Florida’s size and diversity offer many incredible experiences. When considering the best places to visit in Florida, you’ll find that the state has many attractions statewide. Choosing destinations can be hard with limited time, as there are numerous appealing options across the Sunshine State.
See also: 10 things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Here are my top picks for your Florida trip.To begin with, Florida’s vastness requires careful planning. You could spend weeks exploring and still miss half of the one of the most well-known places in Florida to visit.
However, this gives you a reason to return! After visiting cities like Clearwater, Miami, and Orlando, I’ve discovered Florida’s depth beyond its sunshine.
In fact, the state brims with delicious food scenes, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. For example, you’ll find unique experiences in the Florida Keys and Pensacola. Below, you’ll find some best places in Florida for your next adventure. Enjoy your trip!
See also: 15 things to do in Miami Florida
Best Places in Florida to Visit
1. Discover Miami’s Vibrant Culture
Miami is a must-see destination among the best places in Florida to visit. This lively city offers exciting experiences for all visitors. For instance, Wynwood’s art walls showcase stunning street art. Additionally, the Vizcaya Museum and Design District display unique architecture and style.
Not to mention, Little Havana brings Cuban flair to the city. Here, you’ll find authentic music venues that transport you to Havana. Miami’s diverse neighbourhoods make it one of the It’s easily one of the best places in Florida for cultural immersion and urban exploration.
See also: Things to do in the Florida Keys
2. Theme Park Paradise: Orlando’s Magic
Orlando really does shine as one of the best places in Florida for thrill seekers. Families and adults alike find joy here. Universal’s Islands of Adventure delivers excitement for all ages. Additionally, Disney World, a must-see attraction, mixes old favourites with new wonders.
It’s easily one of the best places in Florida to relax and play. Nightly parades and fireworks dazzle crowds. For luxury, try the Waldorf Astoria near Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Orlando’s parks offer endless fun. In fact, you might need more than a week to explore it all. The city’s attractions keep visitors coming back for more adventures.
See also: Best things to do in Pensacola Florida
3. Explore Kennedy Space Center’s Wonders
The Kennedy-Space-Center on Merritt Island is one of the best places in Florida to visit. The journey takes about 90 minutes from Orlando. This is NASA’s space station, and it also gives you a glimpse of space exploration.
At the centre, you can also simulate a mock space shuttle launch at the Visitor Center. Besides that, the Apollo/Saturn V Centre displays Apollo-era heroic accomplishments. This makes it one of the other best places in Florida for space and rocket fans.
4. Discover Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, 30 minutes from Miami, is one of the most well-known places in Florida to visit. It offers relaxing beaches and lively bars. While in town, explore Las Olas Boulevard and eat Italian at Louie Bossi’s. After beach time, visit the historic Bonnet House. Also, see vibrant art murals in nearby Hollywood. These attractions make Fort Lauderdale one of the best places in Florida for all travellers.
See also: 10 things to do in Fort Lauderdale
5. Experience St. Petersburg’s Coastal Charm
St. Petersburg, called St. Pete, near Orlando really is one of the best places in Florida.
It has a beautiful down town and stunning beaches. It’s great for weekend trips.
In addition, St. Pete has an impressive food scene. Trophy Fish serves fresh seafood with live music. The city offers diverse cuisines, including Cuban and Mexican.
While there, see the iconic “Pink Palace” – The Don CeSar hotel. This beach front landmark was once Marilyn Monroe’s favourite. St. Pete is one of the most well-known places in Florida to visit for coastal escapes.
6. Uncover St. Augustine’s Rich History
St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, is undoubtedly one of the best places in Florida to visit. On the Atlantic Coast, it stands out with its Spanish colonial buildings. In contrast, this old-world charm differs from Florida’s newer cities.
For food fans, Woodpeckers Backyard Barbecue serves tasty ribs. Meanwhile, the old down town area begs to be explored. Above all, don’t skip the 1600s Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish stone fort. These sights make St. Augustine easily one of the best places in Florida for history and culture lovers.
See also: 15 things to do in Miami Florida
7. Uncover Tallahassee’s Treasures
It’s undeniably one of the best places in Florida you’ve overlooked! To be sure, Florida’s capital often hides in the shadow of flashier cities. Nevertheless, this panhandle gem surprises visitors with rolling hills and lush forests. Consequently, the scenery feels worlds apart from typical Florida views.
Visit Goodwood Museum, a former plantation, for Southern history. Mission San Luis shows 17th-century Spanish life nearby. Enjoy hiking and fishing at Apalachicola National Forest and Tate’s Hell State Forest. For something unique, visit Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna. The caves reveal an unexpected side of Florida’s natural beauty.
Tallahassee really is one of the best places in Florida for a different state experience. Indeed, it combines history, nature, and charm in its own special way.
See also: Things to do in the Florida Keys
8. Discover the Everglades
The Everglades, one of the Best Places to Visit in Florida, tops the list for seeing wildlife. This special national park has panthers, alligators, snakes, and birds.
Even when you’re in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, don’t skip the Everglades, another of the Best Places to Visit in Florida. Take an airboat ride through swamps to spot gators. However, bring lots of bug spray for mosquitoes.
The Everglades’ protected area shows off Florida’s wild places. Nature lovers must see this spot.
9. Florida Keys’ Magic
The Florida Keys stretch 120 miles off the south coast, offering tropical delights. Undoubtedly, legendary sunsets await, best enjoyed with a cocktail and Key Lime pie.
Beach activities abound here. Snorkel, scuba dive, or fish in crystal waters. The Keys cater to all water enthusiasts.
Key West is easily one of the best places in Florida for sightseeing. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home museum. Explore Duval Street’s lively bars and shops. We drove from Miami, arriving at sunset. The town has vibrant nightlife. Tip: The Keys are warmer and more humid than most of Florida. Pack accordingly to stay comfortable.
The Florida Keys really is one of the best places in Florida off the mainland. Its charm and activities make it a top Florida destination.
See also: Best things to do in Pensacola Florida
10. Dry Tortugas National Park
For a different Florida experience, visit Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the Best Places to Visit in Florida. It’s unlike other best places in Florida.
Firstly, don’t miss Fort Jefferson, rich in history. Moreover, the pristine shoreline offers amazing snorkelling with coral reefs. Look for resident turtles, making this another one of the Best Places to Visit in Florida.
Heads up, Dry Tortugas is on islands 68 miles from Key West. You must fly in by seaplane or take a ferry. Consequently, this isn’t a car-accessible trip.
11. Ichetucknee River’s Natural Wonders
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a hidden gem among the Best Places to Visit in Florida, is two hours north of Orlando. Despite being less known, this park offers unique experiences.
At the park, enjoy barbecues, hiking, canoeing, and scuba diving. Tubing down the river is a favourite. activity. Rent tubes and float downstream effortlessly.
In addition, spot wildlife like manatees. This mix of relaxation and nature makes Ichetucknee one of the Best Places to Visit in Florida for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
12. Florida’s Beach Paradise
Florida boasts stunning beaches, among the most beloved in the U.S. In fact, you’re never more than 75 miles from a beach here. The beaches here really are one of the best places in Florida for sand and surf enthusiasts.
For instance, find the clearest, bluest waters at Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast. This St. Pete gem dazzles visitors with its beauty. Similarly, Pensacola Beach offers powdery white sand and emerald waters, making it another top coastal destination in Florida.
On the other hand, Miami’s South Beach offers an urban beach experience. It’s one of the other best places in Florida for city-loving beach-goers.
Surprisingly, Venice Beach near Sarasota holds a unique treasure. Prehistoric sharks’ teeth wash up on shore here. Florida’s beaches cater to all tastes. They offer clear waters, city vibes, and ancient discoveries.
13. Pensacola’s Coastal Paradise
Pensacola’s beaches offer coastal beauty. Tourists visit yearly for its appeal.
Families enjoy activities on white sand beaches. Swim in turquoise waters for refreshment.
Walk quiet beaches, hunt shells, and listen to waves. Also, nature’s sounds replace the traffic noise.
Safe swimming in green waters awaits. Public beaches include Park East and Casino Beach.
Pensacola blends natural beauty, peace, and fun for beach lovers.
Travel Resources For Places to Visit in Florida
Travel Insurance for Florida
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Florida stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Ekta Insurance
Renting a Car in Florida
Indeed, renting a car in Florida is easy and is a great way to explore Florida freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Florida is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Florida
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Florida.
