Best Places to Visit in Florida to Spend Quality Vacation Time

Florida, a dream destination for avid travelers anywhere in the world, offers lot more than its famed theme parks and exotic white sand beaches.

 

Here is an overview of the best places to visit in Florida to spend a great holidays time.

 

1. Daytona Beach

This beautiful beach city, known largely for Daytona 500 Nascar Race, is a famous spring break hot spot for friends, families and elders alike. The hard-packed sand makes Daytona Beach a hub for motorsport enthusiasts as motorized vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach.

Apart from swimming and surfing by the beach, the place also boasts Daytona Beach Pier having numerous festivals and endless activities round the year. All in all, Daytona Beach is a collation of adventurous fables to be shared.

2. Fort Myers

Located along the Gulf Coast on the banks of Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers, also known as The City of Palms, is famous for pristine white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and its golf courses. There are endless family-oriented attractions and activities with the waterfront buzzing with shops, restaurants and clubs.

Fort Myers is particularly busy during warm weather when you can find the beach swarmed by sunbathers and those covered under umbrellas. The beach is also home to winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, converted now into museums honoring the founders and their accomplishments.

3. Key West

Situated at the southernmost tip of Florida, this subtropical paradise is a unique confluence of fascinating contrasts, in terms of its history, cultural diversity and architecture. A haven for water sport freaks, one can indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.

Stroll down Duval Street, the entire stretch filled with open-air bars, sidewalk cafes, restaurants and pubs flourishing with live bands, dramas and musical gigs to choose from. Literature enthusiasts can explore the home of Novelist Ernest Hemingway, which has been converted into a museum.

4. Kissimmee

A family oriented destination known for its off-the-beat activities and adventures, Kissimmee is a perfect getaway place for your holiday in central Florida. Having close proximity to world famous theme parks – Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort – there is something for everyone to enjoy and create memories for a lifetime.

For those seeking natural outdoor adventures, zip lining through treetops, gliding across the headwaters of Everglades on an airboat for alligator spotting, and soaring through the skies on a hot air balloon are things not to miss!

5. Marco Island

Perched on the Gulf of Mexico, this obscure and magical island is the largest inhabited isle of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. With its sun-kissed beaches shining with white sands and dewy turquoise waters, Marco Island is an ideal destination for romantic, family, friends and adventure getaway.

This Gulf Coast offers luxurious resorts, restaurants abundant with delectable local cuisine, endless water activities such as canoeing, fishing, boating, dolphin watching, and an opportunity for getting immersed in the wilderness in the nature park to observe wildlife in its natural dwelling.

6. Miami

Miami and nightlife are synonymous. However, the world’s busiest cruise port has to offer heaps more than just partying. The city sears all around the year with exciting events, art festivals and other attractions.

Apart from its party culture, there are lots of beautiful attractions for families also to explore in Miami. With family, you will find many beautiful things to do in this beautiful city.

Besides swanky party scenes in South Beach with Art Deco District taking center stage, a walk around Little Havana gives an insight into its multicultural setting. Sunbathe at the beach or indulge in your favorite sport – golf, tennis, football, etc – during the day and chill at one of the bars or pubs at night; that is how you do Miami!

7. Naples

Naples is similarly an amalgamation of Neapolitan culture, mesmerizing natural beauty, sophisticated lifestyle and white sandy beaches that have world class rankings. Naples has the elegance of grandeur architecture and beautiful alleys, while having a relaxed atmosphere at the same time.

Sports aficionados can spend entire day pursuing their favorite activity – golf, fishing, tennis, and other water sports. It is a shopping paradise where one can find everything from chic clothing boutiques, antiques, jewelry to home furnishings.

8. Orlando

This city of theme parks makes it one of the happiest places on earth. Though Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida are certainly going to keep a 7 month, a 7 year or a 70 year old occupied and asking for more, there’s much more to Florida than this.

Have an exhilarating experience of a lifetime with a hot-air balloon ride, sky-diving or parasailing. Whether on a romantic getaway or a quick budget trip with friends, there are hotels available for all budgets, making this place even more enticing.

9. Panama City Beach

This popular beach destination is a favorite amongst the residents of southern United States during spring break, attracting singles, couples, elders and families alike as the city offers an array of activities for all ages and to everyone’s interests.

Panama City Beach embraces two state parks, waterfront restaurants cooking up satiating fresh seafood and features its infamous 27 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.

10. Tampa

A holiday in Tampa means you are in for a fun-filled joy ride. With attractions in the form of zoos, aquariums, museums and theme parks, the opportunities to explore are endless, suiting all age groups.

Miles of oceanfront, pristine white beaches, cultural fairs and attractions keep the city buzzing. Sport enthusiasts also frequent here for the city is home to Buccaneers NFL team, the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team, and the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team.

11. Sanibel Island

Stretched along the Gulf of Mexico, a short drive from Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is famous for its mystic sunsets, palm beaches filled with shells, lighthouse and exotic resorts.

Whether it is the culture of the city that allures you – the botanical garden, historical museum, an arts center or you are drawn towards more adventure activities – fishing, boating, walk in the wild life park, there are activities galore.

12. Fort Lauderdale

Also known as the ‘Venice of America’ due to its comprehensive canal system, Fort Lauderdale stands illustrious for its arts, culture, events and beaches. Perched on Atlantic Ocean, recent remodeling has replaced the rowdy city into a sophisticated cultural hub, with plethora of exotic resorts, museums, marinas, golf courses, shopping boulevards, and landscaped waterfront promenade.

The riverfront part of the beach, called ‘The Strip’ is a prominent stretch having multitude of eating and drinking joints. With one of the busiest cruise-ship ports, hop on to an adventure ride, sailing through Mexico and Caribbean from Port Lauderdale.

13. Clearwater Beach

Whether you are looking for a quiet me-time, want to enjoy delectable food, drinks and nightlife or are an adventure junkie, who likes sailing, kayaking, fishing, etc – Clearwater Beach offers something for people with diverse interests and every budget.

Perched on West Coast of Florida, Clearwater flaunts miles of crystal clear water, sugar-white sand beaches along with a glimpse of its rich culture and heritage. There’s infinite hoard of entertainment, outdoor activities and natural beauty to soak in.

14. Everglades

The Everglades is an enormous ecosystem having more than 600 species of animals and birds and thousands of variety in flora, with several endangered species. It is region of tropical wetlands, blooming with natural beauty and wilderness.

This rugged, subtropical landscape is largely untouched making it even more enchanting. There are various ways to explore the Everglades that includes boat, airboat, van, bicycle, airplane and on foot.

15. Jacksonville

Jax, as the natives call it, is sprawling, urban city and most popular city of Florida. The attractions and activities comprises of art, science, historical museums and microbrewery tours.

The city beaches are also ideal for kayaking, surfing and swimming due to warm water and soft sand. Jacksonville offers authentic local cuisine restaurants and urbane nightlife making it a luxurious and exclusive destination.

Hope you get a chance to visit many of the mesmerizing destinations mentioned, if not all. The state of Florida welcomes visitors with a pleasant moderate climate all the year round and is waiting for you to soak in its sunshine and natural beauty.