Florida has world famous cities like Miami and Orlando, and some of the most recognisable tourist attractions on the planet including Disney World.
If you are planning a first time trip to Florida this is the perfect destination offering something for every type of traveller. Whether you are seeking a luxury family all-inclusing resort break or you plan to explore on a budget - there are accommodation and things to do for all interests.
The real beauty of the state though lies in its pure natual setting with stunning forests, swamps and world-class white sandy beaches.
Here is a list of some of the top rated places you need to add to your Florida itinerary including the well-known attractions and also hidden gems where you can get off the tourist trail.
1. Clearwater
Clearwater is a popular family holiday destination and is located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Locals and tourists love the wonderful weather and spectacular beach which is lined with resorts, bars, and hotels. The relaxed atmosphere and amazing resorts make it a big favorite with families.
Clearwater definately has one of the best best beaches in the USA and there are lots of fun water and land based activities you can do here. Taking a nighttime beach stroll is recommended where you will find many artists entertaining the crowds. You won't regret visiting Clearwater!
2. Miami
Florida is blessed with bustling modern cities but Miami is one of the most unique cities in the country.
This is one of the most famous destinations in Flordia and attracts thousands of international tourists every year. This city is amazing with spectacular sights, beaches, bars and restaurants, it is easy to see why it is one of the best East Coast USA destinations.
Miami is a great place to kick back and unwind, you can explore neighborhoods like Little Havana or people watch on South beach. You won't be bored here especially if you check out our list of things to do in Miami!
This city is also one of the most popular destinations in Florida for vegan travelers.
3. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is located close to Orlando and is home to the world renowned Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Here you can enjoy sandy beaches as well as popular summer concerts that are organized at Daytona Beach Bandshell stages.
Families often go for waterslides, go-karts, and laser tag at the Daytona Lagoon water park and can try their hand at fishing at the Sunglow Fishing Pier or book a trip to see wilddolphins.
4. Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve
Apalachicola River and its rare elevations create Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. This is one of the more underrated places to go in Flordia but you won't be dissapointed.
You can go off the beaten track and explore the vast park and enjoy sweeping views in the state. However, the most popular hotspot here is the site that is claimed to be the Garden of Eden.
Most visitors make sure to make this the number one place to visit when exploring Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve.
5. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a small coastal city that is known for its lovely sandy beaches as well as a lively art community. Here you can enjoy looking at loads of artwork from local artists as well as contemporary artwork located throughout the city.
Be sure to visit the Pineapple Grove Arts District and The Cornell Art Museum to look at the wide collections of amazing art. A great way to enjoy the city is to join a First Friday Art Walk, or plan your break to coincide with different art festivals which are held all year round.
6. Orlando
Orlando is one of the most famous places in Florida and for good reason too, this is where Walt Disney World is located. Orlando is a great place for everyone whether travelling solo, taking your family on a dream holiday or just keen to do seasonal jobs in the USA.
If planning a family holiday to Florida, Orlando is one of the most amazing places to visit. There is so much to do and top places to consider adding to your itinerary including Disney, Epcot, Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center.
Although summer holiday can be expensive there are lots of ways to visit Orlando on a budget. You can find so much choice for accommodation too, from cheap motels to luxury hotels.
If you want to plan a special trip you can design a perfect vacation with a website like Florida Villa Holidays. Pick from the wide range of family homes and villas form the Florida villa specialists.
You are sure to find a vacation home that suits your budget and preferences. Find that perfect base in Florida before you set out to explore all the countless attractions.
7. Tampa
Tampa is a city located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and it is one of the biggest cities in Florida.
Tampa is a mix of new and old, the historic Ybor area of the city which was influenced by Cuban and Spanish immigrants at the turn of the 20th century, is a popular destination for tourists to enjoy the restaurants and nighlife.
Some of most popular attractions include the Busch Gardens Theme Park, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Tampa Riverwalk.
8. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, located on the southern tip of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is must for all tourists who go on holiday to Florida.
This coral archipelago is a famous tourist destination and starts with Miami and ends in Dry Tortugas National Park. There is plenty to do and see here such as fishing, snorkeling or diving. One can even explore mysterious mangroves. Enjoy the best view of the keys by chartering a yacht.
9. Pensacola
Visit the charming, old coastal city, Pensacola, well known for its peaceful beaches, that are just perfect for families with children. It is located on the lovely Santa Rosa Island that separates it from the Gulf of Mexico.
Explore the city and the Historic Pensacola Village that is full of historic charm. It is indeed a unique experience to look at the 19th-century buildings that work like a living museum.
10. Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Trail is located in Citrus County and the long trail runs through Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties.
Although most tourists come here to swim with manatees, if you want an only-in-Florida experience, it is a must to hike the local famous trail that takes you through palmettos, quiet swamps, and pines.
11. Everglades National Park
No list of things to do in Florida would be complete without include the Everglades National Park.
This National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the USA, and a popular destination to book a boat tour to see wildlife like alligators.
You might also want to seek out the Cape Romano Dome Homes may look weird and mysterious but are indeed the most beautiful.
These mysterious dome homes are located the Everglades and were originally built as beach houses. It is indeed interesting to see these concrete structures that look a bit bizarre against the green and blue of nature.
12. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park within the stunningly beautiful Everglades is must see. Filled with big cypress trees and mangroves, the park is well famous as “the Amazon of North America.” Explore the rugged, swampy stretch of land with soaring herons. For a minute, you forget that you are in Florida!
13. Devil's Millhopper
Devil's Millhopper is one of the more off the beaten track destinations in Florida, but if you do travel here you will be rewarded.
Devil's Millhopper is simply gorgeous, and the sinkhole has developed its own and one of a kind multi-layered micro-ecosystem.
The park is just a couple of miles away from UF and looks like a tropical rainforest that has suddenly emerged within the middle of North Florida.
What makes it a research hotspot is the wide range of marine and mammal fossils found here.
Plan a Trip to Florida
There really are hundreds of amazing places to see in Florida and hopefully our list has given you some ideas for where to visit.
Do you have any recommendations for places we have missed? Let us know in the comments section below.
