Map view
Bahia Honda Key
- Bahia Honda is an island in the Florida Keys, virtually uninhabited, being home to Bahia Honda State Park
- The 2.5-mile (4.0 km) natural, white sand beach is popular for swimming
- A nature trail near the park's oceanside beach skirts a tidal lagoon
- Bicycling and inline skating can be done on the park's paved road, and there are several fishing and picnicking spots in the area
- The Sand and Sea Nature Center features displays about local sea and shore life, including corals, shells, crabs, sea urchins, drift seeds, sea sponges and sea turtles
- Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented at the park, and boat trips for snorkeling on the reef are available
#63 in Best Beaches in the USA
Epcot, Bay Lake
Best time to visit: March-May
- EPCOT is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake
- Opened in 1982, the park is often referred to as a "permanent world's fair"
- EPCOT is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, particularly technological innovation and international culture and is known for its iconic landmark Spaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere
#5 in Best Theme Parks in the World
#14 in Best Theme Parks in the USA
Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake
Best time to visit: March-May
- Magic Kingdom Park is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, opened in 1971
- The park layout and attractions are dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters
- The park icon is Cinderella Castle, inspired by the fairy tale castle featured in the 1950 animated film
- The park has become a cultural touchstone and symbol of modern American pop culture
- Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland
#13 in Best Theme Parks in the World
#33 in Best Attractions in the USA
Disney's Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake
Best time to visit: March-May
- Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando
- The park is themed to an idealized version of Hollywood, California, and is dedicated to the imagined worlds from film, television, music, and theatre, drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood
- Disney's Hollywood Studios is divided into seven themed areas inspired by romanticized iterations of either existing locations found in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles, or imagined worlds from Hollywood-born stories
#18 in Best Theme Parks in the USA
Caladesi Island State Park
- Caladesi Island State Park is a state park located on Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico
- It is accessible by passenger ferry or by private boat from a dock on Honeymoon Island
- Amenities include a three-mile nature trail, a marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, a park concession stand, and a beach
- The park affords such activities as boating, including canoeing and kayaking; fishing; hiking; picnicking; swimming and snorkeling; and birding and other wildlife-viewing
#28 in Best Beaches in the USA
Clearwater Beach
Best time to visit: Oct-Dec
- Clearwater Beach is a renowned beach destination located in Clearwater, that stretches along the Gulf of Mexico
- It is situated on a barrier island, where it offers a range of activities, including swimming, water sports, and beachside dining
- Additionally, there are also inflatable water attractions near the pier
- Pier 60 features shops, restaurants, and sunset views
#6 in Best Beaches in the USA
John B. Stetson House, DeLand
- The John B. Stetson House was built for hat manufacturer (and inventor of the cowboy hat) John B. Stetson
- The house was designed in 1886, and is currently open for scheduled tours
#15 in Best Attractions in the USA
Henderson Beach State Park, Destin
Best time to visit: April-May
- Henderson Beach State Park is a state park located near Destin
- The park has such amenities as beaches, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and camping facilities
#51 in Best Beaches in the USA
#55 in Best Beaches in the USA
Dry Tortugas National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote national park located approximately 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, in the Gulf of Mexico
- The park is renowned for Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress built in the 19th century
- Fort Jefferson is one of the largest brick structures in the Americas and serves as a significant historical site
- The park is celebrated for its coral reefs, marine life, and bird populations, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving
#42 in Best Beaches in the USA
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park
- Shark Valley is an area located within Everglades National Park, characterized by its freshwater marsh ecosystem
- Shark Valley is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other native species
- A prominent feature in the area is a 70-foot observation tower that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park
Walk difficulty: easy
- Anhinga Trail is a trail located in Everglades National Park that features both paved pathways and wooden boardwalks that wind through a sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough
- This trail is recommended for visitors looking to experience the diverse wildlife of the Everglades
- The trail offers opportunities to see various wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and bird species such as anhingas, herons, and egrets
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Dec
- Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches approximately three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring golden sand and clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling
#43 in Best Beaches in the USA
Grayton Beach State Park
- Grayton Beach is a small, historic beach village on the Florida Panhandle Gulf coast, founded in the mid-1880s
- The village is known for featuring a mix of quaint historic cottages and modern beach homes, along with local art galleries, shops, and live music venues
- It offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking in its coastal dune lakes
#7 in Best Beaches in the USA
Hollywood Beach
- Hollywood Beach has a broadwalk that extends about 2.5 miles along the ocean
- Restaurants and hotels line the broadwalk, along with a theater, children's playground, and other attractions, including bicycle rental shops, ice-cream parlors, souvenir shops, and a farmer's market
- The broadwalk is used for walking and jogging, and has a bike lane for bicyclists and rollerbladers
#14 in Best Beaches in the USA
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
Best time to visit: Jan-March, Dec
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park located on Key Largo in Florida
- It was the first underwater park in the United States
- The primary attractions of the park are the coral reefs and their associated marine life
- The reefs may be viewed from glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and scuba diving above the coral formations
- Other activities available in the park are canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming and wildlife viewing
- One of the most famous sites in the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the Christ of the Abyss, an 8 1⁄2-foot-tall (2.6 m) statue of Jesus Christ weighing 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg), that stands in nearly 25 feet (7.6 m) of water
#11 in Best Attractions in the USA
Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a Florida State Park centered on a Civil War-era fort located near Key West
- Construction of the fort began in 1845 as part of a mid-19th century plan to defend the southeast coast of the United States through a series of forts after the War of 1812
- Currently, Fort Taylor is also the location of a number of annual tourist events, including week-long Civil War reenactments
Ernest Hemingway House, Key West
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Ernest Hemingway House is located in Key West, and is a historic residence, which was home to the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, from 1931 to 1940
- The house is notable for its Spanish Colonial architecture and was built in 1851
- It served as Hemingway's residence during a prolific period of his writing career, where he produced several significant works
- The house is constructed from native limestone and was one of the first in Key West to have indoor plumbing and a swimming pool
- The property is famous for its population of polydactyl cats, descendants of a cat named Snow White, given to Hemingway by a ship's captain
- Today, the house operates as a museum, showcasing Hemingway's life and works
#24 in Best Museums in the USA
Mallory Square, Key West
Best time to visit: March-May
- Mallory Square is a historic plaza located in Key West, on the waterfront of Key West Harbor
- It is known for featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and local attractions
- It is particularly famous for its Sunset Celebration, which occurs every evening and includes street performers, musicians, and various forms of entertainment
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located in Key West, and is a butterfly park that houses from 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat
- The conservatory includes flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees
- There are also several species of free flying "butterfly friendly" birds, such as American flamingoes
#57 in Best Attractions in the USA
Duval Street, Key West
Best time to visit: March-May
- Duval Street is a thoroughfare in Key West, filled with a variety of attractions, including over 200 bars and restaurants, art galleries, shops, and historic sites
- It is famous for its lively nightlife and is often considered the epicenter of Key West's party scene
Fun Spot America, Kissimmee
- Fun Spot America Kissimmee is an amusement park located in Kissimmee, that features a variety of rides and activities including thrill rides, go-kart tracks, an arcade with carnival games, and The SkyCoaster, which is the world's tallest at 300 feet
Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista
- Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista
- It features a mix of shops, a variety of restaurants, and entertainment options, all inspired by Florida's waterfront towns and historic architecture
- Visitors can explore a wide range of attractions, from high-end retail stores to casual dining and themed experiences
Sombrero Beach, Marathon
- Sombrero Beach is a public beach located in Marathon at mile marker 50 on the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys
- It is renowned for its sandy shoreline and clear waters, making it one of the most attractive beaches in the area
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach volleyball
#71 in Best Beaches in the USA
Melbourne Beach
- Melbourne Beach is a town and coastal community known for its beaches and outdoor activities
- The town offers various attractions and sites that provide opportunities for fishing, nature walks, and enjoying the local wildlife, particularly during the sea turtle nesting season
- Melbourne Beach also features boutiques and artisanal shops, especially in areas like the Eau Gallie Arts District
#66 in Best Beaches in the USA
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island
- The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the visitor center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island
- It features exhibits and displays, historic spacecraft and memorabilia, shows, two IMAX theaters, and a range of bus tours of the spaceport
- The "Space Shuttle Atlantis" exhibit contains the Atlantis orbiter and the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulated ride into space
- The visitor complex also has daily presentations from a veteran NASA astronaut
- A bus tour, included with admission, encompasses the separate Apollo/Saturn V Center
#16 in Best Museums in the USA
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay, in Miami
- The early 20th-century Vizcaya estate also includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens, native woodland landscape, and a historic village outbuildings compound
- The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements
Bayside Marketplace, Miami
Best time to visit: March-May
- Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping center located in Miami, along the banks of Biscayne Bay
- It features a diverse range of nearly 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options
- Visitors can enjoy live music, local artists, and various events throughout the year
Wynwood Walls, Miami
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Wynwood Walls is an outdoor street art museum located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, established in 2009
- The Wynwood Walls consists of large murals painted on the exterior walls of six warehouses, covering over 80,000 square feet
- It serves as a canvas for renowned street artists from around the world
#11 in Best Museums in the USA
South Beach, Miami Beach
Best time to visit: March-May
- South Beach, also nicknamed colloquially as SoBe, is a neighborhood in Miami Beach
- South Beach is famous for its picturesque beaches, offering a range of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports
- The neighborhood boasts a bustling nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants
- South Beach is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Art Deco Historic District, which features well-preserved buildings from the 1920s and 1930s
#10 in Best Beaches in the USA
Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Best time to visit: March-May
- Ocean Drive is a major thoroughfare in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach
- Ocean Drive is known mostly for its Art Deco hotels and restaurants/bars, many of which have been prominently featured in numerous movies and media
- Among the most popular is the 1939 Colony Hotel, known as the most photographed art deco hotel
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Best time to visit: March-May
- Lincoln Road is a pedestrian mall located in Miami Beach, stretching between 16th and 17th Streets
- It serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and cultural activities
- The area is known for its architecture, outdoor cafés, art galleries, and a variety of retail shops
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples
Best time to visit: March-June
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida state park located on a barrier island on Florida's coast, near Naples
- The Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico are accessible from the park, which contains a hard-bottom reef.
- Activities include fishing, sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, boating, geocaching, hiking, and nature viewing
- Visitors can also scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, and picnic
#54 in Best Beaches in the USA
International Drive, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- International Drive, commonly referred to as I-Drive, is a major thoroughfare in Orlando
- It serves as a central hub for tourism and entertainment in the area, featuring a wide array of attractions, dining options, and shopping venues
- I-Drive is home to several notable attractions, including theme parks and entertainment complexes
Lake Eola Park, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Lake Eola Park is an urban park located in Downtown Orlando
- It features a lake that serves as the park's main attraction, surrounded by landscaped grounds, and includes a walking path that circles the lake, making it an ideal spot for walking or jogging
- One of the park's highlights is its iconic fountain, which is a well-known symbol of Orlando
Walt Disney World, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Walt Disney World Resort is an entertainment resort complex located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Orlando
- Opened in 1971, the property covers nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km2), of which half has been developed
- Walt Disney World contains numerous recreational facilities designed to attract visitors, including four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, conference centers, a competitive sports complex and a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex - Additionally, there are 19 Disney-owned resort hotels and one camping resort on the property
#25 in Best Attractions in the World
#12 in Best Attractions in the USA
Icon Park, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Icon Park is an entertainment complex in Orlando, that has been operating since 2015
- The complex has about 9 feature attractions, including an observation wheel, a slingshot ride, a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, and a Sea Life aquarium
- The park also has various restaurants, shops, bars, and kiosk vendors
#61 in Best Attractions in the USA
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Universal Islands of Adventure is a theme park located in Orlando, opened in 1999
- Islands of Adventure is modeled after a journey of exploration, where guests embark on an adventure to visit a variety of themed islands
- The park features eight islands: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing
Fun Spot America, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Fun Spot America Orlando is an amusement park located in Orlando
- The park is known for its thrilling rides, including: The White Lightning, Orlando's only wooden roller coaster; The Freedom Flyer, a family suspended steel coaster; Two of the tallest Skycoasters in the world, offering experiences akin to skydiving and hang gliding
- The park also features multi-level go-kart tracks that cater to various age groups and skill levels
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Universal Studios Florida is a theme park located in Orlando, that opened in 1990
- The park features numerous rides, attractions, and live shows that are primarily themed to movies, television, and other aspects of the entertainment industry
- Universal Studios Florida features eight themed areas all situated around a large lagoon
- The themed areas are: Minion Land on Illumination Ave, New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, DreamWorks Land, and Hollywood
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando
- Among the area's flagship rides is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride that takes riders on a journey in and around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
- The area is a re-creation of Hogsmeade and also features Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a multiple-launch steel roller coaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster
#10 in Best Theme Parks in the USA
Universal Orlando
Best time to visit: March-May
- Universal Orlando Resort is an entertainment complex located in Orlando
- It features a variety of attractions, including multiple theme parks, hotels, dining, and entertainment options
- Included in Universal Orlando Resort is Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk
#12 in Best Theme Parks in the USA
Panama City Beach
Best time to visit: May-Oct
- Panama City Beach is a resort town in the Florida Panhandle
- It is a popular vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States
- The area is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, which have been recognized among the top beaches in the United States by various travel platforms
- The town is also a popular spring break destination, due to its beach and proximity to most of the Southern United States
#36 in Best Beaches in the USA
Duplin Winery, Panama City Beach
Best time to visit: May-Oct
- Duplin Winery is a winery located in Panama City Beach, which marks its third winery, with the others located in South Carolina and North Carolina
- The Panama City Beach location is situated on a site that was formerly a golf club and features a substantial complex
- Duplin Winery is recognized for its award-winning muscadine wines
- The winery offers a tasting experience designed to be enjoyable and informative, with staff providing detailed explanations about the wines
National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
Best time to visit: mid-Sept-Oct
- The National Naval Aviation Museum is a military and aerospace museum located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
- Founded in 1962, the museum is devoted to the history of naval aviation, including that of the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard
- More than 150 aircraft and spacecraft are on display, including four former Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawks, the Curtiss NC-4 (the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic), and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters
Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf is located within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, offering a diverse mix of attractions, including dining, shopping, nightlife venues, and events throughout the year
- Situated along the Choctawhatchee Bay, the village features a cobblestone layout that enhances its appeal as a gathering place for visitors
Siesta Key, Sarasota
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Siesta Key is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida, renowned for its beaches
- The island offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
- Siesta Key also features a village with shops, restaurants, and local attractions
#64 in Best Beaches in the USA
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota
- Established in 1927 by circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable, the museum opened to the public in 1930
- It is renowned for its extensive collection of art, particularly from the Renaissance period, as well as housing a significant collection of 17th and 18th-century Baroque art
- The museum's building is designed in a pink Italianate style, reminiscent of a Renaissance palazzo
- The museum also includes botanical gardens and a historic theater
#32 in Best Museums in the USA
Siesta Beach, Siesta Key
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Siesta Beach is a beach located on Siesta Key
- Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains
- Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot
#6 in Best Beaches in the World
#8 in Best Beaches in the USA
Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States; it is located in St. Augustine
- It was designed by a Spanish engineer, with construction beginning in 1672, 107 years after the city's founding, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire
- Although built in part by African slaves owned by the Spanish, the fort later served as one of the first entry points of fugitive slaves from British North America into Spanish Florida, where they were freed by the Spanish colonial authorities
- This quickly led to the first free Black settlement in the future United States (Fort Mose, formed just north of St Augustine)
St. Augustine Light
Best time to visit: March-May
- The St. Augustine Light Station is a privately maintained aid to navigation and an active, working lighthouse in St. Augustine
- The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built between 1871 and 1874
- The tower is the second lighthouse tower in St. Augustine, the first being lit officially by the American territorial government in May 1824 as Florida's first lighthouse
- However, both the Spanish and the British governments operated a major aid to navigation here including a series of wooden watch towers and beacons dating from 1565
St. Augustine Beach
Best time to visit: March-May
- St. Augustine Beach is a coastal city, and is known for its rich history and beaches
- The beach is popular for its soft sands and surf, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports
- The sunsets at St. Augustine Beach are particularly noted for their beauty, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike
#48 in Best Beaches in the USA
Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg
Best time to visit: March-May
- Fort De Soto Park is a park operated on five offshore keys, or islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and the main island, Mullet Key
- The keys are connected by either bridge or causeway. The island group is accessible by toll road from the mainland
- Historically, the islands were used for military fortifications; remnants and a museum exhibit this history
- Two piers, beaches, picnic area, hiking trails, bicycling trails, kayak trail, and a ferry to Egmont Key State Park are available.
- The park is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
#68 in Best Beaches in the USA
Duncan McClellan Gallery, St. Petersburg
Best time to visit: March-May
- The Duncan McClellan Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in St. Petersburg
- It specializes in showcasing studio glass art and features works from over 100 internationally recognized glass artists
- The gallery also includes a working hot shop, where glassblowing demonstrations and master classes are conducted
Elliott Museum, Stuart
- The Elliott Museum, is located in Stuart, and focuses on art, history, and technology
- The museum is named after the prolific inventor Sterling Elliott, and features a changing exhibition gallery and an art studio; maritime, baseball, and local history galleries; and bicycles, classic wooden boats, motorcycles, over 90 cars and trucks, and even an airplane
- Over 50 vehicles are displayed in a unique robotic racking system which retrieves vehicles on demand for display on a turntable
- The Elliott Museum has one of the largest collections of historic Ford Model A and Model AA commercial vehicles in the world
Tampa Riverwalk
Best time to visit: Sept-Dec
- The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic pedestrian trail located along the Hillsborough River in Tampa
- It serves as an open space that connects various attractions, parks, and neighborhoods within downtown Tampa
- It provides opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking