Florida natives—like me!—often say that the Sunshine State is actually more like several different states in one place. Although it may look long and skinny, it takes almost nine hours to drive all the way from the southernmost point of Key West to Jacksonville—and the space in between is packed with so many different people, communities, and vibes. So perhaps it’s no surprise that there are also some incredible international look-alike destinations in Florida to explore!
A state that could be mistaken for several can also be mistaken for multiple countries—at least seven, as you’ll see when you read through this list of Florida travel dupes, including Florida towns that feel like Europe as well as the Caribbean, Cuba and more. Read on to learn about these hidden gems in Florida that’ll make you feel like you’ve taken an international vacation, without ever needing to step foot in an airport—or even get a passport, for that matter!
1. The French Riviera
Cerulean waters bobbing with yachts, Michelin-starred restaurants, potential celeb sightings—there are all sorts of reasons people visit the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur. There are few other places on earth that offer such a feeling of sophistication and exclusivity, not to mention the absolutely stunning natural background of cities like Nice, Cannes, and Èze.
Palm Beach, Florida
If you’re willing to trade the Mediterranean Sea for the Atlantic Ocean—and head far enough south—you’ll find Palm Beach, Florida can give the French Riviera a serious run for its money. Celebrity presences who live—or at least own a home—here range from Donald Trump to Sylvester Stallone to Dr. Oz. But given how many opulent oceanside mansions you’ll see here, plenty are owned by folks with lower profiles (but sky-high net worths). The same can be said of the sleek, white yachts you’ll find moored in the city’s multiple marinas. Whether you’re new money, old money, or just visiting the realm of the rich, shop and dine on Worth Avenue to feel like a star—and obviously, don’t forget to order seafood. Even if you’re staying in an RV, it’s worth popping by The Breakers for a quick tour; its high-ceilinged event spaces will make you feel like you’ve time warped into a French castle. Très bien!
- Why it’s a dupe: Opulent mansions, upscale seaside lifestyle, and Mediterranean influence.
- Things to Do: Shop on Worth Avenue, tour The Breakers, enjoy waterfront dining.
- Campgrounds: John Prince Park Campground and many more
2. Southern Spain
Flamenco shows, sangria, bullfights, dancing ‘til dawn—southern Spain has it all, and then some. And by “and then some,” we also mean an incredibly diverse palate of architecture that’s colored by its long and storied history, from pueblos blancos with their whitewashed walls to the Moorish-style designs of must-sees like Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the Alcázar in Seville. Their intricate facades are visible evidence of the cultural influence of centuries of Muslim rule. Couple all that with the temptations that lure visitors to the Mediterranean coast in general—temperate climes, fresh seafood, olive groves and sunshine—and it’s easy to understand why so many people have Spain’s southern reaches on their to-visit lists. And fortunately, there’s a Floridian alternative that will make you happy to have skipped the trans-Atlantic flight.
St. Augustine, Florida
You’ll have to excuse me for geeking out about St. Augustine, Florida, but it’s a city I called home for almost a decade—and the place my mom still lives. Like southern Spain, its buildings bear the evidence of multiple layers of history, including Spanish-Moorish architecture very similar to what you’d see overseas as well as designs from both British and French colonial periods. In fact, St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the country, so it’s no surprise walking its cobblestone streets makes you feel as though you’ve fallen through a time warp. St. George Street is the place to go for gift shopping (and sangria at The Columbia House), but don’t miss out on a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and wandering Magnolia Avenue, whose stunning Spanish-moss-strewn oak canopy has been called one of the most beautiful streets in the United States.
- Why it’s a dupe: Spanish-Moorish architecture and 16th-century charm create an old-world Mediterranean feel.
- Things to Do: Tour Castillo de San Marcos, walk the Historic District, dine at Spanish restaurants.
- Campgrounds: Anastasia State Park, North Beach Camp Resort, and more
3. Greece
You don’t have to have been to Greece to know why it’s such a popular destination. One of the oldest footholds of western civilization, Greece is also just plain beautiful, from rugged mountain peaks to the crashing blue waves of the Aegean Sea. Pair that with ancient homes and bougainvillea-draped balconies—not to mention Greek hospitality, which is an important enough concept to have its whole own term in the language (philoxenia, which translates to “friend to a stranger”), and you’re set up for an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience… except that you can actually find a very similar experience in northwestern Florida.
Alys Beach, Florida
The beaches along Florida’s panhandle are sometimes known as the Emerald Coast—and those who venture near its green-blue waters will immediately understand why. For travelers eager for a domestic alternative to international travel, Alys Beach, tucked along Florida’s scenic county road 30A, can feel like being transported to a Grecian isle—especially if you pedal your bike (or a rental) along the road, stopping here and there at quaint eateries to dine al fresco. Whitewashed, sun-bleached buildings with colorful shutters that look out onto the water, perfectly labyrinthine pedestrian walkways constructed around stately courtyards and fountains, and, of course, sugar-soft white sands along the coast make this a paradise that feels downright ancient—like a birthright, even. We highly recommend a trip to Grayton Beach State Park, which, along with RV camping options, also offers elevated boardwalks, paddling options, and hiking along Florida’s pristine coastal dune lake and scrub environment—a rare ecosystem that can only be found in a few far-flung places in the world (like New Zealand and Madagascar) aside from here.
- Why it’s a dupe: Whitewashed buildings, coastal courtyards, and turquoise Gulf waters.
- Things to Do: Explore pedestrian alleys, dine al fresco, bike along 30A.
- Campgrounds: Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve, and more
4. Southern France or Mediterranean Beach Towns
If you’re still into the idea of sweeping views of the Mediterranean from a sweet seaside French town—but less about the high-falutin vibe of the actual French Riviera—cities like Toulon might be calling. Along with their old-world sense of relaxation and obviously incredible natural surroundings, these areas are also adjacent to the world-renowned Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. Translation: Everything you do will come with a hearty pour of the best rosé you’ve ever had.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
It may sound suspicious that we were just talking about Alys Beach as a domestic alternative to Greece, and now we’re naming its immediate neighbor as one of your best bet for a would-be trip to the southern coast of France. But that just illustrates how many hidden gems there really are in Florida: these two adjacent towns both feel like Europe, but surprisingly different parts of The Continent. Rosemary Beach offers cobblestone streets and European-style plazas that emulate what you might find in the areas around Marseille—not to mention quaint cafes and quietly bustling town center where you can shop and sip the day away. Top it off with an unforgettable sunset with your feet sunk into the softest sand you’ve felt in a long time. How’s that for knocking out two different international destinations all in one five-mile stretch of 30A?
- Why it’s a dupe: Cobblestone streets, European-style plazas, and Dutch and West Indies architectural fusion.
- Things to Do: Stroll the Town Center, sip coffee at European-style cafes, relax on sugar-sand beaches.
- Campgrounds: Grayton Beach State Park, Camp Gulf, and more
5. The Caribbean Islands
Aruba, Jamaica, oooh I wanna take ya… Did you know that there are actually more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean region? No matter how creative they were in the writing process, that’s far more than the Beach Boys could list in their song. Although each has its own specific flavor (and many are small enough not even to be inhabitable), The Caribbean as a whole is an experience unto itself. With soft sand beaches, tropical cocktails, and the constant presence of a warm and friendly sun, you don’t even need to take a sip of your Mai Tai to feel intoxicated by this tropical locale.
Key West, Florida
The southernmost point in the state—and indeed in the continental United States—Key West is basically an honorary Caribbean island in its own right. Just like the islands you’d need a passport for, you’ll find fresh fish dishes, danceable music wafting through the air, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed lifestyle that can only be called island time. We’re talking hours-reading-in-the-hammock, flip-flops-all-day, and rum-and-Coke at lunchtime. Because the Keys have had such a rich and varied colonial history, the architecture represents a unique melange, including influence from British, French, Spanish, Dutch colonization as well as African diaspora. And, of course, there’s always the Dry Tortugas to visit—although for that one, you are going to have to hop on a boat. First world problems!
- Why it’s a dupe: Island atmosphere, pastel architecture, tropical waters, and laid-back energy.
- Things to Do: Snorkel Dry Tortugas, visit the Hemingway House, catch Mallory Square sunsets.
- Campgrounds: Boyd’s Key West Campground, Leo’s Campground, and more
6. Old Havana, Cuba
Old Havana is more than just a popular tourist destination—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which is to say, the organization recognizes it as a locale that holds special cultural significance for the whole of humanity. A one-of-a-kind mix of Spanish Colonial, Neoclassical, and Art Deco architecture styles offers a viewpoint into the past, as does the famous preponderance of 1950s classic American cars that line its streets. And, of course, all of that is before we direct our attention to the real tentpoles of the culture: spicy music and even spicier food. After your Cubano sandwich, you might choose either a hand-rolled cigar or a cafecito for a night cap. That is, if you can get there. These days, travel to Cuba for purely touristic reasons remains restricted, though it is possible for American citizens to obtain a visa for one of twelve travel categories.
Ybor City, Tampa
If you aren’t a journalist or visiting family in Cuba, good news: You can still get an authentic taste of this one-of-a-kind country without leaving American soil. Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood was actually founded by Cuban immigrants—along with some from Spain and Italy—as a cigar-manufacturing hub. In fact, it was even known as the Cigar Capital of the World during its heyday. While you can still tour several working factories today, you can also simply enjoy walking down its vibrant red-brick streets, eating the most authentic Cuban food this side of the Straits of Florida, and dancing the night away at The Castle—or watching others do so at a live flamenco show. Need more ideas? Check out our perfect two-day itinerary for Tampa!
- Why it’s a dupe: Historic cigar factories, colorful facades, and Cuban-American culture.
- Things to Do: Tour the Ybor City Museum, enjoy a Cuban sandwich at La Segunda, and catch live flamenco.
- Campgrounds: Bay Bayou RV Resort, Lazydays RV Resort, and more
7. Venice, Italy
Venice isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. A collection of more than a hundred islands strung together by a system of even more canals and bridges, Venice is all gondolas gliding by Gothic and Renaissance palazzos reflected in green water. (And, yes, incredible pizza, polenta, and fritto misto—a mix of deep-fried seafood.)
Venice, Florida
Venice, Florida shares more than just a name with its European cousin. In fact, the city was modeled on the original, Italian Venice back when it was founded in the 1920s. That’s why today you’ll still notice its Mediterranean Revival style: Think red tile roofs, arched windows and stucco walls. (While you will find the Venetian Waterway Park trail along the Intracoastal, its series of bridges and canals is more of a nod to its namesake than a full-on replica—which, after all, would be really hard to pull off.) However, Florida’s Venice mixes the romantic charm of the sinking Italian city with the sugary beaches and warm, blue waters of the Floridian Gulf—and is also one of the best spots for shark-tooth hunting in the state. Take note: white teeth are likely recently shed, perhaps from animals that are still living, but if you find a gray, brown, or black tooth, you’re holding a fossilized piece of history that could be thousands, or possibly even millions, of years old.
- Why it’s a dupe: Modeled after its Italian namesake, complete with canals and Mediterranean architecture.
- Things to Do: Kayak the Venetian Waterway Park, explore historic downtown, visit Venice Beach.
- Campgrounds: Oscar Scherer State Park and many more
While we would never tell you not to take a trip overseas, we hope this list shows you exactly how much magic is available right here at home—especially on an RV trip to the sunshine state. We’ll be in your pocket the whole time with the best travel tips and tricks. We can’t wait to hear where the road takes you!
