Miami beach

USA – Florida

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Florida

Florida, a state of diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, captivates with its sunny beaches, thrilling theme parks, and rich history. From the iconic beaches of Miami to the magical world of Disney in Orlando, Florida offers a blend of relaxation and excitement. Explore historic sites, savour fresh seafood and Cuban cuisine, and experience lively festivals and events. The state’s natural beauty, including the Everglades and pristine coastline, makes it a top destination for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Florida’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

Dec – Feb

10 – 35°C
50 – 95°F

US Dollar (USD)

$60-80/day

  1. Top Attractions
  2. Map
  3. Transport
  4. Budget
  5. Seasonality and Weather
  6. Must Try Dishes
  7. Language
  8. Other Destinations in North America
  9. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Florida, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Walt Disney World Resort

Located in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is a sprawling entertainment complex featuring four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It offers visitors immersive experiences, thrilling rides, world-class entertainment, and opportunities to meet beloved Disney characters in a magical setting that captivates guests of all ages.

Access from – Orlando

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Florida, spans 1.5 million acres of unique wetlands. It is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and endangered species like the Florida panther. Visitors can explore via airboat tours through expansive marshes, hike scenic trails, and learn about conservation efforts in this vital ecosystem.

Access from – Miami

South Beach

South Beach is Miami’s vibrant beachfront neighbourhood renowned for its Art Deco architecture, stunning beaches, and bustling nightlife. Visitors can unwind on the white sandy shores, enjoy water sports, explore Ocean Drive’s iconic buildings, dine at trendy eateries, and experience the vibrant energy of this cultural hotspot along the Atlantic Ocean.

Access from – Miami

Kennedy Space Centre

Located on Merritt Island, Florida, the Kennedy Space Centre is NASA’s primary launch centre for human spaceflight. Visitors can explore exhibits on space exploration, see real spacecraft, and even witness rocket launches. It’s a place where science and history converge, offering a glimpse into humanity’s quest for the stars.

Access from – Cape Canaveral

Key West

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States, famous for its laid-back atmosphere, historic sites, and vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore Ernest Hemingway’s home, stroll down Duval Street for nightlife and shopping, enjoy water activities like snorkelling and sailing, and witness breath-taking sunsets at Mallory Square.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park complex featuring Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park. It offers thrilling rides, immersive attractions based on movies and TV shows, live entertainment, and dining experiences, making it a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Access from – Orlando

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is renowned for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, take part in water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, or visit attractions like Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Sunsets at Pier 60 are a highlight, with nightly festivals featuring street performers and artisans.

Access from – Clearwater

Salvador Dalí Museum

The Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe. It showcases over 2,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, offering visitors a deep dive into the surrealist artist’s mind and his iconic, dreamlike creations that continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.

Access from – St. Petersburg

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park, near Miami, spans 173,000 acres of underwater wonders, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and pristine islands. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering activities like snorkelling, diving, boating, and wildlife watching. The park’s diverse marine ecosystem and historic shipwrecks make it a fascinating destination for exploration and conservation.

Access from – Miami

Naples Botanical Garden

Located in Southwest Florida, Naples Botanical Garden features beautifully curated gardens inspired by global landscapes such as Asia, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Visitors can wander through lush greenery, discover native flora, and participate in educational programs highlighting conservation efforts and the importance of botanical diversity in maintaining ecological balance.

Access from – Naples

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, is known as the “World Centre of Racing.” It hosts major NASCAR events like the Daytona 500 and offers tours where visitors can explore the track, visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and learn about the history and thrill of auto racing.

Access from – Daytona Beach

Coral Castle

Coral Castle in Homestead, is a mysterious and unique structure built by Edward Leedskalnin. Using coral limestone, Leedskalnin single-handedly sculpted and constructed this marvel between 1923 and 1951. Visitors can tour the castle, see the intricately carved stones, and ponder the enigmatic methods used by its creator.

Access from – Homestead

Crystal River

Crystal River, located in Citrus County, is renowned for its clear spring-fed waters and abundance of wildlife, particularly manatees. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or kayak in the springs to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The area also offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and exploring nearby parks and preserves.

Access from – Crystal River

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a vast marine protected area that encompasses coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove islands spanning 2,900 square nautical miles off the Florida Keys. It’s renowned for its biodiversity, offering opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and boating to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Access from – Florida Keys

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island paradise known for its pristine waters, coral reefs, and historic Fort Jefferson. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, visitors can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore diverse marine ecosystems, and immerse themselves in the park’s rich history and natural beauty.

Access from – Key West

Map

See map of Florida to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In Florida, tourists can utilize public buses and trams within cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, offering affordable transportation options. Intercity travel is facilitated by buses and occasional train services connecting major cities. Domestic flights are common for longer distances between key cities and tourist destinations. Taxis are readily available in urban areas, with ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offering convenient alternatives for tourists. These apps provide easy booking, transparent pricing, and are widely used across the state, ensuring flexibility for exploring both urban centres and natural attractions.

Budget

Traveling in Florida varies widely: budget travellers spend $60-$80 per day on hostels and affordable dining; mid-range travellers budget $120-$180 per day for comfortable hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $250+ daily on upscale accommodations and fine dining. Costs can fluctuate based on location (e.g., Miami vs. Orlando) and activities chosen (e.g., theme parks vs. beach resorts).

Seasonality and Weather

Florida’s weather varies but generally features a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C (59–84°F) in winter and 24°C to 33°C (75–91°F) in summer, with southern regions typically warmer year-round. Coastal areas experience more moderate temperatures due to ocean influence, while inland areas can be slightly hotter. The best time to visit is during the winter months (December to February) when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) also offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Must Try Dishes

Key Lime Pie
Cuban Sandwich
Stone Crab

Language

The main language spoken is English.

Other Destinations in North America

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthor, License
Dali MuseumTaty2007CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used

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