I wanted to book a vacation with nice weather, great beaches, and a place the kids would love. I debated all over the country, but in the end, Florida has been the best destination my family returns to again and again.
Florida Travel
Boasting eternal sunshine, Florida averages 237 days of sun each year and has exciting theme parks, unique wildlife programs, and miles (and miles) of sandy beaches.
Florida has something for everyone. For the kids, there are the obvious amusement parks. Florida has world-class beaches for the whole family, including some gems with small crowds and easy parking. Fun can be had for every adult and their interests.
There are many airports for easy access, and the state is drive-able from much of the United States.
Top reasons to travel to Florida
Beaches
Florida has some of the best beaches in the continental United States along with the bluest, most tropical water. There aren’t many beaches in the world that are better than Florida’s.
Amusement Parks
The amusement parks available in Florida are known throughout the world. They offer fun and adventure for all ages.
You have the Disney World resorts that everyone is familiar with, as well as Universal Studios and many others, including some amazing water parks.
Scuba Diving
Florida offers access to coral reefs very close to shore. Scuba diving is both easy to get to and as beautiful as other global destinations.
Outdoors
in addition to those activities on the ocean, Florida offers many other outdoor activities inland. Including many gardens, hiking, nature watching, and the Everglades.
Fishing
if you get a chance, get on a fishing boat for a couple of hours. Florida offers amazing angling to visitors and easy ways to send the fish home if you would like.
Florida Quick Geography
Florida is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is also considered the gateway to the Caribbean.
Florida has many popular and secluded destinations. Visitors often choose southern Florida, including Miami and the Florida Keys, and then Orlando. However, there are other popular destinations such as Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers.
The three big universities around Florida also draw large crowds for different events. This includes the University of Florida (in Gainesville), Florida State University (Tallahassee), and the University of Miami.
Cities
There are many places to visit in Florida. One of Florida’s main draws is the diversity of its cities. No matter the type of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one or more of the sunshine state’s great cities.
The only problem is deciding which one to hit up first.
Popular destinations and what they have to offer:
Destin
Destin is a true gem on the Emerald Coast. Destin is one of the best places to fish. In fact, it’s been dubbed by locals as the world’s luckiest fishing village.
So pack your rod and tackle hop on a boat and try your luck at reeling in a big one.
When visitors aren’t angling, they spend time soaking up the rays on miles of soft, sandy beaches that hug the Gulf of Mexico.
Golfing, shopping, and conversation during a good meal are other crowd pleasers.
Located on the northern part of the panhandle Destin is home to a diverse mixture of visitors: from Spring Breakers to honeymooners to retirees & snowbirds. Everyone loves spending time in Destin!
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the king of the north. This massive city is the largest in Florida sprawling across three rivers.
Jacksonville has the beautiful beaches necessary for any Florida vacation, but it is so much more than a beach town.
Jacksonville has some of the most prized restaurants peppered throughout the city. Your taste buds will scream with excitement over the dishes available.
High rises sprawl across the landscape and are flanked by colorful historic buildings.
In terms of culture, Jackson overflows with museums. The pinnacle is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
Outdoor adventure begins at Jacksonville’s Beach and leads to the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary and Fort George Island.
Pensacola
Pensacola does southern charm like no other Floridian town. it is close to the Alabama border (which offers some great beach towns as well).
This beautiful city lies in Florida’s northwest in the oft-overlooked Panhandle. Its location explains the town residents’ propensity for speaking in a southern drawl and restaurants’ love of serving shrimp and grits.
You’ll find European influences throughout the small city streets. Spanish architecture harkens back to the days when the city was under rule by five different countries.
Today, tourists flock here to sunbathe on the white beaches, swim in the turquoise waves, and fish on the open water.
A strong military presence exists due to the surrounding bases. As a result, Pensacola’s attractions, include the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
Pensacola has a picturesque lighthouse at the historic Pensacola Village.
Saint Petersburg
The star of St. Petersburg comes in the form of a triangle-shaped, 26-acre waterfront Park boasting a million-dollar playground, boutique shops, a beach, various green spaces, and the Tampa Bay Watch Discover Center.
There’s so much to do with the revamp of Saint Pete Pier.
This more low-key Tampa neighbor is the place where memories are made. You have the cozy metropolis, farmers’ markets, art galleries, tasty, eateries, and eclectic murals in the downtown core.
The Dali museum gives visitors of peek at life through the inventive lens of surrealist master Salvador Dai. If you’ve ever had trouble getting your kids to a museum, take them here. They will beg to stay longer.
Sarasota
Beaches for families – number one is Siesta Key with Lido Key a close second. Sarasota is a superb place to lounge on the warm, soft sand.
Perhaps best known for previously being the winter home of the Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey Circus this Gulf Coast town is a must-see destination.
The Ringling is one of Sarasota‘s most popular attractions, especially exploring the grounds of the prior home of John and Mabel Ringling. There is a cluster of museums including the Museum of Art and Circus museum.
Saint Augustine
An absolutely lovely place!
Saint Augustine is one of Florida’s most romantic honeymoon destinations.
Vivacious European charm emanates from every district of the city, from the winding cobblestone lanes to charming cafes to an old wooden schoolhouse.
Take a horse and buggy ride past Castillo de San Marcos, visit one of the town’s museums, or hobnob with locals dressed in historic costumes. It’s hard not to love this unique setting which also has 42 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches.
Don’t miss out on Saint Augustine’s Pier and its family-friendly scene.
Saint Augustine is one of the top-rated beaches near Orlando.
Fort Lauderdale
Thinking Spring Break? Think Again!
Fort Lauderdale was once the destination for spring break revelers. Today it caters to a more laid-back and highbrow traveler, making this one of the best places to visit for couples.
Fort Lauderdale does still offer plenty of places to dance the night away, but you’re more likely to hear jazz music seeping into the streets than the pounding remnants of a nearby rave.
Visitors are offered respite from everyday burdens on the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach, which boasts an impressive boardwalk.
Lifshey Ocean Park is a close second for those who want to enjoy an even slower pace.
Museums abound in Fort Lauderdale as do shops, restaurants, and a slew of impressive yachts anchored in the harbor.
Take a boat cruise and enjoy other luxurious oceanfront activities.
Miami
Miami is famed for its pastel, youth art deco buildings that line Ocean Drive.
South Beach Miami draws visitors from around the globe. Coconut Grove is a must-see for those who love to shop eat and be entertained. Look closely and you may spot celebrities along the waterfront.
Craving more culture? Head to Little Havana a short walk from downtown. this funky, Hispanic center caters to lovers of Latin music cuisine, and art.
Play a game of dominoes in the park or sip a coffee in Obispo café. Visit on the last Friday of each month to witness Viernes Culturales/aka cultural Fridays.
Orlando
Orlando’s main tourist draw is the globally recognized theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. These parks blanket, large chunks of the city with giant roller coasters, silhouetting the skyline.
Often, nightly firework shows light up the skyscape.
Other popular Orlando attractions include Sea World and Discovery Cove, both of which allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the area’s biggest stars, whales, dolphins, rays, and sea lions.
Visiting this hot spot, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrilling magic of these adrenaline boosters and miss out on Orlando’s beautiful downtown. Make sure to also see the tree-lined streets, boutique shops, eclectic grills, galleries, and award-winning restaurants.
Reward yourself by taking a break from the busier, much louder amusements.
Airports
Ordered by number of yearly visitors
- Orlando International Airport: MCO
- Miami International Airport: MIA
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: FLL
- Tampa International Airport: TPA
- Southwest Florida International Airport: RSW
- Palm Beach International Airport: PBI
- Jacksonville International Airport: JAX