In spring, when high season rates begin to ebb and reservations are easier to come by, it's an ideal-and relatively affordable-time to hit the open road in Florida.  Miami is a full-throttle destination, but it's always nice to escape the mad crush. At this time of year, peak rates are coming down and the activity is slowing down in the city, making it an ideal time to get out and explore the surrounding area. It's an easy drive to the moneyed Boca Raton and then on to nearby Delray Beach, with its first-rate museums and restaurants. To the south of Miami, the civilized Key West is a short drive away, while to the west, the Gulf Coast offers gentle beaches and smart restaurants. These five great getaway destinations are just the ticket for falling in love all over again with Florida. 

The Gulf Coast 

A two-hour drive across the Everglades from Miami yields Naples, the Palm Beach of the GuIf Coast. The culinary landscape of a pies includes two stellar restaurants with healthy, organic food: The Local and the Cider Press Cafe. In Tampa, a few hours north, Mise en Place restaurant, the old-school Bern's Steak House, and Cigar City Brewing were recently featured on Emeril Lagasse's show, "Emeril's Florida." The most elegant hotel in town is Le Meridien Tampa, a Historic Hotels of America property set in a 100-year-old restored courthouse and featuring Bizou Brasserie restaurant. 

Tom Austin is based in Miami and covers the Florida beat for Travel+ Leisure. Follow him on Twitter at @TomAustin__.