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Survey: Pensacola Beach is Florida’s priciest summer spot



Pensacola Beach is the priciest summer destination in the Sunshine State for hotel stays this year, according to a new survey by Cheaphotels.org.

With an average rate of $295 per night for the most affordable double room, Pensacola Beach emerged as the most expensive summer spot. Fort Walton Beach and Anna Maria Island followed closely, with rates of $258 and $245, respectively, for the cheapest available room. Rounding out the top ten most expensive destinations are Miramar Beach at No.4 ($240), Destin at No. 5 ($234), Cocoa Beach at No. 6 ($226), Panama City Beach at No. 7 ($221), Islamorada at No. 8 ($215), Palm Beach at No. 9 ($210), and Key Largo at No. 10 ($210).

The survey also revealed that most destinations in southern Florida are significantly cheaper than during the winter months, in some cases dropping by more than 50%. Still on the pricier end of the spectrum, however, are the Florida Keys, where visitors can expect to spend over $200 for the least expensive room.

The least expensive destination in Florida this summer is Miami Beach, where you can find a room for around $100 per night. Compared to rates during February, that’s 65% lower. Other affordable summer destinations with rates of around $110 per night include Hollywood, Port St Lucie and the state capital of Tallahassee.

The travel website compared 40 popular destinations across Florida. For each destination, the average price for the cheapest available double room was established for the period July 1 to August 31, 2022. Rates were compiled during late June using hotel comparison website Kayak. Only hotels rated at least 3 stars and located close to a beach or in downtown were considered for the survey.

Cheaphotels.org’s top 40 ‘most expensive’ summer destinations in Florida include:

  1. Pensacola Beach $295
  2. Fort Walton Beach $258
  3. Anna Maria Island $245
  4. Miramar Beach $240
  5. Destin $234
  6. Cocoa Beach $226
  7. Panama City Beach $221
  8. Islamorada $215
  9. Palm Beach $211
  10. Key Largo $210
  11. Jacksonville Beach $195
  12. Siesta Key $195
  13. New Smyrna Beach $188
  14. Sanibel $186
  15. Key West $185
  16. St Pete Beach $185
  17. Clearwater Beach $180
  18. Marathon $180
  19. Pompano Beach $175
  20. Naples $165
  21. Madeira Beach $164
  22. Fernandina Beach $151
  23. Fort Myers Beach $147
  24. Miami $145
  25. Jacksonville $142
  26. Tampa $136
  27. Delray Beach $136
  28. Gainesville $135
  29. West Palm Beach $131
  30. Lakeland $129
  31. Saint Petersburg $127
  32. Daytona Beach $127
  33. St. Augustine $124
  34. Fort Lauderdale $121
  35. Orlando $120
  36. Mount Dora $118
  37. Tallahassee $112
  38. Hollywood $111
  39. Port St. Lucie $110
  40. Miami Beach $104