Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people come to Florida to enjoy its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and abundance of recreational activities.
Florida is located in the southeastern United States and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, and Georgia to the north.
Florida is the 22nd largest state in terms of land area and is the 4th most populous state in the US with a population of over 20 million people.
The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, and its largest city is Jacksonville.
Florida’s climate is tropical and subtropical, and it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Whether you want to experience a fun theme park, a national historic landmark or a beach overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Florida has tons of things to offer.
Things To Do In Florida
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This theme park, which is located in Orlando, is based on the Harry Potter books and movies.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features rides, shops, and restaurants that are all based on the Harry Potter series.
Visitors can explore Hogwarts castle, visit Hogsmeade village, and ride the Hogwarts Express.
The park also offers many opportunities for guests to meet and take pictures with their favorite Harry Potter characters.
When it comes to amusement parks, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is definitely one of a kind.
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard Islands Of Adventure, Orlando, FL 32819-7640
2. Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is an outdoor street art gallery located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Florida.
The Wynwood Walls were created in 2009 by the late Tony Goldman as a way to bring color and life to the Wynwood neighborhood, which was then largely industrial and rundown.
Since its inception, Wynwood Walls has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Miami.
The outdoor gallery features murals and graffiti art from some of the world’s most famous street artists, including Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Kenny Scharf.
Wynwood Walls is open to the public and is free to enter.
Address: 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
3. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a US national park located in the Florida Keys.
The park consists of 7 islands, including the island of Key West.
Dry Tortugas National Park is best known for its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life.
The park is also home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort that was used as a prison during the American Civil War.
Dry Tortugas National Park can be reached by boat or seaplane from Key West.
Address: Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys, FL 33050
4. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia, Florida.
The bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida, as it offers stunning views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is also one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
The bridge is 4.1 miles long and features a main span of 1,200 feet.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was completed in 1987 and cost over $200 million to build.
Address: Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
5. Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is the most popular vacation destination in the world, and for good reason!
This massive theme park complex in Orlando, Florida offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides and attractions to shows and parades, not to mention a wide variety of dining options and accommodations.
There are four main theme parks at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition, there are two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), several themed hotels, and a shopping district called Downtown Disney. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at Walt Disney World!
Magic Kingdom is the original amusement park at Walt Disney World, and it’s also the most popular. This park is home to classic attractions like Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World. In addition, you’ll find plenty of characters to meet, shows to watch, and parades to enjoy.
Epcot is a unique theme park that features two different sections: Future World and World Showcase. In Future World, you can learn about science and technology, while World Showcase features pavilions representing different countries from around the globe. Be sure to check out the popular rides like Soarin’ Around the World and Test Track Presented by Chevrolet!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to go for thrills and excitement. This park has some of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World, including the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. You can also catch a show, watch a parade, or meet your favorite characters.
Finally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is perfect for animal lovers. This park is home to exciting attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can see real African animals in their natural habitats. You can also take a ride on the Expedition Everest roller coaster, or see a show at the Festival of the Lion King.
Address: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida 32830
6. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater, Florida.
The white sand beach, transparent turquoise seas, and profusion of palm trees are among its attractions.
Tampa’s Clearwater Beach has become a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing.
There are many restaurants and bars located near the beach, as well as a number of hotels and resorts.
Address: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, FL 33767
7. Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Gardens is a 170-acre botanical garden located in Naples, Florida.
The garden features a variety of gardens, including a children’s garden, an Asian garden, and a rainforest garden.
The garden also has a butterfly house, an orchid house, and a bonsai collection.
Naples Botanical Garden is open to the public year-round and features many events and educational programs.
For those nature lovers, make sure you also visit the Bok Tower gardens to see the tropical birds and the Sunken Gardens, which is another beautiful botanical garden.
Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
8. The Ringling
The Ringling is a museum located in Sarasota, Florida.
The museum is dedicated to the art and history of circus.
The Ringling features a number of exhibits, including an exhibit on the history of the circus, an exhibit on circus performers, and an exhibit on circus animals.
The Ringling also has a performing arts center, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
9. St. Augustine Distillery
The St. Augustine Distillery is a distillery located in St. Augustine, Florida.
The distillery produces a variety of spirits, including vodka, rum, and whiskey.
The St. Augustine Distillery also offers tours of the facility, which include a tasting of the spirits produced at the distillery.
Address: 112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
10. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center is a NASA launch facility located on Merritt Island in Florida.
Kennedy Space Center is best known as the launch site for the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program.
Today, Kennedy Space Center is home to SpaceX, and is responsible for launching rockets carrying supplies to the International Space Station.
Kennedy Space Center also offers tours of the facility, which include a visit to the launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Address: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32899
11. Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve is a national preserve located in South Florida.
The preserve protects the Big Cypress Swamp, which is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the American alligator, the Florida panther, and the bald cypress tree.
Big Cypress National Preserve also offers a number of recreational activities, such as camping, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching.
Address: 33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141
12. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a national park located in South Florida.
The park protects the Everglades, which is a large wetland ecosystem that is home to a variety of plants and animals.
Everglades National Park also offers a number of recreational activities, such as camping, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.
Address: 40001 State Rd 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
13. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is a zoo located in Jacksonville, Florida.
The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants.
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens also features a number of gardens, including an African garden, an Australian garden, and a rainforest garden.
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
14. Coral Springs Museum of Art
The Coral Springs Museum of Art is a museum located in Coral Springs, Florida.
The museum features a collection of contemporary art from South Florida artists.
The Coral Springs Museum of Art also hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year.
Address: 2855 Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065
15. Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History is a museum located in Gainesville, Florida.
The museum is dedicated to the natural history of Florida.
The Florida Museum of Natural History features a number of exhibits, including an exhibit on the Everglades, an exhibit on the Floridian climate, and an exhibit on the wildlife of Florida.
The Florida Museum of Natural History also has a research center that is dedicated to the study of the natural history of Florida.
Address: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
16. Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium is an aquarium located in Miami, Florida.
The aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks.
The Miami Seaquarium also offers a variety of educational programs and events.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149
17. Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America are two theme parks located in Orlando, Florida.
The parks feature a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, go-karts, arcade games, and water slides.
Fun Spot America also offer a variety of food options, including fast food, ice cream, and candy.
Address: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819
18. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a museum located in Fort Myers, Florida.
The museum is dedicated to the lives and work of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates feature a number of exhibits, including an exhibit on the inventors’ homes, an exhibit on their laboratories, and an exhibit on their business ventures.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates also offer a variety of educational programs throughout the year.
Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
19. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a nature preserve located in Naples, Florida.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plants and animals, including alligators, bald eagles, and cypress trees.
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary also offers a number of recreational activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and canoeing.
The sanctuary is perfect for outdoor nature lovers and a perfect day out for the entire family.
Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120
20. Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a world-class theme park located in Tampa, Florida.
The park features rides and attractions for the whole family, including roller coasters, water rides, animal shows, and more.
Busch Gardens is also home to one of the largest zoos in the United States, with over 12,000 animals on site.
Visitors can explore the park’s many themed areas, including Adventure Island, Congo River Rapids, and Jungala.
There are also plenty of dining and shopping options available throughout the park.
Whether you’re looking for a thrill or just want to take in the sights, Busch Gardens has something for everyone.
Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
21. The Dali Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum is an art museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to the work of Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.
It houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Europe, and has been recognized as one of the top museums in the United States devoted to a single artist.
The Salvador Dali museum was founded in 1982 by A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse, who were inspired by a visit to Dalí’s home in Spain.
The Morses began collecting his work in 1941, and eventually amassed the largest private collection of his art in the world. In 1971, they donated their collection to the city of St. Petersburg with the intention of opening a museum to display it.
The building that houses the museum was designed by world-renowned architect Yann Weymouth of SOM, and opened in January 2011.
The museum contains more than 2,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and an extensive collection of Dalí’s personal belongings.
The Salvador Dali museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
In 2017, the Dali Museum was ranked as the fifth-most-visited art museum in the United States with 603,310 visitors.
Address: One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-4901
22. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a popular tourist destination in Miami, Florida.
The museum is located in the former villa of James Deering, an American businessman who commissioned its construction in 1916.
Vizcaya was designed to resemble an Italian Renaissance palace, and it features extensive gardens with grottoes, fountains, and sculptures.
Visitors can tour the mansion’s rooms, which are furnished with art and antiques from around the world, or explore the grounds, which include a butterfly garden and a banyan tree grove.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
FAQ
What are some of the best beaches in Florida?
The best beaches in Florida are:
- South Beach
- Miami Beach
- Henderson Beach State Park
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Daytona Beach
- Panama City Beach
Is Florida a safe place to visit?
Florida is considered a safe place to visit. The state has a relatively low crime rate and its tourist attractions are typically well-maintained and monitored. Additionally, Florida is home to many world-class beaches and resorts, which tend to have good security. However, as with any destination, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling.
What is the hottest month in Florida?
The hottest month in Florida is typically July, when average temperatures range from the low 80s to the high 90s. August can also be quite hot, with average temperatures in the low to mid 90s. However, every year is different and temperatures can vary depending on the weather conditions. For example, in 2016, the hottest month was June, while in 2017, it was August.
What is the best time to visit Florida?
The best time to visit Florida depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and sunshine, then the late spring or early summer months are a great time to visit. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, then the fall or winter months may be a better choice. Keep in mind that the hurricane season typically runs from June to November, so you may want to avoid travelling during this time if you are concerned about severe weather.
What should I pack for a trip to Florida?
Some essential items to pack for a trip to Florida include sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, comfortable clothing, and walking shoes. If you plan on spending time at the beach, don’t forget to pack swimwear, towels, and beach toys. And if you’ll be visiting any theme parks, be sure to bring along money for souvenirs and snacks.
How much money should I bring to Florida?
How much money you should bring to Florida depends on your spending habits and the activities you plan on doing while you’re here. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping or eating out at restaurants, then you’ll need to bring more money than if you just plan on spending time at the beach or visiting tourist attractions. In general, it’s a good idea to have a mix of cash and credit cards so you can be prepared for any situation.
What’s the worst time to go to Florida?
The worst time to go to Florida is during the hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. hurricanes can cause severe damage to property and lead to dangerous conditions, so it’s best to avoid travel during this time if possible.
What can you do on a rainy day in Florida?
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on a rainy day in Florida. If you’re visiting one of the state’s many theme parks, such as Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, then you can still enjoy all the rides and attractions despite the weather. Many museums and art galleries also make for great indoor activities.
What is the rainy season in Florida?
The rainy season in Florida typically runs from May to October. This is also the hurricane season, so it’s best to avoid travel during this time if possible.
