The best places to visit in Florida for your beach vacation! 🌅 From the attractions of Miami to the historic charm of St. Augustine, explore best FL destinations
Best Vacation Spots in Florida Florida is a premier vacation destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and sunny weather. With diverse cities and quaint beach towns dotting its coasts, Florida offers an array of exciting places to visit. Here are some of the top spots for an unforgettable Florida getaway.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations. Located on a barrier island east of Miami proper, Miami Beach dazzles with art deco buildings, high-end shopping, renowned nightlife and of course, gorgeous sandy beaches. The iconic South Beach neighborhood specifically caters to tourists with its vibrant Ocean Drive lined with restaurants, bars and boutique hotels. For a classic Miami vacation, spend your days sunbathing on the beach, your afternoons wandering through art galleries and your nights sipping cocktails to the beat of salsa music.
Orlando
Home to the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Orlando is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Florida. This city hosts an array of world-famous amusement parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World Orlando and Legoland. With its family-friendly atmosphere and array of activities, Orlando offers nonstop fun for kids and adults alike. Outside of the major theme parks, attractions like the Orlando Science Center and Harry P. Leu Gardens provide a respite from the rides and roller coasters. Sports lovers can catch an Orlando Magic basketball game, and foodies can feast on the city’s international cuisine.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys comprise an archipelago of tropical islands stretching 220 miles from Miami to Key West. Island-hopping through the Keys allows you to experience everything from party-centric Key West to nature-focused Islamorada. Activities include snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, kayaking through mangrove forests and embarking on deep-sea fishing excursions. Don’t forget to sample Key lime pie and watch a Key West sunset. The Keys provide a tranquil beach vacation while still offering lively nightlife and watersports.
St. Augustine – Best Vacation Spot For History Buffs
Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, St. Augustine exudes old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and Spanish-colonial architecture. As America’s oldest city, St. Augustine allows visitors to immerse themselves in history while enjoying sandy beaches and great restaurants. Top attractions include the Castillo de San Marcos fortress, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Foodies will love St. Augustine’s mix of Spanish, Cuban, Greek and Italian eateries, while nature lovers can hike or kayak through nearby state parks.
In addition to beautiful beaches and outdoor attractions, Florida offers no shortage of history. St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, is one of Florida’s most historic cities. Centuries-old buildings, monuments and artifacts provide an immersive glimpse into the past.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument offers living history demonstrations from costumed interpreters reenacting 17th century military life. Nearby colonial Quarter depicts life in early Spanish St. Augustine with historic homes and businesses staffed by period actors. You can watch historic weapons firing at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum or take one of many ghost tours offered after dark.
When you want a break from the historic sites, St. Augustine still delights visitors with great shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The pedestrian-friendly downtown district along St. George Street thrills shoppers with art galleries and unique boutiques. Foodies can indulge at Spanish-inspired restaurants like Columbia and La Pentola serving paella and tapas. Catch some live music while sipping a local craft beer or cocktail at Prohibition Kitchen or The Original Cafe Eleven.
St. Augustine seamlessly blends old world architecture and modern luxuries for an unforgettable Florida vacation spanning centuries.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach dazzles with its sparkling white sand and calm turquoise waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach provides plenty for tourists to do, from dolphin sightseeing cruises to amusement parks to world-class shopping. Beachgoers flock to clearwater Beach for its clean, uncrowded shoreline and stunning sunset views. After a day of fun in the sun, stroll down Pier 60 to shop for local crafts, see street performers and watch a vibrant sunset. With its laid-back yet lively ambiance, Clearwater Beach blends tropical relaxation with family entertainment.
Everglades National Park
Spanning 1.5 million acres in South Florida, Everglades National Park protects a unique freshwater marsh ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site allows visitors to spot alligators, crocodiles, manatees and over 300 bird species in their natural habitats. Popular activities include airboat tours, hiking through tropical trails and paddling scenic waterways. Make sure to visit Ernest Coe Visitor Center, where you can learn about the Everglades’ distinct flora and fauna via interactive exhibits and short films. With its diverse wildlife and intriguing ecosystems, the Everglades provide the quintessential Florida park experience.
Fort Lauderdale
Lined with high-rise hotels and gleaming yachts, Fort Lauderdale blends tropical beauty with big-city excitement. The beachfront Las Olas neighborhood thrills with its upscale boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. Just off Las Olas lies Fort Lauderdale Beach, renowned for its sparkling sands, beachside bars and water sports. Nature lovers can kayak through mangrove forests, hike tree-shaded trails or embark on whale-watching cruises. Kids will love attractions like Flamingo Gardens and the Museum of Discovery & Science, while NASCAR fans can catch racing action at the famous Daytona International Speedway. With seemingly endless entertainment options, Fort Lauderdale truly has something for everyone.
Sanibel Island
Fifteen miles off Florida’s southwest coast, Sanibel Island captivates with its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of rare seashells. Since vehicles aren’t allowed on Sanibel’s beaches, exploring the shoreline by bike or on foot provides a peaceful experience. Visitors flock to Sanibel to comb its beaches for unique shells like junonias and Scotch bonnets. But there is much more to Sanibel than shelling. You can hike and bike its wildlife refuge, embark on kayaking and boating excursions or try shore fishing. With its sugar-fine sand and cozy bed and breakfast inns, Sanibel stands out as one of Florida’s most charming coastal destinations.
Key West
As Florida’s southernmost point, Key West prides itself on its relaxed vibe and Caribbean charm. Brightly-hued houses, tropical foliage and roaming wild roosters give Key West its unique aesthetic, while fantastic seafood, renowned nightlife and watersports like paddleboarding and snorkeling allure tourists. Must-see attractions include the famous Southernmost Point landmark, Duval Street for entertainment and the home of literary icon Ernest Hemingway. Watching Key West’s awe-inspiring sunsets is also a beloved local tradition. Embodying tropical quirkiness and nautical adventure, Key West guarantees an unforgettable island vacation.
Naples
On Florida’s Paradise Coast, Naples impresses with its upscale seaside appeal. Miles of white-sand shoreline, fantastic shopping and elegant dining establishments cement Naples as a prestigious yet welcoming vacation hub. After sunbathing at Lowdermilk Beach Park or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, head to Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South for boutique shopping and fine dining. Nature lovers will appreciate Naples Botanical Garden’s cultivated displays and the indigenous mangroves of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve. Coupled with its prime location and refined luxuries, Naples is one of Florida’s most splendid vacation spots whether you’re looking to relax or play.
Sarasota
Culture enthusiasts flock to Sarasota on Florida’s west coast for its vibrant arts scene, upscale amenities and idyllic barrier islands. Downtown Sarasota’s high concentration of museums includes The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Sarasota’s affluent ambiance continues at St. Armands Circle, named one of the best shopping areas in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler. Sarasota’s barrier islands like Lido Key also invite relaxation with powdery white sand, outdoor dining and charming Art Deco architecture. Blending urban sophistication with laid-back coastal vibes, Sarasota offers well-rounded enrichment for travelers.
Daytona Beach
Known as the birthplace of NASCAR, Daytona Beach thrills motor racing fans with its iconic Daytona International Speedway. The city’s eponymous beach stretches over 23 miles with sparkling blue-green waters perfect for surfing and parasailing. Daytona Beach’s fame as Spring Break capital has faded over the years, replaced with a more family-friendly vibe. Top attractions include the 31-story Ocean Center building offering panoramic views of Daytona Beach and the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Daytona Beach delivers tons of high-octane fun from auto racing to watersports adventures.
Cape Canaveral
As Florida’s Space Coast, Cape Canaveral provides a front-row seat to rocket launches and space exploration. Don’t miss Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s astronaut training facility, where you can tour launch areas, meet an astronaut and see rockets from past expeditions. Nearby Cocoa Beach also offers seaside fun with surfing, live music venues and sea turtle nesting between May and October. For outdoor adventure outside the typical theme parks, visit Canaveral National Seashore with its unspoiled beaches and Mosquito Lagoon for kayaking among dolphins and manatees. Whether you’re an aspiring astronaut or simply enjoy nature, Cape Canaveral offers stellar vacation opportunities.
Explore the Nature Coast
North of popular Tampa Bay and Orlando destinations lies Florida’s Nature Coast, spanning from Cedar Key to Crystal River. This region offers pristine beaches, extensive nature preserves and old Florida charm without massive crowds.
Cedar Key charms visitors with its artistic community and island lifestyle. Designated as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, Cedar Key lets you step back in time while enjoying seaside activities like kayaking, fishing and birdwatching. Nearby Nature Coast beaches offer more shoreline fun with shells to collect at Shell Mound Park or sunbathing at Pine Island Beach.
Inland at Rainbow Springs State Park, crystal clear water springs from the ground, perfect for swimming, kayaking or tubing. Here you may spot birds, turtles, manatees and monkeys at the park’s wildlife rehabilitation center.
Further north, Crystal River provides the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with gentle manatees in Kings Bay from November through March. Hundreds of these sea cows migrate to the warm springs annually. See them up close on a guided snorkel tour or kayaking excursion.
For the quintessential old Florida experience without massive crowds, discover the untamed natural beauty of the Nature Coast.
Relax on the Space Coast
While Cape Canaveral offers outstanding cosmic attractions like Kennedy Space Center, quieter beach escapes abound nearby on the Space Coast. In Cocoa Beach, enjoy the laidback surf town atmosphere with local eateries, beach bars and Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s most famous surf store. Grab a board to ride waves at Cocoa Beach Pier or book a surf lesson for beginners.
Further south at Melbourne Beach, drivable sands invite you to park your rental car right on this peaceful shoreline. Grab seafood with oceanfront seating at fresh local restaurants like Meg’s Beachside Cafe. Meet sea turtles or rent SUP boards through appointment-only tours from the Florida Eco Adventures outfitter.
Venture down scenic A1A highway to Sebastian Inlet State Park spanning the dividing line between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. Here you can camp right beside the sea, try watersports rentals or embark on boat tours to spot dolphins. The coastal hammock also features hiking and biking trails for birdwatching.
The Space Coast offers all types of fun, both cosmic and coastal, if you know where to look beyond the theme parks. Finding these local favorites allows you to experience authentic Florida beach towns.
Make beach buddies with invme
invme app is a free city social network app to discover and share what is happening here and now in your city. Share, discover and connect: invme.com offers both locals and tourists the way to share events in the city in an easier way.
From trendy beach towns to family-friendly theme park utopias, Florida’s diverse cities provide unique travel experiences. Gorgeous shorelines, fascinating ecosystems and an abundance of attractions make Florida an unparalleled vacation destination. Whether you prefer lounging on the sand or zooming down waterslides, Florida has a perfect spot to match your interests. With its year-round sunny weather and array of sights to see, Florida promises visitors warmth, adventure and lasting memories.