The Best Places in Florida

Explore the 12 best places to visit in Florida.

#12 Kennedy Space Center

Situated on Florida’s Space Coast, this gigantic complex is one of the most impressive, fun, and educational spots where getting a mission to outer space will be possible. The Kennedy Space Center will let you see the Space Shuttle Atlantis and authentic rockets, as well as meet and greet a real astronaut. It is divided into mission zones, and each zone is designed with specific themes that are indeed fun and interactive displays. Every display is suitable for all ages, whether you are an adult or a kid, you’ll be able to engage in the amazing wonders inside this center. Another feature of the Kennedy Space Center is the Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center that will take you on a ride towards the restricted areas to witness the historic launch sites and other facilities that are limited for public viewing. Get there early so you can tour all over this wonderful space center.

#11 Sanibel Island

Named as world-class and the best shelling site in North America by the Travel + Leisure Magazine, the laid back beach town of Sanibel Island stores some impressive pieces of treasure along its shorelines. This tourist’s paradise has perfectly preserved its natural beauty despite its growing popularity. You can observe the absence of chain stores, stop lights, and fast food stalls. It seems like what’s left to do is reconnect with nature. There are exciting activities that every explorer can try out, like biking at the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, looking for manatees at Lovers Key State Park, and discovering its sister Barrier Island, Captiva Island.

#10 Busch Gardens

If you want a close encounter with exotic animals, this next place in Florida would suit your preference. Known as one of the most famous tourist attractions around Tampa and one of the largest and most spacious zoos in North America, Busch Gardens is a must visit. See various animals like lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and more. You can also go on Safari style tours where you ride in an open-air vehicle which will give you a chance to witness animals roaming freely in the zoo. There are also package tours that will take you behind the scenes and give you a close-up encounter with the penguins, take you a step closer with a tiger, and let you take a selfie with an elephant. An animal encounter is only one of the great activities to try. Thrill-seekers can hop on some of the adventure rides and get wild at the fast roller coaster that captures the most attention. No worries for kids, there are rides that are suitable for children. Have fun!

#9 Orlando

Orlando is the home of every childhood fantasy, one of the most loved cities with marvelous theme parks for all ages, and a vacation destination that is perfect to show off your magical character side that will surely make you feel like you are in their world. Orlando is the place where every child’s favorite fictional characters live, in places like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These sites usually attract large crowds and include thriller roller coasters, character’s houses, people dressed as characters, and a stunning and majestic fireworks display. If you get hungry, Orlando’s dining cuisines and restaurants will make your trip even better.

#8 Miami

The most popular spot for parties with wonderful people, Miami has one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Aside from those captivating recognitions, this site is also the most brilliant melting pot and the epicenter of fun. From its perfect combination of abundant culture, excellent language, and amazing fine dining, Miami knows how to keep and love the simplicity of life with endless entertainment and interesting cultural activities. If you are to include this on your bucket list, make sure you pass by the graffiti art at Wynwood or visit Key Biscayne to see some gorgeous marine life. Also, never miss out on the chance to take a glimpse of Florida’s most precious and pristine natural ecosystem at Everglades National Park.

#7 St. Augustine

As they say, touring Florida would not be complete without exploring America’s oldest city and one of its most glorious destinations, St. Augustine. Travelers from all over the globe can satisfy themselves by roaming remarkable historical landmarks like the fountain of youth. They can also visit the colonial era for Castillo de San Marcos to learn a century worth of history, watch the firing of a cannon, observe the re-enactment at the Colonial Quarter, and even climb all the way up to the 142 year old lighthouse before heading straight to a haunted pub. Are you up for it?

#6 The Ringling

Art seekers would probably have the best time inside to this Venetian-inspired property that was mainly built back in the mid-1920s. Consisting of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ca’d’Zan, and gardens, you won’t be disappointed on your trip to this sanctuary. The Ringling is an art museum situated in a pink palace which is undeniably a centerpiece as it confidently exhibits their extensive art collection including the pieces made by Velazquez, El Greco, Van Dyke, Veronese, Rubens, and many more. In the late 1940s, the Circus Museum was added to the site for the purpose of celebrating the unique form of the masterpiece in history. Displaying all kinds of circus costumes, creative props, fantastic posters, and other great memorabilia that features the history of the famous Ringling Brothers, seeing this jewel in person would be a delight. As for the residence of the two brothers, the Ca’d’Zan is a venetian-style mansion house which is an architectural masterpiece that covers 36,000 square feet! It is indeed a fascinating place.

#5 Daytona 500 International Speedway

This place has had some of the wildest racers across the globe. The field is the most significant spot in the NASCAR Cup Series and where the famous Daytona 500 race is held. Every February, the kick-off of a new race season never fails to attract and captivate huge crowds who are head over heels for the wild show of cars that are going crazily fast to reach the finish line. The famous Speedway was built in 1959 in order to move the racing field off the beach. For past race events and competitions, it was held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach. So, to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the environment, construction of a new race field at a safer place was completed. Remember not to miss out when February rolls around!

#4 Salvador Dali Museum

Placed in a one-of-a-kind modernized building that is intended to match the creativity of its artist, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg proudly displays the elegance of the curving glass that appears to cover the otherwise box-like structure, giving it a complex, astonishing, and picturesque appearance. Upon heading inside, be ready to become mesmerized by the pieces of Dali which showcase his growth and development as an artist. Even newbies in the field of art may be inspired and motivated to produce stunning art that reflects their identity and character as an artist. Dali’s goal in crafting this museum was to express his care and wholeheartedly share his collection around the world, which he successfully achieved. The Salvador Dali Museum has gotten a number of prestigious recognitions from prominent people and organizations, and has captured the hearts of millions. This adds to his legacy of continuous innovation and transformation. Aspiring artists can visit this place digitally anytime through the Dali Museum App that is free to download using a smartphone.

#3 Sarasota

Dubbed as Florida’s Culture Coast as it offers its visitors an incredible mix of culture, fine dining, circus thrills, jewel beaches, and a wide array of shopping districts, Sarasota is a great travel destination. Aside from the plentiful art galleries, its main highlights are the splendid beaches nearby, such as Siesta Key, which is the nation’s top-rated beach. From its popular cool quartz sand, delicious local eateries, and luxurious lifestyle, it’s no wonder why Sarasota is among the best places to travel in Florida. Get ready for an exciting trip!

#2 Apalachicola

Have you been looking for a legitimately quaint Florida journey? This rustic beauty and friendly little fishing town is the ideal place to see. Apalachicola is the most preserved secret gem and it happily boasts some of the freshest seafood and is the most welcoming to locals in the state. Having over 900 historical listings and offering guests an opportunity to see the famous state’s oysters, timber and history of fishing from the ground level, Apalachicola is the perfect retreat from the noise and stress of the urban world. You’ll have fun after setting foot in this paradise.

#1 Dry Tortugas National Park

Not your usual park, this top wonder is peacefully resting right in the middle of the ocean! It is located off of Key West and is a great site for exceptional beauty and solitude. The Dry Tortugas National Park has no road for cars, you have to ride on a boat or even hop in a seaplane just to reach this secluded and isolated park. You can camp on Garden Key near Fort Jefferson. Be sure you have enough supplies and equipment as the nearest convenient store is far away from the site and would take time to reach. In this special park you can hear the natural calls of birds and feel the rushing breeze. It provides a soothing rhythm and can help ease stress. Only 60,000 tourists visit this remote sanctuary each year as compared to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where around 11 million travelers take on the road traffic with their vehicles to reach it. This hidden paradise is a wonderful place to relax!

Thanks for reading, Revellers! Florida is not named the Sunshine State for nothing. Its luxurious elegance will make you feel like you are in another dimension. Which one of these fabulous attractions in Florida impresses YOU the most? Comment below, we’d love to hear what you love!