Best Places to Visit in Florida – Sunshine State Wonders
Florida is huge with so much diversity, meaning there are many incredible things to do and a heap of the best places across the state. It can be hard to whittle down a definitive list of places to visit, especially if you are short on time.
With more than 8,000 miles of shoreline, Florida is a prime vacation territory. Out of so many incredible destinations, it will be difficult to pick one right for your next gateway.
Therefore, FLTrendz considered factors including a number of attractions, availability of accommodations, and viewpoints of everyday travelers to pick the best places to visit in Florida.
Just give a look below at some of the best places in Florida to explore on your trip. Have the best time!
9 Best Places to Visit in Florida
Following are some of the best places to visit in Florida.
Tampa – 1st Best Place to Visit in Florida
Tampa is known as one of the biggest manufacturers of Cuban cigars, a home of Cuban sandwiches, a Busch Garden Theme Park, an extensive zoo, and many sports teams.
The weather in Tampa remains hot and humid between May and October and dried between November and April. Busch Gardens, The Tamp Bay History Center, The Imagine Museum, and The Manatee Viewing Center are its must-see attractions.
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Drive on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge with views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. You must see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if you are an NFL fan.
NFL fans can cheer on Tampa Bay Lightning, whereas MLB fans can catch the Tampa Bay Rays, and USL fans can support the Tampa Rowdies. A visit to The Florida Aquarium and Zoo Tampa isn’t also a bad idea.
February is the best time of year to visit Tampa when the Gasparilla Pirate Festival takes place.
Tampa allows visitors to enjoy fully attractive beaches, exciting theme parks, sports activities, museums, animal-watching, and great dining options.
Orlando – 2nd in Best Places in Florida to Visit
Orlando is home to significant entertainment parks, including Disney & Universal theme parks, and is considered “the theme park capital of the world.”
Orlando’s climate is mild, with plenty of sunshine and an average temperature of around 72(degrees Fahrenheit).
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From April to August, the temperature tends to be hot and humid. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Sea World Orlando are its must-see attractions.
Explore world-renowned theme parks and several water parks to cool off. Enjoy another activity, Harry P Leu Gardens, a 5-acre botanical garden, when the weather isn’t too hot.
October is the best time of year to visit Orlando since the weather isn’t too warm but cool enough to enjoy attractions with fewer crowds.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is an old U.S. city with plenty of history and beautiful beaches. The best place to explore is expect a semi-tropical climate with lots of humidity in the summers and an average high of about 80(degrees Fahrenheit).
St. Augustine is one of the most walkable cities in Florida, where you will find shops, entertainment, and dining nearby regardless of where you stay.
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The must-see attractions include Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which features a fortress, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and the Medieval Torture Museum.
While planning, a visit to the tranquil Crescent Beach and one of the state’s parks and museums should be on your list. March will be cooler, with attractions and accommodation at a lower price, and it is the best time to visit Augustine.
Lauderdale
Lauderdale is known for famous places, including Las Olas Boulevard shops and gondola rides on the canals.
Here, a tropical rainforest environment is expected, with an average high of about 77(degrees Fahrenheit).
The summer will see more rain while the ocean water stays warm year-round. Must visit Las Olas Boulevard with its white sand and many food, drink, and shop options.
With freshwater lagoon, fishing, and trails for hiking, Huge Taylor Birch State Park is also worth visiting. Explore a gondola through the canals and visit Fort Lauderdale Beach.
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If you want to enjoy the Beach and soak up the sun, the summer is a great time to visit. But if you prefer to avoid crowds, the spring is a better bet.
Gainesville
Gainesville is a beautiful but cheaper destination than others, located in north Florida. Freshwater springs and several trails make this place one of Florida’s prettiest places to visit.
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Prepare for humidity here, with July being the hottest month, while late fall, winter, and early spring occasionally have lows around 32(degrees Fahrenheit).
The Florida Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Rainforest, and The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are worth visiting attractions.
Hike or bike the many trails, see a lot of local wildlife, and visit the river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park for a relaxing time. Spring is the great season to visit, as you will have no worries about heat or excessive rain.
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point in the U.S., with nature attractions and iconic shopping spots.
The climate is warm and sunny most of the year, with high humidity in the summer and fall.
Its must-see attractions are Fort Zachary Historic State Park, The Key West Butterfly, and the Nature Conservatory.
Visit ‘Duval Street’ for a shopping trip. This street runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and is worth walking or dining on.
Climbing the steps to the Key West Lighthouse’s top lets you enjoy the scenery. Snorkeling to experience the coral reefs is a top attraction.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the free Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. landmark.
April is the best time to visit since the weather isn’t too hot, crowds aren’t too big, and hurricane-free season.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is known as “the seashell capital of the world,” a barrier island that’s east-west oriented, a great place to get seashells and stay at popular resorts.
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The weather is subtropical with daily late spring and summer thunderstorms with an average high of about 75(degrees Fahrenheit).
Visit Bowman’s Beach Park, which has kayaking and a chance to watch wildlife. Bowman’s Beach is the best place to find seashells.
Look for seashells, enjoy playing, boating, or fishing, and explore one of the many wildlife refuges.
Surprisingly, with warmer weather and fewer crowds, May is a great time to visit Sanibel Island.
Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral is knowns as “Space Coast”, a destination famous for being the Launchpad for several missions and moon trips.
This place is popular for space attractions, including the home of the United States Space Force, Kennedy Space Center, Manatee Sanctuary Park, and deep water port.
Here, the average temperature is 81(degree fehreinheight), and lows are usually <60(degree fehreinheight). Discover the Kennedy Space Center to admire the marvels of space fully.
The highly rated Wizard of Oz museum is also a spot worth visiting. Must stop at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum and the Launch Complex 34.
Due to the mild weather and smaller crowds, spring and fall are the best times to visit Cape Canaveral.
Miami
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, thriving nightlife, and great food.
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With an average temperature in the winter at 68(degrees Fahrenheit), Miami doesn’t get too cold. The summer may heat up, but not too much, with an average high of 88(degrees Fahrenheit).
Discover Vizcaya Museum and Gardens features a tribute to the Italian Renaissance.
Wynwood Walls and the surrounding distinct has food and art to explore. Don’t forget to visit Miami Everglades National Park. Sports fans can also cheer on one of the many Miami-based teams.
The Paradox Museum is also a fun time. Interact with animals at the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, shop at Dolphin Mall, take a sailing trip or rent a jet ski, stop at Little Havana for food, and enjoy dancing in nightclubs.
Between March and November is a great time to visit Miami because the prices are much better and there are fewer crowds.
Explore the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a tropical delight, stretching about 120 miles off the south coast. Here, the sunsets are legendary, especially with a cocktail and perhaps a Key Lime pie, on the other hand.
In the area, you have got to head down to the Beach, go snorkeling or scuba diving, get a boat, and head out fishing. With plenty of things to explore and experience, Key West is a well-known area of the Keys.
Ernest Hemingway’s home is located here, including a museum about it and Duval Street, the city’s famous street known for its bars and shops.
We drove straight from Miami and arrived just in time to catch the sunset before heading out into town. The place is fantastic to visit, though it’s much warmer and more humid than other places in Florida. So come prepared and enjoy to the fullest!
Conclusion
While there’s always something for every traveler in Florida
state, there’s also a lot to do. Give a look at the destinations listed above, and you can’t go wrong. In the Sunshine State, there is plenty to see and explore for all travelers. While planning a trip, consider the best time to visit to enjoy like never before.
