Floridians and those who visit enjoy a few common luxuries: no matter which Florida city or region you're in, you're always within a few hours from the ocean, the winters are generally warm and fresh, and locally caught seafood and homegrown citrus is plentiful.
But that doesn't mean allFlorida citiesare alike. Each has its own unique history, identity and story to tell, whether it's a large urban metropolis or a small community built around its strawberry crops or cattle ranches.
Whether you're looking for big-city excitement and entertainment or small-town quiet and curiosities, thebest places to visit in Floridaare the ones tailored toyourtaste.
WhileJacksonvilleis the most populated city in the Sunshine State, tourists often overlook its strengths as a vacation spot next to theme park-heavyOrlandoor the beach-blessed coastal cities. But Jacksonville's parks, museums and historic sites are marvelously laid our and theJacksonville Zoo and Gardensis an amazing attraction for visitors young and old.
There's alsoTampa, enjoying a revitalized downtown that includes some of the city's best restaurants, urban parks, bars and a Riverwalk that attracts joggers, bikers and couples out on a stroll.Fort Lauderdaleis one of thebest places to visit in Floridafor those wanting a winning combination of beaches, shopping and dining.
For visitors looking for a more quietplace to visit in Floridathat still offers plenty of activities, cities such asCape Coral,Gainesville,Fort MyersandPensacolaoffer the perfect getaway plans. All offer top-notch golf courses, cozy bed and breakfast inns and fabulous restaurants without the traffic of the bigFlorida cities.Palm Bay, the biggest city in the Space Coast area, has some of the state's best nature trails at the Turkey Creek Sanctuary but also has beaches and other attractions for both kids and adults.
Some prefer more off-the-beaten-path towns such asDunedinwith its tiny but charming downtown and nearby parks, the historicSt. Augustinefilled with old stone fortresses and museums or quaintMount Doraand its fun shops and restaurants.
TinyWeeki Wacheebuilt its livelihood on its 70-year-old underwatermermaid showand its natural springs, andArcadiais known for some of the best antiquing around, all concentrated within a few blocks.
EachFlorida cityhas its own collection ofplaces to visitand gems to offer, whether its secluded beaches, Spring Training baseball, roadside oddity attractions or award-winning golf courses. Pinpoint your favorites to create the perfect escape.
Planning a trip to the Sunshine State but can’t decide between beaches or theme parks?
Torn between surfing on theAtlantic Coastandfishingon theGulf Coast? Wondering what there is to do near your secluded, romantic bed and breakfast? Checking out VISIT FLORIDA’S interactivemap of Floridabefore you travel is a helpful starting point.
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway, a spring break jaunt or a summer road trip, you’ll never run out ofthings to do in Florida, a state packed withnature trails,parks,boating docks,roller coaster rides,museumsand more.
Many visitors have a starting point in mind – say,Daytona BeachorSt. Augustine– but then get curious about what there is to explore nearby, which is where ourFlorida mapcomes in handy. Others have a general activity they like to do while traveling, such ascampingor trying uniquerestaurants, and want to know exactly where the best Florida destinations are before booking a ticket or hitting the road. And speaking of roads, a trip from the top of the peninsula to the southernmost point is doable in a day or two. But why rush when you can take time to discover some of Florida’s hidden gems, weird roadside attractions, quirky beach towns, outdoor art festivals and wildlife rescue sanctuaries?
Check out some of the small-town, family-friendly events going on within an hour or two’s drive fromJacksonville,OrlandoorMiamiusing ourmap of Florida. Or hit some of the best campsites in north Florida, coolest natural springs in central Florida or most popular outlet malls among true bargain hunters in South Florida.
Browse theFlorida mapand take a detour off of Interstate 4 to check out some odd museums and parks, or break off from I-75 to do some nature hiking or wine tasting. Relax on a front-porch rocking chair and try fresh citrus juices at the Grove House inLake Walesor make a day trip out of a stopover in beautifulNaplesor the laid backNew Smyrna Beach.
If you’re anywhere near theEverglades, swing over to Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, where you can learn the history of the Seminole Tribe or sample frog legs or alligator tail at the Swamp Water Café. It’s easy to hunt down some of the lesser known but most memorable Florida destinations by doing a little bit of map-scanning before you travel. Even the best laid plans should leave room for spontaneous adventure.
