Florida is one of the most visited states in the US thanks to its beaches, theme parks, national parks, and variety of other interesting tourist attractions. While sunseekers travel to coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and a number of locations along the southern Gulf Coast, families swarm to Orlando to delight the youngsters with trips to the theme parks.
In the summer, tourists from Florida and neighbouring states frequently flee the heat by travelling to the Florida Panhandle’s breezy beaches and dazzling white sand.
Nothing compares to the Florida Keys, where life moves more slowly, if you want a taste of island life. Locations like Key West and its inhabitants seem to be on another planet from the mainland.
10 best tourist attractions in Florida
From the Kennedy Space Center to the Dayton 500, the state is home to a large number of attractions that are must-sees. This is a state that encourages return trips, and you may organise your upcoming journey with our list of Florida’s best tourist destinations.
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
The majestic Fort Jefferson, built by the US Government in the 1800s, may be found in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Even while this is the park’s main draw, the seven stunning reef islands that make up the Dry Tortugas are worth the journey in and of themselves. The fort may be explored, and you can then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the soft sand beaches and snorkelling in the shallow, clear water.
These islands, which are 70 miles west of Key West, are not reachable by car. Visitors are brought here by catamaran boat cruises from Key West for a whole day, which includes a tour of the fort, time for snorkelling and lying on the beach, breakfast, and lunch.
2. Manatee Viewing
Christopher Columbus is said to have confused these calm, slowly moving huge sea creatures for mermaids during his epic expedition to the Americas. You might wonder whether old Christopher spent a little too much time at sea once you see them in person.
Between November and mid-April, manatee viewing is a fantastic family outing, and fortunately Florida offers several terrific places to see these animals. The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach is one of the best spots to observe manatees.
Crystal River is a fantastic location for individuals with a little more of an adventurous spirit. In this location, you may actually enter the water and swim with manatees as they take use of the warm springs. The three-hour Crystal River Manatee Swim in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the simplest method to accomplish this.
You will travel by boat to the manatees with a small group of people and a qualified guide before swimming right up to them. A stand-up paddleboard, a kayak trip, or a stroll along the boardwalk are other options for viewing the manatees below you through the clear water.
3. Busch Gardens Tampa
In the Tampa area, Busch Gardens is among the most visited tourist destinations. This African theme park, which boasts to be one of North America’s biggest zoos, is home to a wide variety of exotic species.
You can witness gorillas, elephants, giraffes, lions, and tigers, among many other animals. Many animals, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and ostriches, can be seen on safari-style trips in open-air vehicles.
A chance to get up up and personal with penguins, or to get a better view of tigers and elephants, is provided by other tours that take you behind the scenes. Another well-liked family activity is attending live animal shows with an interesting cast of characters.
4. SeaWorld Orlando
Similar to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando is a sizable theme park that has long played a significant role in Florida family vacations. The complex offers its traditional dolphin and whale exhibitions in addition to performances starring an assortment of surprising characters, such as cats, ducks, otters, and sea lions.
There are many aquarium displays, including the Empire of the Penguin exhibition, that provide opportunity to view all types of aquatic life. The Journey to Atlantis water coaster ride and the high-speed Mako roller coaster, both of which reach speeds of up to 73 miles per hour, are major components of the SeaWorld experience.
5. Daytona 500 International Speedway
One of the most renowned and significant races in the NASCAR Cup Series, the Daytona 500 marks the beginning of the racing year in February. Every year, it draws sizable audiences to the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
To remove motor racing from the sand, the Speedway was constructed in 1959. Previously, Daytona Beach’s hard-packed sand was used for racing and land-speed contests. You can still take a tour to see the Speedway even if you can’t attend the actual race.
6. Everglades National Park
Alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters, and many other species can be found in the 1.5 million acres of marsh and swamp that Everglades National Park protects. It is one of the biggest parks in the nation and presents a rare chance to observe some of these animals in the wild.
A broad, shallow river runs through the entire region from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. This river’s bedrock base, known as the Tamiami Formation, is covered by a layer of porous limestone. It serves as the primary water reservoir for southern Florida and collects precipitation.
7. Miami Beach and the Art Deco Historic District
Miami Beach is much more than simply the magnificent, wide stretch of golden sand that borders the Atlantic, though it is essential to spend time relaxing on the beach on a hot day. The Art Deco Historic District is just one factor that sets Miami Beach apart from other Florida beach towns.
Beautifully preserved structures, mostly from the 1930s and the early 1940s, represent the vivid history of the city and provide a unique atmosphere that is unmatched by other cities.
8. Universal Studios Florida Theme Park
Orlando’s Universal Studios is a magnificent attraction, and for many tourists, it frequently surpasses a trip to Walt Disney World. This enormous amusement park has a wide variety of amazing rides and scenery that have been faithfully replicated from popular shows and movies. It’s among the greatest destinations for families taking a trip with older kids or teenagers.
Some of the features at the newest theme park, Universal’s Volcano Bay, including unbelievable 3D and 4D simulated experiences, thrill coasters, and wet and wild rides. For smaller children, there are additional kinder rides available.
9. Kennedy Space Center
One of Florida’s most fascinating, entertaining, and instructive attractions is the Kennedy Space Center. This enormous complex, which may be found on Florida’s Space Coast, is the epicentre of space exploration. Today, you can meet an astronaut, see rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and learn about space missions.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Building is split into mission zones, each of which offers intriguing exhibits and interactive experiences centred on certain themes. This is a fun activity for individuals or family because the displays are made with all age groups in mind.
10. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
No other site compares to Disney World in Orlando for the ultimate amusement park experience. Millions of people visit this massive amusement park every year to enjoy the Charm Kingdom and the many other attractions, proving that Disney’s magic has not worn off over the years.
The variety of things to do and see in this area has increased throughout time and now comprises a long list that goes well beyond the boundaries of traditional theme parks. Consider visiting the water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the exotic animals of Animal Kingdom Park, or Disney Hollywood Studios if you need additional inspiration.
