Happiness Comes In Waves Make Your Reservation For Your Next Vacation In Paradise
In New Smyrna Beach, there are as many diff erent styles of lodging as there are varieties of birds skimming our shores. From whimsically appointed, colorful and eclectic, low – steps from the sand, to lofty, sleek, bright, modern oceanfront condos with picture windows overlo oking the shimmering ocean horizon, to laid – back, rustic fish camps near the famous saltwater flats, to high – end luxury private homes with saltwater pools enshrouded in verdant dunes, theres something to suit e very style, personality, and budget.
The charming town of New Smyrna Beach is inviting you to stay awhile. Feel like a local waking up in a cozy B& B by the beach or surrounded by nature.
Steps from the beach, or conveniently near I-95. Whatever your preference, NSB has the perfect overnight stay choices with flagship hotels or local acclaimed.
With over 200 options of condos and vacation homes, your family getaway is guaranteed fun in New Smyrna Beach. Choose among amenities, location, and pet-friendly options.
Living the van life? New Smyrna Beach has different RV & Camping areas for those enjoying the no-address life to the fullest!
No need to leave a man’s best friend behind. Pooches enjoy the beach too, and between vacation rentals and hotels, you are certain to find the best pet-friendly accommodations in NSB.
Sensational Weekend Getaways In Florida
Are you ready to take a weekend trip to the Sunshine State? Whether youre looking for ocean views, theme parks, fabulous beaches, water sports, national parks, romantic getaways, or family-friendly adventures youll want to add these weekend getaways in Florida to your road trips list!
Join hundreds of families who are flying free using travel rewards, saving thousands of dollars in the process. The Families Fly Free program will make your familys travel dreams come true!
What Is The Prettiest Place In Florida
When planning a trip to Florida, finding the prettiest destinations is always critical. There are so many options to consider. Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Florida include the following locations.
- Key West Botanical Gardens: Offers a wide selection of flowers, birds, and butterflies
- The Florida Everglades: Offers one of the most scenic views in all of Florida
- Molasses Reef: One of the most iconic views of Florida
- Fort Wallace Beach: One of the most beautiful, white-sand beaches in Florida
- Vero Beach: Another scenic, white sand beach in Florida
- Key Largo: One of the prettiest cities in Florida
- Cocoa Beach Piers: Offers a scenic view of the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach
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Manatee Springs State Park
Robert Whitlach / Shutterstock
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
Florida Arts And History
Heres where to find Florida’s arts and history, including museums, historic sites, lighthouses, art galleries, music and the performing arts.
Here’s a sampling of featured businesses. Use the search tools to find even more.
Art and history go hand-in-hand in Florida.
At some venues, Florida history and art in Florida is quite modern. In fact, visitors might be lucky enough to watch the paint dry at the murals that appear with regularity in Miami and St. Petersburg. That’s how contemporary that work is.
Miami’s Wynwood Walls urban grafitti district is drawing artists and visitors alike to the funky section of the city. Walking tours and breweries are also part of the scene. St. Petersburg’s annual SHINE festival brings muralists from around the world to paint on 20 brick-and-mortar canvases around the city. When the 10-day festival is over, the work remains for the benefit of lovers of art in Florida. Tours available.
Visionaries brought art from other places to new homes in Florida. Salvador Dali’s monumental masterworks are at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg while the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany reside at the Morse Museum in Winter Park. Circus impresario John Ringling amassed a world-class collection of European paintings, among them works by Peter Paul Rubens, Marcel Duchamps an Diego Velazquez, now housed at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.
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Cool Places In Florida: Siesta Key
This tiny, just 9-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota in the Gulf of Mexico, known as Siesta Key, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The miles and miles of fine white sand are perfect for long strolls, jogging, making a perfect castle, playing volleyball, or throwing a Frisbee. At the south end of Crescent Beach is Point of Rocks, a rugged limestone outcropping with tidal pools and great snorkeling and diving at the nearby reefs. As you keep walking, you will find Turtle Beach, where you can have a bit of privacy and tranquility to truly enjoy the beauty of the sea and the sky. In the evening, Siesta Key Village offers lively entertainment, great restaurants, bars, and cafes. Things to Do in Sarasota
Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum
Local History Museum203 4th Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
Housed in the original beach cottage and homestead of Mayor R.B. Johnson. Our history museum has rich and engaging exhibits depicting the evolution of our community. Explore relics left behind by the Tocobaga tribe and vintage photos from the 1950s when all of Indian Rocks Beach was simply a quiet alcove of seaside cottages.
Guided Fishing Trips401 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
Dave Mistrettathe owner and captain of Jaws Toohas guided memorable and plentiful fishing trips for over thirty years in the Gulf of Mexico. Be prepared to reel in your big catch! Dave is considered one of the best offshore fishing guides in our area. Feel free to reach out to our Gulfside team and we can help schedule an unforgettable fishing experience for you and your family.
Island Eatery and Shell Shop760 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
Our one and only ice cream snack shop right on the beach. Look for the bamboo mosaic and thatched decorits located within steps from the 8th Avenue beach access to the Gulf of Mexico. Repeat visitors rave about their savory hot pressed cuban sandwiches. You can do just as the local do: walk barefoot with your ice cream cone to beach.
Local Outfitter and Board Boutique1313 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
Seafood-Focused Casual Restaurant1519 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
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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
Pirate & Treasure Museum
EQRoy / Shutterstock
Ever had some pirate-themed vacation ideas you wanted to try out?
Florida is perfect for this goal, thanks to the St. Augustines Pirate and Treasure Museum.
Founded by Pat Croce, this museum features 48 different exhibits and one of the largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts in the world.
Some of the incredible things on display in this museum include the likes of Blackbeards blunderbuss and some of the original gold pieces retrieved from his ship.
The museum also has informative exhibits about the life of various buccaneers and the treasures and weapons they had collected during their life while raiding the coast of Florida.
The museum is also home to a treasure hunt that will certainly keep your kids entertained from room to room though if youd like, you can tap into your inner child and try hunting down said treasure yourself too!
Address: 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
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Weekend Getaways In Florida That Are Great For Families
Westgate River Ranch. You can unplug and reconnect with your family at the Westgate River Ranch located in central Florida. On this 1,700-acre ranch, you can camp in your tent or RV. Other accommodations include their lodge, cottages, cabins, a rail car with bunk beds, luxury teepees, or glamping tents! Theres a community campfire every night, perfect for bonding with your brood and making new friends. And youll find rodeos and dinner hayrides offered on weekends. Stay here: Westgate River Ranch
Jacksonville. Beaches, outdoor activities, indoor activities, and family-friendly restaurants make Jacksonville a great weekend getaway for families. In Jacksonville, youll find water activities for the family, such as surfing lessons and camps for kids, airboat tours, fishing excursions, and kayak and paddle board rentals. Take a break from the heat at the Museum of Science and History, which has live animal shows and interactive exhibits. For smaller children, the Hands On Childrens Museum is perfect for children under 8. Visit TopGolf, the Edge Rock Gym for rock climbing, or the Jacksonville Zoo! Stay here:Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel
It’s Nearby Near Perfect And It’s Waiting For You
Immerse yourself in nature’s glory in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Known for small-town charm with big-city flavors, it’s a one-of-a-kind beach town on Florida’s Central Atlantic Coast, with 17 miles of pristine white sandy beaches just steps from your favorite place to stay.
Discover North America’s most diverse estuary the Indian River Lagoon with more than 400 species of birds, dolphins, manatees, and more. There’s also an endless supply of laid-back outdoor fun, trails, waterways, and adventures to explore with friends, family, and each other.
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Hutchinson Island Fort Pierce And Jensen Beach
Often overlooked by people beelining it between Vero Beach and Fort Lauderdale on Floridas East Coast, Fort Pierce and Hutchinson Island just, in St. Lucie and Martin counties, are the spots to channel a slice of forgotten Florida on miles of uncrowded beaches . Base beachfront at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach where you can get around easily by bike to explore. The Florida Oceanographic Costal Center, on Hutchinson Island, fronts the Instracoastal Waterway and rehabilitates sea turtles, rays and nurse sharks, which swim in pretty lagoons fed by Indian River. Fort Pierce has a cute downtown area anchored by Sailfish Brewing Company and is the place to head out on a charter fishing trip into the Gulf Stream to troll for mahi.
The beaches of the Florida panhandle, in Seaside
Discover What Marco Island Has To Offer
This island is filled with things to do. Walk along the breathtaking stretch of sand known as South Marco Island Beach. Enjoy a boat tour from the Isles of Capri Marina. Or maybe take some time to visit the Marco Island Historical Museum.
If you really would like to find an under-the-radar attraction, head to the abandoned Florida domes, one of the hidden gems of Florida. These domes were actually once part of a millionaireâs home, but, since they have been abandoned, they have become a resting place for many of the stateâs sea birds.
Where To Stay In Marco Island: If you have a taste for luxury and want to stay close to everything that Marco Island has to offer, consider staying at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
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Start Planning Your Trip To Florida
Apart from being one of the most beautiful states, Florida is such an interesting place, offering some of the best bucket list-worthy attractions youll find in the country.
No matter what youre interested in, theres no shortage of fun vacation spots for adults, for children, and for families.
With such a vibrant community, theres also something to enjoy in Florida, whether you plan a trip for tomorrow, this weekend, this week, or beyond.
Hopefully, this list of the best things to do in Florida has helped you figure out which of its many locations is at the top of your to-visit plans!
Things To Do In Florida At The End Of The Day
Florida is an amazing state known for its great weather, beaches, attractions, and culture and good vacation spots. Cities throughout the state have a variety of world class museums, sporting venues, and theme parks.
We love traveling throughout Florida and taking in the best of each of the cities we have reviewed. Whether you want to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or grab a Cuban sandwich in Miami, you can find just about anything and plenty of fun places to vist in the Sunshine State.
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The Sunshine State Has It All But These Are Florida’s Best Vacation Destinations According To A Fourth
Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura
Year-round sunshine, miles of beaches, and almost as many palm trees as people what’s not to love? Florida is where the world goes on vacation.
While the state eats, sleeps, and breathes tourism, deciding exactly where to visit in Florida can be the hardest part. Any kind of traveler can enjoy a trip to Florida because the state has it all: theme parks for families, outdoor adventures for nature lovers, and historical significance for the curious.
As for the question of the best places to visit in Florida, there’s really no wrong answer, but as a fourth-generation Floridian, here’s my take.
The Best Places To Visit In Florida
It isnt easy to put together a list of the best places to visit in Florida because there are just too many. Of course, thats not a bad problem to have if youve got a month to travel. But if you dont have that much time then were here to help you out.
Florida was named by Spaniard Juan Ponce De Leon who discovered its Atlantic coast in the 16th century. He called it La Florida and claimed the state for Spain. The Spanish colonized the state until the 1800s when it was transferred to the U.S. Up next, weve rounded up some of the best places to visit in Florida so you can plan your trip for optimum fun.
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St Petersburg & St Pete Beach
Across the bay from Tampa is neighboring St. Petersburg. Visitors, particularly travelers from northern states, come here to escape cold winters and enjoy the oceanfront beaches and mild climate.
Some unique areas to explore include the St. Petersburg Pier, the dockside shops and restaurants of Johns Pass, the quaint atmosphere of historic Pass-a-Grille, and the soft sand of Indian Rocks Beach.
St. Petersburg has many cultural tourist attractions, including several theaters and prominent art museums, like the Dali Museum and the Morean Art Center.
One of the most popular things to do when visiting St. Petersburg is taking boat tours that range from dolphin-spotting and eco-tours to recreational cruises. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of peaceful spots, like Caladesi Island State Park, which has remained undeveloped thanks to its offshore location and is full of beaches and nature trails.
St. Pete Beach is a fun and funky beach area with miles and miles of soft sand, just perfect for lazing about in the sun, splashing in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters, or settling in under your umbrella with the latest paperback thriller.
Located just offshore from St. Petersburg, this area is a mix of condos, hotels, and private homes. It’s a popular spot that draws in beach lovers from all across the United States. All these people in a positive state of mind give the town a lively feel.
Fort Myers And Fort Myers Beach
Downtown Fort Myers, also known as the River District, is full of things to do, from plentiful shopping options to a wide variety of dining choices, as well as sightseeing in this historic area.
Families will enjoy the IMAG History & Science Center, which includes dozens of hands-on exhibits exciting wildlife interactions, including the chance to touch an alligator and even the opportunity to see the original fort at Fort Myers in a 3D virtual reality experience.
Fort Myers Beach is on the shores of Estero island, separated from the mainland by a narrow inland waterway and connected by bridges. The expansive beach is known for being an ideal place to see dolphins playing in the water and is full of top-notch resorts that are popular with families, couples, and celebrities.
Fort Myers also attracts many New England baseball fans, who come to watch Red Sox spring training games and hope for chance sightings of their favorite sports heroes around town.
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