Blessed by year-round warmth and nearly 1,400 miles of sparkling coastline, the aptly-named Sunshine State welcomes tens of millions of visitors year after year.
From Orlando, the city that put theme parks on the map, and Miami, the Cuban-infused party town that never sleeps, to the shimmering golden sands of the Panhandle and the swampy wildlife-abundant national parks (none more famous than the Everglades), the diversity of things to do in Florida is arguably the greatest of anywhere in North America.
Wherever your Florida journey takes you, thanks to an endless list of museums, beaches, festivals, parks, nightclubs, restaurants, shopping districts, ancient forts, roller coasters, and more, an adventure of all sorts of fun awaits.
1.Hit the Florida Keys for a dreamy beach getaway
The Florida Keys are arguably the most beautiful destination in the state of Florida. They are a string of islands stretching off the southern tip of the state and extending about 120 miles along the border of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Among the most popular are the tropical islands of Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon. Each is known worldwide for their own unique atmospheres, but all can guarantee a paradisiacal experience like you can’t find on the peninsula.
2. Get your thrills at all of Orlando’s renown theme parks
No city in the world has a more concentrated and varied arsenal of world-renown theme parks like Orlando, Florida. Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Epcot, Six Flags — the list goes on and on. These theme parks are not only known by Americans but recognized by people all over the world. It is incredible they all exist within the city limits of one place.
3. Live out a dream on a day trip to Bahamas
The best part of southern Florida is that flights to Bahamas are literally within an arm’s reach. Just stick out your hand and touch them! Well, not that close, but between the plethora of tour options, it has become as easy as boarding a private plane to take a day tour of the entire country. A Miami to Bahamas day trip is becoming one of the top attractions on a vacation to south Florida. It has never been easier to visit another country in a day!
4. Party yourself silly in South Beach Miami
Celebrity sightings, luxury nightclubs, sophisticated architecture — just a few of the things that South Beach in Miami has to offer. Not only is there a good party scene, but South Beach is also fantastic for a foodie! All types of cuisine exist on Ocean Drive for any kind of culinary enthusiast. Relaxing on South Beach is certainly one of the top Miami Florida attractions.
5. Roam the exotic Everglades
The wetlands of Florida are some of the most diverse lands in the country. The entire southern tip of the Florida peninsula has been reserved for the Everglades National Park where one can catch exotic wildlife such as the almost-extinct leatherback turtles, Florida panthers, West Indian manatees, and, of course, the ever-abundant alligators of the swamps.
6. Educate yourself at Kennedy Space Center
Just one hour from Orlando, The John F. Kennedy Space Center is one of ten NASA sites in the country. Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center has been the primary launching site for all human-led space exhibitions. It is as much for the bookworms as it is for space fanatics. And, let’s be honest, who isn’t a part-time space fanatic? If you are lucky, your trip to Florida might coincide with a launch — and you better not miss it if so!
7. Escape life on an excursion to the Dry Tortugas Islands
The Dry Tortugas Islands are not as well-known as they should be. Those that have gone go for the seclusion from the rest of the Florida Keys. They are located at the end of the keys, some 67-miles west of Key West. The islands’ name derives from its one distinct characteristic — its turtles! When Spanish explorers first settled the islands, it was packed with giant sea turtles. Still, you can expect to see many on your Florida vacation to this day.
8. Get alternative at Wynwood Walls (Miami)
Smack dab in the heart of Miami is, perhaps, one of the state’s most impressive works of art. The Wynwood Walls is an alternative outdoor street collage featuring enormous wall murals from artists around the world. You could spend half a day taking in its beauty. For those creative types who can appreciate good street art, this is the perfect spot in Florida for you. It’s one of the top Miami Florida attractions.
9. Take a dip with the Bahamas swimming pigs
Surely, by now you have seen the adorable swimming pigs Bahamas has to offer on Pig Island in the Exuma Cays. They are Instagram famous! And here’s the good news: Bahamas Air Tours offers a day trip from Miami that will take you straight to these lovable turquoise waters swimming creatures. And here’s the even better part: it is said that on Big Major Cay (the real Pig Island home to the original swimming pigs), baby piglets outnumber the fully grown pigs 2:1. Can you really turn down a photoshoot with the pink and cute baby piglets? Come from Florida to swimming pigs for an experience of a lifetime.
10. Hop aboard the train to Hogwarts (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
Potter fans, unite! Less of an attraction and more of a cult, this is where the real Harry Potter fans pour in by the thousands! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must for any J.K. Rowling die-hard. The undeniable truth is you are not a real Potter fan if you turn down a trip to the closest thing to Hogwarts in existence.
11. Relax in the sun at Panama City Beach
For the month of March, this beach is the wildest and most untamed in the world. Spring Breakers ooze into this small beach town and flip it upside down. However, here’s a hint: All other months of the year, Panama City Beach is only a quaint little beach town with some of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula. Don’t let the Spring Break rush deter you from a visit to one of the best things to do in Florida!
12. Tour Daytona International Speedway
Nascar fans, sports fans, auto enthusiasts — you all know the Daytona 500 — one of the most sought-after races in the entire sport. Year after year, the Daytona 500 remains one of the most-watched Nascar races. Did you know you can tour the track where the action takes place? Did you know you can take a ride around the track itself? Don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
