Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Florida 🌞

When most people think of Florida, they imagine sunshine, theme parks, orange juice, and alligators. However, this former Spanish colony, which became the 27th state to join the Union, offers so much more. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Florida boasts miles of white sand beaches and a moderate climate that attracts tourists year-round. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Florida.

10. Kennedy Space Center 🚀

Located on the coast of Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. Since 1968, NASA’s primary launch site for human space flight offers visitors a plethora of attractions:

• Learn about the early pioneers in space exploration
• Experience the tension and excitement of the moon race
• Participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience, simulating space travel

9. Naples 🌴

Naples has evolved from rustic beginnings to become one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, with real estate prices reaching up to $40 million. Named for its bay, which is said to be prettier than the Bay of Naples in Italy, Naples offers:

• Beautiful city beaches
• Nearby wildlife refuges
• Vibrant arts and shopping districts

8. St. Augustine 🏛️

Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. This city’s National Historic Landmark District is a popular tourist attraction. Highlights include:

• Narrow colonial streets filled with locally-owned shops and exceptional restaurants
• Historic houses and grand hotel buildings from the late 19th century
• Easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine

7. Fort Lauderdale 🌊

Once known as a Spring Break hotspot, Fort Lauderdale has transformed into a sophisticated cultural center. Known as the “Venice of America” because of its remarkable canal system, Fort Lauderdale features:

• An extensive network of hotels, golf courses, marinas, and museums
• One of the world’s busiest cruise-ship ports, Port Everglades
• The Strip, a popular beachside area with numerous dining and drinking establishments

6. Clearwater Beach 🏖️

Clearwater Beach is known for its miles of white sandy beaches separated from Clearwater city by the Intracoastal Waterway. Named Florida’s Best Beach Town in 2013 by USA Today readers, it offers:

• Activities like fishing, sailing, kayaking, and dolphin tours
• Events such as the Clearwater Jazz Festival and the weekly sunsetting festival at Pier 60
• Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training camp

5. Everglades 🐊

The Everglades is one of Florida’s natural treasures, featuring a unique combination of ecosystems, including swamps, sub-tropical jungles, and saw-grass prairies. Most of the Everglades are protected within the Everglades National Park which provides shelter to diverse wildlife. Must-dos include:

• Boat tours to the Ten Thousand Islands
• Air boat tours for an exhilarating experience
• Ranger-led tours and educational programs

4. Tampa Bay Area 🏴‍☠️

The Tampa Bay area includes Tampa Bay, a large natural harbor, and the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Tampa, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is perfect for family activities:

• Busch Gardens amusement park, with roller coasters and a zoo
• Beachcombing at St. Pete Beach, named the best beach in the U.S. in 2012

3. Orlando 🎢

Orlando is globally renowned for its abundance of theme parks, attracting 51 million visitors annually. Among its notable attractions are:

• Walt Disney World
• Epcot Center
• Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gator Park

Given its lower susceptibility to hurricanes, Orlando is an excellent destination all year round.

2. Miami 🌴

Known for its vibrant Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is a bustling city off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the world’s major ports, it has a variety of attractions:

• Sunny beaches, ranging from family-friendly to party-friendly
• The bustling Miami Beach area with Art Deco architecture and glamorous South Beach

1. Florida Keys 🏝️

The Florida Keys, a 120-mile chain of tropical islands, are connected to the mainland through a series of bridges, the most notable being the Seven Mile Bridge. Major highlights of this enchanting island chain include:

• US Highway 1, also known as the “Overseas Highway,” running from Key Largo to Key West
• Popular filming locations, including spots used in “True Lies” and “Fast 2 Furious”
• Key West, the most famous and distant of the Florida Keys

Discovering Florida’s hidden gems and iconic destinations showcases the state’s diversity, from vibrant cities and cultural delights to natural wonders and stunning beaches. Make sure to add these top spots to your travel itinerary!