Looking for nice actions and points of interest within the Sunshine State? Our information to the very best issues to do in Florida is all that you must plan the right journey!
The Sunshine State is residence to a number of the greatest points of interest on the planet. From theme parks like Disney World and Common Studios to massive cities like Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Miami, it’s not exhausting to search out what to do in Florida.
And to get an thought of what a number of the greatest Florida points of interest provide, we’ve established a catered checklist to satisfy a various vary of tastes.
There are enjoyable issues to do in Florida for nature lovers, historical past buffs, artists, leisure lovers, adventurous vacationers, and everybody in between.
Whether or not you want to spend all your time in a single metropolis or are concerned with an incredible Florida highway journey itinerary, our checklist of the very best issues to do in Florida options crystalline waters, sandy seashores, world-class artwork museums, impactful historic monuments, and rather more!
The 25 Greatest Issues to Do in Florida
If you happen to’re on the lookout for the very best issues to do in Florida, look no additional! This state has amusement parks, pure magnificence, historical past, and extra.
Tackle the biggest subtropical wilderness in the USA at Everglades Nationwide Park or tour the house of the enduring American author within the Keys on the Hemingway House and Museum.
Learn on for the very best Florida actions to tackle throughout your travels to the sunshine state!
1) Tour Everglades Nationwide Park
Having ranked within the high 4 greatest nationwide parks of 2022 and one of many high issues to do in Florida, Everglades Nationwide Park is residence to an abundance of Florida wildlife, together with endangered species such because the Florida panther, leatherback turtle, and West Indian manatee.
The Everglades Nationwide Park is classed as an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Website, and a Wetland of Worldwide Significance. It’s the solely place the place crocodiles and alligators coexist, the American alligator and crocodile.
The subtropical situations are excellent for the American crocodile. This numerous ecosystem consists of 9 distinct habitats and is residence to the bull, lemon, and blacktip sharks that cruise by way of the rivers on the lookout for their subsequent meal!
Standard actions to journey on this thriving nationwide park embody kayaking, fishing, tenting, animal watching, climbing, and occurring a ship tour.
2) Practice Like An Astronaut At The Kennedy Area Middle
The middle for NASA’s house exploration and analysis, Kennedy Area Middle, is one among Florida’s most favored points of interest inserting it on the checklist of issues to do in Florida.
From launches to different space-centered occasions, Kennedy Area Middle is the place to search out these distinctive points of interest, due to the middle’s visitor-friendly house.
The middle’s $2 million development was established in 1965 after recognition for futuristic progress and the race to house rallied among the many folks in 1963.
The positioning was initially referred to as Spaceport USA. The identify modified to Kennedy Area Middle every week after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in his honor.
The bus tour takes visitors to NASA’s launch pads and official amenities to see the biggest rocket to cruise by way of the air, Saturn V. Different actions to participate in embody making an attempt out astronaut meals, experiencing a stay launch, present process astronaut coaching, and seeing the spectacular Area Shuttle Atlantis!
- Tackle: Kennedy Area Middle, FL 32899
- Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
3) Snorkel & Discover Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Situated within the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park protects seven traditionally and ecologically wealthy islands, together with Backyard Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Lengthy Key, Hospital Key, Center Key, and East Key.
The one solution to attain Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is by seaplane or ferry. Found in 1513 by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, the famed explorer termed the island chain Las Tortugas, or “the turtles,” due to the wealthy quantity of turtles discovered there.
The biggest island at Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Backyard Key, is residence to the historic Fort Jefferson. It was constructed to regulate navigation main into the Gulf of Mexico and defend the realm from piracy. Sixteen million bricks had been used to determine the fort in 1846, and nonetheless, the fort was by no means completed.
Visiting Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, birdwatching, and swimming are a number of the hottest actions at one among America’s most distant nationwide parks!
4) Bask In Greatness At The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
One of many greatest issues to do in Miami is visiting this Nationwide Historic Landmark generally known as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The gardens are the previous property of businessman James Deering, who was an American government that handed away in 1925.
A retired socialite and millionaire liable for the Deering household’s enterprise, Deering Harvester Firm, James established his Vizcaya property and villa within the Coconut Grove district of Miami.
He collaborated with indoor designer and artist Paul Chalfin to assemble his Vizcaya residence, which options Mediterranean Revival-style structure.
Excursions of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens take guests by way of the mansion’s 70+ rooms, a few of which protect artifacts that date again to the fifteenth century, and the gardens designed by architect Diego Suarez which incorporates the Fountain Backyard, that includes a fountain imported from Italy.
- Tackle: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, closed Tuesdays
Examine extra of the greatest issues to do in Miami right here!
5) See The Infamous Melting Clock At The Salvador Dali Museum
Devoted to presenting and preserving unique works from the enduring artist Salvador Dali, the Salvador Dali Museum is the place to satisfy any intrigue and curiosity concerning the arts.
On the Salvador Dali Museum, guests will discover the famend melting clocks and different famed items by Dali.
The constructing is located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, simply outdoors of Tampa, surrounded by its picturesque waterfront views that may be admired within the museum’s refreshing gardens.
The museum’s cafe, Cafe Gala, serves genuine Spanish delicacies to be loved in between exploring the unparalleled Salvador Dali Museum.
- Tackle: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
6) Go to the Southernmost Level of the Continental US at Key West
Key West is a real gem of south Florida, and it’s simply one of the stunning locations to go to in your complete state.
If you happen to determine to go down right here, you possibly can go to the southernmost level of the continental US! The anchored concrete buoy marks the bottom latitude of the continental US, and it’s enjoyable to snap a photograph of this well-known landmark.
Heading right here early is a good suggestion so you possibly can escape the crowds, and the Buoy is a well-liked vacationer spot.
It is a cool place to incorporate in a Florida highway journey itinerary as effectively! Whereas exploring the state, you may as effectively make a cease on the southernmost level!
Learn Subsequent: Learn our put up to search out out extra unimaginable issues to do in Key West!
7) Tour A Famend Race Monitor At Daytona Worldwide Speedway
Daytona Worldwide Speedway is a widely known automobile racing observe that hosts the Daytona 500 and is among the favored issues to do in Florida when it’s time for the racing season!
The Daytona Seashore race observe opened in 1959, opening the season with one among NASCAR’s most prestigious races.
The observe hosts SCCA (Sports activities Automotive Membership of America), ARCA (Vehicle Racing Membership of America), IMSA (Worldwide Motor Sports activities Affiliation), AMA Superbike (American Motorcyclist Affiliation), and Motorcross.
Discover the Motorsports Corridor of Fame of America, take a Speedway tour, and be taught Daytona Worldwide Speedway’s historical past by way of enjoyable interactive displays!
- Tackle: 1801 W Worldwide Speedway Blvd, Daytona Seashore, FL 32114, United States
Try our final 2-week Florida highway journey itinerary!
8) Go For A Swim At Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida, is a wildlife refuge and pure inlet with three springs. There isn’t a higher solution to spend a sizzling Florida day than dipping into these glowing blue waters!
A refuge for wintering manatees, Three Sisters Springs is a 57-acre website boasting crystal-clear waters that draws loads of wildlife and folks! Persons are allowed entry to swim, snorkel, and kayak within the waters a majority of the 12 months apart from throughout the manatee season within the winter.
Be prepared for a chill! The water in Three Sisters Springs is round 72 levels. So it may be fairly a check of braveness dipping into the water.
On this Pontoon boat cruise, swim and snorkel with manatees whereas exploring the pure springs for a memorable expertise you’ll always remember.
9) Expertise The Magic At Walt Disney World in Orlando
Famously identified throughout the globe, Walt Disney World in Orlando is a famend theme park that houses the magic of Disney. It’s among the finest amusement parks on the planet!
An ideal exercise for all ages, experiencing Walt Disney World’s enjoyable theme park appeal can conjure unforgettable moments and recollections to be eternally cherished. The park is residence to 4 separate parks as effectively, together with Magic Kingdom Park, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Meet the characters of your favourite Disney films, together with Aladdin, Mickey Mouse, and Darth Vader. And on the Walt Disney World Railroad, visitors can simply journey to totally different sides of the park to discover extra of this magical place.
The rides and actions goal all ages in order that whether or not you’re a starry-eyed grownup or baby, you’ll be capable of really feel the magic of Walt Disney World throughout your go to!
For extra concepts, try our checklist of the 24 greatest issues to do in Orlando!
10) Relish In Nature’s Items At The Naples Botanical Backyard
A world-class backyard stretching throughout 175 acres, Naples Botanical Backyard is the youngest backyard in historical past to win the distinguished Award for Backyard Excellence from the American Public Gardens Affiliation.
It will be a criminal offense to not place the Naples Botanical Backyard on the checklist of high issues to do in Florida!
Naples Botanical Gardens discover nature’s magnificence by that includes respected horticultural preparations and crops from everywhere in the globe. Stroll by way of Naples Botanical Backyard’s butterfly backyard, surrounded by butterflies that flutter from one flower to a different.
The various array of crops to be considered by way of the well-maintained and themed gardens is a rewarding stroll that shouldn’t be neglected. Situated in Southwest Florida, this place is ideal for nature lovers.
- Tackle: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
You might also be concerned with… our put up on all the nice issues to do in Fort Myers!
11) Sunbathe At One Of Florida’s Greatest Seashores At Henderson Seashore State Park
Some of the standard points of interest of Destin, Florida, and among the finest seashores in Florida, Henderson Seashore State Park attracts in lots of to its towering white sand dunes and glowing emerald inexperienced waters.
Excellent for enjoyable, solar tanning, fishing, swimming, and making sand castles, this park additionally options 60 campsites and a nature path to journey.
There are picnic pavilions to seize shade and eat beneath, restrooms to save lots of the day, and showers to rinse off all of the sand from an extended day spent on the seaside.
Henderson Seashore State Park can be only a one-hour drive west of Panama Metropolis, which is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in northern Florida. If you happen to’re visiting Panama Metropolis, contemplate a day journey out to this beautiful seaside!
Learn Subsequent: Try our put up on Destin to search out different nice issues to do in Destin!
12) Go to The Nation’s Oldest Metropolis & Oldest Masonry Fort At The Castillo de San Marcos In St. Augustine
The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is the oldest masonry fort in the USA. It represents the Spanish empire’s 300-year occupation of Florida.
The historical past of this nationwide monument is wealthy in impactful moments and struggles which have formed the nation. Made to guard the Spanish settlement from pirate raids, opposing powers, and hostile Indian tribes, the Castillo de San Marcos was by no means captured in battle.
Juan Ponce de Leon found the Florida peninsula in 1513, claiming the realm for Spain. It represents a variety of cultures, from Spanish to English, which have fought over the conquest of Florida.
St. Augustine is the oldest metropolis in America and the longest inhabited European-founded metropolis and, together with the Castillo de San Marcos, represents the inspiration of the USA of America.
- Tackle: 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Discover extra issues to do in St. Augustine right here!
13) Dwell It Up On Duval Avenue
The place to occasion in Key West, Florida, Duval Avenue, is the place to search out the motion!
Jokingly known as the “longest avenue on the planet,” this world-famous avenue runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, encouraging the intelligent identify. Hanging out right here is among the greatest issues to do in Key West.
On Duval Avenue, it’s not exhausting to search out popping bars and pubs, quaint cafes, scenic galleries, and nice restaurant choices. Don’t miss Sloppy Joe’s, the world-famous bar the place Ernest Hemingway ate, or the Purple Bar Theatre for a high-class efficiency stuffed with leisure.
On this sundown occasion cruise, you can begin the occasion earlier than hitting up Duval Avenue on the spacious catamaran serenaded by gifted musicians and breathtaking views of the sundown by the ocean.
14) Discover Miami Seashore
Did you even go to Florida should you didn’t go to Miami Seashore? Miami is one among Florida’s most enjoyable and well-known cities, and Miami Seashore is its personal little metropolis related to the mainland by bridges.
South Seashore is probably the most well-known space of Miami Seashore. Situated on the southern finish of the town, South Seashore is filled with enjoyable issues to do.
Sunbathe on the sand, admire the historic art-deco structure, buy groceries on the Lincoln Highway Mall, or seize a espresso in a restaurant on Ocean Drive.
South Seashore can be identified for its glamorous aspect. There are many upscale nightclubs, cocktail bars, celebrity-chef eating places, and worldwide eateries.
Probably the greatest methods to expertise the fabulous surroundings of the encompassing space is by occurring a boat cruise across the metropolis. See the Miami skyline from the water and see some magnificent Millionaires mansions!
15) Catch A Thrill At Busch Gardens
Specifically designed with themes of Asia and Africa, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, is an animal-themed park of 335 acres.
Busch Gardens boasts world-class rides, animal interactions, and exhibits that welcome these of all ages for a day of enjoyable and thrill. Guests can see gorillas, bats, tigers, cheetahs, and penguins all through the quite a few animal displays.
Then, go for a scenic prepare journey at one of many three prepare stations that journey across the park whereas seeing a number of the animals and the habitats they name residence.
The curler coasters at Busch Gardens are identified for being a number of the greatest, like Cheetah Hunt, which traverses by way of a rocky gorge with the motion patterns of a cheetah on the hunt!
This amusement park is among the high Tampa Bay points of interest to take a look at when you’re visiting Florida’s west coast.
Get a Tampa Bay CityPASS to save cash in your entry to Busch Gardens and different native points of interest!
16) Go to Florida Caverns State Park
One of many coolest points of interest in northern Florida is the Florida Caverns State Park.
Right here you possibly can discover the geological wonders of an underground cave system that many vacationers don’t even learn about!
Many individuals come to Florida to lounge on seashores and examine marine wildlife, however there’s a complete underground world close to the city of Marianna in northern Florida.
Head to this unimaginable attraction run by Florida State Parks to see stalactites, stalagmites, and different pure wonders.
Learn Subsequent: Take into account testing all the very best issues to do in Naples, Florida.
17) Tour The Cummer Museum of Artwork & Gardens
In Jacksonville, Florida, the Cummer Museum of Artwork & Gardens is the biggest wonderful arts museum in Northeast Florida.
The previous proprietor, Ninah Cummer, donated her riverfront residence and artwork assortment after passing in 1958 to create the Cummer Museum of Artwork & Gardens. The distinctive displays and provided lectures and seminars set up a exceptional instructional alternative for visitors.
Greater than 5,000 works are on show, and after touring the indoor items, head outdoors to the gardens for a stroll that includes reflecting swimming pools and beautiful fountains.
- Tackle: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 11 am – 9 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, 12 pm – 4 pm on Sundays, Closed Mondays
Learn Subsequent: Try our put up so as to add extra issues to do in Jacksonville!
18) Encounter Nature’s Untouched Magnificence At Ocala Nationwide Forest
The oldest nationwide forest within the jap United States, the Ocala Nationwide Forest is a primeval forest that options beautiful pure springs, uncommon birds, manatees, and alligators.
Individuals journey from everywhere in the world to witness the great thing about the Ocala Nationwide Forest. The lands are untamed within the forest, providing possibilities to catch sight of wildlife as they go about their day.
The swimming pools of water provide an specific unraveling expertise of the grandeur of nature’s untainted magnificence. Many come to soak within the springs, like Silver Glen Springs, or take up different leisure actions like kayaking, climbing, tenting, or wildlife watching.
19) Take In Beautiful Surroundings Atop The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is residence to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse, preserving the impactful historical past of this highly effective landmark in Pensacola Bay.
Established in 1859, the lighthouse is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and options 177 steps that have to be climbed to achieve the highest for spectacular views of the Gulf Coast, the historic Navy Yard, and three historic forts.
Touring the lighthouse, guests can discover the restored Keepers’ Quarters, which is residence to the Wealthy. C. Callaway museum with numerous displays telling the story of the lighthouse and native historical past.
This location on the Florida Panhandle is among the high historic locations within the state!
- Tackle: 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, Closes at 5 pm Friday – Sunday
Learn this put up to search out extra nice issues to do in Pensacola!
20) Go to The House Of The Iconic Author At The Hemingway House and Museum
The Hemingway House and Museum within the Florida Keys, particularly Key West, is the house of the enduring American author Ernest Hemingway excellent for the very best issues to do in Florida for literature followers.
Ernest Hemingway is famend for influencing American literature together with his mastered utilization of prose and his macho persona. The Hemingway House and Museum was the place Ernest Hemingway lived for a short while and is legendary for its favored Hemingway cats.
Most of those cats are polydactyl, that means they’ve an additional toe. They’re descendants of the white six-toed cat given to Ernest Hemingway by a ship’s captain.
Hemingway’s residence is legendary for the author and its feline inhabitants. The Hemingway residence was established in 1851 by an prosperous marine architect and salvager, Asa Tift, utilizing a French Colonial model.
Excursions take visitors by way of the museum and home preserved as shut as attainable to when Hemingway lived there. Peer at memorabilia, pet six-toed felines, and stroll by way of the gardens at Hemingway House and Museum!
- Tackle: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Learn extra concerning the greatest issues to do in Key West!
21) Really feel The Pleasure At Common Studios
One of many high issues to do in central Florida is visiting Common Studios Florida, a well-known theme park in Orlando that has one thing enjoyable for everybody.
Tackle roaring curler coasters, meet your favourite film characters, and go to worlds past our creativeness!
Some of the standard stops at Common Studios is Harry Potter World, the place visitors can drink butterbeer and don magic wands. There are Harry Potter-themed present outlets and rides that replicate the magical wizarding world and let you stay it for your self!
There are additionally stay exhibits, boisterous performances, and loads of curler coasters or different rides at Common Studios theme park for a day stuffed with enjoyable and pleasure.
22) Discover The Spectacular Gallery Of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork
Settled in an iconic structure of a pink Renaissance-style palace, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork could be present in Sarasota Bay, Florida.
The museum was based by a famed circus magnate, one among 5 who owned the circus termed “The Best Present on Earth,” John Ringling, and his spouse. Each shared a love and keenness for artwork, Italy, and Sarasota.
Thirty-one galleries show spectacular items of artwork that may be seen in a tour of this intricate artwork museum established with a courtyard that includes Greek and Roman sculptures and a bronze forged of Michelangelo’s David.
- Tackle: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Closes at 8 pm on Thursdays
READ NEXT: Remember to try this put up on all of the greatest issues to do in Sarasota!
23) Get Up Shut & Private At The Lion Nation Safari
A secure, drive-through safari park in Loxahatchee, Florida, Lion Nation Safari has claimed to be the primary “cageless zoo” in the USA since its founding in 1967.
Unfold out on near 600 acres, the safari park close to West Palm Seashore is residence to a whole lot of animals seen in giant herds as they roam about. Lion Nation Safari is split into seven habitats, every that includes spectacular animals such because the rhino, giraffe, ostriches, and zebra.
As well as, the park has a walk-through portion the place visitors can feed fish, birds, and giraffes and tackle different enjoyable actions like miniature golf, paddle boating, and water park rides.
- Tackle: 2003 Lion Nation Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
24) Head Out For A Seashore Day At Clearwater Seashore
Clearwater Seashore is legendary for its delicate white sand and clear blue waters, excellent for swimming, suntanning, and extra!
It’s frequent to search out seaside volleyball tournaments operating on the weekends right here. And by water, persons are boating, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and parasailing alongside the salty waters of the seaside.
Between tanning within the solar and build up an urge for food from adventuring the coast, head to one of many many beachfront eating places for seafood or a drink to energise for extra enjoyable.
You possibly can simply go to this well-known seaside as a day journey from Tampa Bay in addition to it’s solely half-hour away.
Try our checklist of the greatest issues to do in Tampa!
25) Odor The Tropical Scents Of The Sunken Gardens
One of many oldest roadies vacationer points of interest within the U.S., and the oldest residing museum in St. Petersburg, the Sunken Gardens has been operating for greater than a century!
The spectacular assortment of a number of the oldest tropical birds and crops within the area is homed within the Sunken Gardens. A stroll by way of the gardens takes guests previous full of life pink flamingos, roaring waterfalls, and thriving gardens that includes tropical flowers and hundreds of different plant species.
A neighborhood plumber constructed this hidden gem, the Sunken Gardens, in a sinkhole in 1903. It was even used for alligator wrestling again within the day! Fortunately, now it houses hundreds of luscious crops, welcoming visitors from everywhere in the world to indulge in nature.
- Tackle: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm, Opens at 12pm on Sundays
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