Explore the most exciting places to travel in Florida, from urban hubs like Miami and Orlando, to hidden gems, including Vero Beach and St. Augustine. Florida has something for every kind of traveller, whether your craving is for adventure, relaxation, history, or culture. Beaches, theme parks, and innumerable cultural sites, this ultimate guide will give you some of the best places to visit in Florida, the Sunshine State.
Florida is not just a destination; it's an adventure full of surprises. With lots of sunshine, a rich and varied cultural experience, beautiful coastlines, and adventure at sea and land, Florida has stories, experiences, and memories for all visitors. Dance the night away in the energy of Miami, contemplate the history and character of St. Augustine, swim with the warm waters and tropical fish of Key West, and revel in the excitement with your family in Orlando. Whether this is your first visit to Florida or your tenth, you will always be surprised to find new places to visit in Florida. And just when you think you have seen it all, something new awaits you around the corner. So get packing, chase the sunshine, and let the mystery of each destination unfold in its own magic for you on your journey through Florida.
Here’s a list of places to travel in Florida that will make your trip unforgettable.
- Miami
- Vero Beach
- Orlando
- Augustine
- Fort Lauderdale
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Myers
- Pensacola
Miami
Miami is a remarkable, trendy and flashy city which has some of the best beaches in Florida, lots of Latin American culture, great art, and some of the best nightlife in the country. South Beach is a must-see for its Art Deco architecture - Wynwood and the Design District are a beautiful explosion of colour and creativity. The food also exemplifies the fusion of cultures available, making it best places to go to in Florida. You can have a Cuban sandwich, mofongo from the Dominican Republic, griot from Haiti and inexpensive fancy dining all on the same road.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Nearby Attractions: Everglades National Park, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Duration: 3 to 4 days to explore beaches, nightlife, and cultural hotspots
Vero Beach
Further north along Florida's Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is the best choice for travellers seeking a quieter place to enjoy stunning scenery (that isn't crowded). Vero Beach has a small-town feel with scenic beaches, boutique hotels, and mother cafes. Vero Beach is a great place for long walks along the coast, sunrise yoga sessions and family fun centered on the history of citrus in Florida. Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa (Gloria Estefan's hotel) is a fantastic resort offering the best sites to see in Florida.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearby Attractions: McKee Botanical Garden, Indian River Citrus Museum, Fort Pierce
Duration: 2 to 3 days for a calm and rejuvenating escape
Orlando
Orlando, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, is synonymous with wonder. As a part of the Disneyland tour package, these open-air theme activity parks offer families and kids infinite thrills. Outside the parks, the city offers many hip places to visit in Florida, USA, lakeside parks, and an unexpectedly exuberant food and nightlife scene. Take a ride on a swan paddle boat on Lake Eola or walk through the sculpture garden at the Mennello Museum after a long park day!
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to Mid-May
Nearby Attractions: Winter Park, Leu Gardens, ICON Park
Duration: 4-5 days, if you are visiting multiple theme parks
St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, after the quest of Spanish explorers, St. Augustine has the feel of a European village, complete with its historic stone forts, horse-drawn carriages and cobblestoned lanes. St. George Street is a center for local shops, street performers and intimate restaurants, making it a place to find something for everyone. Be sure to visit Castillo de San Marcos, the old fort built to protect St. Augustine from pirates and other invaders. One of the historical Florida tourist attractions, make sure to visit the Columbia Restaurant (1905), which serves Spanish cuisine and has been in operation with the same family for well over 100 years!
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Nearby Attractions: Anastasia State Park, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Flagler College
Duration: 2-3 days for visiting the best historical places to go in Florida
Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, with its expansive and elaborate canal system and high-end marinas, you will find a beautiful escape for both yachters and beachgoers alike. The place does feel richer and effortlessly more sophisticated than Miami, from high-end boutique shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to appealingly trendy restaurants lining the intracoastal waterway. The beach walk is amazing for biking and dining on the ocean. You could just spend the majority of the day at the beach or you could always take the narrated water taxi tour, passing the mansions of the rich and famous. The annual boat show in October makes it one of the best places to visit in Florida.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Nearby Attractions: Hollywood beach boardwalk, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Duration: 3 to 4 days for relaxing and exploring the best places to travel in Florida
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach provides a beautiful coastal atmosphere with high-end shops on Worth Avenue, vibrant markets, and cultural sites such as the Norton Museum of Art. The city is relaxed and refined (think champagne brunches, rooftop bars, and live music by the fountains). Every Saturday, the downtown area comes to life in a big way with the GreenMarket, offering local produce, flowers, baked goods, and live music, making it one of the best places to go in Florida and immerse yourself in local life.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Nearby Attractions: Peanut Island, The Square, Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society are some of the best sites to see in Florida.
Duration: 2 to 3 days for leisure, shopping, and a splash of luxury
Fort Myers
Once the winter residence of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers is one of the places to visit in Florida, which mixes culture and nature nicely. The River District has street art murals, cafes, art galleries and theaters. You can fish, paddle, or enjoy sunset views along the Caloosahatchee River. Nearby Matlacha has a funky artist community painted in rainbow colours and is a fun place to visit local galleries.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearby Attractions: Some of the best travel places in Florida include Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Wonder Gardens, and Sanibel Island.
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Pensacola
Pensacola is your gateway to the beautiful Florida Panhandle, where you will find white sandy beaches, historic forts, and a charming, laid-back southern vibe. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, where you will find unspoiled, undeveloped beaches, makes it one of the perfect places to visit in Florida for families or solo travellers alike. Historically, downtown Pensacola is bursting with galleries, restaurants, and live music. Make sure to check out the Naval Aviation Museum, which is one of the largest museums of its type in the world.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Nearby Attractions: Destin Dolphin Tours, Fort Pickens, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Duration: 3 to 4 days to enjoy one of the best places to go in Florida.
Florida offers much more than just sunshine and sand; the place is steeped in history, culture, nature, and lots of entertainment. With the American tour package of Florida, you will find yourself in lively Miami or whimsical Orlando, tranquil Vero Beach, or historical St. Augustine. There are lots of places to visit in Florida to match each mood and moment. You can visit iconic destinations, immerse yourself in beautiful beaches, or get lost in all the endless adventure and opportunities. Each city and town has its own flavour and story, waiting to be part of your travel memories. Book the tickets to this Sunshine State, and prepare to visit some of the best places to travel in Florida.
FAQs
Q1: Was Florida always a tropical paradise?
Actually, parts of Florida were once under the ocean, and the state is built on ancient coral reefs and limestone. That’s why there are so many sinkholes and underground rivers — it’s literally Swiss cheese underground!
Q2: What is a cool day trip in Florida that is different from the usual stuff?
Visit Tarpon Springs, a charming Greek fishing village just north of Clearwater. Stroll along the sponge docks, eat amazing baklava, and take a sponge diving boat tour!
Q3: What is a great Florida photo op that is not just a beach sunset?
A: Go to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. Cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and the beautiful Castillo de San Marcos make for awesome vacation pics and stories.
Q4: Are there any weird or quirky places worth seeing in Florida?
Check out Coral Castle near Miami, a mysterious stone garden built by one man using giant rocks. No one really knows how he did it! It’s weird, fun, and Instagram-worthy.
Q5: What’s a cool place for a family hike or nature walk?
Try the Myakka River State Park near Sarasota. It has canopy walkways, wildlife watching, and boat tours through wetlands. It’s peaceful, safe, and kid-friendly.
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