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.
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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.