradition can be linked to the Spanish custom of placing white candles in windows, and National Geographic has labeled it one of the world’s top 10 holiday light displays. It’s magical and cozy, just like Thanksgiving.

Downtown St. Augustine’s plaza is also full of dining options with nearby parks and beaches. For a Thanksgiving Day meal, plenty of local restaurants offer sit-down Thanksgiving meals. Just make sure to try the seafood and local beer at least once during your trip.

And of course, history is everywhere, from the brick streets to Castillo de San Marcos.

Walt Disney World, Orlando

For some people, Thanksgiving means being one step closer to Christmas, and if that’s you, Disney World is the place to be. By Thanksgiving week, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and many of the resorts are fully decorated for the Christmas season, so you’re surrounded by trees, bows and twinkling lights, maximizing that cozy holiday feel.

Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, a tradition featuring global culinary traditions and special events, also kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, making it a great activity for the whole family.

Select restaurants at Disney World, like Whispering Canyon Cafe and Diamond Horseshoe, also offer special menus on Thanksgiving Day.

The days after Thanksgiving (starting that Sunday, typically) are reported to be some of the least crowded of the holiday season there. The resorts are also great for keeping kids entertained on-site while parents relax.

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach is a warm, welcoming place that feels luxurious, beachy and restful. Enjoy local spas, upscale dining, shopping and family restaurants by the water, plus beach days with clear water and soft sand (and some incredible seafood).

It also features a historic downtown district, with brick buildings and tree-lined streets that glow with lights at night. It’s calm and comforting, exactly the kind of ease you want for a Thanksgiving break with family.

The town offers Thanksgiving Day meals at restaurants spanning multiple cuisines, from casual to fine dining. There’s also the annual Turkey Trot, where you can celebrate the Thanksgiving spirit and connect with the community and your own wellness, whether you’re walking or running.

Cedar Key

Cedar Key is the perfect beach destination for families looking for relaxation, sea breezes and cozy vibes.

Packed with community events, local seafood and cool weather, it’s great for bike rides, sunset walks and lying on the beach: the perfect setting to feel thankful for the world.

Activities include golfing, nature walks, paddling and boating, plus restaurants serving locally harvested clams and fresh seafood.

Be sure to enjoy its coastal charm and small-town vibes!