You’ll feel like a kid again exploring Florida’s best cities for surf, sun, and sand.
The Sunshine State is a beloved tourist destination for warm, sunny weather and miles of pristine beaches. While you may be familiar with vacation spots like Miami and Orlando, Florida has many hidden gems to discover, regardless of age. Pack your sunscreen and embark on a relaxing holiday to these must-visit Florida cities.
Tampa
The bayfront town of Tampa is a central hub for business, art, and culture. It is famous for its affordability and idyllic tropical weather.
Top attractions include Busch Gardens, an animal-themed amusement park, numerous downtown museums, and the historic Ybor City neighborhood. At this vacation spot, you can learn about the traditional Cuban cigar-making process, sample globally inspired cuisine, and soak up the sunshine.
Cocoa Beach
Considered the gateway to the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach is a must-visit during your next Florida trip. It is also a top surfing locale with world-class waves and surf shops.
Tourists can dive into regional history at the Florida Surf Museum or bird-watch at the picturesque Lori Wilson Park. Families, couples, and solo travelers will enjoy exploring Cocoa Beach’s white sand and clear waters.
Orlando
Tens of millions of people travel to Orlando annually from locations worldwide. The main draws are Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, which offer fun for all ages.
Aside from theme parks, Orlando is fantastic for delicious restaurants, excellent shopping, and renowned museums. Consider visiting this central Florida destination for an exciting alternative to the state’s laid-back coastal towns.
St. Augustine
History buffs will love discovering the charm of St. Augustine, the country’s oldest city. Located in northeastern Florida, you can find striking examples of 17th-century Spanish colonial architecture around St. Augustine. Beat the heat at the serene local beaches and observe native dolphins, turtles, and manatees at Anastasia State Park.
Miami
Using data from the International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office, Trips to Discover named Miami the most-visited Florida city in 2021. This lively metropolis overlooks a waterfront area between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Miami’s vibrant nightlife scene and sprawling beaches attract many global visitors.
Jacksonville
Head north to Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, for outdoor recreation and a thriving artistic community. There’s always something fun to see and do throughout its bustling downtown.
Popular Jacksonville activities include fishing and golfing. Food lovers will have an unforgettable time tasting fresh-caught seafood and craft beers at the many restaurants, breweries, and bars around town.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is an iconic place for high-speed adventures. It’s recognized worldwide for the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts annual NASCAR races. Watching a race here is a thrilling experience for car enthusiasts. Afterward, hit the beach to try surfing, parasailing, or kayaking.
Sarasota
South of Tampa lies Sarasota, a premier location on the Gulf of Mexico. The city features many scenic parks, beaches, and nature gardens.
Sarasota is also a top destination for admiring Florida’s distinct art scene. Spend an afternoon touring the Ringling Museum of Art before lounging at Siesta Key or Lido Key Beach.
Key West
Add Key West to your Florida travel itinerary for a slice of paradise. It is the state’s southernmost point, less than 100 miles from Cuba.
Latin American culture has heavily influenced this quaint island. As a result, Key West is well-regarded for its quirky architecture, postcard-worthy sights, and authentic Cuban cuisine.
Pensacola
Explore the Florida Panhandle’s best offerings at Pensacola, home to the magnificent Gulf Islands National Seashore. Uncover Pensacola’s storied past and natural beauty at this 150-mile-long stretch of coastline. Other attractions include historical landmarks, art galleries, and cultural museums.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is an upscale getaway in southeastern Florida. The cityscape features luxury hotels, idyllic canals, and high-end boutiques.
Visitors have many options for where to eat, drink, dance, and shop. Indulge in a relaxing trip to Fort Lauderdale next time you want to escape the hustle of work and everyday responsibilities.
St. Petersburg
Called the “Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg is known for pleasant year-round weather. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll have many opportunities to savor the outdoors.
Go golfing, boating, and fishing, or visit the Dali Museum when temperatures peak in the afternoon. End your day strolling through one of St. Petersburg’s many waterfront parks.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. This beautiful hidden gem combines coastal charm and modern bliss.
It boasts many chic hotels, shops, and restaurants for tourists looking to splurge. Forget your troubles and immerse yourself in the Florida way of life at West Palm Beach.
Cape Coral
Wildlife lovers should consider a Cape Coral vacation. Located in southwest Florida, it has numerous parks, preserves, and canals that manatees call home.
Witness these spectacular creatures in their natural habitats while kayaking the waterways. Birders also frequently travel to Cape Coral, which attracts many seabird species.
Destin
Visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip to Destin. It has something for everyone, from golf courses to Gulf of Mexico beaches and water parks. Wander along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk to find tasty restaurants and kitschy souvenir shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boating tour for deep-sea fishing or dolphin-watching.
Clearwater
Clearwater undoubtedly lives up to its name. This Tampa Bay area city experiences almost constant sunny weather, and its beaches are renowned for being exceptionally clean and picturesque. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families with young children, and the powdery sand is inviting throughout the year.
Panama City Beach
Vacationers flock to Panama City Beach for its lively atmosphere and seasonal events. The city regularly hosts musical concerts, theatrical performances, and family-friendly festivals.
When you’re ready to slow things down, escape to Panama City Beach’s public parks and serene coastline. You can fish, hunt for shells, and swim in the welcoming Gulf of Mexico waters.
Consider a cruise for your next Florida getaway
Cruises are an excellent way to experience Florida from the water. Next time you crave a change of scenery, hop aboard a Florida cruise and prepare for a wealth of sightseeing.
Exploring Florida Cruise Port Treasures, What to See On Your Next Cruise Vacation
Florida isn’t the only US state with top-tier beaches
Many destinations throughout the nation boast pristine coastlines and ocean views. Enjoy an unforgettable trip to the country’s top beaches for relaxation and adventure.
16 Best Beaches in the US to Discover This Year
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
