26 Best Vacation Spots in Florida
People usually think of warm weather, amusement parks, juice, drinks, and crocodiles when they think of Florida, but this place is so much more. There are miles and miles of white sand beaches along its coast. This is the state in the United States where Miami and Miami Beach are located. These spots are the best places visit Florida and go on vacation because of their design and Cuban infrastructure.
The Florida Keys lies in the south of Florida, with more sun, water, and sandy beaches. About 120 miles long, the Florida keys have more places to go and fun things to do like scuba diving. With so many options, you might be wondering where to go in Florida.
The Overseas Highway might be one of the most beautiful roads you’ll ever drive on. Another place on the list is Cape Canaveral. Here is where NASA’s main office is located. On the other hand, Orlando is famous for its many theme parks, such as Disney World. Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida:
Best Florida Destinations
1. Palm Beaches
Think of Palm Beach as a way to get to the best Florida vacation spots. The best thing about it is that there are always something going on here like different activities. You and your family members or friends could visit the local supermarket, windsurf, snorkel, or have brunch together. You can even play different games, watch a polo tournament with players worldwide, and sunbathe on 46 miles of beachfront. You can find all the exciting activities and much more in this area.
West Palm and Raton Beach are places to go for a holiday if you wish to stay at a premium resort during your time off. At the other end of the bridge in West Palm Beach, It has the atmosphere of a central metropolitan area despite the absence of the pressure created by crowded public spaces and heavy traffic. To reach the Grandview open store in the Business District, you can either walk or take the assistance of carts along the waterside.
The Galley is a restaurant in Hilton Beach known for its delicious pasta, freshly caught fish, and flavorful cocktails. The Hilton West Palm Beach gives guests breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area from its rooftop patios.
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2. Orlando and Central Florida
People who want to go on vacation in Florida often choose Orlando because it has Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom, and many other fun places. There is a lot more to explore in this part of Florida.
For example, if you leave Orlando and go east, you will end up at the Kennedy Space Center, which NASA runs. Here, you can see space-related things and even watch rocket launches. Here, you can see space-related things and even watch rocket launches.
Another beautiful place in Orange County, Florida, is Winter Park, which is farther and a quieter place. It is sometimes called the Palm Beach of central Florida. Some of the things you can do there are to watch the sun go down over the water and walk through the shade of tall oak trees. Have a wonderful breakfast at Briarpatch, and for dinner, you should consider Hillstone.
As soon as you leave the tourist traps in Orlando, there are many opportunities to do outdoor fun and adventurous activities in Florida. Divers like to go to the Blue Grotto, a 100-foot clearwater cavern, and Rainbow Springs State Park, where you can float down Rainbow River on an inner tube. Both places are in central Florida, far from the Orlando area.
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3. Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Miami is one of the best Florida destinations and crowded cities in the region. Visitors can witness both the new and the old parts of the state in Miami and the vicinity of South Beach. Unlike Miami’s relaxed atmosphere, the city’s metropolitan center is bustling at the forefront of modern culture.
South Beach is one of Miami’s most exciting beaches because of the Art Deco Zone and the fantastic walking mall that runs along the shore. It is an idea place to enjoy a walking tour. This pedestrian mall is packed with restaurants and offers spaces to eat along the water, different kinds of entertainment and a lot of other things to do. It is also common for newlyweds to go on their honeymoon in Florida.
Coconut Paradise in Miami is where you can see the Vizcaya Gallery and other old coral-stone homes. Peacocks can walk freely in the place, and there are also sidewalk restaurants and street performers.
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4. Florida Keys
The 114 miles between Key Largo and Key Western, at the southernmost point of the U.S., are home to the beautiful Floridian Islands. Key Largo is the island that is the farthest north. If you take any of the Keys along the way, you’ll end up in a tropical place where you don’t need a passport. Here, you can sail, snorkel, do fishing, dive into coral reefs, and even eat a 10-foot fish at Robbie’s. When you go on vacation to Key West, you can have a great time in one of the most beautiful places in the state. You can also get your hair done, which is a great thing to do.
Playa Largo is a good option for vacationers who want to go somewhere with lots of fun activities. There are swimming pools and water sports like sailing, paragliding, and paddling. There is also a garden with hammocks where you can relax and rest. The only hotel in the town of Key Largo that offers all-inclusive packages is the Bungalows Bay Largo. Visitors must be at least 18 years old to stay there.
There is a Fish House that is owned and run by a family. Since it is one of the few restaurants that only buy fish from local fishermen, the seafood there is fresh and clean. This is why it stands out from other restaurants. You should book a table at The Fish House if you want the best seafood.
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5. West Keys
The historic neighborhood of Key Western, located in the southern region of the U.s, has the atmosphere of a laid-back island thanks to its old structures and the leisurely pace of life there. Successful writers such as Robert Frost, Tennessean Williams, and Ernest Hemingway all lived in this beautiful and laid-back city during their lives. People are familiar with the town due to its rich literary past.
Due to its location, the civilization of these islands is a diverse fusion of traditions from the cultures of many other Caribbean islands. These things have helped give the area its laid-back viewpoint, unique architecture style, and extensive culinary repertoire. Key West is a popular port of call for cruise ships because there are many things to do and ways to relax there.
Duval Street is where most tourists hang out. It is surrounded by shops that sell souvenirs and other goods, as well as cafes and some old buildings. Some residences are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Shipwreck Exhibit, shipwreck island waterpark and the Key West Aquariums are, without a doubt, these are the most well-liked destinations among vacationers that come to this city. The Shipwreck Museum is dedicated to a wealth of knowledge regarding the long record of wreck removal and salvage operations in this region.
The relaxed atmosphere of Key West, a relatively small town with many attractions and activities, such as snorkeling excursions and sunset sailing, makes it an ideal destination for solo travelers. You won’t have any trouble getting around, and the people who live there will go out of their way to help you. People who travel alone think it is among the loveliest and safest spots in the United States. Key West has a few resorts that are known for being good.
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6. A Crystal-clear River
Crystal Water is a quiet, secluded place on the west coast of Florida. It has a slower pace of life than other places along the state’s coast. After dark, Crystal River might not have a lot of places to eat or things to do. Still, it has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in all of Florida, especially for people who like to spend time on the water.
The best way to explore the waters is to go kayaking which takes people through the magical waters. During the colder months, thousands of manatees come, and there is a good chance that visitors will be able to kayak with one of them. While exploring the area, you could see dolphins, tortoises, parrots, and other animals. The accommodations at the close-by Farm on Crystal Rivers are simple and do not include any frills or luxuries that are not essential.
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7. Tampa Bay Area
On the opposite side of Tampa Bay and the western coast of Florida, on an island, is where you’ll find St. Petersburg. Family members are some of the most regular tourists to Tampa, likely due to the city’s abundance of opportunities to view feral creatures. The most well-known site is Busch Park, which is located in Tampa. It is both a big theme park and a zoo, so there is a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.
Those who have a passion for animals can also pay a visit to the zoo of Tampa, located in Lowry Park, and the Tampa Marine, an open marine life center.
The Glazer Museum in Florida is an ideal family vacation in Florida because it helps kids learn through play. The museum is an excellent destination for a day out with the kids and the rest of the family. It has an IMAX theatre with bigger-than-life shows and interactive exhibits where people can learn about different kinds of technological advances.
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8. Petersburg and Pete Beach
You can cross the Gulf to get to St. Petersburg, which is close to Tampa. Individuals from across the United States, but mainly from the northeastern cities, go to the southeast to escape the harsh seasons in their home regions and enjoy the warm weather and clean beaches along the coast.
Numerous cinemas and illustrious art organizations, such as the Dali Gallery, are just a couple examples of the countless cultural places visitors can experience while in St. Petersburg.
Among the most common activities in St. Petersburg is to embark on a boat trip, which involve anything from an eco-tour or a pleasure cruise to watching animals in their natural habitat.
Caladesi Archipelago Nature Park cannot be developed into a residential area because it is located on an island. On the other hand, it is a tourist place for individuals who enjoy spending time outside as it features several coastlines and walking treks.
St. Pete Bay is a pleasant and distinctive beach with miles and miles of sandy beaches that is ideal for relaxing in the sunshine or enjoying your most recent paperback novel under an umbrella.
This community is just off the coastline of St. Petersburg and comprises apartments, hotels, and individual homes. This coastline is fantastic for people who want to take long strolls along the sand. Since the beach is stretched long, you might be unable to walk along it.
Lodging options are your best option to get the most out of a trip to Florida and spend the night in St. Petersburg. Use GetYourGuide to help you travel to all the places in the area.
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9. The Marco Beach
Marco Island enjoys one of the hottest Florida climates, even during February, known for having some of the highest temperatures. This tourist area is nearly always accommodating, possibly due to its location in the southernmost point of Florida. This is different from Fort Myers and Miami, where it can get cold in the winter.
Individuals are drawn to this location for reasons other than just the pleasant climate. The coastline is stunning, which is even another outstanding feature. This beachfront in the southern part of Florida is known for its size. It is almost four miles long and about 100 feet wide. Long. This area has many places to stay, from high-end resorts to small inns for sailors.
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10. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a beautiful part of “Old Florida” right off Bradenton’s coast. Because building rules are so strict, many old homes and hotels have been kept, while no new towers or huge complexes have been built. Still, Anna Maria Island has a few best vacation cities in Florida, many of which will take good care of you without putting too much strain on your budget and enjoy a boat tour.
Town planners on Anna Maria Island have done a lot of long-term planning, which is why the island has a laid-back vibe that is hard to find in many other places in Florida. Anna Maria Island is a must-see for beach lovers as it has seven miles of beautiful beaches.
11. Fort Myers Beach
There are a lot of things to do in Fort Myers. Some of these things are to look around this historically significant neighborhood, go shopping, eat, and try food from all over the world.
Families with kids will have a lot of fun at the Image History Museum. It has hundreds of interactive displays, exciting interactions with animals (like being able to touch a crocodile), and even a three-dimensional virtual reality environment where visitors can view the old Fort Myers fort. Shelling tours, fishing charters, and parasailing adventures are among the best things to enjoy.
The beach is located on the shore of Estero beach, connected to the mainland by bridges. People think the big beach is a great place to watch dolphins play in the water. They know that the beach is lined with high-end resorts that families, newlyweds, and stars like to stay at. People have also said the beach is a great place to see dolphins playing.
The spring sports of the Red Sox are popular attractions in Fort Myers, attracting visitors from New England. During their time there, they keep an eye out for their favorite local athletes and keep their fingers crossed that they will run into them in an unexpected place.
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12. Sanibel Island
The significant barrier island of Sanibel is in the Gulf of Mexico, off the western coast of Florida. The causeway connects Fort Myers to the island, making it possible to get there. People from all walks of life, from famous people to couples and families, visit the island of Sanibel for many reasons. One of these reasons is that the island has several luxurious resorts. Aside from the many amenities at each resort, visitors to Sanibel will find a wide range of things to do, such as shopping at their own pace in the shops and galleries on the island and having fun in the ocean.
Among the admirable things of Sanibel is the island community’s commitment to environmental protection and preservation. As a result of this aim, most of the area on the island has been set aside for conservation and new organizations.
Many resorts offer natural history programs that teach vacationers about the beautiful local plants and animals and the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. The sea tortoise, one of the island’s most valuable animals, is known to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Dolphins and manatees have been seen in the water nearby, and the island is home to many different kinds of birds.
13. Clearwater
Clearwater has been getting a lot of visitors for a long time, both because it is one of the best-known beach towns in Florida and because it is close to Tampa and has clearwater marine aquarium. Just east of the central city lies a stretch of powdery white sand about three miles long. The water in the Mexico Gulf is clear and very pleasant to swim in.
Various accommodations are available to people who come to the beach, ranging from opulent resorts to quaint bed & breakfasts and everything in between. Because of this, the area around Clearwater’s beaches is always busy and has lots of fun places to eat and watch people. Check out what services Viator has to offer. To book a tour of this beautiful place, look for Viators’ travel insurance plans and packages and make your trip at ease and comfort.
14. Venice
Many people don’t consider visiting or seeing Venice when they go to Florida. But there are fewer people than in other places along the Gulf Coast.
This small city’s attractive downtown area is easy to get to on foot. It has many shops selling everything from clothes to sunbathing suits and everything in between.
From the city center, it’s easy to get to Venice’s famous beaches by car. Condos and single-family homes line the beach, and the Venice Fisheries and restaurants are just a short drive to the south. The Venice Fishing Pier is known all over the world.
If you want to find shark teeth, go to Caspersen Shore and watch as you walk down the beach. The best place to find shark teeth is near the shore.
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15. The Panama Coastline
Panama Beach is often ranked among the best tourist attractions in Florida. The sea at this beach is known for being emerald green. During the months when the weather is most pleasant, tourists deluge the stunning beaches.
People do hunt for fish and other sea creatures at the beach. The night is the best time to catch crabs, sandflies, and sand dollars because that’s when they come out. Ghost crabs move to the top of the soil as the weather gets cooler.
You can also check out the vast Skywheel attractions. SkyWheel is the most exciting and new thing to do at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The famous SkyWheel observation wheel that stands nearly 200 feet above Pier Park gives you a new way to see Panama City Beach’s beauty.
It’s a fantastic experience that kids and people of all ages will never have again. Not only this, It is where you can get snacks and drinks brought to you in First Class style.
Ripley’s amusement parks are two of the cheesier things to do in the area. Shell Island, Panama City Beaches Conservation Park, and St. Andrews National Park are some of the best places to get closer to nature.
In Florida, along Panama City Beach, you can find some of the best resorts in the world. Hotels in the city closer to the water tend to be cheaper than those farther south.
16. Pensacola
Florida’s most popular tourist spots are on the “Miracle Strip,” also called the western part of the Florida Panhandle. The city of Pensacola, a port, is the economic center of this area.
It is home to Florida’s most famous natural harbor. It has been around for more than 400 years. After the buildings in Historical Town were demolished, they were carefully rebuilt using the original plans. The Spanish, French, and British colonists built these different buildings.
At the westernmost point of the Santa Rosa Islands, you can see the United States Navy Air Exhibit, also called Fort Pickens. This exhibition is known for its long stretches of sugar-white beaches. Pensacola is an excellent example of the laid-back way of life that is common in the American South. This may surprise people who are used to vacationing in Florida cities closer to the Gulf Coast.
Things move more leisurely, with different kinds of grits to choose from, and the people speak with a slight drawl. Even though Pensacola is a relatively small city, there are still many things to do here, like going to family-friendly events, visiting art galleries, or seeing a show at one of the many performing arts groups.
Several resorts near Pensacola have earned a good name for themselves. Some are highly reasonable, while others give premium services.
17. Naples
The area around Naples is known for having some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the country. The calm Gulf of Florida is turquoise water with beautiful white beaches that possess colorful shells. Also, there are many different things to do in the Gulf of Florida.
Many people put their umbrellas down on the beach around the Naples Pier. It is within walking distance of the best local shops and restaurants in downtown Naples. The pier offers the ideal background for taking breathtaking photographs of the sunset.
Lowdermilk Park has an excellent public beach with two beach volleyball courts, three playgrounds, and two pavilions. You can also go to Vanderbilt Beach, which is perfect for families and has a lot of room for kids to run around.
Delnor-Wiggins is just a short distance northwest of the Vanderbilt Shore entrance. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Take the stairs to the top of the viewing platform to see stunning views of the Cocohatchee River, the wild rainforest, and the sandy beaches that roll up and down. You can have fun in the park on a stand-up surfboard or a kayak, or you can go on one of the ranger-led trips to Florida.
Barefoot Beach Preservation State Area is a barrier island that hasn’t been changed much, so you should go there if you want to get away from the crowds. It is a wild highland where native gopher turtles live. They get their name from the protective tunnels they dig, ranging from 4 to 53 feet long and 8 to 24 feet deep.
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18. The Everglades is a National Park
It’s possible that the idea of going to a national park doesn’t come to mind right away when you think of Florida. But Florida has many places that are one of a kind, like the Everglades National Park, where you can see crocodiles and palm trees instead of bison and geysers. There are other unique places in the state as well.
The Everglades are a slow-moving “river of grass” made up of many different plants, such as coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, pine Flatwoods, and many more. It protects 1.5 million acres of wetland and is close to the tip of the Florida peninsula, which is the southernmost point.
Many crocodiles, reptiles, fish, and more than 360 bird species live there, making it an excellent place for people who like to see wild animals. There are a lot of marine mammals like the Florida panther, the American alligator, and the West Indian manatee here.
The main entry points are in Everglades City on the coast, near Homestead in Florida State, and Shark Valley in Florida City. There are trails and guided tours like Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show in GetYourGuide for nature lovers who want to see more.
The park is the driest from November to April. When the temperature drops, the wildlife is busier, and there are fewer bugs to bother them.
19. Daytona
The five hundred Nascar race that takes place in this town in February is the event that brings the most attention to Daytona beach, Florida. The city’s seashore remains a popular destination throughout the entire year.
Many college students spend their spring break in Daytona Beaches as their vacation destination in Florida.
Along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the best beaches Florida, Daytona extend for 23 miles, and the city’s boardwalks contain attractions, sports, cafes, and special events, in addition to a massive pier.
Additionally, Daytona is home to one of the United States’ longest piers, which may be found here.
20. Tallahassee
Due to the city’s abundance of museums, intriguing attractions, and historical places, Tallahassee is definitely well for a visit. Tallahassee’s historic downtown is home to several of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
It is strongly recommended that you leave your vehicle parked and stroll through these charming areas.
Cascades Park may be found on the massive campus of Florida State University, located only a short distance from the city’s heart. The well-known Tallahassee Automobile Museum is not too far from the inside state ten. There are around 160 classic and vintage automobiles on display at the museum.
21. Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida, is an excellent holiday spot if you enjoy spending time outside. Because there are so many plays, musicals, and art exhibits in Sarasota, it is a well-liked vacation spot for people who are interested in participating in a variety of performing cultural and creative pursuits.
The months of late February through mid-May and middle October through late November are peak travel dates for tourists to Sarasota. Even if the temperatures are always pleasant throughout the year, there may be more people when the spring is getting closer.
22. Destin
The fantastic beachfront can be found in Destin, a popular tourist destination in the state of Florida and located along the coast of the Florida Keys. It is the primary reason for Destin’s popularity. The Destin area is home to various clubs and some of the best fishing and cutest small boutiques you’ve ever seen.
It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the Destin Historical & Fish Exhibit and the Henderson Beach National Monument while you are in Destin. These locations are among the most frequented tourist destinations in the region.
Crab Islands in Destin is a place you have to see if you have access to a sailboat because it is such a bustling gathering point. In the meantime, Baytowne Wharf is a prominent location for a range of different types of entertainment, and Destin Port is known for its abundance of charming stores and restaurants.
23. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is close to Orlando and is undoubtedly the best place in the southeast of Cape Canaveral. Those who are interested in seeing the Kennedy Spaceship but also want to spend some time on the coast will find that the spaceport near Cape Canaveral’s location is ideal.
In addition, the waters of Cocoa Beach tend to be relatively quiet, but novices will still be able to feel some of the ocean’s swells, making it an ideal site for learning how to surf.
The length of the Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is about 750 feet, and it is flanked on both sides by various restaurants and shops selling a wide range of goods. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in multiple sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and other watersports.
24. Key Largo
The island of Key Largo is located in the upper islands and is only a short distance away from Miami. This region is home to a diverse collection of flora and wildlife, stunning coastlines, and plenty of options for sports and other types of recreational activities.
You can better sense your place in the natural world by visiting the nearby Everglades National Park or the Sea Life State Park. After that, you can do something relaxing and exciting like paddle boarding, snorkeling, or fishing for the rest of your trip.
When you’re vacationing in the Florida Keys, one of your favorite things is to sail around in a yacht with a glass bottom. You may see some of the most breathtaking sunsets anywhere in the world in Key Largo, which is why we highly recommend you grab a drink at one of the many unique restaurants in Key Largo and watch the sunset over paradise while you’re there.
25. Jacksonville
You can relax knowing that you won’t have any trouble finding a variety of things to do to keep you entertained while you’re on vacation in Jacksonville because it is the most populous city in the entire state of Florida.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to over 2,400 unique species of animals and over 500 unique varieties of plants. If you are interested in enjoying an experience concentrated only on lions, you should go to the Catty Shack Farm. At the same time, you will contribute to the continued success of an organization fighting to protect tigers from hostile environments.
The Science Museum’s observatory holds the title of being the single facility in the United States that is considered to be the most extensive. On Saturdays, if you are in the neighborhood, you should go to the Riverfront Arts Marketplace to support the local vendors while having food trailers and live music.
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26. The National Park of Biscayne
The Biscayne Nature Reserve, found in the Islands, is home to a tropical rainforest, beaches, coral reefs, and other marine life. It has a diverse array of mammalian species, including dolphins, tortoises, seagulls, and several other species.
Canoeing is the only way to access the region; nonetheless, we think it would be well worth the effort to do so. It is possible to scuba dive at several spots, some of which feature shipwrecks and reefs that are fascinating to explore. In addition, there is a lighthouse and a museum that teaches tourists about the ecology of the local area.
The Ocala National Forest is one of the most breathtaking locations in Florida for individuals who sincerely appreciate the natural world.
It is well known for its natural springs, ponds, and lakes found within its boundaries, and its location is to the north of Orlando. It encompasses around 673 square miles and offers a diverse network of hiking trails.
You have the opportunity to participate in various sports, including scuba diving, mountain biking, horseback riding, and water sports. This is a beautiful opportunity to be in touch with nature, as there are no expenses associated with entering the area.
It is essential to mention that a small fee is required to enter the lovely natural springs hidden in the woods, but it is very worthwhile to pay the price. Both Alexander Springs and the Silver Spring Nature Reserve are stunning locations within the Ocala Forest, and it is highly recommended that you pay a visit to both of them.
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