Florida is one of the most varied states in the US, with something for everyone. Whether you want to party with the beautiful people in Miami, meet Mickey Mouse, or go looking for gators in the Everglades, you’re in luck. From bustling cities to beautiful nature, Florida truly has it all. Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to visit in Florida, the Sunshine State.
Orlando
Let’s start with the big one. Orlando is world famous for its incredible theme parks —and no, they’re not just for kids. This is a place where your childhood dreams come to life. As soon as you step through the gates of Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, your inner child will come out to play.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to visit the world-famous theme parks. These aren’t just day trip destinations — most people want a multi-day holiday to ensure they get the chance to go on every ride. In fact, visiting Orlando’s amusement parks requires serious planning to make sure you don’t miss anything. It’s a bit of a military operation!
Most visitors only head to the theme parks, but it’s worth checking out the city, too. Head to Lake Eola, where you can rent a swan boat and paddle around, or spend an afternoon going off your diet at the chocolate museum. There’s also Leu Gardens, a peaceful green space filled with beautiful plants, the perfect spot to go when you need to relax and get away from the crowds.
Miami
Known as the Magic City, Miami should be on every traveller’s list of places to visit in Florida. There are dozens of reasons to head to Miami, Florida, with attractions to suit all kinds of travellers. Like to party? Salsa the night away at one of the country’s best nightclubs. Prefer a bit of culture? Visit the Wynwood Arts District to see some truly cool, innovative street art that’s sure to impress. Want to indulge your foodie side? Head to Little Havana for some of the best Cuban cuisine you can find anywhere in the world.
Of course, Miami is also world-famous for its picture-perfect beaches. South Beach is the perfect place to go people-watching. Bust out your rollerblades and get your skate on up and down the promenade, or join a game of beach volleyball. Don’t forget the sunscreen — the Florida heat is always sizzling!
Miami Beach
Here’s a fun fact for your next pub quiz: Miami Beach is actually a separate municipality from Miami. And here’s another fun fact for your next holiday: they’re both definitely worth visiting. Miami Beach is actually an island, but it’s connected to mainland Florida by a series of bridges.
While Miami is most famous as a wild party destination, Miami Beach has a more laid-back, chilled-out vibe. This is a great place to try water sports. Rent a jet ski and conquer the waves, or join a dolphin-watching boat trip.
One of the major attractions in Miami Beach is the Art Deco District. Back in the Jazz Age, Florida’s permanent sunshine and great beaches turned Miami Beach into a playground for the rich and famous. Today, the Art Deco District is almost like an open-air museum packed with stunning buildings from the Gilded Age. Any architecture buff will love a walking tour of this eternally hip neighbourhood.
Cape Canaveral
Florida isn’t just sunshine, parties and Mickey Mouse. One of the most interesting places to visit in Florida celebrates the USA’s achievements in outer space. The Kennedy Space Center is the major highlight of Cape Canaveral. This is where, in 1969, Neil Armstrong blasted off on his way to become the first man on the moon. It’s a remarkable location that blends history and science, and it’s one of the coolest things to see and do in Florida.
The Kennedy Space Center offers a range of fun activities. If you used to dream of being an astronaut when you were a kid, this place shouldn’t be missed. Visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame to learn more about the men and women who’ve been to space, watch jaw-dropping live shows about space and even attend Q&A sessions with astronauts. The absolute highlights, though, are the rides. That includes the space shuttle simulator, which lets you experience what it’s like to spend time in zero gravity.
Key West
Key West may have a reputation as a spring break paradise, but if you don’t want to party with frat boys, you’ll find plenty more here to keep yourself busy. Steer clear of Duval Street unless you want to get swept up in the spring break madness. There are still a ton of great places with a more grown-up atmosphere to explore around town. Be sure to try the key lime pie, a local dessert speciality that has become famous all over the world.
The true highlight of Key West is the underwater world. This is a real hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The water is clear and calm, and Florida’s superb climate means it’s perfectly swimmable all year round. The best times to go to Florida for water sports? Any time you like! You can have a great time in the waters close to Key West, but for something even more spectacular, take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. Sea turtles, sharks, octopus, lobsters and all kinds of colourful reef fish live here. It might just be the best snorkelling spot in the United States, and it’s definitely one of our favourite places to visit in Florida.
Naples
No, we’re not talking about Italy. Naples, Florida, might not have the international reputation of Miami or Orlando, but it’s still a great place to visit. In fact, you might even call it a bit of a hidden gem. With its white sand beaches and stylish art galleries, it’s a surprise that Naples doesn’t get more attention. Not that we’re complaining!
This corner of the Gulf of Mexico is known as the Paradise Coast because of its gorgeous beaches. It’s also a paradise for animal lovers. Around Naples and nearby Marco Island, you’ll find a huge number of wildlife refuges and national parks. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot some of the elusive Florida panthers, which live in the nearby area. In recent years, some have even been seen inside the city limits!
Everglades National Park
Speaking of nature, this incredible wetland zone gives you a rare chance to experience true wilderness in the United States. It’ll take you less than 90 minutes to drive to the Everglades from Miami, but you’ll feel like you’re on the other side of the world.
There are several different ways to get around the Everglades — but whatever you choose, be sure to keep an eye out for the park’s most famous inhabitants, the giant alligators. The short Anhinga Trail is the best choice for anyone who wants to take a walk. Go at night, and you’ll be in for one of the eeriest experiences around: shine your torch at the water and see the gators’ eyes glittering back at you. Airboat trips and even helicopter tours are other popular ways to see the best of the Everglades.
For a real adventure, try camping overnight on a chickee, a wooden platform that juts out over the water. You’ll need to pick up a camping permit from the park visitor centre. Most chickees can only be reached by water, so rent a kayak to get to your campsite. This has to be one of the most exciting experiences for thrill-seekers in Florida!
Marathon
Marathon, Florida, is one of the coolest towns in the United States. This beach town is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to spend time in, on and under the water! To get there, you’ll have to drive along the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. This bridge stretches out over the clear turquoise water, giving you the sensation that you’re driving off the end of the world.
Luckily, you’re not driving off the end of the world — you’re just reaching Marathon! This is heaven on earth for scuba divers and snorkelers, but even if you don’t want to go underwater, you’ll have fun here. Visit the Dolphin Research Centre to check out some of the most popular marine mammals. It’s not just dolphins you can see here — there are also California sea lions and other adorable critters.
At the Turtle Hospital, kind-hearted nurses work to rehabilitate injured sea turtles. This is one of the most touching sights in Florida and a great way to spend a morning. For something completely different, try the Marathon Air Museum, which has dozens of interesting models of historic aircraft. On those rare rainy days —yes, they even happen here from time to time— this museum is one of the best places to visit in Florida to stay dry and have some fun.
Honda State Park
We’re staying in the Florida Keys for this one. After all, many of the best things to see and do in Florida can be found in this lush coastal area. Bahia Honda State Park, Honda Bay in English, is the perfect place for an all-natural getaway.
One of the major advantages of Bahia Honda is its double coastline. You can go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or Florida Bay. Whichever one you choose, you’ll have crystal clear water to enjoy. Kayaking and cycling are also fun ways to get some exercise as you explore the park. At the end of the day, head back to your campsite for a good night’s sleep. Camping here is very comfortable, with hot showers and great toilet facilities available, but if you’d rather not slum it, there are some cosy duplex cabins for rent, too.
Fort Lauderdale
The numerous canals that crisscross Fort Lauderdale have earned it the nickname of the Venice of America. This town is one of the best places to visit in Florida if you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. In fact, it’s considered the yachting capital of the world. Head down to the marina and see if you can hitch a ride on one of the beautiful yachts that dock here. No luck? Then hit one of the city’s stylish bars to drown your sorrows!
The best way to see Fort Lauderdale is by water taxi. Take a guided tour, drifting along the waterways and admiring the impressive mansions that line the canals. Many of America’s richest people have holiday homes in this stylish, chic city.
Naturally, Fort Lauderdale also boasts some gorgeous beaches —all those rich people need a place to work on their tans— and some of Florida’s most unusual attractions. How about America’s only underwater burlesque show, with performers dressed as mermaids? If that’s not your cup of tea, try a river ghost tour, cruising down the canals by night in search of spooky phantoms.
We love Florida, and we bet you will, too. Our group trip to Florida is the perfect way to get a taste of the Sunshine State. You’ll get to experience the glamour of Miami, the untouched nature of the Everglades and the thrills of Kennedy Space Center. On the way, we’ll stop for some snorkelling at the best sites in the Keys. Oh, and we’ll be hitting one of Orlando’s best theme parks, too. What more could you ask for?
