Best Places to Visit in Florida, USA – Hidden Gems

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THINGS TO DO, TRAVEL

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through the Sunshine State? Florida, located in the southeastern United States, is a diverse and captivating travel destination renowned for its endless stretches of sandy beaches, exhilarating theme parks, vibrant cities, and a generous dose of southern charm.

With so much to offer, the question arises: what are the best places to visit in Florida? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic escape for couples, or seeking the top spots to explore in the USA, Florida has an abundance of extraordinary destinations waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best places to visit in Florida, unveiling a world of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration that caters to every traveller’s desires.

Popular Cities in Florida

1. Miami

Overview: Miami is a dynamic city renowned for its cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It’s often referred to as the “Magic City” due to its rapid growth and development.

Key Attractions:

South Beach: This iconic beach is famous for its turquoise waters, white sand, and lively atmosphere.
Little Havana: Explore the heart of Miami’s Cuban community, filled with colourful streets, delicious cuisine, and cultural events.
Art Deco Historic District: South Beach is home to this UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting preserved Art Deco architecture.
Wynwood Walls: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, this outdoor museum features stunning street art.
Nightlife: Miami offers a thriving nightlife scene, with clubs, bars, and restaurants where you can dance the night away.

2. Orlando

Overview: Orlando is synonymous with world-famous theme parks and attractions, making it a top destination for families.

Key Attractions:

Walt Disney World: Comprising multiple theme parks, this magical world is a dream come true for Disney fans.
Universal Studios: Get immersed in the world of movies with thrilling rides and attractions.
SeaWorld: Interact with marine life and enjoy exciting shows.
Lake Eola Park: This urban oasis is perfect for picnics, swan boat rides, and outdoor activities.

3. Tampa

Overview: Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a mix of history, modernity, and natural beauty.

Key Attractions:

Ybor City: Experience Tampa’s Cuban heritage in this historic neighbourhood known for its nightlife and cigars.
Tampa Riverwalk: Enjoy scenic walks along the waterfront dotted with parks, museums, and cafes.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: This theme park is a unique blend of thrilling rides and exotic animal exhibits.

4. Jacksonville

Overview: As the largest city in Florida by land area, Jacksonville offers a diverse range of attractions.

Key Attractions:

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: Explore an impressive collection of art and scenic gardens.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Ideal for families, this zoo features a variety of animals and beautiful landscapes.
Beaches: Jacksonville’s pristine beaches, including Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach, offer a relaxed coastal experience.

5. St. Petersburg

Overview: Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg, or St. Pete, is known for its arts and cultural scene.

Key Attractions:

Salvador Dali Museum: Home to the largest collection of Dali’s work outside Europe.
Chihuly Collection: Featuring the exquisite glass art of Dale Chihuly.
St. Pete Beach: Enjoy the sun and sand on this beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

6. Naples

Overview: Nestled on the southwest coast, Naples offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Key Attractions:

Naples Pier: A historic landmark for fishing and sunset views.
Naples Botanical Garden: Explore beautifully landscaped gardens and unique plant collections.
Third Street South: A trendy shopping and dining district.

7. Fort Lauderdale

Overview: Fort Lauderdale is known for its boating canals, stunning beaches, and upscale shopping.

Key Attractions:

Las Olas Boulevard: A shopping and dining hub with a Mediterranean vibe.
Fort Lauderdale Beach: A pristine stretch of sand with water activities and a bustling promenade.
Venice of America: Explore the city’s intricate canal system via water taxis.

8. Clearwater

Overview: Clearwater is famous for its powdery white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and its pleasant climate.

Key Attractions:

Clearwater Beach: Voted one of America’s best beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Home to Winter the Dolphin, star of the “Dolphin Tale” movies.

9. Sarasota

Overview: Sarasota is known for its cultural offerings, arts scene, and stunning barrier islands.

Key Attractions:

The Ringling: A museum complex featuring art, circus history, and the beautiful Ca’ d’Zan Mansion.
Siesta Key: Famous for its quartz sand, it’s a great spot for sunsets and beach activities.

10. Key West

Overview: The southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West offers a unique blend of history, culture, and island life.

Key Attractions:

Duval Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Explore the iconic author’s former residence.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Offers history, beautiful beaches, and clear waters for snorkelling.

11. St. Augustine

Overview: St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest city in the United States and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful historic district.

Key Attractions:

Castillo de San Marcos: A 17th-century fortress and National Monument.
St. George Street: A pedestrian-only street with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: A tribute to the area’s colonial history.

12. Pensacola

Overview: Located in the western part of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola boasts beautiful beaches and a rich military history.

Key Attractions:

Naval Aviation Museum: One of the world’s largest aviation museums with over 150 restored aircraft.
Pensacola Beach: Known for its sugary-white sand and emerald waters.

13. Tallahassee

Overview: Florida’s capital city is rich in history and boasts a blend of modern government institutions and preserved antebellum homes.

Key Attractions:

Florida State Capitol: Visit the historic capitol building and the modern 22-story capitol tower.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: A serene park known for its botanical gardens.

Each of these cities has a unique personality and attractions, making them great destinations to explore in Florida. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, Florida has a city for you.

Ways to Tour Florida

Touring Florida offers a diverse range of experiences, and there are several ways to explore the Sunshine State:

Road Trip: Florida’s well-maintained highways make it ideal for a road trip. You can cruise along the iconic Overseas Highway to Key West, take A1A for scenic coastal views, or explore the historic A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway.
Theme Park Tours: Florida is synonymous with world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. These parks offer themed attractions, entertainment, and fun for all ages.
Cruises: Florida is a hub for cruise ships. You can embark on a cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa to explore the Caribbean, the Bahamas, or even cross the Atlantic.
Airboat Tours: Florida’s wetlands, swamps, and Everglades are best explored on airboats. You can spot alligators and other wildlife on these unique tours.
Eco-Tours: Explore Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to coral reefs. Many tour operators offer kayaking, snorkelling, and wildlife observation trips.
Art Tours: Visit cities like Miami and St. Petersburg to explore thriving art scenes. Art Basel Miami Beach and The Dali Museum are just a couple of examples.
Historical Tours: St. Augustine is rich in history, and you can explore its historic district, complete with Spanish colonial architecture and ancient forts.
Golf Tours: Florida is a golfer’s paradise. Many resorts offer golf packages, and you can tour the state’s top golf courses.
Space Tours: Visit Kennedy Space Center to learn about NASA’s space exploration efforts. You might even witness a rocket launch.
Beach Hopping: With over 1,300 miles of coastline, you can tour Florida by visiting its stunning beaches. From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast, there’s a beach for everyone.
Wildlife Tours: Experience wildlife up close by joining tours in the Everglades, the Florida Keys, or on various islands.
Sporting Event Tours: Florida has professional sports teams in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Catch a game while visiting.
Food Tours: Florida’s culinary scene is diverse. Join food tours to sample a variety of dishes, from Cuban sandwiches in Miami to seafood in the Keys.
Fishing Tours: Florida offers world-class fishing. Whether you prefer deep-sea fishing or angling in freshwater lakes, there are plenty of charters and guides.
Museum Tours: Florida’s museums cover a wide range of subjects, from science and history to art and oddities.
Scenic Byways: Florida has several designated scenic byways that showcase the state’s natural beauty. The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a notable example.
Gardens and Nature Tours: Explore lush gardens and natural areas like Bok Tower Gardens and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Astronomy Tours: Florida’s clear skies make it ideal for stargazing. Some observatories offer public tours and telescope viewing.
Tours by Trolley or Tram: Many cities offer trolley or tram tours that provide informative and leisurely sightseeing experiences.
Biking Tours: Florida’s flat terrain and bike-friendly cities make it great for cycling tours. Consider the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

Florida’s diverse landscapes and attractions cater to a wide range of interests, making it a fantastic destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, there’s a tour option for you in the Sunshine State.

In conclusion, Florida is a remarkable travel destination filled with an array of experiences that will make your vacation memorable. So, are you ready to explore the Sunshine State? From the bustling cities to the tranquil beaches and unique attractions, Florida has something extraordinary in store for every traveller.