Best Vacation Spots In Florida
A vacation to Florida is always a great choice for a getaway with your family. Lots of families have done the Disney World trip and it is after-all the most magical place on Earth. If you are wanting to explore more of the sunshine state, then check out of the list of the best vacation spots in Florida.
We have picked a few spots that you and your family are sure to love!
Book An Airboat Tour In The Everglades
The Everglades is a 1.5 million acre wetland that is located in southern Florida. It is too unique to not mention in the best places to visit in Florida! This swamp is comprised of mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and is home to many animals like birds and gators.
People love to take an airboat tour of the Everglades as a way to get a great view of areas that are typically inaccessible. There are so many options when it comes to this: you can book a private tour, a small group tour, a moonlight tour and more.
But no matter what you decide to do, or where you are coming from , there are options for you! You wont want to miss this. The Everglades are truly one of the best places to visit in Florida, and an airboat tour to explore them is a once in a life time opportunity. Looking for help deciding what tour to take? Check out our 11 Best Everglades Airboat Tours too!
Where to Stay: Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House
Florida Museum Of Natural History
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Of all the fun and unique tourist spots to visit in Florida, the last thing youd expect to see on the list is a stuffy museum.
After all, what exciting activities could there be in such a place?
The Florida Museum of Natural History, however, may just change your mind.
Home to all sorts of incredible exhibits, the museum is a marvel to look at no matter what time of the year.
Drop by to check out all sorts of fossils, or even the butterfly rainforest exhibit!
Address: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
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Manatee Springs State Park
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Manatee Springs is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Florida, located on the northwestern side.
It was named by William Bartram, a naturalist, in the 18th century after something surprisingly morbid for a place so gorgeous after the carcass of a manatee, washed up along the Suwannee River.
Since its slightly sad beginnings, Manatee Springs has become a state park, and it continues to live up to its name in a much more positive way.
The springs stay at an even and warm temperature of 72º F throughout the entire year, so manatees swim up into the park for a spot of good temperature in the winter.
Speckled perch, alligators, and large-mouth bass also come here during the time.
Watching the activities of these animals is fun and thrilling, and if you go kayaking in the park, these animals often swim up to you and ask for pets!
You might even spot baby manatees, as the warm waters make for a great manatee nursery!
Address: 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, FL 32626, United States
Naples: Beaches & 5th Avenue Living
One of the ritziest of many ritzy destinations in Florida, the Gulf Coast city of Naples has much to offer those seeking a great weekend getaway. Like its Italian namesake, it’s a very romantic place for couples, particularly along lovely 5th Avenue-and especially at night.
The street is home to luxury boutique stores and art galleries, but it’s the food that really draws the crowds. Here, you can sample delicious menus from award-winning chefs from around the world, including fresh, local-caught seafood served in fine-dining establishments or served up as fish and chips in a casual eatery-both even better if you’re dining al fresco. By day, relax on the beautiful beaches, see dolphins cruising just off shore, or enjoy a swim in the calm waters. At sunset head out on the pier to watch the sunset.
This prestigious part of town is also home to the top luxury hotel known as the Inn on Fifth, a delightful place to hole up for the weekend. From here, you can easily enjoy the very best Naples has to offer, including Naples’ beach and pier, an easy 10 or so minutes’ walk away.
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Other Things To Do In Miami One Of The Best Places To Visit In Southern Florida
Miami is a clear favorite for couples in Florida, particularly as a honeymoon destination. Below are some other must-visit spots within Miami:
The Brickell Neighborhood and the MiamiDesign District are known for their high-end stores and posh dining scene.
Little Havana and Little Haiti are great places to see Miamis Caribbean influences up close. Española Way offers more of a European, old world vibe.
Overtown Neighborhood is worth exploring for its rich African-American history and amazing food.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a Mediterranean-style estate on Biscayne Bay that was once the residence of James Deering.
The Coconut Grove Neighborhood is famed for its historic homes that are built from coral rock. Visitors will also find peacocks, street entertainers and cozy cafés here.
Other cool, cultural attractions include the , Zoo Miami, and Coral Castle.
In addition, the city of Miami hosts an annual festival called , which is one of the worlds largest Latin music festivals.
From its vibrant fashion scene, sports and entertainment, historic sites, beaches, and visual art centers, everything about Miami is fascinating and worth exploring. Its no wonder this city is among the best places to visit in South Florida.
Best Beaches In Florida: Delray Beach
Just an hour north of Miami, Delray Beach is a small beachfront town with unexpected sophistication and one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. The city has lively art life with over 20 galleries, and there are art pieces all over downtown. Famous Pineapple Grove Arts District is home to Artists Alley, where visitors can watch artists working in their studios. Nature has created its own art with spectacular Delray Municipal Beach, where kids can rent snorkeling gear and paddle boards.
A visit to the Sandoway House Nature Center where they can see live shark feedings is sure to be a hit with the kids, and so will a stop by the 505 Teen Center with Skateboard Park to play basketball, video games, and billiards. Biking is popular in the city, and there are several places where you can rent bikes or Segway. Another way to explore the trails around the town is on horseback with the Aberdean Riding Academy. The city is famous for its colorful festivals, so check what is going on before booking your trip.
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Sarasota And Longboat Key
To mix an artsy town with some of Floridas most gorgeous gulf beaches, spend your vacation exploring downtown Sarasota and the neighboring beaches of Longboat Key, less than 90 minutes south of Tampa. Make a gulf front room at Zota Beach Resort or a beachfront condo with several bedrooms just back from the dunes at Sand Cay Beach Resort your base on this sublime stretch of coastline. When you need a break from the sand and sun, cross the bridge to downtown Sarasota, home to the magnificent Ringling Museum of Art, named for the circus baron and housing an incredible collection of European Old Masters paintings within bayfront grounds landscaped with tropical flowers and trees. For contemporary art, the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College , inside the town’s gothic style former high school, is worth a visit. And when its time for slurping more oysters with river views, Philippi Creek Oyster Bar is just a short drive south.
Sarasota A Florida Beach Town With An Artistic Soul
The beach town of Sarasota and its adjacent keys are home to some of the most scenic beaches on the Gulf Coast with sand as soft as cotton and white as fresh snowsift it through your fingers and it feels like flour. The warm Gulf waters are a shade of blue that looks straight out of a crayon box.
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At , a tumbling waterfall and landscaped paths filled with flowers make for a serene respite. The Kids Corner has costumes for dress-up, nature books, and an array of arts and craft materials to encourage creativity.
With carved parade wagons, costumes, and a 44,000-piece model circus, the Ringling Circus Museum is a fun stop. And if youre looking for vacation ideas for teens or artsy tweens, Sarasota supports a sophisticated array of performing arts, including an opera and ballet company with modest ticket prices. When hunger strikes, kids meals at the Old Salty Dog are whimsically served on a take-home Frisbee.
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The Romance Of St Augustine
Those looking for a memorable, romantic getaway in Florida couldn’t do better than visit historic St. Augustine. One of the most northerly cities on the east coast of the Sunshine State, St. Augustine is also one of the oldest. Less than an hour’s drive south of Jacksonville, this pretty walled city was founded in the mid-16th century by the Spanish and has managed to retain its European flare.
The historic district is also home to a number of delightful romantic hotels, inns, and guesthouses, and is especially pleasant to visit in the lead up to Christmas. During this festive season, the streets are lit up to charming effect so pleasant, in fact, that they’ve helped cement St. Augustine’s reputation as the “best Christmas town in Florida.”
It’s a delightful place to explore on foot , especially around the old Colonial Quarter. Preserved much as it would have been in the 17th and 18th centuries, this fascinating area paints a very vivid picture of life back in the day. There are numerous points of interest to see here, in particular the well-preserved fortress of Castillo de San Marcos. Here, you can enjoy historic military displays and exhibits of old trades, as well as explore the old fort’s walls.
But it’s not all about indoor, urban fun things to do in St. Augustine. The town is also well-known for its excellent beaches, including Ponte Vedra Beach, popular for its high-end oceanfront resorts.
Best Beaches In Florida: Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a large, modern city in northeast Florida, a business and cultural center of the region. But, there is another reason to visit Jacksonville: its other, more natural side. The city has 22 miles of fine sandy beaches that are never crowded where you can laze the day away or engage in any of the water activities.
You can take the kids to the Shipwreck Island Waterpark, say hello to giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens or Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve and hike through 46,000 acres of salt marshes, coastal wetlands, and hardwood forests. History buffs should not miss a visit to historic Fort George Island. Things to Do in Jacksonville
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Spend Some Time In Key West
Pretty much all of us have heard of the infamous Key West! So why wouldnt we add it to our list of best places to visit in Florida? There are so many unique and exciting things to do in Key West.
This area is known for its nightlight, entertainment and relaxing islands vibes. But dont be fooled! Key West is also home to a lot of history and other adventures.
So whether you take a historic tour, eat your way down main streets, or even live life more one edge and rent out a boat or go diving, there is something for everyone here! This may be one of those best Florida vacations that may last with you for a lifetime! For suggestions on what to do, look at our 16 Fun Things to do in Key West. And if youre driving into the area, look at some stop suggestions we have as you drive from Miami to Key West!
Where to Stay: Harborside Motel and Marina
Visit The Best Beaches
Florida is home to quite a few stunning beaches and theyre probably some of the most popular in the United States.
In fact, when in Florida, youre never more than 75-miles away from any beach For some of the clearest, bluest waters in the state, head to Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast .
Though, if youre further south, make a trip to Miamis South Beach for the ultimate beach-goer experience thats right in the city itself.
For something more unique, check out Venice Beach in the Venice and Sarasota areas, where you can find prehistoric sharks teeth washing up onshore.
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These Cruise Lines Offer Trips From Florida To Sunny Destinations In The Caribbean And Beyond
Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line
Floridas coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are home to cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Port Canaveral. Cruises from Florida take travelers to exciting destinations around the world, ranging from Caribbean islands to European countries. And because so many cruise lines offer itineraries leaving from Florida, you can find a wide variety of cruises to fit any budget or travel style including fantastic family cruises and luxury cruises perfect for couples.
Best Places To Visit In Florida
When most people think of Florida, they think of sunshine, theme parks, orange juice and alligators. But this former Spanish colony, which became the 27th state to enter the Union, is much more than that.
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, it has mile upon mile of white sand beaches. This is the US state where youll find Miami and its immediate neighbor Miami Beach both famous for their Art Deco architecture, Cuban culture, and beaches, of course.
More sun, sea, and sand can be had in the south, where the Florida Keys fling themselves for around 120 miles along the Florida Straits. Come here for more beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, and the potential for one of the most picturesque road trips ever, thanks to the feat of engineering that is the Overseas Highway.
Theres also Cape Canaveral, home of NASA, but then again theres Orlando, too famous for its sheer amount of amusement parks, including Disney World. Heres a look at the best places to visit in Florida:
Panama City Beach on the Florida panhandle offers 27 miles of white sand beaches on the Emerald Coast. The beach is a popular destination for residents of the southern United States as well as tens of thousands of high school and college students on spring break.
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Best Florida Beaches: Clearwater Beach
Clearwater is what we imagine a beach town in Florida to look like: 2.5 miles of fine sand beaches, picturesque boardwalks, funky beach shacks, a beach festival every single night just because the sun is setting, and, most importantly, numerous ice cream shops all along the beach. Clearwater Beach is located on a narrow barrier island just across the water from Clearwater, northwest of Tampa.
You can rent a cabana or a beach umbrella and spend a day under the sun, walk along the bustling, lively Pier 60 or Clearwater Marina, take the family on a Pirate Cruise, or visit dolphins and other animals at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can meet Winter, the star of the much loved movie Dolphin Tale.
Faqs On Best Places To Visit In Florida
1. What are the low cost flights to Florida?If you are flying from New York or Los Angeles:
4 Rivers Smokehouse4. What are common prices when visiting places in Florida?Make sure to keep your expenses within the budget by taking note of the following expenses:Tickets in Walt Disney World $100Individual State Park pass $60Family State Park pass $120Beach pass $20 daily beach entry per vehicle5. Where should I vacation in Florida right now?The best places to vacation in Florida highly depends on the season.
On summers, beaches are definitely a must where you can bask in the sun or get some adrenaline with water sports. Aside from the beach town and the number of white sandy beaches mentioned above, you can also visit Daytona Beach and Clearwater Beach.
During Autumn, outdoor activities are definitely the go-to idea. The state parks included in the list are the best place for camping but you can also visit the Everglades National Park if you want to go for a hike or a trail. The marshes surrounding Amelia Island is also a great outdoor place to visit.
It is best to stay indoors during winter so you might opt to visit heritage sites instead of the cold beaches. Key West is a great place to hop around. The Dry Tortugas National Park is open even in winters where you explore the surrounding waters. St. Petersburg is one of the best places to visit during winter. Here, the winter is short and does not get attacked by hurricanes.
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