First things first, Florida is totally huge, with so much diversity for just one state. This all means that there are a bunch of incredible things to do and a heap of the best places in Florida that are dotted all across the state. Though if I’m honest, it can be hard to whittle down a definitive list of places to visit, especially if you’re short on time.
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of my favourite spots and best places in Florida that you can include on your trip to the Sunshine State.
Now, first things first, Florida’s sheer size can be something of a trek, especially if you’re heading all across the state. Honestly, you can easily spend a week or two exploring and still not have covered half of the best places in Florida. I always use this as an excuse to return!
After heading to places like Clearwater, St Pete’s, Miami and Fort Lauderdale (along with the Florida Keys, Pensacola and Orlando), I’ve come to realise how much more there is to Florida than just its sunshine.
It’s a state brimming with yummy foodie scenes, a mix of cultures and a whole heap of natural beauty that can’t be missed. Take a look, below, at some of the best places in Florida to explore on your next trip. Have the best time.
1.) Orlando
Okay, so Orlando is probably one of the most well-known places in Florida to visit, especially if you love the thrills and magic of theme parks. For what it’s worth, some theme parks in Orlando might seem like a family outing, but rest assured, it’s for anyone and any age.
Over the years, I’ve headed across to lots of the theme parks in Orlando, with one of my favourites being Islands of Adventure (at Universal). Here, they have a lot more ‘grown-up’ rides that are a mix of terrifying and totally fun!
Plus, you’ve got Universal’s Epic Universe that has the likes of Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside. It’s one of their newer theme parks in Florida, and so much fun. Though expect higher crowds as there’s a lot of appetite for this newer park.
That being said, Disney is also a must-do whilst in Orlando. The nostalgia and new rides and parks are just out of this world. Just make sure to watch a parade and see the fireworks at the end of the night. It really is one of the best places in Florida, especially if you’re looking for fun.
There are so many great parks in Orlando, with Disney World being the most famous, and you could easily spend an entire week in Orlando and still not see all of the theme parks there.
If you’re planning on visiting a few of Orlando’s theme parks, make sure to book the incredible Castle Hotel. It’s one of Orlando’s most iconic properties and an Autograph Collection property that’s right within easy reach of Disney and Universal theme parks. Not only that, it’s only about 10 miles from Orlando’s Airport – meaning you won’t be bogged down with heaps of travel time.
Read more: Best things to do in Orlando
2.) Visit St. Petersburg
One of the closest (and best) seaside spots close to Orlando is St. Petersburg (or, nicknamed, St Pete).
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, St Pete has a beautiful downtown area and incredible beaches that are well worth visiting for a long weekend. Better still, St Pete’s has an incredible foodie scene, with lots of little haunts, bars and restaurants serving everything from Cuban food to Mexican dishes. Honestly, you’ll be stuffed when leaving.
One of our favourites was Trophy Fish, which has live bands, the freshest seafood and the best cocktails. It’s so much fun, and the atmosphere is amazing, especially on weekends.
Oh, and don’t forget to check into the Pink Palace, one of Florida’s most iconic properties. It’s called The Don CeSar, a totally iconic hotel right on the beachfront, and was once a favourite of Marilyn Monroe. Make sure to book this ocean view room; it faces west, and you get some of the best sunsets from these rooms.
We loved staying at The Don CeSar, especially as there is so much to do (right on your doorstep). Plus, it’s one of the best places for sunset in all of the United States. Don’t miss it.
Read more: How to spend a weekend in St Petersburg
3.) Explore Fort Lauderdale
Perched around a 30-minute drive from Miami, Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places in Florida to visit if you want a relaxing vacation. That being said, there’s also a heap of party spots and cool bars to visit if that’s more your thing.
For a great stay, check into the iconic Diplomat Hotel, which is in nearby Hollywood. It’s right on the beachfront and such a great place to base yourself, especially if you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the wider East Coast shores.
Once here, make sure to explore. Stroll along Las Olas Boulevard (Google Maps pin) and stop off at Louie Bossi’s for some of the best Italian food in the city. Also, after relaxing on the beaches, head over to Bonnet House and see the art murals in nearby Hollywood, too. No, it’s not that Hollywood in California! Florida also has a city called Hollywood. A different vibe from its Californian sibling, and so much fun. It’s got heaps of vintage stores, local cafes and small art galleries that make it the perfect place for an afternoon strolling.
Read more: Best things to do in Fort Lauderdale
4.) Find St. Augustine
Known as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is a gem of a city and easily up there as one of the best places in Florida to visit.
Now, the Spanish colonial architecture (along the city’s streets) is gorgeous and unique, especially in a state like Florida that has lots of newer cities. Plus, if you’re feeling hungry, head over to Woodpeckers Backyard Barbeque (Google Maps pin); It will have you stuffed in no time. They do the tastiest ribs, and their brisket might just be the best we’ve had in the south!
Once here, be sure to explore the historic downtown area for some little treats. Oh, and for some extra interesting history, check out the 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, called the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Read more: The best hotels in St Augustine
5.) See the Everglades
The Everglades is definitely one of the best places in Florida to visit if you want to see wildlife, and one of the most unique national parks in the USA. Home to panthers, alligators, snakes, and birds, it’s a unique preservation area that is not to be missed, even when visiting cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, take an airboat ride through the swamps and see how many gators you can find (we found just a couple). However, just be sure to bring plenty of bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be merciless here. I think I left with 20 bites!
It’s such a fun National Park to visit in Florida, and one of the most iconic ecological environments that’s so beautiful to travel around.
Read more: Best places to visit in the Everglades
6.) Head to Tallahassee
Being the capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is sometimes forgotten in light of its bigger sisters. Located in the panhandle area of the state. With its rolling hills and pretty forests, the area surrounding Tallahassee looks and feels very different from the rest of the state.
For a bit of true Southern history, visit the Goodwood Museum and Gardens, the site of a former cotton and corn plantation. Or perhaps pop into a reconstructed 17th-century Spanish mission, called Mission San Luis.
For outdoor adventures, the nearby Apalachicola National Forest and Tate’s Hell State Forest offer plenty of hiking trails and places for fishing. It’s great if you love the great outdoors and don’t want to be stuck inside… especially if you want to make the most of that famous Floridian sunshine.
However, if you don’t fancy exerting yourself, take a drive (west of the city) and look for the caves near Marianna at Florida Caverns State Park. It’s a very different natural experience in Florida.
Read more: Check out hotels in Tallahassee
7.) Explore the Florida Keys
Stretching for about 120 miles (193 km) off the south coast, the Florida Keys are a tropical delight. The sunsets here are legendary – especially so with a cocktail in hand, and perhaps even a Key Lime pie in the other.
When you’re in the area, you have to head down to the beach, go snorkelling or perhaps even scuba diving, and if you’re into it, get a boat and head out fishing.
Key West is easily the best-known area of the Keys, with plenty of things to see and do. Ernest Hemingway’s home is located here, including a museum about it, and the city’s famous Duval Street is popular for its bars and shops. We did the drive here straight from Miami and arrived just in time to catch the sunset before finally heading out into town, and it’s such a fantastic place to visit.
For a great hotel, in the heart of Key West, book this room in the historic Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages. You can easily stroll over to Duval Street from here, and it’s a period property that is so charming and completely Key West!
Heads up, though, it is a lot warmer and a lot more humid than most places in Florida, something which caught us all by surprise, so come prepared. That being said, it’s still easily one of the best places in Florida that’s just off the mainland itself.
Once here, make sure to see the best sunsets from Fort Zachary Beach (Google Maps pin). We’d go here most evenings, and the beach is a sandy dream spot within Key West itself. There’s a small fee for parking, but it’s so worth it. There’s even a small cafe to pick up snacks, drinks and food when you’re on the beach. Oh, and they even have BBQ spots, perfect if you’re making a day of it.
Looking for dinner in Key West? Make sure to head to Louie’s Backyard and grab a table in the backyard itself. Heads up, you will need to reserve a table; it’s always fully booked… and rightly so, they serve the best seafood, and it’s something of an institution in Key West.
Looking for the best wine selection in Key West? Make sure to drop into Grand Vin Wine Bar (Google Maps pin) on Duval Street, housed in a historic Key West building. We love this place, and they’re so knowledgeable about their wines and varieties. It’s worth a visit. Also, for live music and a historic place that’s been around since the 1800s, be sure to stop by The Green Parrot Bar (Google Maps pin). They have live music, flowing drinks and such a fun atmosphere every single night! Though be prepared, it’s always busy, so arrive early if you want space inside.
Read more: Best things to do in the Florida Keys
8.) Tube the Ichetucknee River
This is one of those random experiences that can sometimes even surprise residents of Florida, in that not a lot of people have heard of this place (every time I speak to someone from Florida, I always get confused looks, which I assume to be more to do with how I’m pronouncing the name until I write it down and confirm that they still have no idea where this place is).
Located a 2-hour drive north of Orlando, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a National Park and a fantastic way to explore the more natural side of Florida.
You can organise barbecues here (the picnic tables come equipped for barbecuing), go hiking, canoeing, scuba diving and one of our favourites, tubing down the river. Plus, you can rent tubes from many of the small shops when you arrive. Now, the best part is that the current of the river takes you down with it, so you need to put in 0 effort and quite literally just go with the flow.
When we visited (as I mentioned earlier), we got to see so many amazing wild animals. Although the most amazing of the lot had to be the manatees. It really is one of the best places in Florida to explore.
9.) Visit the Kennedy Space Centre
Located on Merritt Island in the Cape Canaveral area, NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre. You can secure your tickets here in advance, and it is only 90 minutes (or so) from Orlando and is well worth the trip.
Home to all things space-related, it’s one of the best places in Florida to visit if you’re interested in NASA, space and rockets.
Once here, you can experience what it is like to launch off in a space shuttle in the Visitor Centre’s Shuttle Launch Experience.
Plus, you can see what was going on during the Apollo era in the Centre’s Apollo/Saturn V Centre. We had the best time here, and it’s so much fun for all the family, especially if you’ve got a budding space cadet with you!
10.) Visit Florida’s best beaches
Florida is home to quite a few stunning beaches, and they’re probably some of the most popular in the United States.
In fact, when in Florida, you’re never more than 75 miles away from any beach (and most are amazing). For some of the clearest, bluest waters in the state, head to Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast (around St Pete).
However, if you’re further south, make a trip to Miami’s South Beach for the ultimate beach-goer experience that’s right in the city itself. For something more unique, check out Venice Beach in the Venice and Sarasota areas, where you can find prehistoric sharks’ teeth washing up onshore.
Read more: Best beaches in Florida to visit
11.) Find Dry Tortugas National Park
If you want to see a very different side of Florida, you should head over to Dry Tortugas National Park in the effortlessly beautiful Florida Keys. It’s different from the other best places in Florida and a spot that’s well worth a gander at (if you’re in the area).
One thing not to miss is Fort Jefferson, which is steeped in history. However, the shoreline is totally pristine here and shouldn’t be bypassed when you arrive. It’s an amazing place to go snorkelling and see some of the best coral reefs. Just keep your eyes peeled for the resident turtles.
Heads up, Dry Tortugas National Park (Google Maps pin) is on a set of islands not far from Key West (68 miles away), and as such, you have to fly in via seaplane (or ferry). So, this isn’t one of those trips you can do with your car. Though you can park up in Key West and easily include this on a trip around the Florida Keys.
Read more: Best places to explore in the Florida Keys
12.) Explore Miami
Miami is perhaps the most obvious stop to make in Florida, especially if you want a fun city to visit. Now, one thing you won’t have to worry about is places to stay in Miami. There are heaps to choose from. If you want something truly iconic, check into The Setai. It’s one of Florida’s best hotels, and its Art Deco rooms are stunning. This place is honestly amazing and can’t be missed if you want the best location when visiting Miami. We loved it, and it’s right on South Beach, one of the United States’ most famous beaches.
Miami has such a fun vibe and some incredible neighbourhoods to explore. Once here, make sure to check out all the art walls at Wynwood, explore Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (which is a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa) and visit the Design District.
Oh, and if you want some cool live music spots, head over to Little Havana (Google Maps pin). It’s easily one of the best places in Florida to visit for an authentic taste of Cuba. For one of the most famous Cuban restaurants in Miami, head to La Carreta. Their vaca frita (a fried beef dish) and authentic ropa vieja are among the best in Miami. Have the best time, you will leave stuffed!
Read more: Best things to do in Miami
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