37 Vibrant Florida Places to Spark Your Wanderlust
My friend Jasmine recently returned from a whirlwind tour of Florida, and her stories left me in awe. She painted vivid pictures of sun-kissed beaches, lush gardens, and vibrant cities that seemed to pulse with energy. Her adventures made me realize it was high time to plan my own Sunshine State getaway.
Step back in time as you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of St. Augustine. This historic gem, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States.
Don’t miss the chance to sip on locally-made spirits at the St. Augustine Distillery, housed in a restored ice plant from the early 1900s.
2. Miami’s Art Deco District: A Pastel Paradise
Prepare to be dazzled by the vibrant colors and bold geometric shapes of Miami’s Art Deco District. This architectural wonderland in South Beach is like stepping into a living museum of 1920s and 1930s design. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the district’s history and unique features.
3. The Magical World of Disney Springs
Disney Springs isn’t just for kids – it’s a playground for adults too! This entertainment complex near Orlando offers a perfect blend of dining, shopping, and fun without the need for a park ticket.
Try your hand at building your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, or indulge in a wine tasting at Wine Bar George. As the sun sets, catch a live performance at the outdoor Marketplace Stage.
4. Everglades National Park: Wild Florida at Its Best
Venture into the “River of Grass” and discover a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
Book an airboat tour to glide across the sawgrass marshes and spot alligators basking in the sun.
5. Kennedy Space Center: Your Gateway to the Cosmos
Fuel your space exploration dreams at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. This working spaceflight facility offers a fascinating glimpse into NASA’s past, present, and future.
Experience a simulated launch in the Shuttle Launch Experience, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness a real rocket launch!
6. The Quirky Charm of Key West
Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, is a small island big on character. It’s a place where free-spirited artists mingle with laid-back locals and curious tourists. Stroll down Duval Street, popping into eclectic shops and cozy cafes.
7. Clearwater Beach: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Voted one of America’s best beaches year after year, Clearwater Beach is a slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters are irresistible to sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Take a sunset sail on a replica pirate ship, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in the calm gulf waters.
8. The Salvador Dalí Museum: A Surreal Experience
Step into the mind-bending world of Salvador Dalí at this stunning museum in St. Petersburg. Home to the largest collection of the artist’s works outside of Spain, it’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Don’t miss the chance to see the artist’s monumental masterpieces up close, including the fascinating “The Hallucinogenic Toreador.”
9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Thrills and Animal Encounters
Combine the excitement of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This unique park offers heart-pounding roller coasters alongside up-close animal experiences.
After catching your breath, take a serene train ride through the Serengeti Plain and spot giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming freely.
10. The Ringling: Sarasota’s Cultural Gem
Experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age at The Ringling in Sarasota. This expansive estate was once the winter home of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable.
Tour the opulent Ca’ d’Zan mansion, marvel at the extensive art collection in the museum, and explore the charming circus museum.
11. Wynwood Walls: Miami’s Open-Air Street Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors at Wynwood Walls, Miami’s hip outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s most renowned street artists.
Join a guided tour to learn about the artists and their techniques, or simply wander the streets and let the vibrant artwork inspire you.
12. Dry Tortugas National Park: An Island Adventure
Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of seven small islands located about 70 miles west of Key West. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort, and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Florida Keys.
Pack a picnic, bring your snorkel gear, and prepare for an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation.
13. LEGOLAND Florida: Not Just for Kids
Unleash your inner child at LEGOLAND Florida, a theme park dedicated to the beloved building blocks. Located in Winter Haven, this park offers a perfect blend of rides, shows, and hands-on LEGO experiences.
Challenge yourself to build the tallest LEGO tower, or take a relaxing boat ride through mini LEGO recreations of famous landmarks.
14. Bok Tower Gardens: A Serene Sanctuary
Escape the hustle and bustle at Bok Tower Gardens, a tranquil oasis in Lake Wales. This National Historic Landmark features 250 acres of lush gardens, nature trails, and a 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic singing tower.
Time your visit to catch one of the daily carillon concerts, where the tower’s 60 bells fill the air with beautiful melodies.
15. Daytona International Speedway: Feel the Need for Speed
Experience the thrill of NASCAR at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Even if you’re not a die-hard racing fan, the energy and excitement of this legendary track are contagious.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour, visit the motorsports hall of fame, or if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience to take a few laps around the track yourself.
16. Weeki Wachee Springs: Home of the Live Mermaids
Step into a whimsical underwater world at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This classic Florida attraction has been delighting visitors with its live mermaid shows since 1947.
Watch in wonder as “mermaids” perform graceful underwater ballet in the crystal-clear spring. After the performance, cool off with a refreshing dip in the spring or a ride down the lazy river.
17. St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts: A Cultural Haven
Indulge your artistic side at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. This waterfront museum houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of civilization.
18. Ichetucknee Springs State Park: A Natural Lazy River
Float your cares away at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This pristine park in Fort White offers a six-mile stretch of crystal-clear spring-fed river perfect for tubing, kayaking, or canoeing.
19. The Dali Museum: Surrealism Meets the Sunshine State
Prepare to have your perceptions challenged at The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Housing the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s works outside of Spain, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
20. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A Gilded Age Marvel
Step back in time to the opulent Gilded Age at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami. This stunning estate, built in the early 20th century, showcases European-inspired architecture and lush tropical gardens.
Explore the lavishly decorated rooms of the main house, then wander through the formal gardens with their ornate fountains and statues.
21. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Underwater Wonders
Dive into an underwater wonderland at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. This unique park, the first undersea park in the United States, protects a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.
Take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the vibrant marine life without getting wet, or don your snorkel gear and explore the reef up close.
22. The Ringling: Where Circus Meets Fine Art
Experience the magic of the circus and the beauty of fine art at The Ringling in Sarasota. This expansive estate was once the winter home of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable.
Tour the opulent Ca’ d’Zan mansion, marvel at the extensive art collection in the museum, and explore the charming circus museum.
23. Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Inventive History
Step into the world of two American icons at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. These neighboring properties offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Tour the historic homes, stroll through the lush botanical gardens, and visit Edison’s laboratory where he conducted countless experiments.
24. St. Augustine Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
Climb to new heights at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. This iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse has been guiding ships safely to shore since 1874.
Climb the 219 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and historic St. Augustine.
25. Butterfly World: A Fluttering Paradise
Experience the delicate beauty of butterflies up close at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. This magical attraction is home to thousands of butterflies from around the world, fluttering freely in tropical gardens.
Walk through aviaries filled with colorful butterflies, hummingbirds, and lorikeets.
26. Venetian Pool: A Refreshing Oasis
Cool off in style at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. This historic public swimming pool, carved out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, is fed by spring water from an underground aquifer.
Swim under picturesque waterfalls, explore faux caves, and relax on the sandy beach areas.
27. Amelia Island: Old Florida Charm
Step back in time on Amelia Island, a charming barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast. With 13 miles of pristine beaches, lush state parks, and a historic downtown, Amelia Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Wander through the Victorian-era architecture of Fernandina Beach, take a sunset sail on a river cruise, or go horseback riding on the beach.
28. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Tranquil Beauty
Experience the serenity of Japanese culture at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. This unique cultural center features six distinct gardens inspired by famous gardens in Japan.
Stroll along winding paths, cross tranquil bridges, and find peace by the koi-filled ponds.
29. Florida Caverns State Park: Underground Marvels
Discover Florida’s hidden underground beauty at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. This is the only state park in Florida where you can tour dry (air-filled) caves and see stunning limestone formations.
Take a guided tour through the cool, dimly lit caverns and marvel at the stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.
30. Tarpon Springs: Greece in Florida
Experience a slice of Greece in Florida at Tarpon Springs, known as the “Sponge Capital of the World.” This charming town on the Gulf of Mexico has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US.
Stroll down the historic Sponge Docks, watch sponge divers at work, and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine.
31. Coral Castle: A Monument to Love
Marvel at the mysterious Coral Castle in Homestead, a structure built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin as a monument to his lost love. This engineering marvel features massive coral rocks, some weighing several tons, precisely fitted without mortar.
Take a guided tour to learn about the castle’s enigmatic history and the theories about how it was built.
32. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Wild Florida
Immerse yourself in wild Florida at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville. This unique park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wild horses, bison, and alligators.
Hike or bike the park’s many trails, climb the 50-foot observation tower for panoramic views, or paddle along Lake Wauberg.
33. St. Petersburg Pier: Urban Waterfront Fun
Experience the best of urban waterfront living at the newly reimagined St. Petersburg Pier. This 26-acre waterfront park is a hub of activity, offering everything from art installations to fishing spots.
Take a stroll along the pier, enjoy a meal with a view at one of the waterfront restaurants, or let the kids splash in the family park.
34. Myakka River State Park: Wild and Scenic Beauty
Discover one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks at Myakka River State Park near Sarasota. This park showcases the diverse ecosystems of Florida, from prairies to wetlands.
Take a scenic drive through the park, hike the canopy walkway for a bird’s eye view of the forest, or join a boat tour to spot alligators and birds.
35. Dali Museum: Surrealism Meets Technology
Step into the mind-bending world of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. This architectural marvel houses the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Spain.
Explore the stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and don’t miss the virtual reality experience that lets you step inside Dali’s surrealist landscapes.
36. Wakulla Springs State Park: Crystal Clear Adventures
Dive into one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs at Wakulla Springs State Park. This natural wonder has been the backdrop for several Hollywood films, including Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Take a guided boat tour to spot wildlife, swim in the crystal-clear spring (a refreshing 70 degrees year-round), or hike the nature trails.
37. Castillo de San Marcos: Living History
Step back in time at Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. This impressive structure has stood watch over the city for more than 330 years.
Explore the fort’s rooms and ramparts, watch historical reenactments, and enjoy stunning views of the Matanzas Bay.
Florida truly is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, from pristine beaches and wild nature reserves to world-class museums and historic sites. Your perfect getaway awaits!
