Best Places To Visit In Florida: Exploring The Sunshine State

Florida city and traffic lights, tall reflective buildings with fifth-third bank signage

Also known as the “Sunshine State,” Florida is one of the most exciting places in the world, and millions of tourists arrive here every year from all corners of the globe.
Places to visit in Florida, from beaches and busy cities, along with the diverse ecosystems, make it the ultimate vacation destination with both adventure-filled attractions and serene beauty. From its pleasant climate to diversified offerings, Florida is perfect to spend some time with beach lovers, family, nature-enthusiastic people, and all kinds of travellers.

10 Famous Places To Visit In Florida

Here are the top famous exploring sites and places to visit in Florida

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Boardwalk at Walt Disney World Resort in the evening lit with lights and visitors

Photo: traveljunction / Wikimedia Commons

Known as the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort has 40 square miles with four different theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The resort also features two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and a shopping district known as Disney Springs. Disney World is one of the excellent family vacation destinations with thrilling rides, character meet-greets, live shows, and parades for visitors. All these services are equipped with diverse dining options and unique experiences like the seasonal Mickey’s Halloween Party, which adds an extra touch of magic.

Location: Orlando, Florida
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: From $109 per person​
Top Experience: Meet Disney characters, thrilling rides, live performances, fireworks at Magic Kingdom, magical projection on Cinderella’s Castle

2. Miami Beach

Miami beach from the top with lots of people visiting the beach and tall skyscrapers

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Miami Beach, found in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is a dynamic leisure destination located on a few barrier islands in the Atlantic just off Biscayne Bay. The Art Deco Historic District is one of the best and most famous places to visit in Florida, with astounding examples of architecture that have been preserved. Miami Beach is divided into the South Beach area, which is an active commercial and entertainment zone; Mid Beach, which harbours upscale hotels and art facilities; and North Beach, with a quiet atmosphere known for its MiMo style.

Location: Miami, Florida
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Top Experience: Beach activities, Art Deco Historic District, nightlife

3. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park with tourists on a wooden bridge and lake surrounded by greenery

Photo: Yinan Chen / Wikimedia Commons

Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Miami, ensures priceless experiences of diverse ecosystems in Florida. The alligators and manatees, plus several species of birds, can be spotted within this world heritage site. Using airboat rides, hiking through scenic trails, or eco-tourism, you can experience the subtropical beauty of this enormous wilderness that encompasses marshlands, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems. There are bikes for renting and wheelchair-accessible paths, making it convenient for everyone. The park also has free boater education courses and is ongoing restoration to preserve the ecosystem.

Location: Miami, Florida
Timings: Open 24 hours, Visitor Centers 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
Top Experience: Airboat rides, wildlife viewing, eco-tours

4. Key West

Key West Bight ferry terminal with a yacht and a couple of people sitting on a bench

Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia Commons

The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is a laid-back island known for its rich history, sunsets, and water sports, among other places to visit in Florida. There are Ernest Hemingway’s house, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and lively Duval Street, among others. Great water sports chances are offered due to clear waters, while a unique cultural vibe attracts people from all over the world. There are lively bars and eclectic shops to stroll down along Duval Street or engage in watersports and snorkelling, diving, and kayaking in the surrounding waters.

Location: Key West, Florida
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Sunset views from Mallory Square, snorkelling, historic tours, street performances

5. Universal Studios Florida

The entrance of Universal Studios Florida with big yellow gate and signage on top of it

Photo: NBCUniversal / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Orlando, Universal Studios Florida is a must-visit among places to visit in Florida for film fans. One of the immersive experiences that brings blockbuster movies to life is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring 3D and 4D rides, live shows, and character meet-and-greets. You can navigate themed lands, indulge in top-class dining, and shop for exclusive merchandise. Other attractions are the Halloween-themed horror nights, the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, the Simpsons ride-motion simulator, and the Men in Black Aliens Attack dark ride. It is the ultimate destination to bring magic cinema to life before the eyes of visitors of all ages.

Location: Orlando, Florida
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: From $109 per person
Top Experience: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, live shows, 3D rides, wand shop

6. Naples Pier

Naples pier with a wooden bridge pathway on it and people enjoying the beachside

Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons

The Naples Pier, Florida, was built in 1888 at the end of 12th Avenue. This pier extends 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, providing fishing facilities to all patrons free of charge, and is considered one of the best places to visit in Florida to see dolphins. Many repairs have been done in the past to maintain the structures of the pier, including the latest modifications done following the hurricane. The sandy beach adjacent to the pier is frequented for swimming and has excellent views with beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Water.

Location: Naples, Florida
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free​
Top Experience: Fishing, sunset views, dolphin watching, shopping, local food

7. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater beach with people walking on sandy shore and buildings in the background

Photo: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons

Clearwater Beach, with white sand and blue water fine with powder grains and gentle waves, is the family’s favourite destination on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The calm waves of the beach make it perfect for children and water sports enthusiasts to indulge in jet skiing, paddleboarding, and many other fun activities. Sunset at Pier 60, a nightly celebration that gets the local artisans, street performers, and musicians going with much energy, thrives here. This also enables close access to restaurants and shops, making the beach a lively destination where one can go to relax or explore.

Location: Clearwater, Florida
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free​
Top Experience: Sunbathing, Pier 60 sunset festival, jet skiing, sunset cruise

8. St. Augustine Historic District

A busy street in the St. Augustine Historic District with traditional shops and people

Photo: clembore / Wikimedia Commons

The oldest European-established city in the United States, St. Augustine is filled with history, given the beautiful Historic District. Its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings remind people of the old world in the historic district, while the castle, Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress, beckons visitors to come and discover the history within its walls. You can tour the museums and explore unique shops and restaurants that embody the cultural heritage of this great city. This district provides a glimpse into colonial America for both history buffs and families and is a famous attraction among other places to visit in Florida.

Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Timings: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM (for Castillo de San Marcos)
Entry Fee: $15 per person for the Castillo​
Top Experience: Exploring Castillo de San Marcos, shopping, museums, scenic tours on trolly

9. Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway with sports cars parked and Daytona painted on the grass.

Photo: Jeff / Wikimedia Commons

Better known as the home of the world-famous Daytona 500, the Daytona International Speedway is an excellent destination for any motor racing fanatics. The facility features electrifying NASCAR races and guided tours that open areas normally reserved only for drivers’ use. Inside the facility’s museum, guests are taken on an interactive tour of the history of the Daytona Speedway and walk among display legends of race cars. A visit here offers racing enthusiasts firsthand experience in the spirit of the track, and that is why it was rated as one of Florida’s biggest attractions for high-speed thrill seekers.

Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Starting from $25 for tours​
Top Experience: Speedway tours, NASCAR races, museum exhibits, driving package

10. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park with benches, palm trees and surrounded by serene greenery

Photo: Yinan Chen / Wikimedia Commons

Just an hour from Miami, Biscayne National Park offers the opportunity to experience one of the largest marine parks in the U.S., famous for its stunning coral reefs, mangrove forests, and crystal-clear waters. The park is ideal for snorkelling and diving, and guided visits and boat excursions are available to help visitors view the colourful marine life, coral formations, and historic shipwrecks located in the area. Biscayne is a beautiful place, rich in biological diversity, offering peaceful refuge for an in-depth experience of the wonders of Florida’s coast.

Location: Miami, Florida
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None
Top Experience: Snorkeling, diving, island hopping, kayaking

The United States has a wide range of places to visit in Florida, from picturesque beaches and attractive theme parks to exciting metropolitan locations along with natural escape. Experience the wildlife of the Everglades National Park, walk in the artistic streets of Miami, or absorb the thrill at Walt Disney World. This is a place for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL to uncover the secrets of the Sunshine State.

Cover Photo: Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to go is from November to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and less humid.
Yes, Florida has many family-friendly attractions, such as theme parks, beaches, and museums.
Renting a car or travelling by bus is a good option to move around multiple cities.
Yes, thousands of alligators and other animals can be found in the Everglades.
Florida is a very accessible destination that is affordable for all budgets, offering both luxury resorts and low-cost hotels.

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