Florida, USA, is a paradise for tourists — offering an incredible array of attractions that cater to every interest and age group. Not only is Florida home to some of the world’s best theme parks, but it also boasts some pretty impressive beaches and natural wonders. You’d have to visit year after year just to scratch the surface of all there is to do in the Sunshine State!
If you’re planning a family vacation, snowbird escape, weekend with friends, graduation trip, or spring break in Florida, we’ve put together a list of our top 26 must-visit attractions in Florida to help you plan. This list will give you something to see and do in pretty much every corner of the state — and leave plenty of surprises along the way!
1. Walt Disney World, Orlando
No list of Florida attractions would be complete without mentioning the iconic Walt Disney World. This massive complex features 4 main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There are also 2 water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, plus numerous restaurants.
The Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle, is the heart of Disney World. Don’t miss classic rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. For a magical experience, stay for the nightly fireworks show over the castle!
2. Universal Orlando Resort
Right next door to Disney World, Universal Orlando is another world-class destination. It has 3 theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park.
The immersive Harry Potter World spans Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and brings the magic of Harry Potter to life. Ride the Hogwarts Express between parks, explore Diagon Alley, and experience the thrilling Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride.
3. Everglades National Park
For nature lovers, Everglades National Park is a must-visit. This vast subtropical wilderness — covering 1.5 million acres — is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, panthers, manatees, and numerous bird species.
Favorite Things to Do in the Everglades National Park
- Take an airboat tour through the sawgrass marshes.
- Hike the Anhinga Trail for wildlife viewing.
- Canoe or kayak through mangrove tunnels.
- Join a ranger-led program to learn about this Florida ecosystem.
4. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral
Space enthusiasts (and anyone else really!) won’t want to miss the Kennedy Space Center.
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into NASA’s space program — including full-size space shuttles and an interactive astronaut experience. At different times of the year, you can even catch a live liftoff as well as meet a veteran NASA astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center’s Astronaut Encounter!
5. Gulf World Marine Park, Panama City Beach
Located in Northwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Gulf World Marine Park offers interactive animal experiences and shows. You can book a dolphin encounter, watch sea lions lounge, and pet a stingray. Visiting an aquarium is the best way to see and protect Florida’s natural wildlife on the Gulf Coast!
6. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida, connected by the iconic Overseas Highway. There’s plenty to see and do up and down the islands.
Top Islands in the Florida Keys
- Key Largo: known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, perfect for snorkeling and diving
- Islamorada: the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”
- Marathon: home to the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center
- Key West: the southernmost point of the continental USA, known for its laid-back vibe and stunning sunsets
7. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is famous for its Art Deco architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Head over to South Beach for a day in the sun, or head up and down Ocean Drive to get a feel for the area’s Art Deco movement. You can even catch a street performance while snacking on street food on Lincoln Road!
8. St. Augustine
As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine offers a rich historical experience. From the Castillo de San Marcos fort to the Spanish colonial architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Things to Do in St. Augustine
- Castillo de San Marcos: 17th-century Spanish fort
- St. George Street: charming pedestrian-only street with shops and restaurants
- Lightner Museum: housed in the former Alcazar Hotel
9. Busch Gardens, Tampa
Busch Gardens in Tampa combines the thrill of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo. It’s a perfect destination for family-friendly fun — and is a bit more accessible year-round than the sprawling Disney parks. Enjoy roller coasters and other rides, as well as up-close encounters with animals from around the world.
Favorite Experiences at Bush Gardens
- SheiKra: 200-foot-tall dive coaster
- Cheetah Hunt: launch coaster inspired by the speed of a cheetah
- Serengeti Plain: 65-acre habitat home to African wildlife
10. The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg
Are you an art aficionado? Then make sure to tick off a must-see at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. Housing the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Spain, this museum offers a surreal and thought-provoking experience.
Top Exhibits at The Dalí Museum
- The Enigma: the museum’s iconic glass bubble structure
- The Hallucinogenic Toreador: one of Dalí’s masterworks
- Dreams of Dalí: virtual reality experience
11. Daytona International Speedway
If you’re passing through Daytona, you might as well make a trip over to the speedway! Home to the famous Daytona 500, take a tour of the speedway to get a behind-the-scenes look at how race day comes together. And you can book a NASCAR Racing Experience — putting you behind the wheel of a race car on the track itself.
12. Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre wonderland of plants from around the world. It’s a great way to wander and get lost in the beauty of nature and makes for an excellent slowdown after a day or two in theme parks! Make sure to check out the Brazilian Garden and the Children’s Garden to learn more about the flora and fauna of Florida.
13. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” due to its extensive canal system. You can dine and shop along the beachfront promenade or take a water taxi on the canals. Make sure to stop by the NSU Art Museum while you’re there!
14. Clearwater Beach
Consistently ranked as one of America’s best beaches, Clearwater Beach offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you just want to dip your toes in the beach or make a whole day of it, Clearwater has plenty to offer.
Fun at Clearwater Beach
- Pier 60: perfect spot for watching stunning sunsets
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: home to Winter, the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale!
15. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West
Literary fans rejoice — you can walk the halls of Hemingway’s home in Key West. One of the favorite places to visit in Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a hidden treasure of Florida.
You can see the famed author’s writing studio, and get inspired by the gardens surrounding this Spanish Colonial-style house. Psst…keep an eye out for the descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cats!
16. SeaWorld Orlando
Another great addition to the theme park list, SeaWorld combines marine life encounters with exciting rides and shows. Even if you aren’t a deep-sea devotee, you’ll still have a blast with the rides and exhibits at SeaWorld.
17. Dry Tortugas National Park
Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise. This hidden gem of the region is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Visitors can explore the fort, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the secluded beaches.
18. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami
This stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa and its surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into Miami’s Gilded Age. Make sure to visit the 34 decorated rooms showcasing over 2,500 art objects and furnishings in the Main House, as well as the 10 acres of gardens around the Vizcaya Museum.
19. The Ringling, Sarasota
Sarasota’s most famous attraction, The Ringling, is a complex that includes the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and the stunning Ca’ d’Zan mansion. Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Baroque art in the world, as well as a multitude of circus memorabilia, The Ringling is a must-see.
20. Everglades Safari Park
Florida is famous for the Everglades — a unique and diverse ecosystem spanning over 1.5 million acres. The best way to experience this natural wonder is through a safari at Everglades Safari Park. Explore the wetlands on an airboat tour, watch an alligator feeding, and get up close and personal with this incredible environment.
21. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is synonymous with luxury and elegance. Worth Avenue is home to some of the most high-end shops in the world, and the island is lined with luxurious mansions and pristine beaches. Palm Beach is also home to Mar-a-Lago, the “winter White House” of Former President Donald Trump, as well as several top-tier golf courses.
22. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
As the first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. One of our favorite tips is to book one of the glass-bottom boat tours to see the coral reefs — and snag a kayak to take your own journey through the area’s mangrove trails!
23. Gatorland, Orlando
For a uniquely Floridian experience, visit Gatorland in Orlando. This theme park and wildlife preserve is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles. You can take the Gator Gauntlet for a thrill ride over gator-infested waters and get a front-row seat to a Gator Wrestlin’ show!
24. St. Petersburg Pier
Recently renovated, the St. Petersburg Pier is a 26-acre waterfront playground that combines the natural beauty of Tampa Bay with art, dining, and recreational activities. You’ll love the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom built for marine life education, as well as Spa Beach — perfect for sunbathing and swimming! And for a nightcap, hit up the Pier Teaki for drinks at sunset.
25. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Located in Fort White, the Ichetucknee Springs State Park is centered around the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River, perfect for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Our favorite is tubing along the river — moving you at just the right speed to take in the wildlife!
Blue Hole Spring, a natural swimming hole, is also a popular attraction for snorkeling and scuba diving. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon along the riverbank.
26. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Want to take a step back in time? Make sure to visit the duo-historical site that includes Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s winter homes, Edison’s laboratory, and beautiful botanical gardens. Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory — and the Moonlight Garden — is a must-see when you’re in the area.
27. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin
Back on the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle, you’ll find a classic Destin destination — The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Shop for souvenirs, dine with friends at a robot cafe, spot jumping fish off the pier, go boating, take the kids to play at obstacle courses, and play with your pups at the dog park.
This Sandestin Resort attraction is available to the public…or you can stay within walking distance! And there are annual events you won’t want to miss, like fireworks, pirate Sundays, fly-boarding shows, and concerts.
Plan Your Florida Adventure with Florida CFY
As you can see, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Florida — whether you’re a theme park junkie or want to expand your horizons at one of the many museums or outdoor reserves. The big question is…where will you go first?
At Florida CFY, we make it easy to visit Florida with our luxury vacation rentals. With homes located in top destinations across the Florida Panhandle, we have a beach rental that’s perfect for every type of traveler. Plus, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you plan the perfect Florida adventure on the Gulf Coast.
So don’t wait — start planning your Florida trip today with Florida CFY! With our vacation rentals and insider tips, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience in the Sunshine State.
