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things to do in Florida

Florida is a state that needs no introduction. With its year-round sunshine, world-famous beaches, thrilling theme parks, and diverse cultural offerings, the Sunshine State is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Whether you're a family looking for fun, a couple seeking romance, or a solo traveler in search of adventure, Florida has something to offer. 

Miami

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  1. Take a day trip to the Bahamas and explore its pristine beaches, Bull Run, and Bimini Wall. 

  2. Explore the Everglades National Park, a World Heritage site spanning 1.5 million acres offering a chance to explore a diverse ecosystem. 

  3. Visit Key Biscayne, a subtropical island paradise known for its sandy beaches, nature preserves, and beach restaurants. 

  4. Stroll around the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and admire the grand European extravagance in a charming American context. 

  5. Attend Miami Beach Pride celebrations, Tortuga Music Festival, or O, Miami Poetry Festival. 

  6. Visit Time Out Market Miami to experience the best of the city's culinary scene in one place.

  7. Catch a show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. 

  8. Explore modern art at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. 

  9. Visit Little Havana and experience the vibrant Cuban culture, food, and music. 

  10. Relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at Miami Beach. 

St augustine

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1.    St. George Street, which is known for its shops and restaurants.

2.    Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a historic fort that offers guided tours.

3.    Plaza De La Constitucion hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the St. Augustine Celtic             Music & Heritage Festival and the St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival. The plaza is also home to several monuments         and memorials, including a towering Confederate monument and a statue of Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez             De Aviles.

4.    The Lightner Museum.

5.    Aviles Street.

6.    Magnolia.

7.    Old Jail Museum.

8.    Dolphin-watching cruises.

Naples

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  1. Enjoy the Dreamy Beaches - Naples is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports such as sailing, fishing, and golfing.

  2. ​Take a Kayak and Paddleboard Eco Tour - The Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and Paddleboard Eco Tour in Naples is ranked as the No. 1 experience in the US by the 2022 Viator Experience Awards. This two-hour tour takes travelers through the dense mangrove forests where they can see dolphins and manatees.

  3. Visit the Naples Botanical Garden - This garden features beautifully curated landscapes, walking paths, water features, and an array of plants and flowers from around the world.

  4. Explore Clam Pass Park - This park offers a boardwalk through mangrove forests, a pristine beach, picnic areas, and a tram service to the beach.

  5. Visit the Naples Zoo - This zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including tigers, lions, monkeys, and alligators.

  6. Go Luxury Shopping - Naples has become a popular luxury destination, attracting younger couples and urbanites, with its designer shopping, access to private and chartered flights through Naples Municipal Airport, and new luxury developments such as Four Seasons and Rosewood Residences.

  7. Play Golf - Naples is known for its world-class golf courses, which are perfect for golf enthusiasts.

  8. Relax and Unwind - Naples is the safest place to live, according to a recent US News survey. The city is perfect for a relaxing and peaceful getaway.

Tampa

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  1. Visit the Riverwalk District: Tampa's Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail that runs along the Hillsborough River, offering a scenic route for runners, bikers, and walkers. The Riverwalk is home to several parks, museums, and restaurants, including the Tampa Museum of Art and Armature Works.

  2. Explore Ybor City: Ybor City is an historic neighborhood in Tampa, known for its Cuban culture, cigar factories, and colorful architecture. Visitors can take a guided walking tour to learn about the area's rich history or visit one of the many restaurants, bars, and shops that line the streets.

  3. Attend Festivals: Tampa hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, the Florida State Fair, and the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. These events provide an opportunity to experience the city's culture and entertainment scene.

  4. Visit the Beaches: Tampa is home to several beautiful beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

  5. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Tampa's food scene is a fusion of different cultures, with a heavy emphasis on Cuban cuisine. Visitors can try traditional Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and other Latin American dishes at local restaurants like Columbia Restaurant and La Segunda Bakery.

  6. Experience the Nightlife: Tampa offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and music venues catering to different tastes. The Tampa Edition hotel hosts performances by renowned artists, while other popular venues include The Ritz Ybor and Club Prana.

Jacksonville

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  1. Stroll the Jacksonville River Walks and explore the city via trails that extend on both sides of the St. Johns River. 

  2. Visit the Kingsley Plantation, a historical site with a complex history of exploitation and forced labor. 

  3. Chill at Jacksonville's beaches, such as Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, which offer great places to relax and enjoy the scenery. 

  4. Go hiking at Big Talbot Islands State Park, which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, kayaking, and tidal creeks to explore. 

  5. Visit the Amelia Island for a day trip, which offers beaches or activities such as horseback riding. 

  6. Check out the Cummer Museum of Art, which features over 5,000 works of art and is worth visiting, including its gardens. 

  7. Enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, tubing, fishing and horseback riding at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. 

  8. Visit the Museum of Science and History, which houses a number of exhibits, ranging from prehistoric times to modern-day science and technology. 

  9. Attend a football game at the TIAA Bank Field, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which caters to sports enthusiasts. 

  10. Experience extreme thrills at the 13th Floor Haunted House. 

pensacola

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  1. Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a famous destination for pristine beaches with white sand and turquoise water. 

  2. Explore the National Naval Aviation Museum, which showcases various aircraft and offers a unique insight into the history of aviation. 

  3. Visit Fort Pickens, which remains open for visitors to explore its intricate tunnels and authentic cannons. 

  4. Take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore the city's Spanish-era architecture and historic buildings. 

  5. Enjoy the local cuisine at The Fish House and try the Grits a Ya Ya. 

  6. Visit the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for panoramic views and to learn about the history of the lighthouse. 

  7. Experience the Living History demonstration at Old Pensacola Village. 

  8. Attend a baseball game or other events at Admiral Fetterman Field. 

  9. Explore the Big Lagoon State Park and get closer to nature. 

  10. Enjoy the lively mix of bars, clubs, and dance halls with seven bars housed in the building at Seville Quarter. 

orlando

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1.     Walt Disney World: This massive theme park complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world,          featuring four theme parks, two water parks, and a variety of other attractions.

2.     Universal Orlando Resort: Another massive theme park complex, Universal Orlando Resort features two theme                parks, a water park, and the popular CityWalk entertainment complex.

3.     SeaWorld Orlando: This marine-themed park is home to a variety of aquatic animals, including dolphins, whales,            and sharks, and offers a variety of shows and attractions.

4.     Kennedy Space Center: Located on the east coast of Florida, this NASA facility is open to the public and features            exhibits on space travel and exploration.

5.     Gatorland: This wildlife park is home to a variety of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other animals like snakes,            birds, and tortoises.

6.     Discovery Cove: This all-inclusive resort allows visitors to swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish, and relax              on a private beach.

7.     Orlando Science Center: This interactive museum features exhibits on science, technology, and nature, as well as            a planetarium and observatory.

8.     The Mall at Millenia: This upscale shopping destination features a variety of high-end retailers and restaurants.

9.     International Drive: This bustling thoroughfare is home to a variety of attractions, including Ripley's Believe It or              Not!, Madame Tussauds, and the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.

10.   Lake Eola Park: This scenic park in downtown Orlando features a lake, walking paths, and a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.

key west

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  1. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. 

  2. Take a sunset sail on a catamaran.

  3. Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy. 

  4. Rent a scooter or bike and explore the island. 

  5. Go dolphin watching. 

  6. Snorkel or scuba dive in the coral reefs.

  7. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. 

  8. Explore historic landmarks such as the Truman Little White House and the Key West Lighthouse. 

  9. Enjoy beach activities at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. 

  10. Watch street performers and enjoy the lively nightlife on Duval Street. 

Sarasota

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  1. Visit Siesta Key Beach, known for its white, powdery sand and clear waters. 

  2. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, featuring Greek and Roman artworks, as well as reproductions and genuine works from many different eras. 

  3. Check out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which boasts a collection of exotic plants and flowers from around the world. 

  4. Discover the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, which specializes in research of marine life and has a large aquarium section with a wide range of marine animals. 

  5. Witness some of Florida's wildlife at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that rescues exotic cats and other animals. 

  6. Tour the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the winter home of John and Mable Ringling, which has five stories with 36,000 square feet of space, and is open to visitors. 

  7. Take a stroll through the Myakka River State Park and enjoy the diverse ecosystem of the area. 

  8. Relax on Lido Key, another beautiful beach in Sarasota with crystal clear waters. 

  9. Enjoy the historic Spanish architecture and cultural heritage of the city by taking a walking tour of the downtown area. 

daytona

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  1. Visit the Daytona International Speedway, a world-renowned racetrack and home to the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious NASCAR races. 

  2. Spend a day at the beach, known as the World's Most Famous Beach, and enjoy the soft sand, clear water, and picturesque views. 

  3. Experience the thrill of driving a NASCAR race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. 

  4. Explore the MOAS - Museum of Arts and Sciences, which boasts a diverse collection of art, science, and history exhibits, including a giant screen planetarium. 

  5. Take a dolphin-watching adventure along the Florida coastline, which is a popular activity in Daytona Beach. 

  6. Visit Daytona Lagoon, a water park with a variety of attractions such as go-karting, mini-golf, a wave pool, a ropes course, and an arcade. 

  7. Discover the natural beauty of the area by visiting Smyrna Dunes Park, a large park that includes nature trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. 

  8. Take a selfie at the Coquina Clock Tower, a historic landmark built in 1938 that is a favorite spot for visitors. 

  9. Climb to the top of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, a National Historic Landmark, for stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and coastline. 

  10. Enjoy a sailing tour on the Atlantic for a relaxing yet exhilarating excursion. 

Hollywood

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  1. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at Hollywood Beach, which is rated as Florida's best beach. With over six miles of sandy beaches, it's perfect for family vacations and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and sport fishing.

  2. Explore the cultural and artistic opportunities of the area and try out some delicious culinary options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries in Hollywood.

  3. Play a round of golf at one of the championship golf courses in the area, or visit the Rotary Park Sports Complex for some batting practice.

  4. Check out the best user-rated hotels in the area and choose from a range of accommodation options from intimate beachfront motels to full-service hotels.

  5. For those looking to venture out of Hollywood, consider visiting the best unknown beaches in Florida for 2019 such as Bahia Honda State Park, Smathers Beach, Dog Beach, South Beach, Crandon Park Beach, and Delray Beach

  6. Enjoy the Florida sunshine and outdoor activities at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, which includes water parks, walking trails, fishing, and campgrounds

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