Florida, aka “The Sunshine State,” is a top travel spot in the US. Known for beaches, parks, wildlife adventures & vibrant cities; it’ll offer a rare experience
A visit to Florida should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Wondering through theme parks, studios, beaches, and wildlife, celebrating rare festivals, and enjoying the finest of dishes are all possible to get in this magical city. Attracting millions of tourists each year shows why you should visit Florida. Today, we will learn about some must-visit places, hidden gems, budget-friendly accommodations, and everything you need to know for your Florida tour.
5 places to visit in Florida:
In Florida, you will find plenty of places to visit and opportunities to experience. To make your journey worthwhile, we have a list of the top 5 must-visit places so that you can plan accordingly:
1. Orlando- King of the theme parks
Orlando- King of the theme parks
- Entry fee: $10-$100 (varies from park to park)
Orlando is a hub for plenty of theme-based parks. With more than 18 theme parks, the city is a perfect spot for thrill seekers and adventure lovers. Some of the major theme parks are:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios (centered around the Golden Hollywood cinema, fun rides, movies, etc)
- Epcot (themed to celebrate human achievements, mostly about science and tech. (Ex: spaceship, geodesic sphere, etc)
- Magic Kingdom (features different Disney characters like Cinderella and has fun rides and shows for friends and family)
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (famous for its surf pool, Thrilling slides, snorkeling experience with real sharks and rays, and many other unique activities)
- Universal Studios Florida (can watch shows & movies, meet characters, play interactive games, thrill rides, and many attractions like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts)
- Discovery Cove (popular for interactive marine life. Tourists can play with dolphins, meet fish and rays, feed rare sea birds, and do many inclusive activities)
- Icon Park ( famous for its 7D rides, theater, Ferris wheels, museums, and restaurants)
Among many, these are the major attractions in Orlando. Each place has its own style of providing fun and entertainment to the people. The parks are not only for kids but also suitable for adults. Along with the parks, you will be able to see plenty of famous brands, shops, restaurants, and many outdoor activities and concerts around the neighborhood. Whether with friends or family, to have a refreshing tour, visiting Orlando is a must. To learn more about Orlando, you can read our previous post only dedicated to the Orlando tour guides.
2. Miami- The Magic City
Miami- The Magic City
Miami, a coastal city in Florida, significantly impacts the state’s business and tourism. The city is one of the most popular in the entire world. Due to its rapid growth in culture and business, restless beaches, glamorous nightlife, bars, games, traditional cuisine mixed with Latin American culture, luxury shopping malls, events and festivals, outdoor activities, and many more entertainment opportunities, the city attracts millions of tourists each year. If you ever plan to visit Florida, sneaking through Miami would be one of the best choices of your life. Once entered, you will be able to experience things like:
- Charming Beaches: visit places such as South Beach, Miami Beach, and Key Biscayne for warm weather, scenic blue water, and a vibrant environment to enjoy the best moment of your life.
- Alluring Nightlife: The city is mostly popular for its exciting nightlife. Events like musical parties, poker and board games, stripers, and bars will surely give you some exciting time. You can visit places like South Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell for a better experience.
- Shopping and outdoor activities: Miami is a paradise for shopping lovers. Luxury brands are available in places like Bal Harbour Shops, Brickell City Centre, and the Design District. Before shopping, you can also participate in different outdoor events like jet skiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, etc.
- Dining, Events & Festivals: Miami offers different cultural and traditional foods along with the popular Latin American dishes. You will see the cultural diversity presented through foods from different regions. Also, events and festivals are also common in the city. It hosts occasions like Miami Music Week, Ultra Music Festival, Carnaval Miami, and tennis tournaments for people to enjoy.
3. Key West—the island paradise
Key West—the island paradise
Long palm trees around beaches, artistic houses, and lazy weather—the Key West will make you feel like you are on vacation as soon as you set foot in that city. The bare minimum in the city is watching sunsets on beaches, enjoying local cuisine, visiting historic places, shops, and bars, having eco-tours, and enjoying festivals. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the Key West. The small city offers huge amenities like:
- Beaches and views: you can spend quality time in places like Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and experience activities such as diving, paddleboarding, and sailing. Also, enjoying the sunset celebration from Mallory Square feeds a heavenly experience.
- Famous spots: one thing every traveler does in the West is visit famous attractions like Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Little White House, or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park to learn more about its heritage.
- Cuisine, eco-tours, and festivals: Make sure to have a bite of local seafood like conch fritters, stone crab, and spiny lobster. Also, try to participate in events such as Fantasy Fest and Key West Lobsterfest to make the tour even more memorable. And do not forget to explore an eco-tour at Dry Tortugas National Park to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical birds.
4. Naples, Paradise Coast-luxury vacation spot
Naples-the lavish vacation spot
Located in the southern part of Florida, Naples is a coastal city that is extremely popular for its beaches, cultural heritage, golf courses, parks, and many other entertainment opportunities.
The Paradise Coast is located inside Naples, which is really a heaven for tourists. Known for its white sand beach, divine culinary experiences, trendy shopping malls, different festivals, music shows, and parks are its major attractions. For a luxury vacation, you can spend time on this 30 km long, beautiful sand beach with your loved ones. The major attractions on the coast are listed below, but remember, these are just a summary; the real experience is more exciting.
- Well known for beaches and sunsets. Some ideal spots include: Naples Beach & Pier, Clam Pass Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Macro Island, and Naples Pier.
- For shopping lovers, it is a heaven. A visit to Fifth Avenue South for high-quality restaurants, Third Street South for unique shopping malls, and Waterside Shops for luxury shopping is a must.
- It is also ideal for outdoor adventures like airboat rides, kayaking, etc. at Everglades and Rookery Bay. You can experience paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, etc. on the beach.
- To dive deep into Naples’s cultural and historical heritage, you can visit attractions like the Naples Art District, Baker Museum, Naples Zoo, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, and many other hidden gems.
5. St. Augustine—the ancient beauty
St. Augustine-the oldest city in the
Trolley & Horse-Drawn Carriage, ghost tours, a lighthouse, and a museum—these attractions should be enough to give you the ideal vacation vibe of this city. One of the country’s oldest cities and European settlements is ideal for romantic holidays and exploring with friends and family. Here you will be able to experience:
- European architecture and museums such as Castillo de San Marcos (ancient fortress), Flagler College (luxury hotel), the oldest wooden schoolhouse, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum (displays pirate antiques), and Lightner Museum (victorian arts).
- The city has some of the best beaches in Florida for spending quality time. Beaches like St. Augustine Beach, Vilano, and the Anastasia State Park are heaven for devouring quality days and experiencing wildlife. Augustine is also known as a ghost city due to its handcrafted and retro environment. Visiting cemeteries, lighthouses, and other historic places will at least give you a brief of the eerie feeling.
- Mouthwatering seafood, Spanish cuisine, and Cuban-inspired dishes will provide one of the finest culinary experiences. Also, festivals throughout the year like Nights of Lights or the St. Augustine Celtic Festival can give you the best memory of the tour.
Best Time to Visit Florida:
- Winter seasons: (December–February)—ideal for visiting theme parks.
- Spring season: (March–May)—most suitable for beach vacations & festivals.
- During Summer: (June–August)—perfect for family vacations. The weather might be hot and humid.
- Fall: (September – November) – For less crowd and lower accommodation prices
Top budget-friendly places to stay in Florida:
| City | accommodations/hotels | Price per night |
| Orlando | Rosen Inn at Pointe | $85 – $120 |
| Miami | Freehand Miami | $90 – $140 |
| Key west | Seashell Motel & Hostel | $100 – $150 |
| Naples | Conty’s Motel | $72 – $90 |
| St. Augustine | The Cozy Inn | $90 – $130 |
These are some of the reasonable accommodations to stay in different cities in Florida. To learn more about booking and accommodation, you can visit Booking.com or tripadvisor.com.
Best places to eat in Florida:
Cuisine is a crucial part of any travel. Experiencing local dishes from different areas will not only allow you to gain deeper knowledge about the city’s history but also extend your culinary horizons. When visiting different parts of Florida, here is a list of some famous dishes that you should try at least once:
| City | Restaurants | Popular dishes | Approx. cost |
| Orlando | Capa Otto’s High Dive | Grilled Octopus Short Rib Ropa Vieja | $30 $25 |
| Miami | Boia De Los Félix | Potato Skins with Stracciatella and Caviar Pork Cheek Carnitas | $35 $28 |
| Key West | Blue Heaven Latitudes | Lobster Benedict Yellowtail Snapper | $24 $38 |
| Naples | The French Brasserie Osteria Tulia | Duck Confit Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù | $32 $30 |
| St. Augustine | Collage Restaurant The Floridian | Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Shrimp and Grits | $34 $22 |
These are some of the famous restaurants across the city. There are plenty of other new and popular restaurants and dining options. You can try them as well. Remember that the prices of the dishes may vary depending on the seasons and other costs.
Essential Florida travel tips:
- Orlando:
- January–April is the best time to visit.
- Buy tickets in advance to save money.
- Renting a car would be ideal if you want to explore beyond theme parks.
- Miami:
- Ideal travel time: November–April
- You need to follow certain dress codes at many clubs—check beforehand.
- Public transport is limited.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat on beaches.
- Key West:
- The perfect time to visit is March-May.
- Use free bus service if needed.
- Naples:
- November–April is a good time to visit.
- At Golfers’ Paradise, book tea times early.
- St. Augustine
- Visit anytime during March–May or September–November.
- Using a trolley system can be a good way to explore the area.
- Take Bug Spray if you have any plans to visit wildlife creatures.
There are hundreds of reasons why you should travel to Florida. Whether it is a vacation or a random visit, the city never stops to amaze people with its amazing culture and entertainment amenities. Make sure to plan ahead of the tour to avoid minor inconveniences and enjoy with your loved ones in the magical city.
Faq’s:
Q1: Why is Florida a tourist attraction?
Ans: Home to different entertainment opportunities, parks, beaches, clubs, bars, and many other historic spots, Florida became one of the most visited cities in the US.
Q2: What are the best months to visit Florida?
Ans: Usually mid-October to late May is considered the ideal time to visit Florida.
Q3: What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Florida?
Ans: There are a lot of tourist attractions in Florida. You can visit places like Orlando, Miami, Key West, Naples, and St. Augustine.
