Florida is a beautiful state in the southeastern United States that has many wonderful destinations to offer. From white sand beaches and blue oceans to stunning parks and nature preserves, vibrant cities and exciting entertainment options, there is something for everyone in Florida. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most beautiful destinations in Florida and give you tips on what to do there. Let yourself be enchanted by the diversity and beauty of the Sunshine State.
18. Miami
Whether it’s a city trip to Miami for a week or a round trip through Florida. We guarantee you, you will not get bored during a Miami vacation. Downtown Miami has a lot to offer. Countless restaurants invite you to enjoy. After an extensive meal we suggest a harbor cruise. These start in Downtown Miami.
If you want to get a taste of Cuban air, we recommend Little Havana. Many emigrants have settled here. It is a great place to learn about the history of Cuba, the people and the Cuban cuisine. For art-loving travelers, the Wynwood Art District and the Design District are the place to be.
Cool stores, art galleries and hip bars line up here. South of Miami Beach is the island of Key Biscayne. There you can sunbathe on the beach. Or you can do something extraordinary during your Miami vacation and book a flight on a seaplane. There is also a lot to do for sports enthusiasts. The beautiful beaches are ideal for swimming, jet skiing and surfing. In addition to water sports, you can pursue your passion for tennis or golf.
17. Orlando
It’s no secret: in Orlando, there are unlimited opportunities for adventure and recreation around every corner.
A full twelve theme parks are waiting to be explored. Most are part of Walt Disney World and take their visitors on a journey behind the scenes of Hollywood. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
But it’s not all about leisure fun in this most dazzling of Florida cities – There are also some impressive attractions outside the entertainment district. In the evening hours, the Food Truck Bazaar opens. With a huge variation of street food, you get a taste of the American way of life. The evening ends perfectly with live music at the House of Blues.
16. St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County in the U.S. state of Florida. It is part of the greater Tampa Bay Area and is located on the Gulf of Mexico.
In the heart of St. Petersburg is the historic district with its charming buildings and streets that are great for strolling. Here, visitors can visit the Dali Museum, dedicated to the famous surrealist art, or the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive collection of artwork from around the world.
Those interested in history should definitely visit the Sunken Gardens, a botanical garden with over 50,000 tropical plants and exotic animals. The Morean Arts Center, dedicated to promoting the local arts scene, is also worth a visit.
St. Petersburg’s pleasant climate provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities year-round. Visitors can enjoy golfing at one of the city’s many courses, take bike rides through the beautiful countryside, or take a boat tour on the Gulf of Mexico.
15. Key West
Key West is a small island in southern Florida known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene and laid-back lifestyle. The island is also home to famed writer Ernest Hemingway and his famous house, which now serves as a museum.
A visit to Key West offers many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and offers numerous opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also take part in boat trips to see dolphins and turtles, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
Another highlight of a visit to Key West is the delicious cuisine. The island is known for its fresh seafood and offers many delicious restaurants where you can enjoy the island’s culinary delights.
14. Naples
Naples is a beautiful city in south Florida known for its stunning beaches, rich arts and culture, and upscale lifestyle. The city is home to numerous museums and art galleries, including the architecturally stunning Baker Museum and the art-inspiring Naples Museum of Art. A visit to Tin City Village, a historic fishing village, is also worthwhile to learn more about the history of Naples.
The beaches of Naples offer perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Lowdermilk Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park are particularly recommended, both offering beautiful coves and clean water.
There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and canoeing in the area surrounding the city, including the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. A trip to nearby Sanibel Island, known for its pristine nature and abundance of bird species, is also a worthwhile experience.
13. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a city located on the peninsula of the same name. It is known for its beautiful beaches, glamorous nightlife and vibrant art scene.
The South Beach section of Miami Beach is the most famous part of the city and is home to many luxury hotels, restaurants and clubs. Visitors can stroll along the famous Ocean Drive, where they can admire the Art Deco architecture of the buildings and relax in one of the many sidewalk cafes.
Miami Beach itself is a paradise for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can cool off in the warm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and soak up the sun on the white sand beach. There are also numerous opportunities for water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing and scuba diving.
In the evening, Miami Beach’s nightlife gets going. Visitors can dance in one of the many clubs and bars or enjoy live music at the famous “Liv” nightclub. For art lovers, Miami Beach also offers a vibrant art scene with museums such as the Bass Museum of Art and the Wolfsonian Museum.
12. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a historic city in northeast Florida known for its rich past and charming townscape. The city was founded in 1565, making it the oldest permanently settled city in the United States. St. Augustine’s historic district is a true gem and is home to numerous historic buildings and landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a mighty 17th-century fortress, and Flagler College, an architecturally stunning 19th-century school.
A visit to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers interesting insights into the region’s pirate history. A stroll along St. George Street, filled with boutiques, galleries and restaurants, is worthwhile to experience the atmosphere of the city.
St. Augustine Beach comes highly recommended, offering not only clean water and soft sand, but also a beautiful boardwalk with bars and restaurants.
11. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is an unforgettable nature reserve in southern Florida that is home to unique wildlife and plants. The park is home to numerous endangered and rare species, including alligators, crocodiles, snakes, birds and plants. A visit to the park offers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Everglades and learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.
The park offers numerous opportunities to explore nature, including hiking tours, biking tours, boating tours, and canoeing tours. A boat tour of the Flamingo Visitor Center Area is especially recommended to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Everglades. A tour of the Shark Valley Visitor Center, which offers spectacular views of the park’s riverine landscapes, is also a worthwhile experience.
Everglades National Park is also home to numerous campgrounds and cabins that offer visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and spend the night in the park.
10. Fort Lauderdale
The Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname. Fort Lauderdale’s canals are part of the Intracoastal Waterway and connect the city to the sea. Numerous yachts and boats, enliven the city and give it a maritime charm.
Today, the Museum of Discovery and Science houses more than 200 interactive exhibits that take visitors on an exciting journey through science. Highlights of the museum include the EcoDiscovery Center, where visitors can learn more about ecology and conservation, and the Flight Simulator, which takes visitors on a virtual journey through space.
Las Olas Boulevard is considered the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The street runs along the New River and is known for its exciting nightlife. Numerous clubs and bars turn night into day with live music.
9. Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a beautiful island in northeast Florida. The island is known for its picturesque beaches and rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Amelia Island was founded by Spaniards in 1702 and has been under various dominions over the centuries, including England and France.
Today, Amelia Island is a popular destination for nature lovers and history buffs. Attractions on the island include Fort Clinch State Park, which features an American Civil War fort, and the Amelia Island Museum of History, which tells the history of the island.
A highlight of Amelia Island is the historic town of Fernandina Beach, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town offers many charming stores and restaurants built in the colonial style.
8. Key Largo
Key Largo is an island in the southern part of the US state of Florida. It is part of the Florida Keys and is one of the most famous and popular vacation destinations in Florida. Key Largo is located about an hour’s drive south of Miami and is accessible via the Overseas Highway, a road that stretches 120 miles through the Florida Keys island chain.
Key Largo is home to Florida’s finest nature preserves, including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the United States. It is home to a beautiful coral reef that is one of the largest in North America and a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Visitors can also hike, bike, camp and enjoy nature in the park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park also offers numerous interactive exhibits and activities that tell more about the ecology and wildlife of the park.
Another highlight of Key Largo is the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, located in the south of the island. This park is home to one of the largest coastal forest hammocks (a type of swamp forest) in Florida and is home to many rare and endangered species of animals and plants.
Besides the beaches and the ocean, Key Largo has many other attractions to offer. There are numerous restaurants and bars on the island where you can enjoy culinary delights.
7. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a popular beach destination in the west of Florida. A highlight of Clearwater Beach is Pier 60, a picturesque boardwalk that juts bin into the ocean. Pier 60 features numerous stores and restaurants that offer magnificent views of the beach and ocean. Nowhere is a more beautiful place to watch the sunset.
The beach is home to the Clearwater Beach Yacht Club, which hosts regular sailing tournaments and water sports events. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a maritime theme park and marine center. A special highlight of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is Winter, a dolphin made famous in the movie “Dolphin Tale.”
The movie nights or sports activities such as beach yoga, land near Pier 60 to relax.
6. Boca Raton
Boca Raton in southern Florida was founded in 1925 and is known for its luxury shopping.
A highlight of Boca Raton is Mizner Park, a picturesque city park in the heart of the city. Mizner Park offers a unique downtown look with buildings built in the Spanish Colonial style. Visitors can also visit the amphitheater in Mizner Park, which regularly hosts concerts and other events.
For art lovers, the Boca Raton Museum of Art offers an impressive collection of artwork from different eras and cultures. The museum also hosts regularly changing exhibitions and events, so there is always something new to discover.
5. Tampa
Tampa is a vibrant city in western Florida. Tampa is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. The city offers many parks and nature recreation areas, including the Riverwalk, a scenic boardwalk along the Hillsborough River, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an amusement park with wild animals and exciting rides.
Popular venues include the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre and the Amalie Arena, both of which regularly host concerts and sporting events.
Another Tampa highlight is the Ybor City, a historic district in the heart of the city. The Ybor City was founded in 1885 by cigar manufacturers and is now a popular destination for arts and entertainment.
4. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a city in southern Florida, located about 70 kilometers north of Miami. West Palm Beach is home to the Norton Museum of Art and the Palm Beach Zoo. The zoo opened in 1956 and now houses over 550 animals from over 180 species. Zoo attractions include the Tropical Pavilions, where visitors can view exotic animals such as monkeys, parrots and butterflies, and the Safari Expedition, a moving train that takes visitors through the zoo’s savannahs and forests. The city is a popular base for excursions to surrounding areas, including Everglades National Park and Palm Beach Island.
3. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a real insider tip and should not be missed on any Florida trip. Shell Island is located off the coast of white powder sand beaches. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life. Visitors can hike, swim, snorkel and enjoy nature there. Shell Island is also a popular destination for boat excursions and offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. The island is part of St. Andrews State Park and is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Pier Park is a shopping and entertainment center in Panama City Beach. The center was opened in 2008. Pier Park attractions include the Grand IMAX Theater, Dave & Buster’s, and the SkyWheel Panama City Beach, a Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the city and the ocean. Pier Park is located on Panama City Beach and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
2. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a beautiful island in southwest Florida known for its pristine nature and abundance of bird species. The island is home to numerous sights and attractions that make a visit an unforgettable experience.
Highlights include the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, an important breeding area for numerous species of birds, which is great for hiking and bird watching. Another highlight is the Sanibel Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that offers spectacular views of the island and the ocean.
Sanibel Island is also known for its rich marine life and offers numerous opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
1. Tallahassee
Tallahassee is the capital of the state of Florida. The hustle and bustle of the big city is not to be found here, but instead a quiet, small-town atmosphere in the political center of the state. Tallahasse is home to both the Florida State Capitol and the Florida Governor’s Mansion.
Museums and art galleries, such as the Tallahassee Museum and the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, offer interesting insights into the city’s history and culture. Other attractions in Tallahassee include Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Lake Ella Park and Tom Brown Park, all of which are great for hiking, biking and relaxing in nature.
Another highlight in Tallahassee is Lake Bradford Park, a popular destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Here, visitors can fish, boat and even swim in the summer.
