The Best of South Florida: Best Weekend Getaway

(WSVN) How nice would it be tomorrow after work to just get in your car and escape from all the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, here in South Florida, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.

All you need is a full tank of gas, some sunblock, and the inside scoop on where to go for the best weekend getaway.

Get ready to pack your suitcase. If you're ready for a little "r and r"-- we have just what the doctor ordered. The votes are in for the best weekend getaway-- in South Florida.

In 3rd place -- Marco Island.

"People who live here typically call it paradise. Marco island is certainly an attractive place to come."

And there's plenty that makes this hot spot attractive. Great beaches, great weather, nice scenery, beautiful sunsets - not real crowded."

You can take a dip in the pool or relax on the beach. And when hunger strikes, there's quinn's or the always entertaining snooks on the water. Just a good time, a lot of entertainment, and drinks.

In second place, it's Key West - the 2 by 4 island.

That's 2 miles by 4 miles. It sounds small, but it's big on fun.

Andy Newman says, "We have tremendous water related activities - sport fishing, diving, parasailing, sailing, windsurfing." There's plenty to do on land too. "We have probably the most famous land mark in Key West - it's the southernmost point in the continental United States marker," says Newman.

Plus don't forget famous Duval Street for great entertainment and checkout the sunset at Mallory Square.

Newman says, "Every single afternoon, right before the sun sets, people come down to Mallory Square, there are mimes, performers, all types of entertainment available."

And the number one place for a weekend getaway -- Sanibel and Captiva.

Here, crossing the bridge means leaving your troubles behind and enjoying the beauty of the islands. Everything from boating to golf to searching for shells The best way to get around in this part of town -- the good ole bicycle.

If you need a place to stay there's everything from the quaint seahorse cottages to large beach resorts like the sundial. Sounds like the perfect place to lose yourself - even if it's just for the weekend.

Don't forget, every week you get to vote on a different topic. This week, we want to know the best donut shop in South Florida -- and next Thursday we'll tell you the best Sunday brunch.

(Copyright 2002 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)