The Best Vacation Destinations in Florida
Did you know that Florida is the most visited state in the US? It’s not California or New York (though those states are close behind).
More people than ever are seeking warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back vacation destination rather than big cities or sprawling mountains.
But Florida has so many different destinations to choose from when planning your vacation. If you haven’t been before, how do you know where to go? Keep reading below to discover some of the top vacation locations in the sunshine state to see what is right for you.
Key West
If you’re looking for the ultimate tropical destination in Florida, Key West is it. This island is the last in a string of islands stretching from Miami down into the Caribbean Sea.
It’s reachable by car from the Miami area. Otherwise, you can fly here as well. But driving the Florida Keys highway is part of the experience, and is probably the most beautiful stretch of road in the world.
Key West is home to plenty of hotels and plenty to do, from boating and fishing to snorkeling, sunbathing, and much more. You can also stay at any of the other islands in the Keys as you make your way toward Key West, the southernmost point in the country.
St Augustine
St Augustine sits next to Jacksonville on the Northeast coast of Florida. It boasts so much history, which can be seen in a lot of its Spanish colonial architecture. It also claims to be the oldest city in the US, having been founded by Spanish explorers back in 1565.
Some of the best beaches in the state can be found here, including Amelia Island, which is a favorite among travelers for its scenic views as well as its seaside horseback riding. Lighthouses, historic sites, and nature preserves are just a few of the natural attractions in the area.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is the ultimate destination for traveling families coming to Florida. This barrier island is just south of Tampa.
Although it’s a very popular place to visit, it maintains a cozy, neighborhood feel, as residents have resisted the building of large resorts. Instead, the bulk of accommodation on the island is individual vacation rentals and small, family-run inns.
The trolley is the best way to get around the island, though golf carts and scooter rentals are widely available as well.
AMI has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the state. And since the island faces the Gulf of Mexico, the water is usually calm, making it great for families with younger kids.
The sunsets here are second to none. In fact, a sunset family photo shoot should probably be on your to-do list when you’re vacationing here.
Orlando
Yes, Orlando is one of the most visited cavities in the world. And that’s largely thanks to the world-famous theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Studios. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.
There’s so much more to do in the Orlando area, making it a fantastic destination, even if you don’t plan on visiting a theme park.
For one, it’s a culturally diverse city, making it one of the top foodie destinations in the US. You can spend your days eating exotic dishes as you explore the many famous restaurants in the city.
Also, the nature that surrounds this big city is often overlooked. To the north are some of Florida’s most fun state parks, with everything from kayaking in crystal clear water to snorkeling in deep blue springs, mountain biking, hiking, and much more.
Plus, Orlando is only about 45 minutes away from the Atlantic Coast, in particular, Canaveral National Seashore, which is a huge area of natural, undeveloped shoreline.
Miami
The other most popular destination in Florida is Miami. It’s the big spot for young adults and traveling couples, as the entertainment and nightlife scene in Miami is nonstop.
Many of the beaches here also cater to those crowds. But there are still plenty of beaches that are better suited to families, or those looking for quieter places to spend time.
Miami definitely has something for everyone. From four professional sports teams to famous beaches, world-class fishing, bustling nightlife, and much more, it’s probably worth a visit at some point.
See You in Florida
It’s no surprise that Florida is visited by more people in the US than anywhere else. Most people live in places that get super cold in winter, so they flock down to Florida to escape the cold and soak up the sun.
But Florida is great to visit any time of the year. So pack your bags, book your ticket, and we’ll see you down here soon.
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