By Lauren Tjaden
Military families are often on the move, whether it’s a military relocation, a trip to reconnect with family and friends, or that most glorious of reasons—a Florida vacation to a sandy beach or a theme park.
Economical places to stay can make these journeys much more affordable. From the emerald-hued waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the rolling waves of the Atlantic, here are some places to stay that offer military discounts.
Shades of Green Resort, Orlando
Shades of Green Resort is arguably the best-known Armed Forces Recreation Center (or AFRC) in the World, an affordable, full-service resort hotel that’s available to service members and their families. Walt Disney World in Orlando encompasses the Resort, which is situated between two PGA golf courses and only minutes away from Disney World Theme parks.
Besides the great room rates, visitors enjoy complimentary bus transportation to the Disney World Theme parks, and discounted tickets for Disney World venues and dining. The rooms are spacious and comfy; their rates are based on rank, pay grade, duty status, room size, and/or room location. Make sure to book early because the Resort is popular.
Shades of Green salutes our veterans too, offering all military veterans who have received an honorable discharge a chance to vacation there during January and September.
Installation Lodging
The majority of military installations offer temporary, space-available accommodations for inexpensive rates -- for instance, Navy Lodges, Air Force Inns, Army Lodging, and Inns of the Corps. They’re ideal for service members traveling on orders, or for families who are moving to a new station. Reservation policies vary so be sure to phone ahead for more information.
Here’s a list of active Florida military installations and their accommodations.
Air Force Bases
Army Posts
- Program Executive Office - Simulation, Training & Instrumentation – Orlando
There are no on-base temporary lodging facilities at PEO STRI; here are nearby hotels: military-hotels.us/florida/peo-stri-fl.html
Coast Guard Bases
There are no on-base temporary lodging facilities at Coast Guard Sector Destin; here are nearby hotels: military-hotels.us/florida/uscg-station-destin-fl.html
Naval Bases
Search Installation Lodging by City
Here’s where you can search all Department of Defense lodging across all Military brands by city or zip code: www.dodlodging.net/default.aspx
Military Campgrounds
Up for some outdoor adventure? These Florida RV parks, campgrounds and cottages might be exactly what you’re looking for.
· Fort Benning - Destin Army Recreation Area
· NAS Pensacola - Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area
· Camp Blanding RV Park & Campground
· MacDill AFB - Coon's Creek Recreation Area
· Eglin AFB - Post 1 Point FAM Camp
· Eglin AFB - Robbins FAM Camp
· NAS Jacksonville - RV Park
· Maxwell-Gunter AFB - Lake Pippin Recreation Area
· Patrick AFB - Manatee Cove FAMCAMP & Beach House
· Marathon Recreation Cottages and RV Park
· NAS Pensacola - Oak Grove RV Park and Cottages
· Panama City Beach MWR Outdoor Recreation/Marina
· Sigsbee RV Park
· Tyndall AFB - FAM Camp
· Eglin AFB - Hurlburt Field FAM Camp
· Mayport NS - Pelican Roost RV park
