15 Best Tourist Attractions in Florida
Our expert’s opinion
Beaches, restaurants, museums, bars, and cultural centers—no other American state is as rich from a tourist point of view as Florida. Also, discover the incredible biodiversity hidden in the numerous lakes, rivers, and stretches of coastline that we believe are endless. And whatever your age, let your lessons beat in Florida’s many amusement parks.
What are the main activities to do in Florida?
Florida is a true reflection of magnificent beaches lined with palm trees against a light blue backdrop. For travelers looking for sun, Naples and St. Petersburg, located in western Florida, are among the most beautiful beaches. Indeed, it’s not for nothing that Florida is called “the Sunshine State.” It is also considered a real cultural melting pot, particularly in Little Havana, the most colorful neighborhood in Miami. In addition, during your tour in Florida, you can discover unusual theme parks or incredible natural beauty like the Everglades.
1. Miami Beach (15 Best Tourist Attractions in Florida)
Four bridges link the artificially constructed peninsula with Miami. It is a true paradise for swimmers thanks to its warm weather all year round and a 16-kilometer beach, which is among the most beautiful. To the south on South Beach, discover the colourful houses of the Art Deco district and walk the famous Ocean Drive promenade. Further south, on the South Point Park Pier observation deck, the view of the Atlantic and the skyline is captivating. From there, you can easily reach the marina and its huge cruise ships and then join Ocean Drive.
Lifeguard hut in Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando includes four different theme parks, two water parks, golf courses, and several shopping centers and hotels. Among them, Magic Kingdom is one of the theme parks called the happiest place on earth. Children meet Peter Pan, Dumbo, and even Snow White. Epcot Park makes the hearts of explorers beat faster. Meet movie heroes and stories from the big screen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, immerse yourself in the heart of wildlife and drive a safari truck.
A welcome sign near the Orlando International Airport, Florida, USA
Everglades National Park
It is located on the southern tip of Florida. It is characterized by an immense marshy area with extraordinary fauna and flora between mangrove forests, flat pine forests, and even sea grass meadows. The animals that live there are just as varied, from crocodiles to raccoons, turtles, flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants. Exploring the Everglades by canoe is particularly popular and does not impact the flora and fauna. For a boat trip, the best time is early in the morning.
Aerial view of Everglades National Park, Florida, USA.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale called “the Venice of America” is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The city is popular for its 11 km of sandy beach, its port, and its vibrant nightlife. Indeed, the choice of nightclubs is varied. Culture is not neglected here either. The Museum of Discovery and Science is known beyond Florida’s borders and at the Indian-Arts of Craft Center you can get up close and personal with the Seminoles, the local Native American tribe, and learn a lot about their culture and way of life during of your road trip on the East Coast in the USA.
The Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Key West
This island city is located in the far south of the state. It has a special charm and a relaxed atmosphere. Experience it in the evening, for example at Mallory Square when street musicians and jugglers create a special atmosphere. The historic old town, with its pastel-colored houses, is also worth a visit. Everything is within walking distance, such as the Hemingway house, where he spent ten years of his life. To have a magnificent view of the island, a cruise ship excursion is highly recommended, especially for the sunsets.
Kennedy Space Center
NASA’s spaceport, the Kennedy Space Center, is located on Merritt Island. Until 2011, all American spaceflights began there. In the Visitor Center, you can have an incredible experience, spanning from the beginnings of space travel to today. You can also admire the capsule of the Apollo 14 lunar mission, Alan Shepard’s space suit covered in lunar dust, or even pass under the original Saturn V rocket, which measures 110 m long. And the highlight of the show is the 3D cinema, which recreates a spacewalk.
Also Read: Forget Miami and Orlando: This Florida City is the Real Gem
Art Deco District Miami
It is a neighborhood in Miami that is characterized by approximately 800 buildings and structures built between 1923 and 1943. Its pastel-colored houses with striking features such as porthole windows, glass blocks, and intricate decorations continue to grow. seduce. At night, they take on a unique appearance. Stroll through this neighborhood among the shops, bars, and restaurants, and know that every now and then, a celebrity may also cross your path. You will find all the useful information about the district at the Art Deco welcome center.
Apalachicola (15 Best Tourist Attractions in Florida)
The small town of Apalachicola is located on a bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The name of the city takes its origin from the indigenous people and means “land of friendly people”. Unlike other areas of Florida, here you can enjoy secluded beaches, low tourism, and a very charming fishing town with a calming atmosphere. In the morning, watch the fishermen leave the boats. At lunchtime, take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and browse the many art shops for souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy fresh oysters in one of the restaurants.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Immerse yourself in the world of wizards and muggles by visiting this amusement park in Orlando. Get on at Kings Cross Station, where the Hogwarts Express awaits you. Visit the different shops such as the wand shop in Diagon Alley or the souvenir shops, where you can buy school clothes, Quidditch accessories, or even original items from the Potter films. However, fans of the wizard will not be the only ones to be won over, many rides, for example, the spectacular roller coasters, offer variety and entertainment.
Fort Myers
The city of Fort Myers is located between Naples and Tampa, a few miles inland on the Caloosahatchee River. Take a leisurely stroll on the sandy beach of Fort Myers Beach, look for shells, or, for the lucky ones, watch dolphins. In addition to the most beautiful beaches, Fort Myers offers many historic sites and cultural activities. For example, a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Museum provides the opportunity to relive the private lives of the two inventor friends. For a change of scenery, the islands off the coast are also worth a visit.
Little Havana
This colorful neighbourhood in Miami invites you to explore a Latin American atmosphere. It is one of the districts with the richest cultural melting pot in the metropolis. It gained its importance and name in the 1950s when Cubans emigrated to Miami and settled in this area. Since then, Little Havana has become the Cuban heart of Miami. Take time to explore the historic district, enjoy a Cuban coffee, or visit one of the Latin American galleries to experience Little Havana with all your senses.
Discover Florida’s Hidden Waterfall Gem
Sanibel Island
Located off the coast of Fort Myer, it is simply accessed by a bridge. The island is known for its shell beaches and sustainable development. In fact, now a third of the island has become a nature reserve and many species of animals and birds find refuge in the mangrove forests and dense vegetation. In addition to alligators and manatees, the rare species of white pelican lives on Sanibel Island during the winter. This place is also ideal for relaxing on the beach, especially Bowman’s Beach, which is one of the most beautiful.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
On the southern tip of a peninsula, south of Daytona Beach is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. It is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the United States. The bravest among you who climb the 203 steps of the tower are rewarded with a fantastic view. Indeed, the surroundings of the lighthouse offer magnificent coastal landscapes, bays, and beaches. Don’t miss the visit to the museum which is also worth it. So a visit to this unmissable place can easily be a day trip.
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls was created by Tony Goldman in 2009 when the visionary of American art was looking for how to transform the Wynwood warehouse district. Today, this place is one of the highlights of a self-drive tour in Florida, especially for street art lovers. Indeed, it houses graffiti and murals created by artists from all over the world! As the open-air gallery is constantly being redesigned, it is worth coming here regularly.
Florida’s Fabulous: Top Tourist Attractions in Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park
One of the largest 19th-century forts in the United States can be explored here. It is located at the end of the Florida Keys island chain in the Gulf of Mexico. On the island of Garden Key, Fort Jefferson was used as a prison until 1874. Accessible by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park consists mainly of crystal clear waters and seven small islands. It is also known for its fascinating underwater world. So during your visit, taking a snorkeling excursion is a must.