Florida, the vacation capital of the U.S., offers a diverse range of destinations that cater to every type of traveler. From world-renowned theme parks to serene natural escapes, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. As a native Floridian, I’m here to guide you through some of the best places to visit, highlighting both popular attractions and hidden gems. If you are thinking “Where To Travel In Florida?”, keep reading.
Florida Keys: A Tropical Paradise
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Stretching from Key Largo to Key West, the Florida Keys are a chain of islands offering a quintessential tropical escape without needing a passport. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of white sand beaches, engage in a variety of water activities such as boating, diving, and snorkeling, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Robbie’s Marina on Islamorada gives you the opportunity to feed massive tarpon!
Key Largo offers the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo, an all-inclusive resort for a luxurious getaway. Playa Largo Resort & Spa is great for families, offering pools and water sports. Indulge in fresh seafood at The Fish House, a Key Largo institution known for sourcing locally caught fish.
Crystal River: A Nature Lover’s Haven
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Crystal River, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is perfect for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Take a clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking to explore Hunter Springs, Jurassic Springs, and Three Sisters Springs, where you might encounter dolphins, turtles, and manatees (especially during the winter months). The Plantation Resort on Crystal River offers waterfront accommodations. For a unique Floridian experience, visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for their legendary live mermaid shows.
Orlando and Central Florida: Theme Park Adventures and Beyond
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Orlando is synonymous with world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Discovery Cove, and Legoland. However, Central Florida offers more than just amusement parks.
Visit the Kennedy Space Center to explore space travel artifacts and even witness rocket launches. Explore Winter Park, known for its lakeside sunsets and oak tree-lined streets. Savor breakfast at Briarpatch or dinner at Hillstone Restaurant. Discover natural attractions like Blue Grotto, a clear-water cavern popular for diving, and Rainbow Springs State Park, where you can float down the Rainbow River.
Naples: A Romantic and Upscale Retreat
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Naples, located on Florida’s Paradise Coast, is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, golf courses, upscale restaurants, and high-end shopping.
Indulge in retail therapy on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. Explore the Naples Botanical Garden, Clam Pass Park, or the Naples Zoo. Immerse yourself in art at Artis—Naples, home to The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic. Naples is a great option if you’re asking yourself “where to travel in Florida for couples?”.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale: Vibrant City Life and Beach Bliss
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Miami offers vibrant city life, world-class hotels, and exciting nightlife. Explore the Art Deco District in South Beach and Wynwood Walls for street art. Take the Brightline high-speed train to Fort Lauderdale. Discover craft brews along the Ale Trail, explore the “Venice of America” by Water Taxi, and shop and dine on Las Olas Boulevard. August is an ideal time to visit, with Miami Spa Months and Miami Spice Restaurant Months offering discounted luxury experiences.
The Palm Beaches: A Diverse Coastal Region
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The Palm Beaches encompass cities like West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Wellington, Delray Beach, Jupiter, and Boca Raton.
The region offers a wide range of activities, from shopping and surfing to scuba diving and relaxing on 47 miles of shoreline. Visit the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, take a cruise to the Bahamas, catch a Broadway musical at the Kravis Center, or experience Lion Country Safari. The Breakers, The Colony Hotel, Eau Palm Beach, and The Boca Raton offer ritzy resort stays. Explore West Palm Beach’s Clematis Street, CityPlace, and Grandview Public Market. Enjoy rooftop views at The Ben West Palm and Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown.
St. Augustine: A Historic Gem
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St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., offers a glimpse into colonial history.
Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, take a ghost tour, and dine at restaurants like Michael’s, The Floridian, or O.C. White’s. Enjoy a cocktail at Ice Plant. Stay at The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens or St. Francis Inn. Visit during the holidays for the Nights of Lights event.
Amelia Island: A Peaceful Seaside Escape
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Amelia Island offers a charming seaside destination without the crowds.
Explore beaches, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park. Visit the oldest lighthouse in Florida. Stay in beachfront lodges and inns. Shop and dine in Fernandina Beach, and attend the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
Tampa Bay Area: A Tri-City Haven
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The Tampa Bay area includes Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.
Ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and relax on Clearwater Beach. Visit during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Stay at Opal Sands. Explore the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.
Panhandle: Gulf Coast Beaches and More
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The Florida Panhandle includes Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Destin, and Tallahassee.
Hike, bike, or canoe in St. Andrews State Park. Enjoy happy hour at Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach. Visit Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin.
Cedar Key: A Peaceful Island City
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Cedar Key offers secluded beaches and botanical gardens.
Visit Manatee Springs State Park, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Cedar Key Museum State Park, and the Cedar Key Historical Society.
Everglades National Park: A Unique Natural Wonder
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Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres of wetlands. Explore coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods. Spot alligators, snakes, fish, and endangered animals. Visit during the dry season (November to April).
Plan Your Florida Adventure Today
Florida offers a diverse range of destinations, each with its unique charm and attractions. From the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys to the historic streets of St. Augustine and the natural wonders of the Everglades, the Sunshine State has something for every traveler. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the perfect place to travel in Florida.
