Floridian Fun
No matter what time of the year, Florida has one message for you: “Vacation vibes only.” All year-long sunshine, coupled with sandy and picturesque beaches and a series of palm trees, give you a peaceful vacation far away from the city hustle.
There is a reason why the state is called the Sunshine State, not only because of sunshine almost throughout the year but also for the fact that Florida is blessed with abundant spots from natural habitats and theme parks to adventure spots for thrill enthusiasts and historical sites for the curious ones.
Florida has a lot to offer, and it is understandable that selecting the best places to visit may be a challenging task, especially when you know no matter what you pick, you will not be wrong, but something will always be missing. Know the best 35 places in Florida to have the ultimate experience and get the best out of your tour package to Florida.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN FLORIDA 2024
Orlando
Orlando is mainly known as the theme park capital of the World, for there are over 400 of them in the city, full of exciting rides to enjoy with your kids. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and Harry Potter’s Wizarding World add some extra adventures to your journey, making Orlando a perfect place for a family vacation. Go and enjoy a night on Mickey and Minnie’s runway railway and Star Wars in the Galaxy Edge of Walt Disney World.
Orlando is also an amazing place to discover the marine life diversity in its marine parks, the glorious nature of Florida Everglades on an airboat ride if you want to discover the wild Florida moving outside of the theme parks, icebreaker in SeaWorld, World VelociCoaster ride and Hagrid’s magical world.
Orlando tour package comes with scenic drives, coaster rides, the magic of witches, and fantastic resort life where you can explore the diversity of marine life and wildlife, get plenty of shopping options at Disney Springs, and indulge in delicious Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie, and fried alligator as well. The springtime from March to May is best suited to visiting Orlando to observe pleasant temperatures and get affordable accommodations.
Miami
Miami is a rich center of cultural heritage, with artworks by famous international artists, national parks, beach life, and a seaside marketplace. You can also enjoy the nightlife in the beachside clubs, tropical gardens, and sunrise at one of the iconic neighborhoods to mix the natural beauty in your adventurous drive.
The city is a place of great historical value and beautiful artifacts, which are carefully stored in the Museum of Science and Museum of Illusions, and the streets of Miami are beautifully designed with art. Fisher Island, Everglades National Park, Coconut Grove, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden are some other great places to enjoy the natural beauty, art and cultural scene, and ecosystem of Miami.
The months from December to February are perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities of Miami, such as sunbathing on South Beach and the wild observation of the Everglades.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is a celebration of the lively nature and diversity in wildlife, as well as excursions through beautiful lands and adventures in the park.
On your ride across the park, several rare animals and legendary places will come into view. It is one of those parks that reflect Walt Disney’s hard dedication and commitment towards animal care, education, and research, where you will encounter wild animals and Pandora, the World of Avatar, on your jungle trails.
Generally, the months from January to September are best for visiting hundreds of live animal exhibits and traditional theme park elements that present an amazing mixture of innovation and nature.
Tallahassee
Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, is perfect to learn about impressive antebellum architecture, native American missions and discover the past of Florida from ancient museums. People visit the capital city to observe its natural beauty, food, and art culture and spend some time on the Gulf of Mexico beaches that are just an hour away from Tallahassee.
A scenic drive along the streets of Tallahassee will lead you across the rolling hills and roads decorated with moss-attired oak trees on both sides to the city, where you can either visit the museums or enjoy city festivals. The months from June to August are perfect for visiting the city of Tallahassee and its incredible museums of natural value.
Tampa
Tampa is known as “Cigar City” as popular Cuban cigars are found in this city, but besides that, if you visit Tampa, you will observe an authentic culture and get a chance to spend some time in the beauty of the dazzling waterfront, nightlife in the beachside clubs and delicious traditional cuisines.
If you are in Tampa, then spending a day at the Busch Gardens and historic center of Tampa Bay or in its beautiful riverwalk and Honeymoon Island State Park is a must. Digging into the delicious, deviled crabs, Grouper sandwiches, and stone crab claws after that, you will find the authentic taste of Tampa.
The best time to observe the pleasant weather of Tampa, which is also a time of less footfall, is from September to December. You can easily spend three days in Tampa visiting the nearby attractions of Sunshine Skyway bridge, the Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park, Ybor city, marine aquariums, the Busch gardens of Tampa Bay, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
May to August is the busiest, and it is uncomfortably humid. The winter months, from January to April, are cooler but expensive.
NASA Kennedy Space Centre
You can visit NASA Kennedy Space Center to meet an astronaut, learn more about the Apollo program and NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon, and enjoy a musical night with some space stories. You will get to see some amazing work by scientists on space missions, aircraft, and other objects that were invented by them under government initiative.
You can go to the visitor center of this museum to learn more about Kennedy’s biography on one of the weekdays around 9 or 10 AM between the months of May and October, as temperatures are pleasant at this time of year.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a tropical island full of white sandy beaches, clear, calm waters, museums, theaters of art and culture, botanical gardens, and film festivals to enjoy amazing beach life with your family either on a self-guided tour or a private sightseeing tour with an experienced guide. If you are going to visit Siesta Key, then you can’t miss a visit to Crescent Beach and the farmers’ market in Siesta Key, where you get to know about the lifestyle of local farmers. Spring is a pleasant time to visit Siesta and enjoy long walks on the beach under the gentle sun in a refreshing sea breeze.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has a large area of beaches which is 22 miles which is the largest city shoreline in the U.S. besides being the famous birthplace for legendary southern rock artist Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band. At Jacksonville, you will find some of the finest fishing experiences, magnificent museums, vibrant street arts and wildlife diversities of natural gardens.
You most certainly must check out the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Catty Shack Ranch wildlife sanctuary and the riverside arts market.
The spring months from March to May and autumn months between September and November are best suited to observe the diverse and vibrant nature of Jacksonville and enjoy water sports on the beaches as you will get fewer tourists and affordable prices this time.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has some of the whitest and prettiest beaches across the U.S. spreading over the western Coast of Florida on the southern part of Tampa that makes it a popular destination for locals and national or international travelers. If you are here, you must take a boat tour and see the dolphins and Manatees.
The island is home to bottlenose dolphins. You must also stroll down the historic Bridge Street which is famous for a variety of shops and places to eat. Take a stroll down the Anna Maria Pier, particularly in the early morning to witness sunrise.
It also has several nightclubs on the beachside side. If you are going to visit this beautiful island, then don’t forget to indulge yourself in some seafood with grouper, stone crabs, and a cocktail course after a long day on the beach under the sun. Summer is the best season to visit Anna Maria Island to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the poolside and observe pristine weather.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a village in Florida with beautiful coral reefs, the theatre of sea features where you can encounter a dolphin, a 16th-century treasure chest at the historical Diving Museum, the tropical forest of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, and the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park for a relaxing family vacation.
Islamorada is also good for adventures like fishing, exploring fantastic arts and artifacts of the museums, exploring the remains of a shipwreck salvage community, and thrilling activities of historic state parks.
To enjoy some time in the fresh air of the beach and tropical landscapes while diving into the crystal-clear waters of the sea on this former overseas railroad “purple island” or Islamorada, you shall visit during the winter months between December and May.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is one of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exclusive experiences of beachcombing, shelling, kayaking, and bird watching in the nation. If a great workout in the sunshine, kayaking, or paddling through natural mangroves to see Florida wild birds and abundant sea life is what you want to enjoy, then Fort Myers will be perfect for you.
Due to its ideal location along the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers empowers more shell varieties than any other place in North America. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is unique and the only one in the U.S. that is completely devoted to shells and mollusks. You have an exciting opportunity to enjoy beach combing, shelling, kayaking, and watching many rare bird species as you spend some time near the sea after visiting the historic inn of Cabbage Key.
To observe the pristine weather, natural beauty, and wildlife diversity of this heavenly island with a Nautical Tki cruise ride to Miromar outlets. To visit Fort Myers, we recommend the spring months between March and May.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest city in America, and it gives you a special memory for its historic forts, quaint beaches, and diversity of wildlife. It can offer you a beautiful weekend with the holy vibe of Plymouth Rock, which is a famous pilgrimage site, and a thrilling experience at the old Fort Castillo de San Marcos.
The time from March to May is suitable for visiting the beaches and brick-lined streets of St. Augustine and enjoying the European delight of fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures at affordable prices.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is an underwater wonder with amazing undersea parks and white sandy beaches. Colorful coral reefs and marine life diversity are what you can observe here as you dive into the crystal-clear water with scuba diving.
You can also take a boat ride if you are not comfortable with scuba diving or snorkeling through the park, but whatever you do, this underwater park will leave an impressive impact on your mind.
To enjoy the water activities, snorkeling, and exploring the coral reefs in this state park, you must visit from June through August.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a waterfront city with one of America’s best beaches, a walkable downtown, amazing parks, dolphin-watching tours, and great dining options that will leave you speechless, while Belleair Beach will offer you a luxurious family vacation.
If you are visiting this place, then you can’t miss the marine life of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a ride on Captain Memo’s pristine cruise, and the rare animals of the wildlife diversity center.
To visit Clearwater Beach, you can prefer the autumn months between October and December when you can feel low humidity and fewer crowds, and you can spend more time on the beaches.
Naples
Naples is a famous city on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, which is the Golf Capital of the world for housing the best golf courses in the World. Apart from the golf experience, you can enjoy a delightful family vacation in a place with multiple shopping options, world-class art and culture of Florida, and wild outdoor activities.
The federal and state parks, natural preserves, wildlife refuges, and authentic food options like Pastiera to Caprese salad, pasta, and fagioli will make your experience of Naples wonderful.
To observe the best version of Naples’s nature and wildlife of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, springtime between March and May is most preferred. If you want to enjoy beachside nightlife, then spend some time in the clubs, bars, or hotels of Naples. For more adventure, you need to visit the art galleries and botanical gardens of Naples in the historic downtown area.
Marco Island
Marco Island is a cluster of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the popular Everglades National Park with a shopping and dining experience on an island, and access to the golf courses that will make your vacation memorable. It is often considered a sun-drenched jewel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico that is decked with six miles of beaches and over 100 miles of waterways within its 24 square miles.
To enjoy the cultural festivals of Marco Island, a jeep ride around Everglades National Park, diverse natural habitats, and local art galleries wrapped by a stunning sunset, Summer will be the best time. The summer season is a high season for Marco Island as it gives some of the best experiences, including breathtaking Marco Island public beaches, Tigertail beaches, and Crescent beaches.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the diving capital of the World as it offers the fun of diving into the Molasses reef and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue under the water surface within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, besides the undersea coral reef state park of John Pennekamp.
Key Largo gives a thrilling experience of swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the calm waters of the sea, while the Florida Botanical Gardens of tropical fruits and palms leave its signature on Largo. The winter months between December and March are best for enjoying the diving experience of Key Largo. The months of March, April, or May are probably the best time to visit Key Largo to enjoy the Largo experiences.
Amelia Island
The uncrowded clear beaches of Amelia Islands offer you a peaceful family vacation as you visit the sparkling quartz beaches and the historic district to enjoy shopping and dining with family and friends. The isolated island of Amelia is calm and beautiful, with historical importance for the famous historic district of Fernandina Beach and Marlin & Barrel Distillery.
To enjoy kayaking on the sea, jet skiing over the land, and visiting the Fort Clinch State Park and natural habitats, the monsoon months from June to August are probably the best time to visit Amelia Island. After sunbathing on the beaches, you can either relax at one of the world-class resort hotels with spa facilities or enjoy the taste of local seafood at a restaurant.
Bayside Marketplace
The bayside marketplace is a popular waterfront area with diverse shops for shopping some famous local goods like bayside cigars, Caribbean souvenirs, colorful candies of different flavors and sizes or three-dimensional Laserland, and restaurants for dining on traditional food like Chicharron, stone crabs, Churrasco and Cuban sandwich.
If you visit Miami ,then this bayside marketplace will give you a relaxing experience with a fun boat ride, shopping hard rock, a ride on the Ferris wheel after spending a long day on the beach under the sun. To visit the boutiques, restaurants, and bars and enjoy the Miami life it will be better if you can visit during the high season of winter from December to February.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a famous cultural destination with uncrowded beaches, vibrant culture, art scene, cultural heritage, and exciting events, which is known as the Venice of America and cruise ship powerhouse. Beautiful beaches, boating across canals, and the series of palm trees offer a relaxing vibe, while the beachside cocktail bars and underwater burlesque offer world-class nightlife.
If you are looking for a historical experience and want to spend some time close to nature, then Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is there for you. The shopping experience at Las Olas Boulevard will give you some good memories with your family. Between December and April, it is best to visit Fort Lauderdale to avoid hot, humid summers.
Destin
Destin is the luckiest fishing village in the world, and it has the largest and most well-equipped fishing fleet in Florida. Destin has close access to the underwater 100-fathom curve, the fastest access point in the deep water of the Gulf, for which Destin owns the record of the largest number of billfish and is known as the Billfish Capital of the World.
The white sandy shores of Destin give shelter to the Henderson Beach State Park, the perfect village of Baytowne Wharf, and large playgrounds on its bank for kiteboarding, snorkeling, and other tourist adventures.
You are also going to love the golf course, luxurious beach resorts, amazing gulf views, and the taste of freshly caught fish in the family-friendly atmosphere of Destin. If you want to enjoy the most vibrant atmosphere of Destin, then come to this place in October and May.
Crystal River
At Crystal River, you will find the manatees in their natural habitat. Apart from gentle manatees, there are beautiful lakes near Crystal River that are perfect for fishing, and the clear water gives a comfortable atmosphere for swimming with marine animals, scalloping in the springs, or kayaking with friends.
This marine destination, 90 minutes north of Tampa, serves nature lovers as a heaven with endless opportunities for shopping and dining. It tells stories from the pages of history, as well as some water sports to enjoy on the Gulf Coast. The best time to visit the Crystal River is probably November through mid-February.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a sparkling destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast that invites you to spend some time on its beautiful beaches amidst the vibrant culture, family-friendly activities, and awesome dining experiences while soaking in the sun at Fort De Soto.
Take in the sunshine views on the Skyway Bridge and explore the hidden treasures of Dall Museum and the artworks of Duncan McClellan Gallery.
You can observe a unique blend of traditional beach getaways and the urban culture of this city if you visit from mid-June to September.
Daytona
Daytona is the most famous beach on the east coast of Central Florida. It has some internationally famous racing roots and is popular for hosting some of the largest motorsport events in the world, which makes it a famous sports center. Bethune Cookman University, the Clock Tower, and Bandshell make their place on the list of most visited landmarks in Daytona.
You can practice golf, watch a thrilling NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway, or go surfing and enjoy a Latin music event. To grasp the most of Daytona’s fun, the months from March to May are best suited.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in endangered species of foxes, bobcats, Sandhill cranes, pelicans, hawks, and owls, who are cared for by the forest authority before getting released into their natural habitats. You can interact with some rare kinds of plants in McCarthy’s botanical gardens.
In this animal rescue and rehabilitation center of West Palm Beach city, you will find over 170 beautiful creatures and species of white tigers, panthers, and barred owls on your two-hour journey. For the close views of various animals in this sanctuary with small group guided tours, you must visit on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M. with pre-purchased tickets.
Sarasota
Sarasota is the cultural coast of Florida that is famous for its art galleries, cultural venues, and museums filled with artworks that tell the story of Floridan culture, while the State Art Museum of Florida, historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion, and Bayfront gardens create an extensive list of places to visit in Sarasota with elegant boutiques for shopping and restaurants for dining around the city. You can relax at the beautiful parks with scenic drives across the white sandy beaches.
The time from March to May and between September and November are perfectly suited for visiting this coastal city at an affordable price when you can spend more time with family and friends without too many crowds.
Pensacola
Pensacola is a popular city in Florida that is officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight demonstration squadron as it has the famous Blue Angles on its heart that you can visit in July and the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” for its Naval Air Station.
It is also rich in heritage and history, where the Pensacola Opera, symphony orchestra, ballet performances, historic theater of Saenger, and the magnificent Pensacola Museum of Art make the list of top sights in the historic downtown area.
Along the white sand shoreline of this beach city, you will get to enjoy the adventure of snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sailing as you enjoy a day on the beach under the sun. To explore the art galleries, restaurants, and cultural events of historic Pensacola village, there is no better time to visit than the months of mid-September and October.
Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom Park is the favorite of children as their fairytale dreams come true from the screen of Disney, which has classical events, enchanting fireworks, and formal beat of parades also not to disappoint the elders.
Children love to dive into the enjoyment of Seven Dwarfs mine train, space mountain, the Barnstormer, the flying elephant Dumbo, the undersea adventures, and a lot more in the six-themed lands with their parents. It is better if you visit this park before noon to have enough time on your hands to enjoy it.
Clearwater
Clearwater is one of the best white sandy beaches in America, and it is made of Appalachian sand and quartz. Many attractions make space in the list of best places to visit in Florida, while Sand Key Park, Pier 60, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium top the list.
The sunset views of this beach are lovely to enjoy with dear ones, while waterfront activities, fresh gulf seafood, great beach bars, and musical entertainment will also grab your attention as you visit the beach.
So come visit this beach between October and December with your family or friends and give them a beautiful vacation.
Cape Coral
This city in Southwest Florida is home to almost 400 miles of canals. It is home to maintenance, spectacular views of the sunset, and a waterfront wonderland—thereby making this city one of the most stunning places to visit in Florida for nature lovers and families with children that offers adventures of boating, swimming, and warm weather around the year.
If you are going to visit Cape Coral, then don’t miss an opportunity to visit Wicked Dolphin Distillery, the fishing pier and river beach at the Yacht club, or easy access to Pine Island and Fort Myers. Late December and January are the perfect times to visit.
PALM COAST
Palm Coast is a family-friendly destination with picturesque beaches, parks, museums, and gulf courses where. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers you a relaxing view of the greenery of the oak series.
It is the paradise of Florida, spreading over 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals. You can swim with dolphins in the freshwater and observe the views of Atlantic Ocean beaches after visiting the natural preserves and wildlife areas, as well as the Florida Agricultural Museum.
You can access the Flagler Beach proximity, golf courses, the art foundation of Palm Coast, Matanzas Wood, and the nearby European village from the coastal area, along with plenty of shopping and dining options. November to April has the finest weather in Palm Coast, while late May through June is the worst time to visit this area.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is an amazing place to spend some time in close observation of nature, exceptional landscapes, and some rare species like manatee, American crocodile, and endangered Florida panthers that have been sheltered by this peaceful place away from any cruel effect of mankind.
You can enjoy hiking, paddling a narrow boat, kayaking on the river, camping under the sky, and watching birds on a guided tour to learn more about the park’s environment.
To discover the wildlife diversity and enjoy paddling, hiking, and ranger programs, you must visit the Everglades National Park between November and April during the winter months using the Flamingo visitor center or walking path of the Royal Palm in Homestead.
COCOA BEACH
Cocoa beach is an amazing place for escaping from the chaos of the city and it is famous among those who love surfing for its warm water and mild waves as well as the gateway to Kennedy Space Center, a close attraction of Florida Surf Museum, beautiful forest of Lori Wilson Park besides being a popular cultural and entertainment center on Florida’s space coast.
You can enjoy the endless opportunities for outdoor activities and water sports it has to offer, besides enjoying nightlife in the bars and restaurants with your friends or spouse.
If you visit Cocoa Beach from December through February, then you will be able to enjoy the real beauty of bioluminescent views of the Ten Thousand Islands, dolphin and manatee tours, and a cruise ride on the Banana River.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is an amazing 100 square mile large park that has open water over a large area with small islands that can be visited by boat or seaplane where the magnificent Jefferson fort, picture-perfect blue waters, underwater coral reefs of magical beauty, and a diverse kind of bird species and marine life that makes this park more splendid.
Dry Tortugas National Park protects a seven-key archipelago in the Gulf of Mexico. Summer is the prime time to visit this mostly submerged land.
Panama City Beach
Panama City beach is a beautiful place with white sand, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and two state parks for a delightful family vacation where you can enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, paddle aboard and enjoying a musical festival with food and wine on the beaches. You will come across diverse animal species, wildlife, and bottlenose dolphins that tops the list of attractions in Panama City beach.
Visit the Russel Fields city pier, pier park, St. Andrews State Park, and Camp Helen State Park, and take a tour of Shell Island. The ideal time to visit this beach is from May through October, during late spring, summer, and early fall.
Conclusion
Whether you want to spend a peaceful vacation with your family on the beaches while enjoying the adventure of water sports, want to go out for a cocktail party in the beachside clubs, or are curious to see some rare animal and plant species, Florida has it all. The Sunshine State awaits you.
FAQs
Q1) What is so special about Florida?
Florida is special for its extensive list of natural habitats, one of which is the famous Everglades National Park, beautiful islands surrounded by water, white sandy beaches, water sports, and nightlife in the beachside clubs.
Q2) What would be the ideal time for me to visit Florida?
The months between June and September are generally the best time to visit Florida. However, winter sports enthusiasts say the time of October through May is the best.
Q3) What is the expected budget for a Florida trip?
A one-week trip to Florida usually costs around $1800 for one person which is inclusive of all the expenses like hotel stay, food, sightseeing, and travel fare.
Q4) What kind of food is special in Florida?
Cuban Sandwiches, Stone Crab claws, oysters, pink shrimp, and Key Lime Pie are some of the iconic dishes you must try when you are in Florida.
Q5) How can I travel within Florida?
If you are on holiday, we recommend that the best way to get around Florida would be via a rental car. You can also commute by train from Miami to Orlando.
