When people imagine Florida, they often associate it with sunshine, theme parks, orange juice, and alligators. However, this state, which was once a Spanish colony and is now the 27th state in the Union, has many other notable features.
It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, offering extensive stretches of beautiful white sand beaches. In addition, Florida is home to Miami and its neighboring city, Miami Beach, both renowned for their Art Deco architectural style, vibrant Cuban culture, and, of course, their stunning beaches.
10. Miami
Miami, a lively city in the USA, is famous for its vibrant Latin culture and thrilling nightlife. Situated in southeastern Florida near the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is a significant port city that handles the highest number of passenger cruise ships worldwide.
Drawing in tourists from all around the globe, Miami is a diverse blend of different ethnic cultures, offering a wide range of captivating attractions and activities. One of the main highlights of Miami is its sunny beaches, which cater to both families and party-goers.
On a barrier island across the bay lies Miami Beach, renowned for its glamorous South Beach and stunning Art Deco architecture. For more information on where to stay in Miami, refer to the following guide.
9. Orlando
Orlando is a city known for its many theme parks. It has more theme parks than any other place in the world. Some of the famous ones include Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gator Park.
These parks attract a staggering 51 million visitors every year to Orlando, which is a city with a population of 2 million people in central Florida. Unlike other parts of the state, Orlando doesn’t experience hurricanes as frequently, making it a popular destination in Florida.
In addition to being a tourist hotspot, Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida. It has the second largest college enrollment in the United States, making it one of the most visited cities in America.
8. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and is located near the city of Clearwater. In 2013, USA Today readers voted Clearwater Beach as the best beach town in Florida.
In addition to relaxing on the beach and swimming in the clear water, visitors can enjoy various activities including fishing, sailing, kayaking, and dolphin tours. Many people choose to have their weddings on the beaches here.
One popular area for visitors is Pier 60, which is a long fishing pier that has a playground, snack bar, and daily entertainment. In the evening, you can browse and purchase crafts made by local artisans. If you need to freshen up after a day at the beach, Beach Walk offers drinking fountains and showers.
And if you enjoy lively nightlife, Clearwater Beach has a vibrant night scene.
7. Tampa Bay Area
The Tampa Bay area, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a region that consists of Tampa Bay and several popular cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg. Tampa is the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, you can visit Busch Gardens, a theme park that is known for having the best roller coaster rides in Florida. It also has a zoo that focuses on animals from Africa’s Serengeti Plain. On the other hand, if you’re interested in beachcombing, you should definitely check out St. Pete Beach.
In 2012, it was recognized by TripAdvisor readers as the best beach in the United States and the fifth best in the world because of its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear water.
6. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, situated near Fort Myers in the Gulf of Mexico, can be reached through a causeway connecting it to the mainland. It is a serene and peaceful travel destination that is perfect for families. More than half of the island is occupied by wildlife refuges, providing ample opportunities to experience nature.
The island’s beaches are renowned for shell hunting, attracting visitors from all over. Interestingly, according to local legends, this island with its population of less than 7,000 may have been a hideout for pirates in the past.
In addition to exploring the beaches and observing wildlife, visitors can enjoy various attractions including a highly-regarded historical museum, a botanical garden, a lighthouse, and an arts center.
5. Naples
Naples, a city in the United States located near the Gulf of Mexico, may have had humble beginnings but has become one of the wealthiest cities in the country. People are willing to pay over $40 million for houses in this city.
The reason for its name is that the bay it is situated on was believed to be more beautiful than the Bay of Naples in Italy. Aside from its lovely city beach, Naples is also known for its nearby wildlife refuges, such as Everglades National Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Reserve, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
The sanctuary even has a 2.5-mile boardwalk that winds through it. Naples is also recognized for its lively arts and shopping districts.
4. Everglades
The Everglades, located in South Florida, are known for their unique combination of ecosystems, including swamps, jungles, prairies, and mangroves. It is home to a wide variety of birds, fish, animals, and reptiles, including endangered species like the West Indian manatee, the American crocodile, and the Florida panther.
The Everglades National Park, one of the largest national parks in the USA, has four visitor centers that offer educational displays, tours, and experiences. The Shark Valley Visitor Center is particularly popular for its tram tours that allow visitors to see alligators, turtles, deer, and herons.
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center offers boat tours to the Ten Thousand Islands, where visitors can see manatees, dolphins, and pelicans. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to explore the Everglades on their own. Ernest Coe and Flamingo visitor centers also offer ranger-led tours and programs.
Taking an air boat tour is an exciting way to experience the Everglades, and there are also many hiking trails, biking trails, and fishing opportunities within the national park.
3. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach in Florida has 27 miles of beautiful white sand beaches. It is located on the Emerald Coast and is a favorite spot for people from the southern United States. Many high school and college students visit during their spring break.
Apart from enjoying the sunny beach and the emerald green waters, this town has lots of exciting activities. You can go sports fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, play golf, visit marine parks (including one where you can see alligators!), and even go to amusement and water parks.
In a nutshell, this place has something for everyone in the family, making it a perfect vacation destination!.
2. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has evolved from being a popular Spring Break destination to becoming a sophisticated cultural center with a more upscale social scene. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, around 23 miles north of Miami Beach, and is often referred to as the “Venice of America” due to its extensive canal system.
The city is well-equipped for tourists, offering a range of hotels, golf courses, marinas, and museums. Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, is recognized as one of the busiest cruise-ship ports worldwide, catering to the Caribbean, Mexico, and other destinations with daily departures of massive cruise ships.
Additionally, the most renowned area of the city’s beach is called “The Strip,” which features a variety of dining and drinking establishments along the road beside the beach.
1. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a group of tropical islands that stretch for 120 miles along the base of the Florida peninsula, and they are connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. One of the most famous bridges is the Seven Mile Bridge, which has been used in movies like True Lies and Fast 2 Furious.
The main road that connects all the keys, called the “Overseas Highway”, starts from Key Largo and goes through Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and finally reaches Key West, the most famous and farthest key. The waters surrounding the islands are protected and contain a diverse range of marine life and coral reefs.
The keys are divided into three groups: Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. The Upper Keys, starting from Key Largo, offer a wide variety of accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife for tourists. The Middle Keys and Lower Keys have a more peaceful and remote atmosphere.
Key Largo, the first key on the highway, is home to an underwater statue called the Christ of the Abyss, which can be seen by divers and snorkelers. Another notable key is Big Pine, where visitors can see knee-high whitetail deer. Islamorada Key is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” and is also a popular diving spot.
Marathon, located on Vaca Key, has many tourist amenities and facilities, as well as the famous Seven-Mile Bridge. Lastly, Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, is where the famous author Ernest Hemingway used to live.
