13 Great Reasons to Visit Florida

Florida, often referred to as the Sunshine State, offers a wealth of experiences making it an ideal vacation destination. Known for its sunny weather, diverse activities, and beautiful locales, Florida provides a perfect backdrop for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore cities like Jacksonville and discover a mix of bustling urban life and serene coastal retreats.

Families and couples alike find plenty to enjoy, from the state’s numerous theme parks to its pristine beaches. Florida’s charm lies in its versatile attractions, catering to all ages and interests. Discovering the best places to visit in Florida guarantees an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Here are 13 great reasons to visit Florida this year.

13) An Endless Summer of Great Weather

With an average annual temperature hovering around 80 degrees, Florida remains hot year-round. The summer months bring high temperatures, but the heat becomes nearly imperceptible while enjoying a frozen drink on the beach at places like the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.

Water temperatures in Florida’s Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico stay above 80 degrees during the summer. From Pensacola Beach to Key West, the water never feels chilly.

Winter sees temperatures dropping to the low 70s, a stark contrast to the snow-covered northern states. This comfortable weather allows for poolside relaxation even in the heart of winter.

12) Annual Festivals and Events

Florida hosts a variety of annual festivals and events that cater to a wide range of interests. From music and art lovers to boating enthusiasts and biker fans, there is something for nearly everyone.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa is a major event celebrating the return of the Gasparilla Season to Tampa Bay. Drawing around 300,000 attendees, the “Parade of Pirates” features live music and a dramatic pirate invasion in Hillsborough Bay.

Every fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts more than 110,000 visitors from around the world. This event showcases over 1,500 boats along six miles of floating docks and spans seven different locations. It also features a variety of seminars, special events, and a culinary experience. The Superyacht Village is a notable highlight with vessels exceeding 300 feet in size.

Bike Week in Daytona Beach is renowned as the world’s largest motorcycle event, with over 500,000 motorcyclists attending. This 10-day event includes bike shows, concerts, rallies, and street festivals, making it a must-visit even for non-bikers.

Other notable annual festivals and events:

SunFest in West Palm Beach
Art Basel in Miami Beach
College Spring Break in multiple cities throughout Florida
Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater Beach

Events vary widely in scope and audience, offering unique experiences for both residents and visitors.

11) Historic Sites

Florida offers a wealth of historic sites to explore, reflecting its deep cultural heritage. St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, was established in 1565 by Spanish explorers. The city is rich with landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, which is the oldest masonry fort in the country and has been a National Monument since 1924.

St. Augustine also features the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which dates back to the early 1500s and is linked to Ponce de Leon’s legendary spring. Alongside these, the Lightner Museum, originally the Alcazar Hotel built in 1888, stands as an example of 19th-century opulence. Nearby, Fort Matanzas National Monument, only accessible by ferry, has defended the city since 1742.

In addition to its historic attractions, St. Augustine offers luxurious accommodation options such as the Casa Monica Resort & Spa and the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Hotel. These establishments provide exceptional service and are conveniently located near the city’s key landmarks.

Florida’s history extends beyond St. Augustine with numerous other sites across the state. The Truman House in Key West and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale are noteworthy examples. Sarasota’s Ringling Museum and the Key West Lighthouse also offer unique insights into the region’s past.

Significant historic sites are scattered throughout Florida, including the Ford and Edison Estates in Fort Myers and Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas, Key West. Nature lovers can explore the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Placid, while Miami boasts the Villa Vizcaya. The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa and the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach are other significant landmarks that reflect Florida’s rich heritage.

No exploration of Florida’s history is complete without visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral. This site is a hub of space exploration history, featuring the Apollo program, space shuttles, and modern rocket launches. Visitors can see the space shuttle Atlantis, experience the Shuttle Launch Experience, and even train like an astronaut. Rocket launch schedules can be found through specific resources online.

For those planning to visit Cape Canaveral, accommodations like the Home Suites by Hilton and the Residence Inn by Marriott are available, making for a comfortable stay near the space coast attractions.

10) Outstanding Dining and Nightlife

Dining stands out with options ranging from the finest seafood to premium steaks and casual waterfront spots. For seafood lovers, Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach is a must-visit. Tampa offers Bern’s Steak House and Columbia Restaurant, known for their superior dining experiences. In Orlando, guests can indulge at Victoria & Albert’s located at the Grand Floridian Hotel, or Del Frisco’s Steakhouse for delectable options.

For a breathtaking dining experience, Baleen at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in Naples offers stunning ocean views alongside a savory menu. The Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach is another high-end choice. For a more relaxed setting, Twisted Shrimp in Islamorada and Clark’s Fish Camp in Jacksonville offer casual dining with top-notch seafood.

Those with a sweet tooth should head to the Florida Keys for a slice of Key Lime Pie. Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada serves a memorable frozen key lime pie topped with mango sauce and whipped cream. Patrons can even purchase a whole pie to enjoy later.

Nightlife in Florida is equally vibrant, from the electric atmosphere of South Beach in Miami to the bustling bars of Ybor City, Tampa. South Beach offers a range of options including the iconic LIV in the Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, the Rose Bar at the Delano Hotel, and the dive bar Lost Weekend on Espanola Way.

Ybor City in Tampa is replete with notable bars and clubs such as Coyote Ugly Saloon, Crowbar, the Ritz Ybor City, Liquid Lounge, and The Bad Monkey. Each venue provides a unique slice of Tampa’s nightlife, offering something for every taste.

Additional nightlife hotspots include Key West’s Mallory Square, Universal Orlando’s CityWalk for a blend of entertainment and dining, and The Landing in Jacksonville. For a beachside experience, Panama City Beach area and Clematis Street in West Palm Beach are popular destinations. Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of bars and restaurants ideal for night outings.

9) Amazing Golf Courses

Florida stands out as a pivotal location for golf enthusiasts, with over 1,100 golf courses stretching across the state. From Key West to Pensacola, golfers have the opportunity to explore a variety of venues, some of which are renowned for hosting prestigious PGA tournaments such as the Players Championship, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and the Honda Classic.

PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens

PGA National Resort and Spa, located in Palm Beach Gardens, is the site of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. The resort features five 18-hole championship golf courses, including the “Champion” Course redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, which is famous for the challenging Bear Trap. Additionally, the resort includes an award-winning destination spa, a state-of-the-art sports and racquet club, and a private membership club.

TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra

TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra is the venue for The Players Championship. Known for its two championship courses, the Stadium Course is particularly famous, with its 17th hole being one of the most iconic in the golfing world. Nearby accommodations include the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa as well as the Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra Beach.

Innisbrook, Palm Harbor

Situated in Palm Harbor, Innisbrook has four renowned championship golf courses, the most notable being the Copperhead Course, which covers 900 acres of rolling hills. As a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, it was honored by Golf Digest as one of the “2018 Best Golf Resorts in Florida.” The resort also boasts a comprehensive spa, dining venues, and a range of accommodations including rooms, suites, and villas.

Tiburon Golf, Naples

Tiburon Golf Club, set within the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, features two 18-hole courses designed by Greg Norman, named the Black and the Gold. It hosts the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout. Tiburon consistently ranks among the top 20 golf facilities in Florida, as recognized by publications such as Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.

8) Nature Experiences and National Parks

Everglades National Park stands as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for tropical wading birds and hosts a variety of endangered and threatened species. Visitors can engage in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, biking, fishing, camping, hiking, birdwatching, and boating. The park also offers ranger-guided tours, private tours, airboat rides, and wildlife shows.

Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Key West, offers unique experiences, including pristine beaches and opportunities to see sea turtles.

Naples Botanical Garden is a must-visit for plant lovers, showcasing a wide variety of flora.

Crystal River provides an ideal spot for viewing manatees in their natural habitat.

Sunken Gardens is a hidden gem, offering a lush, tropical setting in the midst of St. Petersburg.

In Homestead, visitors can explore natural beauty while enjoying outdoor activities.

The Ocala area is known for its dense forests and freshwater springs, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Caladesi Island State Park and Anastasia State Park are excellent destinations for beachgoers and nature lovers. Caladesi Island is known for its unspoiled beaches and coquina rock formations, while Anastasia State Park offers beautiful views and various recreational activities.

For those interested in aquatic ecosystems, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and kayaking along the Peace River provide stunning water experiences.

Lake Okeechobee offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville merges history and nature, presenting a unique blend of cultural and ecological significance.

Each of these locations provides diverse opportunities for experiencing Florida’s natural beauty.

7) Great Shopping

Florida offers an impressive array of shopping destinations that cater to all tastes. From the stylish Worth Avenue in Palm Beach to Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, visitors can explore some of the top retail districts in the southern United States. Regional malls and shopping centers cover a wide range of retailers, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For bargain hunters, the state is home to numerous outlet malls.

Orlando boasts more than 50 million square feet of retail space. Miami’s Aventura Mall, the second-largest shopping center in the country, features approximately 300 stores within its 2.7 million square feet of space, surpassing the size of the Mall of America in Minneapolis. Miami will soon see the arrival of the American Dream Mall, set to become the largest mall in the U.S. with six million square feet, including amenities like an indoor ice rink, water park, artificial ski slope, and up to 1,200 shops and restaurants.

Featured Regional Malls and Shopping Centers

The Aventura Mall – Aventura (Miami)
The Florida Mall – Orlando
The Town Center Mall – Boca Raton
The Gardens Mall – Palm Beach Gardens
St. John’s Town Center – Jacksonville
International Plaza – Tampa
The Mall at Millenia – Orlando
The Bal Harbour Shops – Bal Harbour (Miami)
Gulf Coast Town Center – Fort Myers
Governor’s Square – Tallahassee
Seminole Towne Center – Sanford
Disney Springs – Lake Buena Vista (Orlando)

Featured Outlet Malls

The Palm Beach Outlets – West Palm Beach
The Vero Beach Outlets – Vero Beach
Sawgrass Mills – Sunrise
Orlando International Premium Outlets – Orlando
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
The Dolphin Mall – Miami
Tampa Premium Outlets – Lutz
Silver Sands Premium Outlets – Destin
Tanger Outlets – Daytona Beach
St. Augustine Premium Outlets – St. Augustine

These shopping venues showcase a diverse array of options for both luxury and discount shopping. Whether looking for the latest fashion trends or unique bargains, Florida’s shopping scene meets the needs of every consumer.

6) World’s Busiest Cruise Ports

Cruise Hub: Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale boasts the largest cruise terminal globally and ranks as the third busiest. With nine terminals, it serves over 30 ships from lines such as Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Holland America, Pearl Seas, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. A shuttle connects Port Everglades to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, operated by Baleaira Caribbean. Parking, including surface lots and garages, is available at a rate of $15 per day.

Nearby Hotels:

Embassy Suites 17th Street Causeway
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port (economical option)

Leading the Pack: Port of Miami

Known as the world’s busiest cruise port, the Port of Miami is a bustling hub for cruise lines such as Azamara Club, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, FRS Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, and Viking. Parking costs $22 per day, and various public and private transportation options are readily accessible.

Top Hotel Picks:

Hilton Miami Downtown
InterContinental Miami
Holiday Inn Port of Miami

Major Player: Port of Tampa

The Port of Tampa, Florida’s largest cruise port on the west coast, hosts vessels from Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The port is adjacent to Channelside, a bustling dining and shopping area, and the Florida Aquarium. Parking is available at $15 per day with several options nearby.

Recommended Hotels:

Tampa Marriott Water Street
Hampton Inn Tampa Channel District

Crowded Yet Convenient: Port Canaveral

Located an hour from Orlando, Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise port worldwide for multi-day trips. The port is close to Walt Disney World and hosts the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Disney’s largest vessels. Parking is conveniently located near the main terminal and costs $17 per day.

Suggested Accommodations:

Home Suites by Hilton
Residence Inn by Marriott

5) Florida Sports Events

Florida hosts numerous premier sporting events and festivals. One of the most renowned is the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, held each February at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach. This iconic event, known for its thrilling car races, sees over 100,000 spectators. Tickets range from approximately $100 to over $650, with local accommodations requiring multiple-day stays. Many attendees opt for hotels in the greater Orlando area, especially downtown Orlando, to circumvent park crowds and enjoy a more convenient drive to the race.

If attending the Daytona 500 is not possible, the Coke Zero 400 at the same speedway or the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway might be viable alternatives. These events are equally exciting for racing enthusiasts.

Florida also becomes a hub for Major League Baseball Spring Training during February and March. The state welcomes 15 MLB teams and nearly 1.5 million fans who come to support their teams and watch new players in action. The teams and their training locations are as follows:

Atlanta Braves – North Port (Sarasota)
Baltimore Orioles – Sarasota
Boston Red Sox – Fort Myers
Houston Astros – West Palm Beach
Miami Marlins – Jupiter
Minnesota Twins – Fort Myers
New York Mets – Port St. Lucie
New York Yankees – Tampa
Philadelphia Phillies – Clearwater
Pittsburgh Pirates – Bradenton
St. Louis Cardinals – Jupiter
Tampa Bay Rays – Port Charlotte
Toronto Blue Jays – Dunedin
Washington Nationals – West Palm Beach

December and January see Florida as a hotspot for NCAA Football Bowl Games, culminating at times with the Orange Bowl in Miami hosting the national championship. Regularly hosted bowl games include:

Boca Raton Bowl
Gasparilla Bowl
Camping World Bowl
Orange Bowl
Citrus Bowl
Outback Bowl
Gator Bowl

The state’s rich sports culture doesn’t end with annual events. Florida boasts three NFL teams: Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It also features two NBA teams, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, alongside two MLB teams, the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays. For hockey fans, Florida offers two NHL teams: the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Florida’s blend of high-energy events and diverse sports teams maintains its status as a major hub for sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

4) The Best Fishing, Diving and Water Sports

Florida offers exceptional opportunities for fishing, diving, and various water sports. Surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the Straits of Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is home to some of the premier offshore fishing destinations. Fishing enthusiasts can choose from numerous private charter boat services or multi-angler vessels, with common catches including Mahi-Mahi, snapper, sailfish, grouper, tuna, and mackerel. Shark fishing is also available for those seeking a unique experience.

For those who prefer freshwater fishing, Florida’s lakes and rivers provide ample options. Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in the state and the eighth largest in the U.S., is a prime location for guiding services and boat rentals.

Florida is renowned for its scuba diving, snorkeling, and free diving locations. Some highly recommended diving spots include:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Looe Key
USS Massachusetts and USS Oriskany off Pensacola Beach
Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto for cave diving
Ginnie Springs

The coral reefs and diverse marine life offer unforgettable underwater experiences.

Beyond fishing and diving, Florida is a hub for a variety of water sports. Activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are popular. Equipment can be rented in many areas, and several water sports parks are available for a more structured experience.

Whether it’s deep-sea fishing, exploring underwater caves, or engaging in thrilling water sports, Florida’s rich aquatic landscapes cater to every adventure seeker.

3) Amazing Hotels and Resorts

Florida is home to some of the most exceptional hotels and resorts, whether you’re seeking a beach retreat, a golf getaway, or an adventure at a theme park. Many of these premier resorts trace their origins back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to visionaries like Henry Flagler and Henry Plant. Staying at these establishments offers proximity to attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center and family-friendly spots like Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Discovery Cove.

2) World Class Theme Parks

The Magic of Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort stands out as a premier destination in the world of theme parks. This massive complex consists of four theme parks, two water parks, and a significant sports venue. Additionally, it offers over 30,000 hotel rooms and a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment area.

Magic Kingdom Park is the original park, opening its doors on October 1, 1971. As the most popular theme park globally, it welcomes over 20 million visitors annually. The park is divided into six themed areas, with the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at its heart. Each section provides unique experiences, from rides to shows, all ensuring total immersion in different worlds.

Epcot, debuting on October 1, 1982, represents Walt Disney’s vision of a futuristic community. Abbreviated from Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Epcot combines technology and international culture to offer a distinctive experience.

The resort also houses Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Hollywood Studios recently expanded with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, complete with attractions, shops, and themed dining. Animal Kingdom, the largest of the parks, opened in April 1988. It boasts over 1,700 animals from 250 species.

Two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, remain open year-round due to Florida’s typically mild winters. Finally, Disney Springs, a sprawling 120-acre area, offers diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options, rounding out the resort’s offerings.

Universal Orlando: A Growing Contender

Universal Orlando is a rapidly expanding resort complex, spanning 541 acres and attracting over 21 million visitors each year. As the second-largest resort in the Orlando area, it continues to grow with new hotels and an upcoming theme park.

Universal Studios Florida opened in June 1990, initially focusing on a “Ride the Movies” theme. Over time, it has evolved with new attractions that extend beyond its original concept, offering a wide range of experiences.

Islands of Adventure, introduced in 1999, features several roller coasters and water rides across multiple themed “islands.” In 2019, it was named the top amusement park by TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Universal’s entertainment and retail district, CityWalk, lies adjacent to the two main parks. Developed during the 1999 expansion, CityWalk includes various restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and a movie theater.

Additionally, Volcano Bay is Universal’s themed water park that opened in the summer of 2017. The park features numerous water rides and slides, two lazy rivers, and an aqua-coaster surrounding a towering 200-foot artificial volcano named Krakatau. Guests use TapuTapu, a wearable device, to hold their place in line and make purchases conveniently.

A new theme park, Epic Universe, is on the horizon, located off Sand Lake Road. Specific details about its attractions are yet to be revealed, promising more exciting developments for Universal Orlando.

SeaWorld’s Thrilling Adventures

SeaWorld’s presence in Florida has been solidified through continuous expansions and new attractions. With a history dating back to the opening of Busch Gardens Tampa in 1959, SeaWorld parks have grown significantly over the years.

SeaWorld Orlando offers a complete experience in a single day, featuring various roller coasters and numerous shows, including the famous Shamu performances. The Sesame Street-themed kids’ area, introduced in 2019, caters to younger visitors.

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, was voted the nation’s top water park in the 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards Poll for 2018. Aquatica showcases a variety of water rides, highlighted by the Dolphin Plunge, where guests pass through an underwater pool with black-and-white dolphins. SeaWorld also owns Discovery Cove, a smaller, interactive water park where visitors can swim with dolphins, tropical fish, and stingrays.

Nearby in the Tampa area, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island add to SeaWorld’s portfolio. Busch Gardens, an African-themed animal park, spans 335 acres and features nine roller coasters and two water rides. Adventure Island, a water park, offers numerous slides and pools for added fun.

LEGO World of Fun at LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND is one of Florida’s newer attractions, located in Winter Haven, about an hour from Orlando. Built on the former site of Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND is divided into 13 themed areas, featuring a wide array of rides, attractions, and shows. A meticulously restored replica of Cypress Gardens and a separate water park enhance its charm.

Each of these parks contributes uniquely to central Florida’s status as a leading destination for theme park enthusiasts, drawing millions of visitors to the Orlando area annually.

1) Some of the World’s Best Beaches

With around 800 miles of coastline, Florida is home to some of the most exquisite beaches worldwide. It offers everything from stunning sunrises on the east coast to mesmerizing sunsets on the west coast.

Sanibel Island comes highly recommended for its tranquility. Clearwater Beach / Dunedin offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant local culture. In Naples / Marco Island, you’ll find upscale dining paired with serene white sands.

Miami Beach / South Beach is perfect for those wanting to be where the action is. Pensacola Beach, known for its calm waters, is a great family destination. Fort Lauderdale Beach and Daytona Beach provide lively boardwalks and bustling activities.

Across the Gulf Coast, in the Florida Keys, and spots like Key Largo and Islamorada, visitors find idyllic spots filled with natural beauty. Locations such as Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, and Siesta Key are celebrated for their pristine conditions. The Paradise Coast, including Clam Pass Park, offers further gems like Key West, Destin, and Fernandina Beach. Each beach has its unique charm and attracts crowds for various reasons, from relaxation to adventure.