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9 of the best places to visit in Florida

Mar 14, 2024 • 7 min read

From cities packed with art, culture and nightlife to top beach destinations, these are the best places to visit in Florida © John Coletti / Getty Images

From sunny, white-sand beaches and untamed subtropical mangrove forests to bustling space centers and theme parks packed with excited kids, the Sunshine State is one gigantic fantasyland.

Choosing the best places to visit in Florida is no mean feat because this peninsular paradise is equally beautiful in many ways. Whether you're slipping away on a romantic sojourn or making family memories, here's a list of the places you simply shouldn't miss.

1. Miami, the "Magic City"

Best for parties and nightlife

With pastel-colored art deco buildings trimming sparkling azure waters,  Miami screams tropics. One of America's most visited cities, this bustling metropolis scores big with urban see-and-be-seen types. Crowd lovers bask in  South Beach's iconic energy, slathering on sunscreen to soak up scorching rays and indulging in the best people-watching opportunities the planet offers. And, for those who energize after dark, Miami's packed, world-renowned clubs epitomize wicked all-nighters. Miami scores big with foodies, too, who savor its tasty cuisines enhanced with strong Cuban and Caribbean flavors. 

Detour: A world apart, yet only 50 miles away, the Everglades offer a very different kind of wildness. Airboat, camp or take scenic drives to see gators and other exotic wildlife.

Here's how you can plan the ultimate long weekend in Miami.

2. Vero Beach 

Best for calm, romantic getaways

For a more sedate experience, visit the skyscraper-less beach of this under-the-radar jewel, just 150 miles north of Miami. There's little in the way of nightlife, but many find it a delightful reprieve. Embrace each new day with meditative yoga, digging your toes into warm sand as the sun rises over the ocean at popstar Gloria Estefan's  Costa d'Este resort (non-guests welcome). Grab an award-winning burger at  Casey's Place , a throwback to outdoor burger shacks of the 1970s, and learn the juicy history of Florida oranges at the tiny  Indian River Citrus Museum .

Detour: Visit  A.E. Backus Museum and Florida Highwaymen Museum in nearby Fort Pierce and become instant fans of this famous Florida landscape artist and the talented African-American painters he inspired.

Want more ideas for a beach vacation? Discover  Florida's best beaches .

Best for theme parks and family activities

A place where dreams come true,  Orlando  is a cosmopolitan city sprinkled with pixie dust. Sure, there's serious business going on here, but you wouldn't know it basking inside a sun-kissed swan paddleboat on Lake Eola , surrounded by towering skyscrapers in the heart of downtown. The ultimate in family fun, Orlando offers  Disney parks  and  Universal  – theme parks that are bound to keep kids awake weeks before arriving. There's also a  chocolate museum , a  star-car museum  and, for when you really need a break from all the crowds and chaos (and you will!),  Leu Gardens , a tranquil 50-acre botanical paradise.

Detour: See what it's like to be an astronaut at  Kennedy Space Center , less than an hour's drive away.

Continue the fun at  Florida's best theme parks .

4. St Augustine

Best for history and arresting architecture

Step back in time by wandering ancient cobblestone streets in St Augustine , America's oldest city. Settled by Spaniards in 1565, the facades of Old Town buildings reflect the Spanish-Colonial and Spanish Renaissance Revival eras. Its main thoroughfare, St George Street, is packed with charming boutiques, tacky souvenir shops, and restaurants overlooking the glimmering waters of the Matanzas River. If museums, galleries and churches are up your alley, there are plenty of those nearby as well.

5. Fort Lauderdale

Best for tantalizing beaches and boating

Blessed with an impressive stretch of white-sand beaches and seemingly endless canals,  Fort Lauderdale is heralded as the yachting capital of the world and "The Venice of America." Its  annual boat show  in October is the world's largest in-water boating show. Stroll the famous  Riverwalk , stop for a beer at the legendary  Elbo Room , watch mermaids perform at America's only underwater burlesque show , or shop and dine along famous  Las Olas Boulevard .

Detour: Take a narrated  water taxi tour to Hollywood Beach's lively  Broadwalk , passing mansions of the rich and famous along your journey. Buy an express pass or a hop-on, hop-off day pass with eleven scenic stops to enjoy.

6. Key West

Best for barhopping and snorkeling

Rows of pastel yellow, pink and green conch island homes with gingerbread trim complement  Key West's crystal-clear turquoise waters, transporting you to a world seemingly immune from daily problems. It's no wonder that world traveler and celebrated author Ernest Hemingway chose this Caribbean-style jewel to settle in during the 1930s (don't miss the museum about his life ).

Though laid-back by day, a festive party vibe dominates at night. (Some dive bars along Duval Street get rowdy, so avoid staying in Old Town if you want to sleep!) Foodies take note:  Key Lime Pie Co  bakes up some of the country's best, and  Conch Republic Seafood Company serves killer conch fritters, another Key West delicacy.

Detour: Ferries  and  seaplanes  shuttle to the secluded island paradise of  Dry Tortugas National Park , which has some of the world's greatest snorkeling in the shallow Florida Reef.

7. West Palm Beach

Best for shopping and bargain hunting

West Palm Beach's palm-lined boulevards welcome visitors to some of Florida's best shopping. At the heart of it all is  The Square , a 72-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex featuring brand-name retailers and specialty boutiques. Fill your bags, then relax by the central fountain to enjoy free classic rock and country music concerts. Don't miss the spectacular  GreenMarket , a downtown farmers market with more than 120 vendors, every Saturday morning (October to April). Sixty additional flea market booths leading up Clematis St certify it as a bargain hunter's utopia.

Detour:  Take a 10-minute ferry ride to nearby  Peanut Island , a snorkeler's paradise, where crystal-clear waters promise a captivating underwater adventure. It's all the more extraordinary for being the location of a nuclear bunker built for JFK, though it's currently closed to the public.

8. Fort Myers, "the City of Palms"

Best for local arts and fishing

Despite the devastation wrought upon  Fort Myers  Beach's seven miles of stunning coastline by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the recovery is well underway – with  Margaritaville Beach Resort leading the pack.

Sadly, its signature quaint pubs and boardwalk taco stands will be gone as the blank canvas is repainted with glossy chic. But that doesn't detract from the other riches this beautiful Gulf Coast area boasts. The bricked, palm-lined boulevards of downtown Fort Myers' River District are enhanced with colorful murals and artistic sculptures and dotted with bistros, cafes, galleries, museums and theaters. Deep-sea anglers reel in massive tarpon and swordfish nearby, while paddleboarders love navigating the Gulf Coast's calm, clear waters.

Detours:  Nearby  Sanibel Island  boasts a motherlode of almost 400 species of shells, while  Bonita Springs is a quiet enclave with cafes and microbreweries. Also, don't miss  Wonder Gardens , a lush botanical garden and animal rescue facility that first opened in 1936 and is still a throwback to "Old Florida."

9. Pensacola

Best for learning to surf

With emerald-green waters kissing 18 miles of powdery, sugar-white sand, Pensacola's spacious beaches are heaven to those seeking a secluded getaway. The unspoiled terrain of  Gulf Islands National Seashore , America's largest stretch of protected coastline, extends from both sides of Pensacola Beach, a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Its warm waters and gentle summer waves make it perfect for people learning to surf.

The city itself feels like a cross between an urban hub and a chill beach town, with award-winning eateries and chic boutiques. Seville Quarter , a former cigar warehouse complex, is packed with busy bars and trendy restaurants. Seville Square, a small historic park, hosts many unique music, food and art festivals throughout the year.

Detour: Dolphins regularly swarm the warm coastal waters off nearby Destin. Several local boat-tour operators offer guided excursions to observe these splendid creatures from a safe distance within their natural environment.

Planning a trip to Florida? Here's more of our expert advice:

From beaches to theme parks, don't miss these top experiences Here's when the Sunshine State gets the most sunshine (and other great times to visit) This is what you should know before any Florida trip These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Florida

This article was first published Mar 28, 2018 and updated Mar 14, 2024.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Culture
• 4.3 Landscape
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.5 Tourist information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.4 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 7.2 By plane
• 7.4 By train
• 7.5 By ferry
• 8.1 Wildlife
• 8.2 Itineraries
• 14.1 Internet
• 15.2 Weather
• 15.3 Wildlife
• 16.1 Consulates

Florida is the southernmost state in the continental United States of America . Known as "The Sunshine State", over a century ago it became a popular winter destination for the well-to-do from colder climates; it has grown to become the second-most visited state in the nation. Tourists have long been drawn to Florida by its white-sand beaches and unique and diverse cities. Since the mid-twentieth century, world-class theme parks and attractions have become a top draw as well. In the 21st century, Florida has become the preferred retirement destination for rich Americans from all over the country.

The state's roots in agriculture are still relevant, with oranges being a chief export. Untouched natural landscapes teeming with wildlife exist in vast areas, sometimes very close to cities, and there are miles of rivers and trails for the intrepid visitor. Some of Florida's best secrets are charming small towns and other places in secluded locations, away from the crowded tourist areas but certainly worth seeing.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

Below is a selection of some of Florida's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions.

• 30.455 -84.253333 1 Tallahassee – The state capital and thriving college town home to three schools, including Florida State
• 26.133333 -80.15 2 Fort Lauderdale – The "Venice of America" with its expansive canal system, also known for beaches and boating
• 30.336944 -81.661389 3 Jacksonville – Sprawling city encompassing large beaches, world-class museums, and award-winning golf
• 25.775278 -80.208889 4 Miami – The center of Caribbean and Latin American culture, famed for its beachfront nightclubs
• 28.415833 -81.298889 5 Orlando – The theme park capital of the world also features exciting dining, a lively arts scene, and ample recreation
• 30.433333 -87.2 6 Pensacola – White-sand beaches draw tourists to this town of ancient shipwrecks and military fighter jets
• 29.894722 -81.314444 7 St. Augustine – The oldest city in the country is home to two more-than 400-year-old Spanish forts, restaurants, and shops
• 27.968056 -82.476389 8 Tampa – Large Gulf Coast metro area home to bustling nightlife as well as famed natural sites
• 26.709722 -80.064167 9 West Palm Beach – Ritzy town home to the rich & famous, featuring high-end shopping and beautiful beaches

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 30.615556 -81.453889 1 Amelia Island – Historic island at the north end of the state, with excellent golf resorts and a lively downtown
• 25.469444 -80.186111 2 Biscayne National Park – A massive marine park protecting a wide range of animals and coral reefs
• 28.7675 -80.776944 3 Canaveral National Seashore – The longest stretch of unspoiled beach on the Atlantic coast, near rocket launches
• 25.3125 -80.6875 4 Everglades National Park – Massive, vital, and delicate ecosystem protecting a great variety of plants and animals
• 24.666944 -81.544167 5 Florida Keys – Chain of islands stretching into the Caribbean, offering tropical scenery and a laid-back lifestyle
• 30.364444 -86.9675 6 Gulf Islands National Seashore – 12 islands along the Gulf Coast, featuring excellent beaches and sea turtles
• 29.173611 -81.821667 7 Ocala National Forest – Extensive inland forest giving visitors a taste of old Florida charm
• 28.385233 -81.563874 8 Walt Disney World – The "happiest place on earth", encompassing 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and countless other amenities

Understand [ edit ]

While Florida is considered to be part of the South , it originated not as a British colony, but as a Spanish one. As a result, the state has a unique history. Although Florida was a founding member of the Confederate States of America, and like other Southern states shared the experience of slavery and racial segregation during its history, today, Florida is a very diverse state. It is almost evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, and contains a number of regions with slight cultural differences of their own that contribute to the state's diversity. Therefore, no one accent dominates in the speech of its residents, and it's often said that Florida is the only state that gets more "Southern" the farther north you go, and that is indeed true in a cultural sense.

History [ edit ]

Florida was inhabited by Native Americans for over 13,000 years before the arrival of European explorers, colonists and slavers. It is estimated that there were some 350,000 inhabitants, of many tribes, when the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in 1513 in search of, according to legend, the Fountain of Youth.

The first European settlement dates back to the 1560s with St. Augustine , established in 1565, holding the distinction of being the oldest permanent European settlement in what is now the United States. However, this early settlement did not lead to the same level of rapid colonization that took place in the British colonies to the north, as the climate made large-scale settlement, especially inland, difficult for Europeans who were used to milder climates. Attempted settlements by Europeans, such as the New Smyrna Beach colony owned by a British man who employed former inhabitants of the Balearic Islands, were not always successful as challenges of climate and disease took their toll on the residents, who themselves ultimately moved to St. Augustine . From this time onward the state would not see large-scale economic and population expansion until Florida's statehood in the 19th century, when agriculture — including notably orange trees — and later tourism would achieve important roles in the state's economy.

Along with the climate challenges, battles and competing claims for the region posed a challenge to the region's settlers. However, many Africans and African-Americans moved to Florida during the territory's early years because King Charles of Spain had issued a royal proclamation freeing all slaves who fled to Spanish Florida, if they converted to Catholicism.

Native Americans, including members of the Calusa tribe, fought effectively to defend their tribal lands from European colonization of the region; therefore it was some time before Europeans established colonies. However, once Europeans took control of the Florida region, oppression and killing of Native Americans — often as a result of war or disease — was tragic as it was in many other regions of the Americas. Following substantial depopulation of the state's native tribes, the Seminole tribe moved in and established themselves in Florida in the 18th century, though several conflicts between the Spanish, attempting to maintain Florida, and Americans attempting to annex the region, made an already disputed territory's political situation complex for Native Americans and settlers. Native Americans living in Florida fought hard and continued to guard their independence after Spanish Florida was ceded to the United States in 1821.

The new territory of the U.S. was a slave plantation economy, much like the rest of the South at the time; the Seminoles gladly welcomed runaway slaves and accepted them into their tribe. However, after the Second Seminole War, almost the entire tribe was deported west of the Mississippi River as part of the Trail of Tears .

Florida was admitted to the Union as a slave state in 1845, but seceded and joined the Confederacy with the rest of the South in 1861. Largely untouched by the American Civil War , the state enforced Jim Crow segregation laws against its then very large (approximately 44%) black population for a century after the Confederates' defeat. By the early 20th century, Florida had more lynchings per capita than any other state.

However, there were three 20th-century migrations that fundamentally changed the character of Florida, to the extent that many people no longer consider much of the state to be culturally Southern: the move of one-fifth of the state's African-American population to the Northern United States as part of the Great Migration during the first decades of the 20th century; the arrival of an increasing number of white retirees from the North after the spread of air conditioning in the 1950s; and the arrival of several waves of Cuban immigrants after the victory of Fidel Castro in 1959, who established themselves primarily in South Florida, particularly Dade County . Florida has also seen major influxes of Latino immigrants from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Central and South America, and Mexico, and there have also been many Haitian immigrants.

Culture [ edit ]

Florida is geographically the southernmost of the contiguous United States, and it is a unique blend of societies. The Florida Panhandle , much of North Florida , rural areas of Central Florida , and the Florida Heartland remain part of the cultural region of the South , where you will find traditional southern cooking, entertainment, dialect, and lifestyles, much as you would expect in states like Georgia or Alabama . Generally, the further south you go in the state, the more unlike the South it seems, and although Southern culture can be found in every region of the state, it is not always prevalent.

Cities such as Tampa and Orlando offer the feel of the South, alongside many other cultures. There are a lot of Southerners in these areas, but also many people who are from other areas like the Midwest or the Northeast . Miami , on the other hand, is unique in that it feels like a cross between an American metropolis and a major Latin American city (like Rio or São Paulo ). There are some Seminole Native American reservations and villages throughout southern Florida, namely in the Everglades , and their indigenous culture can be experienced by visiting a shop and browsing arts and crafts. The southernmost Florida Keys offer yet another flavor, full of the casual, slow-paced atmosphere of beach life. In short, Florida is a full-fledged region of the United States in its own right.

Much of the southern part of Florida is inhabited by people of Hispanic or Latino origin. The region that is substantially to in places majority Hispanic or Latino extends north to Orlando. There are large Cuban and Puerto Rican populations in Miami and the south side of Greater Orlando , respectively. The white population is higher to the north, and by the northern border with Georgia and Alabama, the Hispanic/Latino population is very low. The Black or African-American population is primarily on the mainland and throughout the state, with historically Black communities and history in the Daytona Beach metro area, Jacksonville , and Gadsden County in the Panhandle. The ethnic diversity of Florida, while not particularly cosmopolitan outside of certain urban centers, has contributed substantially to the culture, with Spanish spoken in some areas, but in the north, a tendency toward American cuisine and English language exists with few alternatives and much of the population of this region are known by outsiders as "rednecks." There are smaller communities of ethnic minorities including those of Anglo- or Franco-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin, but these have a smaller impact on the state's culture than the largest ethnic groups.

Due to a combination of factors, despite the state's high urbanization relative to many other Southern states, it does not lean as "liberal" as many comparably urban and ethnically diverse states in the North. The state is considered to be on the tipping point between left and right, but despite the prominently right-wing government that scraped through the 2018 elections, the state as a whole is middle of the road for the U.S. Orlando, state capital Tallahassee , Fort Lauderdale and college town Gainesville lean left while most of Miami, Tampa - St Petersburg , southwest Florida, parts of the east coast and rural inland and Panhandle lean conservative when compared with demographically similar communities in other parts of the country. However, almost all regions of the state are politically diverse.

Landscape [ edit ]

Florida's coastline is world class , with several gorgeous beaches, bays, and estuaries. The Floridian landscape is extremely flat, however, with lakes and wetlands scattered throughout most of the state, though a mixture of ecosystems distract from the lack of topography. The only exceptions are parts of Highlands, Polk, Lake, and a few other counties in the center of the state where rolling hills are common. The highest point in the state is the 345 ft (105 m) Britton Hill on the Panhandle, and the 298 ft (91 m) Iron Mountain in Polk County is the highest point on the Peninsula.

Florida's cities tend to be big, sprawling, and well-developed, but not as close to each other as an atlas might imply. Despite being a densely-populated state, there are fortunately still several expanses of wilderness left, although these are often near or between populated urban areas.

Some rural parts of the state grow citrus and sugar cane, but farmland tends to be in regions outside the usual tourist areas. The Florida Panhandle and most of North Florida consist of farmland and pine trees, but as you travel south, you'll see more wetlands and urbanization, culminating at the Everglades in the far south of the state near Miami. The Florida Keys are a small chain of tropical islands with their own unique geography.

Climate [ edit ]

Florida is known around the world for warm and sunny weather and this has led to the state being a major tourist destination. Florida has the mildest winters on the US mainland, and retirees and temporary residents known as "snowbirds", flock to the state in the cold season. Coastal areas experience gentle breezes during the summer, and the beach is usually the coolest place to be.

While those coastal breezes are a welcome relief from the scorching temperatures, they are also the cause of a well-known Florida weather feature: thunderstorms . While the storms are often brief, they are common, and anyone visiting Florida during the rainy season (mid-June to September) should plan a few indoor activities in the afternoons as a backup. Florida's thunderstorms occur every day during the rainy season and typically form 20-30mi (32-48km) inland and either move toward the center of the state or toward the coast. Due to this, rain can be occurring just a few miles inland from the coast, while those at the beach experience a beautiful day.

While the storms cool the air, bringing a welcome though often short relief to stifling temperatures, many produce considerable amounts of dangerous lightning and some bring hail, high winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) or more, and tornadoes. See the "stay safe" section for thunderstorm safety. Many tourist areas, such as Walt Disney World , have multiple attractions available even during downpours.

The spring is the driest time of the year, leading to wildfires nearly every May and early June.

The six-month hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and Floridians have learned to be ready when a storm threatens the area. If you plan on visiting during the months of June through November and especially during the peak of the hurricane season from August through October, stay aware of the news and weather advisories. Information is available from the National Hurricane Center . Cyclones are unlikely but possible in the month of May.

From June through October is the hot and wet season in Florida. High temperatures are often in the 80s to 90s F and lows in the 70s. The Bermuda High pumps in hot and unstable tropical air from the Bahamas and Gulf of Mexico, which help create the daily thundershowers that are typical in summer months in Florida. Intense but very brief downpours are common in summer in much of Florida. Normally, the wet season starts to fade by early November in northern Florida and reaches southern Florida by late November.

From December through April the weather in much is Florida is mild and often dry. The dry season (or winter) is often the driest and most sunny season in Florida, Average high temperatures range from the low 60's in northern Florida to the mid 70's F in far southern Florida. Overnight lows fall to the middle 40's in northern Florida to near 60 F in far southern Florida. A few times each winter, a strong cold front may drop temperatures to near freezing across northern Florida, though in many years there is no freeze at all from central Florida southward. In the driest months, Florida often has long periods of rainless weather, and by April drought conditions with brush fires and water restrictions in place are sometimes.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Visit Florida website

Talk [ edit ]

English is the official language of the state. However, Spanish is the native language of approximately 20% of Florida residents, and the further south you go, the more Spanish speakers there will be. In some parts of South Florida , Spanish is the preferred language in everyday activities. Miami is most notable, where nearly 80% of residents do not speak English as their native language and 30% do not speak any English at all. Tampa also has a sizable Spanish-speaking population, and neighborhoods where it is almost exclusively spoken. Like anywhere where there is a large presence of another language, expect Spanish words or expressions used or calqued into everyday English.

Gullah, a distinctive English-based creole, is spoken by some African-American communities along the northeastern coast, near the border with Georgia.

Native-born non-Hispanic Floridians from the northern part of the state will usually speak with a Southern accent. However, after the migration of millions of Americans from all over the country to the central and southern parts of the state, the Southern dialect is becoming diluted with other accents. Residents of Miami often speak in a distinctive accent with strong influences from Cuban Spanish.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

• 28.429444 -81.308889 1 Orlando International Airport ( MCO  IATA ) - your choice airport for Disney World and the other attractions in Central Florida . Located south of downtown Orlando , this airport offers tons of car rentals and free shuttles to Disney and Universal for visitors. Being centrally located it serves as a hub or focus city for Jetblue, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit Airlines. There are international connections from South America, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Europe and the middle east.
• 25.793333 -80.290556 2 Miami International Airport ( MIA  IATA ) - the biggest airport for travel in South Florida , it's the best option for trips to the Everglades or Miami's beaches. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and the most popular entry point with a wide variety of flights from Europe, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Cuba and Mexico.
• 27.979818 -82.534845 3 Tampa International Airport ( TPA  IATA ) - serves the Gulf Coast, namely the Tampa Bay area. There are direct flights offered from all over the U.S. and from a number of international destinations in Canada, Cuba, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Other large airports can be found in Pensacola , Fort Myers , Tallahassee , Saint Petersburg / Clearwater , West Palm Beach , Sarasota , Key West , Gainesville , Melbourne , and Sanford . There are many more airports throughout Florida that may get you closer to your destination; watch for these smaller airports while researching your destination.

By car [ edit ]

Three Interstate highways connect Florida with adjacent states:

Additional major highways entering Florida include:

By bus [ edit ]

Many bus companies operate services to Florida from neighboring states and from the major airports in the states. Service is most frequent along the interstates from large cities in neighboring states. See By bus under Get around for a list of bus companies serving the state.

By train [ edit ]

Amtrak has two services to Florida:

• Amtrak Auto Train (Trains #52 & 53) carries passengers and automobiles between Lorton , Virginia and Sanford, Florida (north of Orlando ), effectively serving as a car-rail link to Florida from the Washington, D.C. metro area. This train makes no stops between Lorton & Sanford and is a way to cut back on the extra mileage and wear and tear on the car.
• Amtrak Silver Service (Trains #91 & 92 and #97 & 98 respectively) are two routes that both begin in New York City and end in Miami . The trains follow the same route heading to Florida, except in North and South Carolina . Within the state, the trains run the same line from Jacksonville to Kissimmee . There, they split again, and the Silver Star (Trains #91 & 92) diverges to head west towards Lakeland and Tampa while the Silver Meteor (Trains #97 & 98) continues south towards Winter Haven . Both routes meet again further south and serve the rest of the stations along Florida's east coast to Miami.

By boat [ edit ]

Florida is possibly the largest state for cruise ship vacations in the United States. Cape Canaveral , Tampa , Miami , and Fort Lauderdale are all popular starting ports, with cruises heading throughout the Caribbean . There are also many short-term casino cruises that depart from Pinellas County and around South Florida .

Ferry service [dead link] is also available to and from the Bahamas , with service between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport , and between Miami and Bimini .

Get around [ edit ]

Traveling by car is the most common and most convenient way to get around the state for travelers and locals alike. For the traveler car rental agencies are abound in Florida and many are available at every major airport. Orlando , in particular, is known as the "Car Rental Capital of the World". With Florida being the most visited state in the US, car rental rates here are among (if not the) lowest rates in the country due to sheer volume.

Florida's major highways include:

Flying may be a more reasonable option for crossing large expanses of the state especially between South Florida (Miami and Ft Lauderdale) and the Panhandle (Pensacola and Tallahassee) while others will be relatively short (Ft Lauderdale to Orlando). Silver Airways and Atlantic Airlines offer the most point to point intrastate connections between large and small airports in different route combinations. American Airlines/American Eagle operates intrastate flights from their base in Miami to Jacksonville, Key West, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa. To a lesser extent Frontier , JetBlue , Southwest and Spirit have flights from their base in Ft Lauderdale and Orlando to Ft Myers, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and/or Tampa.

The bus is not the most glamorous way to get around the state, but it can be the cheapest. There is fairly frequent service from Orlando (as a 'de-facto' hub) to Naples (via Tampa Bay, Ft Myers); South Florida (W Palm Peach, Ft Lauderdale, Miami); Jacksonville (via Daytona Beach, Ft Pierce); and the Panhandle (via Gainesville, Ocala, Tallahassee) with multiple companies. Others offer connections to the Keys through Miami-Dade and north towards Jacksonville along I-95 without going through Orlando. Check schedules. Many of the smaller companies, county bus services, and those connecting rural towns are not listed, check the article of your destination and the schedules of the company for all the transportation options. Information on transit (local public transportation) can be found here :

• Greyhound Lines , toll-free: +1-800-231-2222 . Connects South Florida (Miami and Ft Lauderdale) to Tampa, Naples and Jacksonville through Orlando with onward connections to Atlanta, Savannah, Houston and other cities north from Orlando. They also operate a less frequent service from Miami to Tampa via Belle Glade, Clewiston and Ft Myers. They also go south to Key West via the Florida Keys from Miami and north towards Jacksonville from Miami along I-95. Check schedules.  
• Jet Set Express , ☏ +1 407 649-4994 . Venue at stop open 24/7 . Thrice Daily departures to Ft Pierce, Kissimmee, Orlando from the Miami. Check schedules for a listing of other stops which are serviced once or twice daily. ( updated Jul 2019 )
• Keys Shuttle , ☏ +1 305-289-9997 , toll-free: +1-888-765-9997 . The company provides door-to-door service to the Keys from the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports (and vice versa). ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Megabus . Connects South Florida (Miami and Ft Lauderdale) to Tampa, Naples and Jacksonville through Orlando with onward connections to Atlanta, Savannah and other cities.  
• Omnibus la Cubana , ☏ +1 305-541-1700 . Connects Miami to New York City through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Washington, DC; Elkton, Maryland; Philadelphia and New Jersey on a single route. In Florida they serve Miami, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Deltona and Jacksonville. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Our Bus ( Operated by different bus companies on contract to Our Bus ), Terminal B of the Port of Miami Cruise Terminal , ☏ +1 844 800-6828 . Operates service between the Miami Cruise Terminals, Ft Lauderdale Airport, Tampa, Sarasota and Ft Myers. Fares range from $10 to $22 or more .  
• Palm Lines . Connects Chicago to Miami through Jacksonville, St Augustine, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Vero Beach and West Palm Beach along I-95 in Florida ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Redcoach , ☏ +1 407-851-2843 , toll-free: +1-877-733-0724 . Service from Tallahassee to Miami via Ocala, Gainesville and Ft Lauderdale. One branch go through Orlando through Ft Pierce, W Palm Beach and Pompano Beach. Another go through Tampa, Ft Myers and Naples. ( updated Sep 2017 )

There are a number of local and regional public transportation agencies that offer intercity bus services throughout the state. Information on transit can be found here .

• Tri-Rail , ☏ +1 954 783-6030 . M-F 4AM-11:35PM (different weekends) . The regional rail for South Florida with a single 18-station route from its north end at Mangonia Park, through Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach to its south end Miami Airport. It runs the same route as the Amtrak Silver Service from Miami to West Palm Beach with the same shared stops at West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. This train is connected to Miami International Airport by the MIA Mover shuttle train, to the Fort Lauderdale Airport by a shuttle bus, and to the West Palm Beach Airport by Palm Transit bus route 42 or 44 and the Tri-Rail Shuttle Bus. $2.50-11.55 for one-day pass . ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Brightline . Several departures daily . A private railroad running passenger trains since early 2018, initially between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with service to Miami added in the summer of 2018. An extension to Orlando International Airport from West Palm Beach was opened in 2023. Plans are underway to continue the route from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World, and eventually to Tampa. Brightline trains operate on separate tracks and stations than Amtrak and local commuter trains (which are shared with each other). $20-350 roundtrip . ( updated Mar 2024 )

By ferry [ edit ]

A high speed ferry service, the Key West Express , operates from the cities of Fort Myers and Marco Island with daily service to the Historic Seaport district of Key West . The ferry ride takes approximately 3½ hours and the Fort Myers vessels have a capacity exceeding 300 passengers. Amenities include outdoor sundecks, flat-screen TVs, galley service and a full bar.

See [ edit ]

Wildlife [ edit ]

Alligators, crocodiles, manatees, bears, armadillos, dolphins, spoonbills...Florida's diverse array of habitats are home to a variety of wild animals.

Unfortunately, with all the exotic wildlife come a host of insects, especially during the May-October period. These are often encountered outdoors, especially in forested areas, during the summer and are attracted by that season's hot, humid weather, so if you visit between May and early fall, expect to encounter mosquitoes or even "lovebugs". Lovebugs, which are typically seen for just a few weeks during spring and fall, are completely harmless except for the mess they make on moving cars, and are so named because they are seen in pairs. Even more developed areas, if near forests, can attract mosquitoes.

Along with the fauna is flora in its abundance (and variety) due to the warm and wet climate.

Itineraries [ edit ]

• US-1 and Interstate 10 go through the state.
• Lake Ashby Boardwalk crosses a portion of Lake Ashby in Volusia County, Florida, before entering the rainforest.

Do [ edit ]

• Go to the beach! You have numerous options here: Panama City Beach , Daytona Beach , New Smyrna Beach , St. Pete Beach , West Palm Beach and Siesta Key are some of the best.
• Walt Disney World - The most visited resort in the world, home to four theme parks, two water parks, and shopping, dining, and hotels galore.
• Universal Orlando - Disney World's biggest competitor, these two theme parks are home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• SeaWorld in Orlando and Legoland in nearby Winter Haven .
• Busch Gardens in Tampa .
• Visit Everglades National Park , a place like no other on Earth, and take an airboat ride through the swamps. A drive across the Everglades on US 41 is a great way to get a sense of the park's size and scenery. Check out Everglades City for great attractions.
• Explore some of the more than 150 Florida State Parks . The only three-time winner of the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal for state park systems. Get a Florida State Parks Annual Pass for free admission to most of the state parks, or discounted admission at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park , Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park .
• Visit the Seminole [dead link] or Miccosukee [dead link] Native American reservations throughout the state. Here you can find out about their history and culture, try their food, and gamble in the casinos on their land, which include several Hard Rock Casinos.
• Go scuba diving or snorkeling through the many coral reefs, sunken vessels, and diverse array of sea life off of Florida's coasts. The most colorful fish can be seen in the tropical waters of Miami and further south.
• Go hiking or backpacking in the many state and national parks and forests that have nature trails suitable for hiking and camping. A particularly good option is the Florida National Scenic Trail, a network of 1400 miles (2253 km) of hiking trails throughout the state. The most popular section of the trail is the 110-mile (177-km) loop encircling Lake Okeechobee.
• Go fishing , with some of the best fishing action in the world (both salt and freshwater). Several large and tough fighting species such as Sailfish, Tarpon, and Largemouth Bass can be found lurking in water throughout the state.
• Take a Cruise from the Port of Miami , Tampa , Fort Lauderdale , or Cape Canaveral on longer cruises run by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line or Disney Cruise Line . There are also short nightly casino cruises in various places.
• View a rocket launch , which are visible from virtually anywhere in the Peninsula when skies are clear. But the best viewing is up-close from Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach , Canaveral National Seashore , or Titusville .
• Check out the Florida State Fair , held every February near Tampa. It hosts an exposition of counties, where each Florida county has a display and a representative to answer questions. In addition, the fair has animal displays and shows, an exhibition dedicated to citrus, various dance & cheerleading competitions, and a large selection of rides and games.

Eat [ edit ]

Florida's cuisine is a mix of many influences and its styles vary across the state from North to South. North Florida has a more Southern style; South Florida a more Caribbean one. There specifically, early Spanish and African cuisines have been given a new spin with the impact of Cuban and other Caribbean cultures, as well as from "snowbirds" escaping the Northern U.S. winters. Being on a peninsula, Florida's chefs have always had access to fresh seafood, and the long growing season provides fresh native vegetables almost year round.

• Citrus is a main export, and a tourist is apt to see many roadside stands offering free samples of orange juice and fruits to be shipped or carried home. Florida also grows grapefruit, avocado, mango, papaya, passion fruit, kumquat, coconut and other tropical fruits. These often provide the base for sauces and marinades and are also used in marmalades, soups, and desserts. Official state welcome centers located on I-10, I-75, and I-95 as you enter Florida offer free samples of orange juice to all visitors, a tradition that goes back decades.
• Strawberries are another popular fruit in Florida. Plant City , off I-4 east of Tampa , is the center of the Florida strawberry industry, where during the peak season (Feb-Mar) many roadside vendors offer flats (16 pints/12 lb/5.4 kg) and half-flats of strawberries for a small fraction of grocery store prices. Since most stands are owned by the individual farmers, the fruit sold was often harvested that morning or the day before. Fresh Florida strawberries are a treat no tourist should miss, at least if you visit in-season.
• Grouper is a very popular seafood caught in Florida's coastal waters. Fresh grouper is offered in many coastal cities, where local restaurants buy it straight from fishermen, and it is often served fried or grilled on a sandwich. State inspectors have cracked down to ensure that all restaurants offering "grouper" are in fact serving grouper, and not another less expensive white fish. Snapper, snook, tarpon, marlin, and shark are other Florida fish that you can find at coastal restaurants, although they are not nearly as ubiquitous as grouper.
• Southern food is available throughout most of North and Central Florida . Barbeque is popular throughout the state, with many small "barbeque shacks" to choose from. Any platter costing over $10 ($15 for ribs) should be avoided as the less expensive restaurants are almost always best. Sweet tea is also common throughout the state, although unlike most areas in the South , you have a choice between sweet and unsweet tea. Boiled peanuts, which taste nothing like a regular peanut, can be found at roadside vendors and are certainly worth trying. Dishes such as fried chicken, grits, okra, biscuits & gravy, and collard greens can also be found in restaurants and buffets throughout the state.
• Cuban food is common in the Miami and Tampa areas, with the most common dishes being the Cuban sandwich, flan, and black beans & rice.
• Local specialties , not readily available in many other locales, include alligator . It is healthy and most say it tastes like chicken, and it is often prepared like chicken nuggets. Key lime pie , found elsewhere now, is a Florida Keys invention, made from the local key limes.

Florida bans indoor smoking in restaurants, but it is allowed outdoors unless the establishment prohibits it.

Drink [ edit ]

Alcoholic beverages abound throughout the state. However, five rural counties in the northern third of the state are "dry counties", and no alcohol is sold in them. Stand-alone liquor stores are often built into strip malls, supermarkets, and pharmacies, and most grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores sell beer and wine. Bars and clubs are popular throughout the state, with Miami Beach being well-known for a variety of themed and upscale bars with innovative mixed drinks. Unique bars and clubs can also be found in downtown Orlando and the nearby tourist areas closer to the theme parks and resorts of Disney and Universal .

No visit to Florida is complete without a cup of their famous orange juice .

Like every other U.S. state, the purchase and possession age for alcohol is 21 and it's fairly well enforced. Underage drinking "stings" are frequent in most tourist areas. Florida allows smoking in bars, including those that serve food, but the bar must get less than 10% of their revenue from food.

Buy [ edit ]

Florida is increasingly becoming a major destination for shopping . The Orlando and Miami areas are home to a plethora of shopping malls, including many outlet malls home to shops selling brand-name products for discounted prices. There are also a large number of stores selling souvenirs, although most are not locally produced. The Kissimmee area near Orlando, especially, has a much larger number of retail stores than is typical of U.S. cities. While traditionally these shops catered largely to American families on vacation, most now serve foreign shoppers who flock to these malls to buy products significantly cheaper than at home. It's not uncommon at some shopping malls in Orlando to encounter tourists from around the globe, especially on weekdays when most Americans are working. In the last few years, Brazil has become the largest source of international visitors to the state, with many coming on shopping group tours and sometimes wearing matching shirts. Due to this, major shopping centers in the Orlando and Miami areas now offer services in Portuguese .

Most goods for sale in the state are subject to sales tax. In most of the state the rate is 7%, but it varies from 6-7.5% (6% state sales tax and up to 1.5% local sales tax). This rate is almost never listed on the advertised or displayed prices.

Respect [ edit ]

If you're using a boat or other vehicle, like a jetski, in the water, it may be necessary to significantly reduce speed in areas inhabited by manatees and/or dolphins. Fast-moving vehicles can cause harm to a manatee's respiratory system.

Misuse of recreation areas has caused record manatee deaths in 2021.

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ]

Essentially all hotels offer Wi-Fi internet access for guests, and almost always for free; some even have Ethernet ports for higher-speed wired connections. Many businesses also have free Wi-Fi. This even includes some clothing/department, grocery, and convenience stores in addition to the more typical restaurants and shopping malls. All the main airports have free Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi internet access is also available at public libraries . It's almost always free for everyone with their own device (laptop, smartphone, tablet). Computers set up for internet access by patrons require a username and password to access; nearly all libraries will issue a "guest pass" for non-cardholders, though there is occasionally a nominal fee. Use of library computers is subject to time limits which vary widely.

The large majority of "internet cafes" in the state are actually nominally illegal casinos, set up for online gambling in an attempt to circumvent gambling laws. Such internet cafes do not have typical computers for general use. Instead, they are usually enclosed in a slot machine-style cover with only a few buttons to press, and set up to only view gambling websites. Patrons pay for short periods of time, sometimes using odd methods like buying prepaid phone cards. After a high-profile crackdown on an operator of dozens of such internet cafes, the state banned the opening of all new internet cafes in 2013.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Dialing 911 at any telephone will reach the emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, etc.). Any phone connected to a U.S. network, regardless of whether or not it has a paid account, must be able to dial 911 if it is connected to the network, and such calls are always free.

Crime [ edit ]

Florida has varying crime intensity from city to city. In certain areas of the large cities it may not be safe to walk alone or even in small groups at night, although these are the exceptions and most of Florida is safe for visitors. Tourist areas rarely have violent crimes, but theft is an occasional occurrence. If the area doesn't feel safe, then it probably isn't.

Clip joint operators who trick visitors into paying large amounts of money for low-quality services may use local police to shake down voyagers under a Florida law that requires bar and restaurant patrons pay a disputed bill first and take it up later with their credit card company.

Weather [ edit ]

Florida has a high occurrence of hurricanes , though they don't hit the state every year. You might want to check the hurricane safety page if you are visiting Florida during the Hurricane Season, which runs June 1 to November 30.

Few places in the world experience more frequent lightning strikes than Florida. The summer thunderstorms in Florida produce frequent lightning, which kills people each year and injures many more. Stay indoors during a thunderstorm and never seek shelter under a tree. Most casualties occur on golf courses, but lightning strikes everywhere. If you must go outdoors during a storm, try to stay away from any tall object, especially trees or anything made of metal.

Occasionally, thunderstorms will bring hail, high winds, and tornadoes . While the historical number of tornadoes in Florida is somewhat high, the overwhelming majority have occurred during hurricanes (Hurricane Jeanne alone spawned over 200 tornadoes in Florida). While some do occur during winter cold fronts and summer thunderstorms, 99% of them are weak (F-0/F-1). Thus, while statistics may suggest otherwise, tornadoes are not a big hazard in Florida.

Watch where and when you swim. While the beaches are great they sometimes harbor rip currents, bacteria, and jellyfish . Always check with the lifeguard stand or ranger station before heading in if no one is in the water or if the waves are rough.

Red tide is the name for harmful algal blooms that can occur on Florida's Gulf coast. They cause fish kills and water discoloration, and release toxins into the air that cause respiratory irritation. People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, should avoid areas where red tide is occurring. Swimming in water afflicted by red tide can cause skin and eye irritation and is not recommended.

Heavy rain can make the roads dangerous. Although many highway drainage systems in Florida are well-designed by necessity, it can be almost impossible to see through your windshield during the worst rainstorms. Light and torrential rain can be a hundred feet apart, so when you hit heavy rain, it's common for vehicular traffic to slow to speeds as low as 20 mph if necessary, even on major interstates. However, there are a few drivers who ignore the protocol and drive fast anyway. Even though it's common, it's illegal to drive with hazard lights on in the rain. Use them only if you are completely stopped.

Alligators are a threat throughout Florida (even in inland areas like Orlando and the Walt Disney World ), and it should be assumed that they are present in all stagnant or slow moving freshwater. Never swim in any lakes or rivers unless signs tell you swimming is safe, and beware when approaching the water anywhere. Do not allow children or pets to approach the water's edge.

Bears and Florida panthers , common before the arrival of Europeans in Florida, are now both endangered in the state. If you do see either, back off slowly or keep your distance, and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms above your head. When hiking, make lots of noise to avoid startling an animal, and always keep small children close to you. Both species are endangered and protected under Florida law, and harassing or injuring one (even in a vehicle accident) will result in prosecution.

Volusia County is known for a high number of shark attacks , but they can occur anywhere in the state, so be careful when surfing. Even so, the number of attacks are less than 50, with a fatal attack every 2-3 years, amongst millions of visitors and residents who swim in the ocean. Swimming near dusk and dawn is the most hazardous.

Lionfish are a poisonous and invasive fish that are now present on reefs throughout Florida. They can be identified by their red-and white striped bodies and poisonous spines. Stings are extremely painful and often require hospitalization. Due to their status as an invasive species, any sighting of lionfish should be reported to wildlife management authorities immediately.

Jellyfish are also sometimes common at the beaches, and venomous snakes can be found year round across the state, so it is good to be wary of both.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ].

A large number of countries have consulates in and around Miami , with a much smaller number in Jacksonville , Orlando and Tampa . Full listings for these consulates and honorary consulates are in the articles for the cities where they are located. Always call ahead to determine if the consulate offers the services you require, such as passports, visas, and other official documents, as these services are increasingly being centralized at other locations. Some websites are available only in Spanish .

Go next [ edit ]

• Georgia - Heading out of Florida to the north is Georgia, with the historic city of Savannah and the resort beaches of Jekyll Island close by.
• Alabama - North of the Panhandle is Alabama, with the historic port of Mobile and popular resort town Gulf Shores a short drive away from this region of Florida.
• Caribbean - The islands of the Caribbean are accessible by boat and plane from across Florida and offer a variety of both relaxing and adventure travel amidst a tropical paradise. For those interested in visiting the Bahamas , many owners of small boats will make the day-long trip to the island chain, and several small airlines offer flights for under $70 each way.

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The 12 Best Places to Visit in Florida, According to a Lifelong Resident

The Sunshine State has it all, but these are Florida's best vacation destinations, according to a fourth-generation resident.

Year-round sunshine, miles of beaches, and almost as many palm trees as people — what's not to love? Florida is where the world goes on vacation.

While the state eats, sleeps, and breathes tourism, deciding exactly where to visit in Florida can be the hardest part. Any kind of traveler can enjoy a trip to Florida because the state has it all: fabulous resorts , theme parks for families, outdoor adventures for nature lovers, and historical significance for the curious.

As for the question of the best places to visit in Florida, there's really no wrong answer, but as a fourth-generation Floridian, here's my take.

The Palm Beaches

Think of the Palm Beaches as a fast pass to the best of Florida. An umbrella term for the cities of Palm Beach County, the region includes spots like West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Wellington, Delray Beach, Jupiter, and Boca Raton.

The sheer diversity of activities available in the Palm Beaches is its strength. You can shop, surf, scuba dive, enjoy brunch with your pup , watch an international polo match, relax on 47 miles of shoreline, meet rehabilitating sea turtles , take a quick two-night cruise to the Bahamas , see a Broadway musical at the Kravis Center , and catch a foul ball at a spring training baseball game. Out west, you can book airboat tours of the Everglades or get up close and personal with rhinos, giraffes, and zebras at Lion Country Safari , a cageless, drive-thru zoo spread over 600 acres.

If you're after a ritzy resort stay, Palm Beach and Boca Raton have you covered. Nothing beats The Breakers — you'll be treated like royalty — but The Colony Hotel , Eau Palm Beach , and The Boca Raton are harbingers of a modern era in Palm Beach.

Across the bridge, West Palm Beach has a big-city feel without the headaches of traffic and congestion. Take the free trolley between Clematis Street, The Square , and the waterfront, or head out to Grandview Public Market in the up-and-coming Warehouse District.

Hilton West Palm Beach houses Galley, a restaurant with tasty cocktails, fresh seafood, and gourmet pizzas, and The Ben West Palm and Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown both have rooftops with stellar views.

St. Augustine

As the oldest city in America , St. Augustine has had a lot of time to get it right. Settlers arrived in the mid-1500s and some still-standing spots, like the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos, date back almost that far. It's a walkable town imbued with intrigue; whispers of the past swirl through every cobblestone alley.

In St. Augustine, learning about the area's history (preferably via ghost tour once darkness envelops the city) is a given. But there are also newer arrivals built to please the modern explorer, like Ice Plant for cocktails and the Alligator Farm for a perfectly Floridian animal encounter. Visit during St. Augustine's annual Nights of Lights event around Christmas to see the city sparkle in the glow of three million lights.

For the perfect marriage of history and a cozy breed of luxury, book a stay at the adults-only Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens , where you can tour the grounds with the property historian and gather for expertly crafted cocktails at The Well Bar. For a taste of old-world elegance, St. Francis Inn — built in 1791 — is a bed-and-breakfast that captures the spirit of the city and all there is to love about homey accommodations. It's located right on St. George Street, St. Augustine's main drag.

Once you've walked up an appetite, head to dinner at Michael's Tasting Room , The Floridian , or O.C. White's , a historic restaurant in the heart of the action. Or, for something a bit more casual, stop into A1A Ale Works for perhaps the best root beer of your life, served alongside a beautiful view of the Bridge of Lions.

Florida Keys

Stretching 113 miles from Key Largo to the southernmost point of the continental United States in funky Key West, the Florida Keys is a veritable paradise; pick any Key along the way and you're guaranteed a tropical getaway with no need for a passport. Fill your itinerary with activities like boating, diving, fishing, snorkeling coral reefs, feeding 10-foot tarpon at Robbie's , and generally enjoying one of the best destinations in the world for the let-your-hair-down brand of vacationing.

Key Largo boasts the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo , the first all-inclusive in the Keys, while Playa Largo is a solid choice for families or anyone who loves an action-packed trip; there are pools, water sports like sailing, parasailing, and kayaking, and even a hammock garden for reading.

For the best seafood (and Key lime pie) in the Keys, book a table at The Fish House , a family-owned Key Largo institution that's set apart by the fact that they're one of the only restaurants sourcing exclusively from local fishermen, so your fish is as fresh as it gets.

Orlando and Central Florida

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Orlando is the destination of choice for many people planning a vacation to Florida, and for good reason: There's Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom, Epcot , Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Animal Kingdom, Discovery Cove, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , Gatorland, and more. While those spots will always be popular among visitors and locals alike, there's more to this Florida region.

For example, head due east from Orlando and you'll land at NASA's Kennedy Space Center , where you can explore a complex dedicated to all things space travel, and even watch rocket launches. To the north, quieter Winter Park is considered the Palm Beach of central Florida. There, you can enjoy lakeside sunsets and stroll under canopies of old oak trees. Eat breakfast at Briarpatch and dinner at Hillstone Restaurant .

There are also plenty of ways to get outdoorsy and adventurous in Florida once you've escaped the tourist traps of Orlando. Some distance from the Orlando area, but still in central Florida, you've got the Blue Grotto , a 100-foot clearwater cavern that's popular with divers, and also Rainbow Springs State Park , where you can lazily float down Rainbow River in an inner tube.

Crystal River

Slower-paced, lesser-known Crystal River is a sleepy, tucked-away destination on Florida's western coast. Crystal River has little by way of culinary and nightlife offerings, but it's home to the most striking natural beauty of Florida, especially for those who love being on the water.

A clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the enchanting springs of Crystal River, and wintertime visitors have a good chance of paddling alongside any of the hundreds of manatees who migrate into the springs each year. As you tour Hunter Springs, Jurassic Springs, and Three Sisters Springs, you may also spot dolphins, turtles, birds, and other wildlife. Nearby Plantation on Crystal River offers simple, no-frill waterfront accommodations spread across 232 acres on Kings Bay.

For an even more delightfully Florida vacation activity, head to one of the legendary live mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park , about an hour's drive south of Crystal River.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Jamie Ditaranto/Travel + Leisure

When it comes to the best places to visit in Florida, no destination packs a sizzle quite like Miami. It's a global city with everything you could hope for in terms of great eats, hotels, and party venues. In the uber-Instagrammable Art Deco District in South Beach, you'll find bubbling creativity and the sort of old-meets-new style that keeps Miami on the map, and at nearby Wynwood Walls , there's street art and sky-high murals galore.

If you're planning a trip, August is by far the best month to visit Miami, as long as you're into indulgent five-star experiences. During this month, the perfect trifecta of citywide deals converge: Miami Spa Months , Miami Spice Restaurant Months , and Miami Hotel Months . The promotions give visitors a chance to stay at places like Mandarin Oriental, Miami , book ultra-luxe spa treatments, and dine at the city's best restaurants for a fraction of the usual price.

A bit further north of Miami, bustling Fort Lauderdale is another seaside metropolis where you can spend action-packed days and nights. Work your way down the Ale Trail for craft brews and bites, or board the Water Taxi for a different perspective on the city — it's like a trolley system on water, fitting for what some call the "Venice of America" due to Fort Lauderdale's plentiful waterways. Hop off the Water Taxi at Las Olas Boulevard for the city's best shopping and dining.

Best of all, the new and modern Brightline connects Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in an hour or less.

Tampa Bay Area (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater)

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Tampa and its surrounding neighborhoods make up a tri-city haven on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens , or head over to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for an encounter with the slippery stars of the Dolphin Tale movies.

Clearwater Beach is a laid-back town that consistently ranks among the best beaches in Florida. Visit during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival to see monstrous sand carvings at the kind of beachfront art event only Florida can host. Stay at Opal Sands — it's a half-mile beach walk from the festival, and each one of its 230 guest rooms is waterfront. Together with St. Petersburg, the area is also an under-the-radar art and culture mecca of sorts, with murals and museums such as the visually stunning Dalí museum.

The Florida Panhandle consists of Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Destin, and Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. A popular spring break spot, the Panhandle relies heavily on tourism.

The Panhandle's calm Gulf waters and white-sand beaches are a major draw, but beach day alternatives abound: Visitors can hike, bike, or canoe in St. Andrews State Park or start happy hour early at Panama City Beach institutions like the delightfully over-the-top Pineapple Willy's (don't leave without ordering a po' boy with your frozen drink). In Destin, Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park will keep the whole family busy.

Amelia Island

Quiet little Amelia Island is popular with visitors who can appreciate a charming seaside destination with no crowds in sight. Plus, with rolling dunes and marshes instead of just flat, sandy beaches, the geography of the area packs added interest. There are beaches, of course, but nature lovers will also want to check out Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Fort Clinch State Park , home to the 19th-century Fort Clinch plus nature trails, camping grounds, and wildlife.

Another Amelia Island attraction is the oldest lighthouse in Florida, proudly standing 67 feet tall. Charming beachfront lodges and inns line Amelia Island, so visitors have their pick of endearing accommodations. Head to historic downtown Fernandina Beach on the island to shop or chow down at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival , an annual tradition dedicated to a shared love of shrimp.

A rural little island city with pastel homes, Cedar Key is a charmer. Visitors can expect secluded beaches and botanical gardens to wander, plus nearby natural springs to swim and paddle around in. Cedar Key is a simple spot, so it flies under the Florida tourism radar, but it's a nice place for anyone seeking a vacation that's a bit quieter than the state's more happening hot spots.

Some fun activities in and around Cedar Key include a day trip to nearby Manatee Springs State Park for an up-close animal encounter, especially during the cooler months, or biking, kayaking, and hiking. There's also Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge , Cedar Key Museum State Park , and the Cedar Key Historical Society & Museum if you want to learn more about the area. End your relaxing days with a sunset at Cedar Key Airport Beach.

Naples is another gem on Florida's western coast — the area is called the Paradise Coast for a reason. Romantic and ritzy, Naples is known for beautiful white-sand beaches, sprawling golf courses, high-end restaurants, and upscale shopping — a "sister city" of sorts to Palm Beach, located directly across the state on Florida's eastern coast.

If retail therapy is on the agenda (and it should be in Naples), head to Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South to put a dent in your credit limit. Or, if natural attractions are more your speed, head to the Naples Botanical Garden , Clam Pass Park , or the Naples Zoo . Art lovers will also find a lot to enjoy at Artis — Naples , a multidisciplinary organization home to The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, or any of the impressive art galleries dotting the city.

Everglades National Park

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

A national park trip may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Florida, but the state is ripe with one-of-a-kind spots (expect alligators and palm trees instead of bison and geysers) and Everglades National Park is its crown jewel.

Encompassing 1.5 million acres of preserved wetlands on the southern tip of the Floridian peninsula, the Everglades is actually a slow-moving "river of grass," comprising unique habitats such as coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and more. It's a wildlife lover's paradise, teeming with alligators, snakes, fish, more than 360 species of birds, and even endangered animals like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee.

For those eager to explore, there are trails and guided tours available; the main entrances are at Shark Valley, Florida City near Homestead, and Everglades City on the Gulf Coast. Visit during the park's dry season (November to April) for lower temperatures, more active wildlife, and fewer mosquitoes.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florida

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 20, 2024

Beaches, amusement parks, national parks, and an array of unique tourist attractions make Florida one of the most visited states in America. Families flock to Orlando to thrill the kids with visits to the theme parks, while sunseekers head to the coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and a string of cities along the southern Gulf Coast.

In summer, visitors from around Florida and surrounding states often escape the heat and head to the cooling breezes and brilliant white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

If you're looking for a taste of island life there is nothing quite like the Florida Keys , where life runs at a slower pace. Places like Key West and its cast of characters, seem a world away from the mainland.

Spread across the state are a long list of must-see sights and things to do, from the Kennedy Space Center right through to the Dayton 500. This is a state that lends itself to return visits, and you can plan your next trip with our list of the top tourist attractions in Florida.

1. Walt Disney World

2. kennedy space center, 3. universal studios, 4. miami beach and the art deco historic district, 5. everglades national park, 6. daytona 500 international speedway, 7. seaworld orlando, 8. busch gardens tampa, 9. manatee viewing, 10. dry tortugas national park, 11. duval street in key west, 12. st. augustine's historic district and the castillo de san marcos national monument, 13. edison and ford winter estates, 14. the ringling, 15. salvador dalí museum in st. petersburg, 16. beaches of naples, 17. the great florida birding and wildlife trail, 18. pensacola beach and the gulf island national seashore, 19. weeki wachee spring and live mermaids show, best time to visit florida.

For the ultimate amusement park experience, there's no place quite like Disney World in Orlando. The magic of Disney has not worn off over the decades as millions of visitors come here each year to enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the many other attractions of this mega amusement park.

The number of things to do and see here has grown over the years and now includes an extensive list that reaches far beyond the traditional theme parks. If you're looking for more ideas, consider checking out the water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the exotic animals of Animal Kingdom Park, or Disney Hollywood Studios.

You'll also find exceptional dining experiences, shopping areas, and shows, some of which are target to adults only.

Official site: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

The Kennedy Space Center is one of Florida's most exciting, fascinating, and educational attractions. Located on Florida's Space Coast, this huge complex is where space exploration has made history. Today, you can see rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet an astronaut, and learn about missions to space.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is divided into mission zones, each of which features interesting displays and interactive exhibits focused on specific themes. Displays are designed with all ages in mind, making this an engaging experience for adults or families.

The Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour takes you to restricted areas for a look at historic launch sites and other facilities with limited access to the public. This is included with your daily admission. Each area takes time to see, and you should expect to spend a full day at the Kennedy Space Center.

Many people visit the Space Center on day trips from Orlando , which is about an hour away if you don't hit traffic, but if you want to stay closer to get an early start at the Space Center, you can find quality chain hotels in Titusville.

Official site: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

Universal Studios in Orlando is a fantastic experience, and for many visitors, it often tops a visit to Walt Disney World. This huge amusement park offers all kinds of fantastic rides and recreated sets based on popular movies and shows. It's one of the best places to visit for families traveling with older children or teenagers.

Unbelievable 3D- and 4D-simulator rides; thrill rides; and wet and wild rides at the newest theme park, Universal's Volcano Bay , are some of the highlights. You can also find tamer rides for younger children to enjoy.

One of the most popular and impressive attractions is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , where you can board the Hogwarts Express, wander through Hogsmeade Village, or, of course, hop on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride.

Official site: https://www.universalorlando.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orlando

Although time spent lounging on the beach on a hot day is a must, Miami Beach is about much more than just the glorious, wide stretch of golden sand that lines the Atlantic. One of the things that makes Miami Beach so unique among Florida's beach destinations is the Art Deco Historic District. Beautifully restored buildings, mainly from the 1930s and early 1940s, reflect the city's vibrant history and create an ambience like you won't find in other cities.

Today, many of these buildings are high-end hotels, condominiums, and restaurants. Along Ocean Drive , the legendary oceanfront street overlooking South Beach, you'll find several outstanding Art Deco buildings, including the Hotel Breakwater South Beach, The Carlyle, and the Park Central Hotel (now part of the new Celino Hotel complex).

Collins Avenue is another street in the area worth strolling along, with more classic buildings. The Delano South Beach and the National Hotel Miami Beach, an adults only resort, are both standout Art Deco properties along Collins Avenue.

• Best Beaches in Miami
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami

Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of marsh and swamp, an important and fragile ecosystem that supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters, and many other species. It is one of the largest parks in the country and offers a unique opportunity to see some of these creatures in the wild.

The entire area is a wide, shallow river that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. The bottom of this river is porous limestone over the top of a bedrock base called the Tamiami Formation. It catches rainfall and acts as southern Florida's main water reservoir.

Airboat rides are the best way to see the Everglades and catch a glimpse of alligators and other wildlife. Half-day tours from Miami will take you from your hotel to the Everglades.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

The Daytona 500 race is one of the most famous and most important in the NASCAR Cup Series, kicking off the racing season each February. It is held in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway, and it attracts huge crowds every year.

The Speedway was built in 1959 to move auto racing off the beach. Previously, races and land-speed competitions were held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach. If you can't make the race itself, you can still take a tour to explore the Speedway.

Official site: http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Daytona Beach, FL

Much like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando is a mega amusement park that has long been an important part of family vacations to Florida. The complex features its classic dolphin and whale shows, as well as acts featuring a cast of unexpected characters, from cats and ducks to otters and sea lions.

Other highlights include the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin display and a host of other aquarium exhibits offering opportunities to see all kinds of marine life. Thrill rides, like the high-speed Mako roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 73 miles per hour, and the Journey to Atlantis water coaster ride are also a big part of the SeaWorld experience.

Busch Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Tampa area. This African theme park is home to all kinds of exotic animals and proudly claims to be one of the largest zoos in North America.

You can see lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and much more. Safari style tours in open-air vehicles offer an opportunity to see some animals, like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and ostrich roaming freely.

Other tours take you behind the scenes and offer a chance for close-up encounters with penguins, or a closer look at tigers and elephants. Live animal shows, featuring an unusual combination of characters, are another popular family activity.

Beyond the animal encounters, Busch Gardens also features all kinds of thrill rides, both wet and dry. While the wild and fast roller coasters get most of the attention, you can find rides for smaller children.

Official site: https://buschgardens.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tampa

These gentle, slow-moving giant sea creatures were once supposedly mistaken for mermaids by Christopher Columbus on his famous voyage to the Americas. When you see them up close in person, you may wonder if old Christopher had been at sea for just a bit too long.

Manatee viewing is a great family outing between November and mid-April, and fortunately Florida has several good spots to see these creatures. One of the most popular (and free) places to see manatees is at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach . As the waters in the surrounding bays cool with the winter weather, the manatees come into the lagoon by the plant to luxuriate in the warm water used to cool the power plant.

Another great spot for those with a bit more of a taste for adventure is Crystal River . Here, you can actually get in the water and swim with the manatees as they enjoy the warm-water springs.

Over on the West Coast in Riviera Beach, another good spot is the Manatee Lagoon and FPL Eco-Discovery Center . The viewing platforms are an ideal spot to see the manatees enjoying the warm waters below. In addition, it's a great place to educate the kids on not only manatees, but the wider Florida ecosystem.

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the impressive Fort Jefferson , built by the US Government in the 1800s. Although this is the key attraction of the park, the beautiful reef islands, seven in total, that make up the Dry Tortugas are themselves worth the trip. You can tour the fort and spend the rest of the day enjoying the soft-sand beaches and snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters.

Located 70 miles west of Key West, these islands are not accessible by car. Catamaran boat trips from Key West bring visitors here for a full day, some of which includes a tour of the fort, time for beaching and snorkeling, and breakfast and lunch.

You can also camp here and, once the tourists have left for the day, you can have your own desert island experience. Access is via private boat or the public ferry that carries a maximum of 10 campers.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in Key West

Most people touring the Keys make Key West their main destination due to its location at the end of the chain of islands. And fortunately, a leisurely stroll along Duval Street in Key West is one of the highlights of the Florida Keys. Shops and restaurants with outdoor patios, many in beautifully restored old buildings, line the street. There is always a lively vibe, regardless of the time of year, but even more so on days when cruise ships come to port.

Key West has a distinctly Caribbean flare, making it unique from other destinations around the state. In addition to Duval Street, there are lovely residential areas for walking and a number of interesting attractions, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Southernmost Point in the continental USA .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West, FL

Known for being one of the oldest settlements in Florida, although Pensacola would beg to differ, St. Augustine's historical sites and charming old architecture definitely make it worth a visit. At the top of the list of things to see is the late 19th-century Flagler College , one of the most photographed buildings in the city. It was originally built as a hotel by railroad magnate Henry Flagler.

Also not to be missed is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument , famous for being the "oldest masonry fort in North America," according to the National Parks Service. Built in the 17th century, it is remarkably well preserved and an impressive sight, even for those with little interest in history. The view over the coast is also quite spectacular.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Augustine, FL

These adjacent, oceanfront mansions in Fort Myers offer a glimpse into the lives and livelihoods of inventor, Thomas Edison, and the founder of the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford. You can tour the homes and outbuildings, see where Edison conducted experiments, wander through the palm-lined grounds, and learn about Edison's famous botanical experiments. Once you reach the seashore, you'll quickly understand why these two men chose to spend winters here instead of up north.

The Edison Botanical Research Lab , one of the most impressive portions of the tour, is a designated National Historic Chemical Landmark.

Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida

Official site: http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org

This outstanding, Venetian-inspired property, built mainly in the mid-1920s, consists of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ca' d'Zan, and gardens.

The Circus Museum celebrates the history of this unique form of performance. It displays all kinds of circus costumes, props, posters, and other memorabilia, and features exhibits on the history of the famous Ringling Bros. One of the highlights is a massive scale model of the circus as it approaches, sets up, and leaves a location.

The Ca' d'Zan was the residence of John and Mable Ringling. Their inspiration for this waterfront Venetian-style mansion came from their travels in Europe and the great palaces of Venice. The 36,000-square-foot home was completed in 1926 and is an architectural masterpiece in southern Florida.

A visit to the art museum, housed in a stunning pink palace, is almost jarring after you view all the relatively low-brow circus memorabilia. It showcases the Ringling's extensive art collection, which includes classic pieces by Velazquez, El Greco, Van Dyke, Veronese, and Rubens. It may seem to the casual visitor like John and Mabel Ringling were trying to overcompensate for their humble beginnings by collecting and showcasing these pieces.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida

Official site: https://www.ringling.org/history-ca-dzan

The Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is located on the city's impressive waterfront and housed in a unique modern building designed to match the creativity of the artist himself. Curving glass appears to envelope the otherwise box-like structure, giving the building a very striking appearance.

Inside, the museum showcases pieces from throughout Dalí's career, providing a complete overview of his development as an artist. Even those with little knowledge of his mind-bending art will find this museum interesting and thought provoking.

Address: One Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, Florida

Official site: https://thedali.org/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast are some of the best in the entire United States. Unlike their counterparts on the Atlantic Ocean, the water here is warm, generally calm, and often shallow. Beach resorts along this section make popular holiday destinations.

Of all the beach areas up and down this coast, some of the finest are located in Naples. Powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and lots of room to set up your umbrella and chair are what you can expect. One of the liveliest areas is right near the historic Naples Pier, where you'll find volleyball courts and the greatest concentration of sunseekers.

Naples' beaches have a laid-back atmosphere and are rarely crowded outside of holidays. You can access the main stretches of beach from town, or for a more natural experience, visit one of the state or local parks up and down the coast. Just back from the beach area is the delightful city of Naples , with exceptional dining and high-end shopping.

Florida's unique ecosystems, with the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, The Everglades, and the swamps and bayous of its northern portion, attract a wide assortment of birds. One of the best ways to check off species on your bird "to see" list is to follow the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Starting in Pensacola, and winding its way all across the state, the trail lists 510 birding hot spots, divided into four regions: East, Panhandle, South, and West. Many of the sites are located in state, county, local, or national parks and are always identified with a distinctive brown sign with a bird flying through a stylized O.

Official site: https://floridabirdingtrail.com/

One of Florida's hidden gems, Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Island National Seashore are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Blindingly white soft, squeaky sand is lapped by the green-blue crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You may bring a bestseller to read under your umbrella, but chances are you'll just end up gazing out at the amazing view.

Unlike beaches along Florida's East Coast, the beaches here are protected in many areas by the Gulf Island National Seashore Park. As a result, they have limited development, allowing for you to experience the seashore in its natural environment.

That isn't to say they are all natural. Pensacola Beach is one of the Panhandle's top beach destinations for its fun vibe, great restaurants, and affordable accommodations. While you are visiting, if you hear a roar in the sky, it's the Navy's Blue Angels aerial acrobatic team performing death-defying maneuvers.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Pensacola

Florida wouldn't be Florida without its weird and wonderful assortment of tourist attractions. Ask yourself, where else in the world can you go and see a live mermaid swimming in a freshwater spring?

Although it may seem a bit over the top, the show is actually quite entertaining and well worth a visit. Mermaids have been performing here for over 60 years, and a trip to Weeki Wachee is almost a rite of passage for many tourists. Grab one of the 400 seats in the underwater theater, and settle in for a show unlike anything you've ever seen.

The mermaid show is actually located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park . Other things to do include slipping and sliding on the waterslides at Buccaneer Bay, or taking a river boat tour.

Official site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee

Wondering when it's best to go south? Depending on where you're headed (i.e. the Florida Panhandle and northern, cooler part of the state or the sunny Florida Keys) and what you're hoping to do during your vacation (i.e. soak up warm rays or ride roller coasters), the best time to visit Florida is twofold: between February and May and October and December .

If you've ever been unlucky enough to be in Florida when it snowed (yes, that's actually happened), you'll understand why it's important to get your vacation timing right. Let's face it, most of us head to the Sunshine State for, well, sunshine. And we're not looking for that cold bright sun that sometimes peaks from a winter cloud. We're talking about luxuriously hot rays that warm our bodies from the outside in. With that in mind, the best month to visit Florida is any month between February and May. At this time, you'll avoid the coldest months of the year (November through January), as well as those which are so stifling you'll wish for a blizzard (namely July and August). Oh, you'll also miss out on hurricane season, which runs from June to November (peaking between mid-August and mid-October). Here's a rundown of why you should visit during these months:

February: This early month sees highs that average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in Miami and its lows dip to about 61. These temperatures will, of course, get warmer the farther south you go and colder for those heading north. The sun will shine on average for eight hours a day, and the sea temperature will be a refreshing 75 degrees. Rain only falls about six days of the month, so it's pretty dry and mild in February.

March : The highs are higher during this popular travel month, hitting about 77 degrees with lows of 64. Again, you won't see much rain, but you'll get an extra hour of sunshine over that found in February. Tourist numbers are on the up and up during this Spring Break month, which means you'll see more crowds. The popularity of March vacations in Florida also means you should be prepared for higher prices on everything from flights to hotel rooms to restaurants to attractions, especially if you're visiting during a school break.

April : This beautiful month offers warm temps (a high of 82) and even less rain (about 5 days) than its two predecessors. It's a busy travel month due to Easter, but once that's over, you'll see the crowds and inflated prices dissipate.

In terms of tourists, you won't have to fend them off since this is a shoulder month (a.k.a. that time between peak and off-peak seasons). In the case of Florida, the shoulder seasons can be found between April and May and September through November .

May : If you're looking for warmth, soak it up with the average highs of 87 degrees during this low-key month. You can enjoy low prices, lots of hotels to choose from, and much shorter lines at attractions, not to mention plenty of unimpeded space to stretch out on the silky soft beaches.

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16 Fun Things to Do in Orlando, Florida in 2024

Orlando is the sum of its parts, or rather, parks. The Central Florida city isn't called the "theme park capital of the world" for no reason – it's a top U.S. destination for hours of fun, with more than enough attractions and activities for

• All Things To Do
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Walt Disney World Resort Walt Disney World Resort

U.S. News Insider Tip : When park hopping, park at Hollywood Studios to limit driving from park to park. From there, you can get to Animal Kingdom by bus, EPCOT's World Showcase via the Friendship Boat or Skyliner and Magic Kingdom from the EPCOT monorail. – Johnaé De Felicis

Excessive, exhausting and expensive, Walt Disney World Resort is above all else enchanting. Composed of four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen hotels and the Disney Springs complex, this sprawling property features iconic sights and rides like Cinderella Castle, "it's a small world," Spaceship Earth, Toy Story Land and the Tree of Life. Even Anaheim's Disneyland can't compete, according to some.

Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort

U.S. News Insider Tip : Leverage single-rider lines to shorten ride wait times. Multiple rides have this option available on most days, including sought-after attractions like the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Revenge of the Mummy. – Johnaé De Felicis

Whether you're traveling with little ones, teenagers, friends or your significant other, odds are you'll find something to enjoy at Universal Studios Florida. This sprawling entertainment area features two theme parks, as well as the shopping and entertainment area, Universal CityWalk.

I-Drive I-Drive free

The International Drive area is one of Orlando's most diverse regions to visit. Situated less than 10 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, International Drive features a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including two outlet malls, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Pirate's Cove Adventure miniature golf course. Eateries here offer all sorts of cuisines or travelers can enjoy a meal while watching a themed show. For night owls, I-Drive boasts a Cuban-inspired Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, a Howl at the Moon dueling pianos venue, a Señor Frog's restaurant and bar, the world's largest permanent ice bar and more.

Though several former visitors caution that I-Drive tends to get clogged with cars, many said everything one could need is located along this road. Plus, prices here aren't quite as high as those found in the adjacent theme parks.

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Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an excellent alternative to the city's crowded theme parks. Though it's about 45 miles east of downtown Orlando in Merritt Island, Florida, the space center is worth a visit, especially for those interested in NASA history. Items and exhibits found on-site include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, NASA's former launch countdown clock, a garden with various rockets, astronaut training simulators and the space shuttle Atlantis. You can also take a tour of the property's facilities, watch space-themed IMAX movies or even have your photo taken with a real astronaut.

Space enthusiasts and families alike will enjoy exploring the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Most former visitors said the site offers tons to see and do, especially if you're looking to kill some time on a rainy day and many recommend spending the whole day there.

Fun Spot America Fun Spot America

Although this amusement park is not as well-known as those found at SeaWorld Orlando , Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort , Fun Spot offers a plethora of rides, including carousels, go-karts, tea cups and Ferris wheels. For thrill-seekers, Fun Spot America features an inverted roller coaster and a wooden roller coaster, the latter being the only one available in the city.

Recent parkgoers say the lines are short, service is excellent and that Fun Spot America is a budget-conscious option for the area. Single-day passes cost $59.95 when purchased online and give visitors access to most rides and the Gatorland-affiliated Gator Spot.

The Mall at Millenia The Mall at Millenia free

Popular brands like Apple and H&M rub elbows with high-end stores like Prada and Versace at the Mall at Millenia. Providing a nice change of pace from the overpriced souvenirs you'd purchase inside one of Orlando's parks, this mall houses approximately 150 stores to browse. It also offers a great way to pass the time on a rainy day.

Several prior shoppers appreciated the Mall at Millenia's assortment of stores, which appeal to an array of budgets. Another plus: the variety of dining options. Everything from grab-and-go eateries in the food court to chain restaurants like P.F. Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory can be found here. There's even a Capital Grille to satisfy shoppers looking to treat themselves to a formal meal.

Harry P. Leu Gardens Harry P. Leu Gardens

Swing by Harry P. Leu Gardens and get a sense of the real Orlando (it's not all thrill rides and character meet-and-greets). This botanical oasis – which sits 4 miles northeast of the city center – offers 50 acres of plants like camellias, roses and azaleas. Plus, there are horticulture classes, permanent and rotating art exhibits and a restored 19th-century home.

Recent visitors said this is a nice change of pace from park-palooza, even when it's not peak bloom season. According to many, the Butterfly Garden is a must-see, especially if you have kids with you. Many visitors remarked on the garden's permanent and visiting exhibits, which added another enjoyable element to the peaceful property.

Orlando Science Center Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a place to experiment and learn about all things science. A brief distance from the Harry P. Leu Gardens (about a mile), it's a must-see if you're a science and technology buff.

On-site exhibits include Fusion: A STEAM Gallery, a dinosaur exhibit that uncovers the history of the prehistoric world and Our Planet, Our Solar System. There's also a new nature and conservation exhibit opening in spring 2024, called LIFE. You can even watch educational films and programs at the Digital Adventure Theater or the large, domed screen at Dr. Phillips CineDome.

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Discovery Cove Discovery Cove

There are animal encounters and then there's Discovery Cove – a companion site to SeaWorld Orlando where you can get up-close with dolphins, stingrays, marmosets and otters. And since it's a reservation-only park (the park only admits up to 1,300 guests per day), you'll get to interact with the animals and trainers more intimately. Try snorkeling with tropical fish and rays in the park's coral reef or floating throughout the park's lush landscape on the Wind-Away River. If you need a break from the water, dry off on one of the beaches or feed some of the birds in Discovery Cove's Explorer's Aviary. All of these activities are included with your admission as is the use of snorkeling gear, wet suits and lockers. Unlimited food and drinks (including alcoholic libations) are included as well. Keep in mind that while meeting and swimming with dolphins is a main draw here, the experience isn't included in the base ticket.

According to recent visitors, it's this plethora of diverse attractions that make Discovery Cove such a memorable Orlando experience and many also comment on how relaxing the park is to visit. However, a few note issues with customer service and express concerns about animal care.

Orlando International Premium Outlets Orlando International Premium Outlets free

If you enjoy shopping, then no visit to Orlando would be complete without perusing the city's outlet malls. One of the best is Orlando International Premium Outlets. This outlet mall – which is the largest in Florida – houses everything from standard stores (think: Bath & Body Works, Claire's and J. Crew Factory) to high-end retailers like Armani and Coach. And when you need to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger, a coffeehouse and multiple cafes and snack shops are available.

Shopaholics rave about the retail options (and discounts) offered at Orlando International Premium Outlets. But remember, this shopping mecca is an open-air facility, so it's best avoided on rainy days. Also, parking is notoriously limited here, so consider taking a taxi or riding the bus or I-RIDE Trolley's Red Line to the property.

ICON Park ICON Park

It might not be Disney World , Universal Studios or SeaWorld , but ICON Park just adds to the list of places to eat, drink and be merry in Orlando. It's a popular go-to for family outings and date nights, offering indoor and outdoor fun for all ages, with more than 50 attractions, shops and restaurants with varying cuisines.

The main attraction is the Wheel at ICON Park—a 400-foot Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Orlando. Also on-site is a Madame Tussauds wax museum and a Museum of Illusions outpost. The Sea Life Orlando Aquarium features sea creatures from around the world. And if you're looking for a thrill, take your pick from the 7D Motion Theater, the 8,000-square-foot Max Action Arena or the Great Florida Road Trip Camera Game—a gaming and educational experience on the Wheel that walks you through the history of mid-century Florida. Gamers can also find plenty of fun at the on-site In the Game arcade.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

If you're in the mood to dwell in nature and explore some of the world's most fascinating creatures, consider spending a day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The 116-acre zoo houses more than 350 animals and an array of family-friendly attractions. Adventurers can see more than 100 of the planet's species, from grazing giraffes to slithering snakes. Head to Seminole Aerial Adventures for exhilarating thrills, complete with rope bridges, zip lines, swings and more.

Keep your kiddos entertained with a miniature train ride and an animal encounter at the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo, where they can meet a llama, pygmy goats and other small animals. To beat the heat, cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. Themed botanical gardens are scattered across the property; you may spot a few garden dwellers like hummingbirds and butterflies (especially at the enchanting Butterfly Garden). When you get hungry, stop by Graze Kitchen for burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Or, stop by Swirl for ice cream, churros or popcorn.

Orlando Golf Courses Orlando Golf Courses

If you're not coming to Orlando to explore its theme parks, chances are you've come to visit its links. More than 170 golf courses – many of which have ties to area resorts – can be found throughout Orlando and its suburbs. Walt Disney World Resort offers four courses, while guests who stay at accommodations located on Universal Orlando Resort  grounds receive golf privileges at select fairways.

According to prior visitors, some of Orlando's best greens include the Evermore Orlando Resort (formerly the Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando), the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando—Grande Lakes and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando , thanks in part to each property's beautiful surroundings and friendly staff. Another favorite: Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge's Champion, Challenger and Charger links. A few previous visitors of Disney's Magnolia Golf Course expressed that the courses are decently challenging and appreciated the friendly staff.

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Lake Eola Park Lake Eola Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you're planning a swan boat outing, you can save up to 40% on boat rental costs by purchasing it through Groupon. On-site, tickets cost $15 per 30-minute rental. – Johnaé De Felicis

Head to Lake Eola Park for a scenic stroll in the heart of downtown Orlando, complete with stunning views of the water, pretty foliage and the Orlando skyline. Its 0.9-mile walking path circles the park's pristine, blue lake, making it the perfect destination for a walk or run (if you haven't exhausted yourself at the theme parks). If your kids need to blow off some steam, take them to the playground.

SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld Orlando

While Mickey's house and Harry's wizarding world are certainly magical, many vacationers find Shamu's lair equally enchanting. At SeaWorld Orlando, take your pick of rides (including Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako) and an array of shows and exhibits. Others include the Dolphin Adventures show and Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight presentation.

Travelers love SeaWorld's animal experiences, heart-pounding rides and relaxed atmosphere, but some caution that food and merchandise are pricey and lines can be long thanks to massive crowds. Meanwhile, others warned that the park is better suited to older kids as most of the rides do not allow young children. A few travelers also noted issues with customer service.

Crayola Experience Crayola Experience

Have a colorful day at the Crayola Experience, located at the Florida Mall in Orlando. This 70,000-square-foot fun house is reportedly larger than an NFL football field. It's also home to the world's largest Crayola crayon (Bluetiful), weighing 1,352 pounds and measuring 15.6 feet.

Visitors who don't mind getting their hands dirty can create fun and simple craft projects at the Activity Studio. Wrap It Up! provides a space to name, personalize and wrap your own crayon. For little ones, the Crayola Experience features multiple play areas—from Toddler Town to the Color Playground. They can also test their footwork with the interactive Crayola game, Stomp! Skip! Play! There's a packed schedule of ongoing and seasonal live events here as well, like Sensory Sunday and Colorful Christmas. The Crayon Factory Show is particularly neat, showing guests how crayons are made.

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Our islands, beaches and neighborhoods have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Spend time visiting coastal islands and reconnect over beautiful sunsets. Share in the taste of fresh Gulf seafood and savor every moment together. Collect colorful seashells from white-sand beaches and create treasured family memories. Plan a vacation to write your own #MyFortMyers story.

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Find your oasis in Southwest Florida. Beautiful green spaces and botanical gardens spring forth tropical flowers and native plants. From famous gardens to tranquil parks, visit these Fort Myers gems all year round. 

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Its unique scenery and history set this city apart from any other in the country. This old town has a quaint feel, and boasts a big appeal. Visitors see why when they stroll along the brick-lined streets and delight in the city's European flavor, with centuries-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and hidden courtyards. Saint Augustine has plenty of history to explore — more than 450 years of it!

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Long before Europeans arrived, the Calusa and Tequesta Native Americans enjoyed the beauty and bounty of what we today know as the Florida Keys. Once accessible only by boat, the isolation of the Keys ended when Henry Flagler extended his railroad south, an industrious 128 miles of rail construction that crossed rock islands and open water. Agricultural trade flourished, and soon the commercial and sports fishing industry attracted many to the remote islands. Now one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world, many parts of the Florida Keys have been set aside for protection and public use, preserving irreplaceable habitats for future generations to enjoy responsibly.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park is known as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, beautiful coral reefs and marine life, and a vast assortment of bird life.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck Trail

The nine vessels along this Shipwreck Trail have many tales to tell, from the stories of individuals who came before us to why they were here and their difficulties in navigating these waters.

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1938 as a haven for great white herons, migratory birds, and other wildlife, this refuge consists of thousands of acres of open shallow saltwater and mangrove islands known locally as "the backcountry."

Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Created in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, Key West National Wildlife Refuge was one of the first refuges established in the United States. It was established as a preserve and breeding ground for colonial nesting birds and other wildlife during the time when plume hunters were devastating bird populations throughout Florida. The refuge is located west of Key West and is accessible only by boat.

National Key Deer Refuge

The Key deer ( Odocoileus virginianus clavium ) is a subspecies of the while-tailed deer that lives only in the Florida Keys. Key deer are an endangered species, and the National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect deer habitat and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys. Habitats in the refuge include rare pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests.

Florida State Parks

From the first underwater state park to historic relics from the U.S. Civil War, the sunshine state has shown brightly on the preservation of ten special locations in the Florida Keys, listed here from north to south. All but one of the parks are based on dry land. You can also use this interactive map to search for state parks in South Florida and the Florida Keys.

• Bahia Honda State Park
• Curry Hammock State Park
• Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
• Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
• Indian Key Historic State Park
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
• Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
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• San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
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Exploring Florida's Beautiful Beaches: Can You Travel There?

• Last updated May 13, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

With its pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the 1,350-mile coastline adorned with palm trees and beachfront resorts to the hidden gems tucked away in secluded coves, there is something for every beach lover in the Sunshine State. However, with the ongoing global pandemic, many travelers are left wondering if they can still explore Florida's beautiful beaches and what safety measures are in place to protect their health. In this article, we will delve into the current status of travel to Florida's beaches and provide guidance on how to make the most of your beach vacation while staying safe.

What You'll Learn

Travel restrictions for florida beaches during the covid-19 pandemic, popular florida beaches and attractions for tourists, tips for planning your trip to florida's stunning beaches, safety measures to take when visiting florida's beaches during your vacation.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, it is important to stay informed about travel restrictions and guidelines for visiting popular destinations such as Florida beaches. With its miles of beautiful coastline and warm weather, Florida is a popular vacation spot, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind before planning your trip.

Currently, Florida does not have any travel restrictions in place for visitors coming from within the United States. However, it is important to note that the situation is subject to change, and it is always prudent to check for any updates before making your travel arrangements.

While travel to Florida is allowed, it is crucial to follow safety measures and guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends practicing social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others who are not part of your household. It is also advised to wear face masks in public settings, especially when social distancing may be challenging.

When heading to the beach in Florida, it is essential to be aware of the local guidelines and regulations. Many counties in Florida have implemented restrictions to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike. These restrictions may include limitations on group sizes, requirements to wear masks when not in the water, and closures of certain amenities such as public restrooms or parking lots.

To stay on top of the latest information, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the county or city where you plan to visit the beach. These websites often provide up-to-date information on any restrictions or guidelines in place. Additionally, contacting the local tourism office or beach management authority can give you further clarification on specific rules and regulations.

It is also important to remember that despite the absence of travel restrictions within the United States, it is still crucial to consider the potential risks associated with travel. If you or anyone in your household is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, it is advisable to postpone your trip and seek medical attention.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure to check the cancellation policies of any accommodations you have booked. Many hotels and rental properties have implemented flexible cancellation policies to accommodate changing travel plans due to the pandemic.

In conclusion, while travel to Florida beaches is currently allowed, it is important to stay informed about any travel restrictions or guidelines in place. Following safety measures, such as practicing social distancing and wearing masks, is crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Stay updated on the latest information by visiting official websites and contacting local authorities. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your trip to the Florida beaches while prioritizing health and safety during the ongoing pandemic.

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Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. With its warm weather, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural landscapes, it's no wonder that millions of tourists flock to the Sunshine State every year. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, go swimming or snorkeling, or enjoy water sports, Florida has something for everyone.

One of the most popular beaches in Florida is Miami Beach. Located in the city of Miami, this beach offers everything you could want for a day in the sun. With its pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and vibrant atmosphere, Miami Beach is a hotspot for both tourists and locals. You can take a dip in the ocean, go for a jog along the boardwalk, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. If you're interested in water sports, you can also rent jet skis, paddleboards, or kayaks to explore the coastline.

Another must-visit beach in Florida is Clearwater Beach. Situated on the Gulf Coast, this beach is known for its soft sand, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you want to swim, build sandcastles, or simply relax under an umbrella, Clearwater Beach has it all. The beach is also home to a number of attractions, such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life up close and personal.

If you're looking for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience, consider visiting Siesta Key Beach. Located near Sarasota, this beach is famous for its powdery white sand, which is said to be the softest in the world. Whether you want to take a long walk along the shore, collect seashells, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the waves, Siesta Key Beach is the perfect destination. You can also rent a beach umbrella or chair to make your visit even more comfortable.

In addition to these popular beaches, Florida is home to many other stunning coastal destinations. From the iconic South Beach in Miami to the laid-back vibe of Key West, there is no shortage of beaches to explore in the Sunshine State. Just make sure to pack your sunscreen, beach towels, and a sense of adventure!

Before you visit any of these beaches, it's important to be aware of any travel restrictions or guidelines in place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some beaches may have limited access or specific safety protocols in place. It's recommended to check with local authorities or visit the official websites of the beaches you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information.

So, whether you're a beach lover, water sports enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind and relax, the beaches of Florida offer something for everyone. With their stunning landscapes, warm waters, and endless sunshine, these beaches are the perfect destination for a memorable vacation. So grab your sunglasses, put on your bathing suit, and get ready to enjoy the beauty of Florida's beaches.

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Visiting the picturesque beaches of Florida is a dream for many travelers. With its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful sandy shores, it's no wonder that Florida is a top beach destination. If you're planning a trip to Florida's stunning beaches, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience.

• Choose the Right Time: Florida's beaches can get crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons—spring or fall. The weather is still pleasant during these times, and you'll have a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
• Research the Beaches: Florida is home to several breathtaking beaches, each with its unique features and attractions. Research the different beaches before your trip to find the one that suits your preferences. From the vibrant nightlife of Miami Beach to the serene beauty of Sanibel Island, there's a beach for every type of traveler.
• Plan Your Accommodation: When it comes to accommodation, you have various options to choose from. If you prefer luxury and convenience, consider booking a beachfront resort or hotel. For a more budget-friendly option, look into vacation rentals or beachside campsites. Whichever option you choose, make sure it is close to the beach and offers the amenities you desire.
• Get Travel Insurance: It's always a good idea to have travel insurance, even for a beach vacation. Florida's weather can be unpredictable at times, with the possibility of tropical storms or hurricanes. Having insurance will give you peace of mind in case your trip gets disrupted or you need to cancel.
• Pack Accordingly: As you're heading to the beach, make sure to pack all the essentials. These may include sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a beach towel, swimwear, and beach toys if you're traveling with children. It's also a good idea to bring some snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Consider Water Activities: Florida's beaches offer a wide range of water activities to enjoy. From snorkeling and scuba diving to surfing and paddleboarding, there's something for everyone. Research the activities available at the beach you'll be visiting and book any necessary equipment or lessons in advance.
• Practice Beach Safety: While enjoying the beach, it's crucial to prioritize your safety. Observe the beach's warning flags and never swim in areas marked as dangerous. If you're not a confident swimmer, consider wearing a life jacket or staying in shallow waters. Don't forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
• Explore Beyond the Beach: While the beaches themselves are the main attraction, Florida has much more to offer. Take the time to explore the surrounding areas and discover local attractions, such as wildlife sanctuaries, amusement parks, or historic sites. Renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
• Respect the Environment: Florida's beaches are not just beautiful but also delicate ecosystems. Help preserve their natural beauty by disposing of your trash properly and avoiding any activities that may harm the local flora and fauna. Follow any rules or guidelines enforced by the beach authorities to ensure the sustainability of these breathtaking destinations.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to plan your trip to Florida's stunning beaches. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Florida's beaches will provide you with memorable experiences and breathtaking views. So get ready to soak up the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and create lifelong memories on Florida's magnificent coast.

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Florida is famous for its stunning beaches, and it's no wonder why millions of people flock to the Sunshine State each year to enjoy the sand, surf, and sun. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to take certain safety measures when visiting Florida's beaches during your vacation. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your time at the beach while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

First and foremost, it's crucial to stay informed about the current guidelines and regulations set forth by the state of Florida and local authorities. These regulations may vary depending on the county or city you are visiting, so make sure to check for any specific requirements or restrictions before heading to the beach. Stay updated on the latest news and recommendations from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health.

When packing for your beach trip, be sure to include essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. Face masks are required in many public settings, including beaches where social distancing may not always be feasible. Wear a mask when interacting with others or when you are unable to maintain a safe distance from individuals outside your household. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to regularly clean your hands and any surfaces you come into contact with, such as picnic tables or beach chairs.

Before leaving for the beach, consider checking the current crowd levels. Some beaches provide real-time updates on their websites or through mobile apps that can help you determine how busy the beach is at any given time. If possible, try to visit the beach during off-peak hours or on weekdays when it's less crowded. This will allow you to maintain a safe distance from others and reduce the risk of exposure.

Once you arrive at the beach, be mindful of maintaining a safe distance from other beachgoers who are not part of your household. The CDC recommends staying at least six feet away from others to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Avoid crowded areas and seek out more secluded spots where you can enjoy the beach while minimizing contact with others. Remember, the fewer people around you, the lower the risk of exposure.

While at the beach, avoid sharing items with others outside your household. This includes beach equipment such as umbrellas, towels, and toys. Bring your own beach gear and do not allow others to borrow or share your belongings. Similarly, do not use any equipment or recreational facilities that may be closed or restricted due to health and safety concerns.

Lastly, be sure to follow any additional safety guidelines or regulations posted at the beach. Some beaches may have specific rules in place, such as limiting group sizes or prohibiting certain activities. Respect these guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others.

Visiting Florida's beaches can be a great way to relax and unwind, but it's essential to prioritize your health and safety during these uncertain times. By staying informed, practicing good hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and following any local regulations, you can enjoy your beach vacation while minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. So grab your beach towel, sunscreen, and mask, and head to the Sunshine State for some much-needed fun in the sun!

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, you can currently travel to Florida beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by local authorities and practice proper safety measures such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

Yes, Florida beaches are open to the public. However, some restrictions may be in place depending on the specific beach and local regulations. It is advisable to check with local authorities or the beach's official website for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, you can swim in the ocean at Florida beaches. The beaches in Florida offer a wide range of water activities including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. However, it is always important to be aware of any beach advisories or warnings and follow any safety guidelines provided by lifeguards.

As of now, there are no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements when traveling to Florida beaches. However, it is always a good idea to check with local authorities or the state's official tourism website for any updates or changes in travel policies.

When visiting Florida beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to follow safety measures such as wearing masks when in crowded areas, practicing social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others, and frequently washing hands or using hand sanitizers. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid crowded areas and visit beaches during non-peak hours to minimize contact with others.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the state welcomed 140.6 million visitors in 2023, breaking previous tourism records.

That number is a 2.3% increase from 2022's record-breaking figure.

In addition, Florida’s first quarter of 2024 hit 40.6 million visitors, a 1.2% year-over-year increase and the highest ever recorded for a single quarter.

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Domestic visitation also reached an all-time high, with 129.1 million domestic visitors choosing to come to Florida in 2023, along with 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.2 million Canadian visitors.

“Florida continues to welcome visitors with open arms,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “The record-breaking visitation seen in 2023 and continued through the first quarter of 2024 reaffirms Florida's status as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.”

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Florida sets tourism record with over 140 million visitors

by Sophie Pendrill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida's tourism has reached record levels, Gov. Ron DeSantis revealed Monday, confirming Florida as a top destination for travelers worldwide.

"Once again, Florida leads the nation as an unrivaled destination for tourists," DeSantis said. “These record-breaking numbers show that our work has made the free state of Florida even more attractive to visitors.”

The first quarter of this year Florida saw 40.6 million visitors, the highest ever for a single quarter.

In the first quarter of this year, domestic visitation reached a new high of 37.2 million. Overseas visitation was 2.1 million, and Canadian visitation rose to 1.3 million.

See also: Vero Beach City Council approves Downtown master plan draft

“Florida continues to welcome visitors with open arms,” Dana Young, President and CEO of Visit Florida, said. “The record-breaking visitation seen in 2023 and continued through the first quarter of 2024 reaffirms Florida's status as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.”

Last year, Florida welcomed over 140.6 million visitors, breaking previous records and domestic visitation reached an all-time high, with 129.1 million domestic visitors, along with 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.2 million Canadian visitors.

The total visitation for the first quarter of this year was a 1.2% increase from the previous year and the highest number of visitors ever received in a single quarter.

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Barron Trump Will Not Be a Delegate at the G.O.P. Convention After All

Two days after the Florida Republican Party selected Barron, 18, to be an at-large delegate, Melania Trump’s office said he “regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments.”

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By Michael Gold

• May 10, 2024

Barron Trump, former President Donald J. Trump’s youngest son who has stayed out of the spotlight since his father entered politics, will not serve as one of Florida’s delegates to the Republican National Convention, the office of Melania Trump announced on Friday.

In a statement released two days after Barron, 18, was selected to be an at-large delegate by the Florida Republican Party , Mrs. Trump’s office said that Barron was “honored” to be chosen but that he “regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments.”

The Trump campaign referred a request for comment to a spokeswoman for Mrs. Trump, who did not immediately respond to questions about what those commitments might be.

Barron, who will graduate from high school next week and who plans to attend college in the fall, has largely not participated in his father’s political career.

Mrs. Trump has fiercely guarded her son’s privacy, even as some of his older siblings have been in the spotlight, campaigning for their father during the Republican primary while he and Mrs. Trump were largely absent from the trail.

Hours before Mrs. Trump’s office released its statement, Mr. Trump suggested in a radio interview that Barron, whom he called “good-looking” and “on the tall side,” was among his political advisers.

“He’s really been a great student. And he does like politics,” Mr. Trump said on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia. “It’s sort of funny. He’ll tell me sometimes, ‘Dad, this is what you have to do.’”

Barron’s older brothers, Donald Jr. and Eric, campaigned for their father this year during the Republican nominating contest, and both have become popular political figures in their own right. Both of them, as well as their sister Tiffany were among the 41 at-large delegates chosen by the Florida Republican Party for the national convention in July. Another sister, Ivanka Trump, who has not taken part in her father’s political ventures since she left the White House, was not.

The Florida Republican Party did not immediately respond to questions about how Barron had been chosen as a delegate.

All four of Barron’s siblings gave speeches at the party’s conventions in 2016 and 2020, when Barron was still a minor. The Trump campaign and Mrs. Trump’s office did not respond to questions about whether Barron would attend or otherwise take part in the 2024 convention in some fashion, and Mr. Trump did not address them in his radio interview.

Mr. Trump has said for months that his wife would join him on the campaign trail, though she has remained absent from rallies, speeches and victory celebrations. She did attend a fund-raiser last month for the Log Cabin Republicans, a group of L.G.B.T. conservatives.

Michael Gold is a political correspondent for The Times covering the campaigns of Donald J. Trump and other candidates in the 2024 presidential elections. More about Michael Gold

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

President Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to two debates  on June 27 on CNN and Sept. 10 on ABC News. The first debate raises the likelihood of the earliest general-election debate  in modern history.

Biden’s economic policies have helped spur billions of dollars in new investments in Arizona and Georgia, yet Trump has maintained a significant lead over Biden in both states .

In an about-face, big financiers on Wall Street, in Silicon Valley and elsewhere are increasingly on board for a second Trump term  after the first one alienated them.

May 14 Primaries:  Hundreds of thousands of voters in Maryland, West Virginia and Nebraska weighed in on primaries whose results pointed to a desire for moderation, achievement and diversity .

Maryland Senate Race:   Angela Alsobrooks  won the Democratic primary, setting up a showdown with Larry Hogan , the popular former two-term governor, in a race that could determine which party controls the Senate .

West Virginia Senate Race:  Jim Justice, the state’s second-term governor, won the Republican primary , positioning him to win the seat being vacated by Senator Joe Manchin III, a Democrat, and flip it to the G.O.P.

Trade War With China:  Biden ran for the White House as a sharp critic of Trump’s crackdown on trade with China. In office, though, he has escalated Trump’s trade war  with Beijing, albeit with a very different aim .

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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About VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning to visitors across the globe. VISIT FLORIDA is not a government agency, but rather a not-for-profit corporation created as a public/private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996.   Florida's tourism industry was responsible for welcoming a record-setting 140.6 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 2.3% from 2022. In 2022, Florida visitors contributed $121.5 billion to Florida's economy and supported 2 million Florida jobs. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, $3.27 in state tax revenue is generated.   Each year, the Florida Legislature appropriates public funding to be allocated for tourism marketing. VISIT FLORIDA is required to match those public funds dollar-for-dollar, which is done by actively recruiting the state's tourism industry to invest as Partners through cooperative advertising campaigns, promotional programs and many other marketing ventures. VISIT FLORIDA’s public/private partnership works with tourism industry businesses across the state, including major strategic partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Experience Kissimmee, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort.    VISIT FLORIDA facilitates tourism industry participation in domestic and international travel trade and consumer shows, as well as media missions to the top global visitor markets. VISIT FLORIDA also works closely with travel agents, tour operators, meeting and event planners, and is responsible for operating Florida's four Official Welcome Centers.   VISIT FLORIDA's corporate office is located at 101 North Monroe Street, Suite 900, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The office can be reached at (850) 488-5607.

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