From sunny, white-sand beaches and untamed subtropical mangrove forests to bustling space centers and theme parks packed with excited kids, the Sunshine State is one gigantic fantasyland.
Choosing the best places to visit in Florida is no mean feat because this peninsular paradise is equally beautiful in many ways. Whether you’re slipping away on a romantic sojourn or making family memories, here’s a list of the places you simply shouldn’t miss.
1. Miami, the “Magic City”
Best for parties and nightlife
With pastel-colored art deco buildings trimming sparkling azure waters, Miami screams tropics. One of America’s most visited cities, this bustling metropolis scores big with urban see-and-be-seen types. Crowd lovers bask in South Beach’s iconic energy, slathering on sunscreen to soak up scorching rays and indulging in the best people-watching opportunities the planet offers. Those who prefer a bit more solitude can escape to Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a free tropical oasis with meandering paths, native plants and curated gardens. And, for those who energize after dark, Miami’s packed world-renowned clubs epitomize wicked all-nighters.
Miami scores big with foodies, too, who savor its tasty cuisines enhanced with strong Cuban and Caribbean flavors. For authentic Cuban cooking, grab a table at the iconic Versailles Restaurant. A Cuban coffee, or cafecito, will perk you up after a night of dancing. For a classic coffee experience, Panther Coffee offers local brew in multiple shops across the city.
While the neon promenades of Miami’s beaches garner much of the attention, the Design District is worth a visit. Wynwood is the city’s heart of art and culture, home to numerous galleries and studios with spectacular street art at Wynwood Walls and the Museum of Graffiti.
Parking in the city can be a hassle. To get around Miami, the city runs a free trolley or you can grab a ticket for the Metrorail or a Metrobus. The Metromover, a free automated people mover, serves the downtown and Bricknell areas and connects the Metrorail and Brightline.
Detour: A world apart, yet only 50 miles away, the Everglades offer a very different kind of wildness. Airboat, camp or take scenic drives to see gators and other exotic wildlife.
Here’s how you can plan the ultimate long weekend in Miami.
2. Vero Beach
Best for calm, romantic getaways
For a more sedate experience, visit the skyscraper-less beach of this under-the-radar jewel, just 150 miles north of Miami. There’s little in the way of nightlife, but many find it a delightful reprieve. Embrace each new day with meditative yoga, digging your toes into warm sand as the sun rises over the ocean at pop star Gloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este resort (non-guests welcome). Grab an award-winning burger at Casey’s Place, a throwback to outdoor burger shacks of the 1970s, and learn the juicy history of Florida oranges at the tiny Indian River Citrus Museum. For beachside cocktails and a dash of maritime history, The Boiler encourages cozy evenings (or afternoons – they open early!) of conversation by the bar’s entrancing aquarium.
Detour: Visit A.E. Backus Museum and Florida Highwaymen Museum in nearby Fort Pierce and become instant fans of this famous Florida landscape artist and the talented African-American painters he inspired.
Want more ideas for a beach vacation? Discover Florida’s best beaches.
3. Orlando
Best for theme parks and family activities
A place where dreams come true, Orlando is a cosmopolitan city sprinkled with pixie dust. Sure, there’s serious business going on here, but you wouldn’t know it basking inside a sun-kissed swan paddle boat on Lake Eola, surrounded by towering skyscrapers in the heart of downtown. The ultimate in family fun, Orlando offers Disney parks and Universal – theme parks that are bound to keep kids awake weeks before arriving. There’s also a chocolate museum and a star-car museum.
While most tourists are drawn to Orlando for its theme parks, the city itself has a lot to offer. When you really need a break from all the crowds and chaos (and you will!), stroll or cycle along Orlando’s Urban Trail to Leu Gardens, a tranquil 50-acre botanical paradise, or relax in the sculpture garden at the Mennello Museum of American Art.
The Milk District is perfect for foodies in search of innovative cuisine with eclectic eateries like Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria, the Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar and Market on South.
Just north of the city proper, Winter Park is an urban retreat with boutique shops, cozy cafés, art and history museums, family-friendly activities and the Winter Park Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Stop by Barnie’s Coffee & Tea for a latte in the charming courtyard, then browse the shelves at Writer’s Block Bookstore. Explore the area with a scenic boat tour or explore the impressive collections at the Morse Museum.
Detour: Outside of the theme parks, you’ll find attractions, restaurants and plenty of touristy kitsch, including the World’s Largest McDonald’s, along the bustling strip of International Drive. ICON Park is an entertainment complex featuring restaurants and live music, an aquarium, a celebrity wax museum and the towering Orlando Eye.
Continue the fun at Florida’s best theme parks.
4. St. Augustine
Best for history and arresting architecture
Step back in time by wandering ancient cobblestone streets in St Augustine, America’s oldest city. Settled by Spaniards in 1565, the facades of Old Town buildings reflect the Spanish-Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival eras. Its main thoroughfare, St George Street, is packed with charming boutiques, tacky souvenir shops, and restaurants overlooking the glimmering waters of the Matanzas River. If museums, galleries and churches are up your alley, there are plenty of those nearby as well. From the unspoiled sands of Anastasia State Park to the coquina watchtower of Fort Matanzas, Anastasia Island offers plenty of shoreside fun for beachgoers visiting Northeast Florida.
St Augustine is a haven for history lovers from witnessing live reenactments at the Castillo de San Marcos to sipping from the Fountain of Youth. Even the eateries are rife with history, like the Columbia Restaurant with its Old World architecture and Spanish recipes that have been on the menu for over a century.
For a more modern menu, St. Augustine Fish Camp is worth the wait. After dinner, enjoy sweeping views from the terrace of the San Sebastian Winery, housed in an old East Coast Railway building just a short walk from historic downtown.
5. Fort Lauderdale
Best for tantalizing beaches and boating
Blessed with an impressive stretch of white-sand beaches and seemingly endless canals, Fort Lauderdale is heralded as the yachting capital of the world and “The Venice of America.” Its annual boat show in October is the world’s largest in-water boating show. Stroll the famous Riverwalk, stop for a beer at the legendary Elbo Room, watch mermaids perform at America’s only underwater burlesque show, or shop and dine along famous Las Olas Boulevard.
Detour: Take a narrated water taxi tour to Hollywood Beach’s lively Broadwalk, passing mansions of the rich and famous along your journey. Buy an express pass or a hop-on, hop-off day pass with eleven scenic stops to enjoy.
6. Key West
Best for barhopping and snorkeling
Rows of pastel yellow, pink and green conch island homes with gingerbread trim complement Key West’s crystal-clear turquoise waters, transporting you to a world seemingly immune from daily problems. It’s no wonder that world traveler and celebrated author Ernest Hemingway chose this Caribbean-style jewel to settle in during the 1930s (don’t miss the museum about his life).
Browse the marketplace for trinkets at Mallory Square, then catch the hop–on, hop–off trolley to tour the island’s most popular sights. If you prefer a self-guided experience, cycling is a great way to explore Key West on a budget. Just a short walk from the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is perfect for a sun-soaked afternoon of swimming, fishing, paddling and snorkeling.
Though laid-back by day, a festive party vibe dominates at night. (Some dive bars along Duval Street get rowdy, so avoid staying in Old Town if you want to sleep!) Foodies take note: Key Lime Pie Co bakes up some of the country’s best, and Conch Republic Seafood Company serves killer conch fritters, another Key West delicacy.
Detour: Ferries and seaplanes shuttle from the Florida Keys to the secluded island paradise of Dry Tortugas National Park, which has some of the world’s greatest snorkeling in the shallow Florida Reef.
7. West Palm Beach
Best for shopping and bargain hunting
West Palm Beach’s palm-lined boulevards welcome visitors to some of Florida’s best shopping. At the heart of it all is The Square, a 72-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex featuring brand-name retailers and specialty boutiques. Fill your bags, then relax by the central fountain to enjoy free classic rock and country music concerts. Don’t miss the spectacular GreenMarket, a downtown farmers market with more than 120 vendors, every Saturday morning (October to April). Sixty additional flea market booths leading up Clematis St certify it as a bargain hunter’s utopia.
Detour: Take a 10-minute ferry ride to nearby Peanut Island, a snorkeler’s paradise, where crystal-clear waters promise a captivating underwater adventure. It’s all the more extraordinary for being the location of a nuclear bunker built for JFK, though it’s currently closed to the public.
8. Fort Myers, “the City of Palms”
Best for local arts and fishing
Despite the devastation wrought upon Fort Myers Beach’s seven miles of stunning coastline by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the recovery is well underway – with Margaritaville Beach Resort leading the pack.
Sadly, its signature quaint pubs and boardwalk taco stands will be gone as the blank canvas is repainted with glossy chic. But that doesn’t detract from the other riches this beautiful Gulf Coast area boasts. The bricked, palm-lined boulevards of downtown Fort Myers’ River District are enhanced with colorful murals and artistic sculptures, and dotted with bistros, cafes, galleries, museums and theaters. Deep-sea anglers reel in massive tarpon and swordfish nearby, while paddleboarders love navigating the Gulf Coast’s calm, clear waters.
One of the best things to do in the area is pay a visit to nearby Matlacha, a funky fishing village bursting with color at every turn. Also, don’t miss Wonder Gardens, a lush botanical garden and animal rescue facility that first opened in 1936 and is still a throwback to “Old Florida.”
Detour: Nearby Sanibel Island boasts a motherlode of almost 400 species of shells, while Bonita Springs is a quiet enclave with cafes and microbreweries.
9. Pensacola
Best for learning to surf
With emerald-green waters kissing 18 miles of powdery, sugar-white sand, Pensacola’s spacious beaches are heaven to those seeking a secluded getaway. The unspoiled terrain of Gulf Islands National Seashore, America’s largest stretch of protected coastline, extends from both sides of Pensacola Beach, a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Its warm waters and gentle summer waves make it perfect for people learning to surf.
The city itself feels like a cross between an urban hub and a chill beach town, with award-winning eateries and chic boutiques. Seville Quarter, a former cigar warehouse complex, is packed with busy bars and trendy restaurants. Seville Square, a small historic park, hosts many unique music, food and art festivals throughout the year.
Detour: Dolphins regularly swarm the warm coastal waters of Northwest Florida off nearby Destin. Several local boat-tour operators offer guided excursions to observe these splendid creatures from a safe distance within their natural environment. For closer encounters with dolphins, stingrays and other aquatic life, plan a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach.
10. Scenic Highway 30A
Best for a coastal drive
Along the Florida Panhandle between the condos of Destin and the spring break hub of Panama City Beach, Scenic Highway 30A is an idyllic stretch that connects a series of quaint beachside towns.
Along the corridor, you’ll encounter Old Florida architecture, sugar–white beaches and coastal dune lakes, a geologic rarity found in only two places in the United States. Travel down the highway by car or bike overlooking the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and soaking in the distinct charms of each town.
The stretch connects a dozen seaside communities, but Rosemary, Alys and Grayton are not to be missed. Each stop delights with its own unique vibe.
Dutch-inspired buildings and meandering alleys are the signature of Rosemary, a local favorite. If starting here, grab a coffee at Amavida or Charlie’s.
The striking white structures of neighboring Alys make the town feel as if it were plucked from the Mediterranean. Fonville Press Market + Café is the perfect place to pick up gourmet treats for an afternoon picnic on Alys Beach.
Take some time to explore the trails and coastal dune lakes of Grayton Beach State Park, the perfect place to swap your car for a kayak to paddle across the calm, clear waters.
11. Canaveral National Seashore
Best for viewing shuttle launches
Directly east of Orlando (about an hour’s drive), Canaveral National Seashore rests on the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The secluded barrier island acts as a sanctuary for thousands of plant and animal species, from the windswept shores to the tangled mangroves along the lagoon.
From June to October, Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon emit a mystical blue-green bioluminescent glow. The natural phenomenon creates a spectacular living light show as tiny creatures called dinoflagellates react to the movements of boats and animals. Book a guided bioluminescent kayak tour during your summer visit for a truly magical experience.
Despite its ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, many visitors make their way to Canaveral for a different type of observation. Known as the Space Coast, the area provides prime locations for catching a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.
Playalinda Beach is a local favorite for public viewing. For the best experience, though, plan to watch a launch from Kennedy Space Center. During your visit, you can discover what it’s like to explore space with interactive exhibits, stand in the shadow of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, or even chat with a real astronaut.
12. Crystal River
Best for spotting manatees
The manatee is a cherished treasure of Florida wildlife and the official state marine mammal. Due to loss of habitat and boat collisions, Florida manatees are an endangered species, highly protected by both federal and state laws.
Although the shy sea cows can be found in coastal waters in the Gulf and up the coast, Crystal River is the best place in Florida to witness the majesty of manatees as they gather inland during the winter months. The peak time to see them is December to February when the mammals move inland in search of warmer waters.
From hiking and bicycling to boating and fishing, Crystal River Preserve State Park is brimming with opportunities to experience local wildlife and learn about the diverse species that call the region home. Learn about the history of the area’s indigenous human inhabitants at Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
13. Tampa Bay
Best for urban adventures
A bustling metropolis of business, culture and entertainment, there’s a lot to explore in Tampa Bay. The city boasts major attractions including Busch Gardens, ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium. The area is also home to some of Florida’s best beaches, from Clearwater to St. Petersburg. Sports aficionados know Tampa as a hub for spring training and foodies are drawn to its diverse cuisines.
In downtown Tampa, take a stroll along the Riverwalk, then make your way to Sparkman Wharf for premier shopping, dining and events. The LightHaus beer garden is the perfect place to grab a brew and a bite while soaking up some Florida sun. Those interested in Tampa’s history can discover stories of its cigar-producing past from the statues and museums in Ybor City’s historic district. Head to La Segunda Bakery and nearby Brocato’s to taste Tampa’s signature dishes – Cuban sandwiches and deviled crab.
Along the coast, you can splash along the white sand shores of Clearwater Beach or head up to Caladesi Island State Park for a secluded, natural retreat. As the sun begins to sink over Clearwater Beach, soak in the best sunset views from Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest and toast to the night with a free shot. To get to the rooftop bar, take the elevator inside the Pier House 60 Marina Hotel to the 10th floor.
Down in St. Pete, families with young kids will want to spend some time at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and Sunken Gardens, while art lover’s can check out the Dalí Museum’s extensive collection.
Detours: The charming town of Dunedin is a relaxing escape from the busy beaches and city center with breweries, shops and a local artisan market. Slightly further north, you’ll find the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs. Check out the bakery at Hella’s for authentic Greek treats, then test your skills at the Replay Museum with a nostalgic collection of pinball and arcade games.
14. Daytona
Best for thrill-seekers
Daytona is known for two things: beaches and racing. From adrenaline-pumping water sports to the high-octane spectacle of Daytona International Speedway, this destination is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.
The hard-packed sands along Daytona Beach are great for cruising on an ATV while the open ocean calls to surfers, paddlers and jet skiers. Parasailers glide high above the shores while scuba divers explore below.
Known as the skydiving capital of the world, visitors can take their vacation to new heights in nearby DeLand. Whether it’s your first jump or your fiftieth, SkyDive DeLand offers diving experiences for all skill levels.
Detour: Near DeLand, visitors to the Reptile Discovery Center can experience a different type of thrill. The exhibit is home to dozens of the world’s most dangerous snakes. Observe a live venom extraction (a process that helps produce anti-venom) and view alligators, lizards, tortoises and other reptiles along the nature trail.
15. Ocala National Forest
Best for inland adventures
While Florida’s major cities and beaches get a lot of attention, Ocala National Forest proves that there’s plenty to love about North Central Florida.
This sprawling forest features natural pools, canoe runs, walking trails and historic ruins. Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs and Salt Springs all offer unique opportunities to connect with the natural world, whether camping, swimming, paddling, hiking, cycling, diving or snorkeling. This secluded destination provides a tranquil contrast to the bustle of Florida’s theme parks and coastlines.
Detour: For more natural wonders to explore, visit nearby Silver Springs State Park or take a dip in the prehistoric spring at Devil’s Den.
16. Mount Dora
Best for a small-town retreat
Tucked between Orlando and Ocala National Forest is the quiet town of Mount Dora. The colorful architecture and picturesque lighthouse give this destination its fairytale-like charm.
Donnelly Park is the town’s central hub, surrounded by the shops, restaurants and museums of the historic district. Allow plenty of time during your visit to browse the sprawling open-air marketplaces at Renniger’s Flea Market & Antique Center, where you never know what treasures you might find.
The community holds festivals and events throughout the year celebrating local arts and heritage. The holidays in Mount Dora are truly magical as the town sparkles with light and festive decor. Check the calendar for Light Up Mount Dora and the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade to celebrate the season.
The “Lighthouse Walk” leads to Mount Dora’s most famous landmark. The lighthouse at Grantham Pointe is the only inland freshwater lighthouse in the state. In addition to helping boats safely navigate Lake Dora, the petite lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope and safety for the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Florida for sightseeing?
January and February as well as September (after Labor Day) are typically the least crowded times to visit. Traveling during these times also avoids spring break and most of the hurricane season. Peak viewing for manatees also occurs in the winter months. Check ahead for special events that could affect your visit.
How can I travel between different places in Florida without a car?
Many of Florida’s popular destinations offer public transit including local buses and trolleys to access attractions and points of interest in the city. Traveling between cities in Florida without a car can be a challenge, but there are options. Visitors on the eastern side of the state can move between Central Florida and South Florida on the Brightline, a high-speed train with service between Orlando and Miami. Bus services including Megabus, Flix and Greyhound offer connections to destinations throughout Florida.
Planning a trip to Florida? Here’s more of our expert advice:
From beaches to theme parks, don’t miss these top experiences
Here’s when the Sunshine State gets the most sunshine (and other great times to visit)
This is what you should know before any Florida trip
These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Florida
This article was first published Mar 28, 2018 and updated Sep 3, 2024.
