What is the best time to go to Florida?
Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic ocean, Florida represents a wonderland with diverse wildlife both below and above water, spectacular beaches, fishing, diving, and endless fun at the Orlando Walt Disney world.
It’s definitely a territory that captivates the imagination.
Florida represents a home of the fabulous modern city of Miami and the rainbow Key West. The sunshine state is definitely a must-visit and here’s a brief review of all the best places you can see on your trip.
Clearwater
Nested between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater represents a popular tourist attraction, especially among families.
Best known for the 3-miles long stunning beach, this paradise on earth can be found northwest of St. Petersburg.
If you decide to visit this place, you will get to enjoy the fancy resorts, restaurants, bars, and hotels lined on the beach.
If you decide to visit with your children, you can take them to the Marine Aquarium to see the injured sea turtles and dolphins brought there to recover.
It’s a good way to introduce the sea world to your kids and teach compassion.
If you visit in spring, you can check the Bright House Field where the famous baseball team, the Phillies comes to train.
You can also enjoy the creative work of street artists who entertain the crowd with their art.
If you’re into walking, you can tour around the bay to check out the cheerful dolphins. Or visit the Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
Pensacola
The old, charming Pensacola represents the westernmost city on the Florida territory.
It’s an ideal tourist draw, especially for families thanks to the beautiful island of Santa Rosa that separates the city from the Gulf of Mexico and creates calm and secluded beaches you can enjoy together with your children.
It’s one of the oldest European cities wrapped in a historic charm
If you plan to visit, start your trip by exploring the Pensacola Village. It’s practically a living museum consisting of 19 unspoiled buildings from the 19th century.
Besides this improvised museum, check the National Naval Aviation Museum just around the corner along with the 1839 Fort Barrancas.
If you’re into sights, climb the spiral stairs of the Pensacola Lighthouse. It was built back in 1859 and is definitely worth your visit. You will find the view at the top exceptional.
Fort Myers
If you want the full experience while visiting Florida, you cannot miss the Fort Myers.
It’s a fort constructed on the Caloosahatchee River in order to protect the inhabitants from the Seminole Indians.
Today, the fort represents a contemporary commercial destination that attracts tourists from all over the world not just because of the history but also because of the lovely beaches.
If you’re a fan of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or just lying on the beach and relax, you will love it here.
Besides the outdoor activities, you can stop at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Museum downtown.
If you plan to visit with family, take your kids to the Lakes Regional Park where they can ride a mini train.
Or visit the Imaginarium Science center. You can also visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates where Henry Ford and Thomas Alva Edison spent their winters.
Key West
Your trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete if don’t visit Key West, the inhabited island.
It’s the westernmost part of the Florida Keys archipelago that’s closer to Cuba than it is to the famous Miami.
It’s a lively, vibrant and unforgettable place you can’t miss.
If you decide to visit, you’ll get to enjoy the shops, bars, and restaurants. Or explore the streets and colorful conch properties. You will also have the chance to see Hemingway’s home and museum.
Or dive into the exceptional reefs and consume the daily display of gazing at the sunset on Mallory Square.
The streets on Key West represent home to many street performers, so you will never face boredom if you come to Key West.
If you plan to visit with family, take your kids to the Key West Lighthouse and enjoy the landscapes from the top. You can also check the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Miami
If you live on this planet, it’s not possible that you haven’t heard of the most popular city in America, Miami.
It also represents a seaport at the southeastern end of the state, on the Atlantic shoreline.
Miami is definitely a must-visit in Florida because of the unique colorful surroundings, the music at Little Havana, the Latin vibe, the Art Deco quarter, the fancy hotels and the impressive Miami beach.
You can go shopping at Coconut Grove. Or visit some of the football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf courses.
Miami has a lot to offer to both travelers and locals. If you’re a fan of sailing, boating, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing or diving, you will absolutely love it in Miami.
You can watch the playful dolphins all day long. Or observe and explore other marine life. The opportunities for travelers are endless, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
Wakulla
If you’re into visiting places with rich historical background and laidback atmosphere, Wakulla will definitely meet your expectations.
It represents a part of the Tallahassee region and you can find it on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s consisting of multiple tiny towns where you can enjoy fishing, boating, diving in the warm Gulf waters or gaze at birds.
St. Marks represents one of the most popular attractions here with 300 inhabitants. The San Marcos de Apalache Historic Park is also an attractive destination to visit.
If you visit with family, climb the oldest lighthouse in Florida in Wakulla. Or enjoy the Wakulla Springs which represent one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world.
Orlando
Orlando represents the ideal spot for a family vacation.
Located in the heart of central Florida, it’s often referred to as the World Theme Park Capital because of the many theme parks for kids at every age.
You can find the Walt Disney World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando with Universal Studios, Sea World Orlando, the Islands of Adventure, and Discovery Cove.
You can get on a boat and check out the Kennedy Space Center and the vast Everglades.
Orlando is rich in museums too, such as the Skeleton’s Museum, the Orlando Science center and the Ripley’s Believe or Not.
You can definitely see why we recommend this city for a family vacation now, don’t you?
Sanibel
If you visit Fort Myers, don’t forget to stop at Sanibel, the green island located on the Gulf of Mexico.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches and historic lighthouses, the island is best known for the countless shells that travelers collect as souvenirs and the stunning sunsets.
However, the best thing about this place is the laidback lifestyle and a calm atmosphere.
If you’re wondering what to do here, know that doing nothing is a popular ‘activity’ among travelers.
But if you’re into swimming and snorkeling, the island won’t take away your joy.
It allows you to do everything. If you want to see wildlife, visit the J.N. “Ding” National Wildlife Refuge.
It protects around half of the territory and 245 bird species along with crocodiles, mangroves, giant manatees and other mammals.
St. Augustine
If you want to get a sense of America’s history, visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the country.
You can find it on the northeast coast of Florida and enjoy the abundance of downtown’s Spanish colonial architecture.
Another important monument of the city’s historical background represents the fortress Castillo de San Marco that was built in the 17th century.
It’s made of stone and offers captivating sights of the ocean that will certainly make you gasp. Besides historical landmarks, you can also relax on the magnificent beaches, such as the Crescent and St. Augustine beaches.
If you’re into hiking, check out Anastasia State Park. It has a lot to offer such as walking the trail through the old dunes, observe protected wildlife and relax on the coastal hammocks.
Biscayne National Park
Last on our list of best places to visit in Florida is the 172,000-acre Biscayne National Park.
Approximately 95% of the park is underwater which makes it the largest aquatic park in the whole state.
The park is consisting of four different ecosystems: the coral reef, Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, and the mangroves.
It’s the perfect place for you if you’re into diving, snorkeling, kayaking, bird gazing, and more.
The underwater Marine Heritage Trail brings together different dive sites where you can see shipwrecks. If you’re a first-time visitor, the best way to explore the park is to join a guided tour.
