“Gone to Florida, be back never.” You’ll fully understand this when you visit the best vacation spots in Florida. Florida is known as “The Sunshine State” because it has a normally warm and sunny climate for most of the year, with plenty of sunshine. Florida can receive some rainfall, especially during the rainy season, but the state’s reputation for sunny, pleasant weather is what makes Florida’s name fitting.
If you are reading this, this is a sign to put on your sun hat and take a road trip to Florida to be greeted by the world’s best beaches and warm sunshine. Apart from being the Sunshine State, it is also home to the world’s happiest place, Disney World. There are several fascinating and entertaining things to do in Florida. Find the best family vacation spots in Florida. It has everything in store for the perfect vacation: subtropical wilderness, sunny beaches, and Disney World. Pack your shades and sunscreen, as Florida is dialing your name!
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
Seven islands comprise the Dry Tortugas group, 70 miles west of the Florida Keys. The Dry Tortugas, which Ponce de Leon first saw in 1513, got their name from the abundance of sea turtles that call the surrounding seas of the island home. In Spanish, “Tortugas” means turtles, and during his stay on the island, Ponce de Leon personally caught over 100 sea turtles. It is also home to the world’s third-largest coral reef.
What makes the Tortugas one of the best vacation spots in Florida for families? Your kids can do many physical activities to get their pent-up energy out. You can go snorkeling, camping, or swimming in the crystal clear waters. Or you can also go wildlife sightseeing. Book a ferry using Omio. Dry Tortugas National Park is a sanctuary for birds and marine life. Throughout the year, around three thousand birds visit the Dry Tortugas.
Getting to the island is a bit of a hassle, but it is delightfully empty even on its most crowded days.
2. Cocoa Beach
Are you heading out with a tight budget? Cocoa Beach is on the hit list for cheap vacation spots in Florida that should be on your bucket list. It is also the best place in Florida for young adults to vacation.
Cocoa Beach waves are famous for being calm. Plus, the shallow water presents a golden opportunity to enjoy the low tides and to book your first surf lesson. Who knows? It might be your favorite hobby. Walking from the parking lot to the ocean takes less than five minutes, so nix the added cost of rental services.
Enjoy tanning in the sun while sipping a martini. Put your party hat on when the sun goes down and dance till you drop.
3. Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex
Floria has many family vacation spots, like the Kennedy Space Center. Take off on a stellar adventure just an hour’s drive from Orlando at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! The ultimate day trip launches you into NASA’s coolest operations center. Book your hotel using Booking.com. Wander through the Rocket Garden and high-five history with rockets from the Apollo and Gemini programs. But the real star of the show? The original Space Shuttle Atlantis. Stand so close you can practically high-five an astronaut.
With over 60 exhibits, dive into the nitty-gritty of the space shuttle and the whole cosmic shebang. Feeling extra lucky? Time your visit right, and you might catch a live show – the kind that involves rockets launching into the great beyond. This is undoubtedly one of the most fun vacation spots in Florida.
After visiting the Space Center, the only way to end this more-than-perfect day would be to go for a cozy drive-through meal.
4. Miami Design District
If you want to engage in some retail therapy till you are out of energy, Miami Design District is one of the fun places in Florida for adults. Nestled in the eclectic neighborhood of Wynwood, you’ll also come across picturesque, trendy Instagram spots.
The Miami Design District beckons with a blend of luxury, creativity, and cultural allure. As you traverse its stylish streets, you’ll encounter high-end boutiques and designer stores offering a curated selection of fashion and unique pieces.
The district is a contemporary art canvas featuring public installations and vibrant murals contributing to its dynamic atmosphere. Culinary delights await at diverse restaurants, providing a gastronomic journey for every palate. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) adds an intellectual layer with its thought-provoking exhibitions.
5. Lake Ridge Winery
Another classified treasure for wine connoisseurs is the Lake Ridge Winery. Situated around 25 miles west of Orlando, the vineyards spread over a 125-mile scenic hilly county. The winery has a gift shop where you can purchase memorabilia. The gift shop sells all the fixings to create the perfect charcuterie board, such as cheese, crackers, and olives. If you want to get boozy, they offer free wine tastings daily.
But if drinking is not on your list, you still do not want to miss out on this place. You can snuggle up in the hills, admiring the panoramic views. The winery is anticipated to welcome over 110,000 visitors annually who enjoy its large tasting area, events, and gift store.
6. Florida Caverns State Park
Floria Caverns State Park is one of the most unique places to visit in Florida! This is the best mother nature has to offer. With just a $5 per vehicle fee, this has to be one of the most cheap vacation spots in Florida. Your inner explorer will emerge when you visit the almost surreal, mysterious limestone caves. Above the ground, you can hike through the landscape of trails through lush green forests that display the diverse flora and fauna of the region. After that, you can cool the heat by refreshingly swimming in the park’s Blue Hole Spring. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
The park is situated in Jackson County along the Chipola River, where exposed limestone rocks dating back over 30 million years are found. It is the only state park in Florida where guests may explore a vast network of caves on a guided tour and witness amazing specimens of flowstone, stalactites, and stalagmites, among other cave formations.
7. St. Augustine
If you are hunting for the best places for couples to vacation in Florida, St. Augustine should be on your radar. Easily mistaken as a city straight out of Spain, St. Augustine is the oldest occupied European settlement in the United States. The city’s dreamy architecture makes it the ideal place for couples to plan their romantic getaway!
St. Augustine welcomes visitors year-round, but many plan their yearly trips from mid-November to late January to experience the enchanting Nights of Lights, renowned as one of the premier holiday light displays globally. Adorned in millions of small white lights, the city radiates a cozy and celebratory ambiance, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The breathtaking display is open for all to enjoy, and there is no cost to partake in the festive atmosphere.
Vacation spots in Florida are captivating, offering an experience for every type of traveler. It doesn’t matter if you are looking forward to unwinding or partying; Florida has the best of both worlds. The Sunshine State truly lives up to its name. The state’s unique blend of natural beauty, world-class attractions, and warm hospitality makes it a perennial favorite for unforgettable getaways. So, pack your bags and let Florida’s charm weave the perfect backdrop for your next vacation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly traveling experience from Norway, check out this blog: 6 Sustainable Travel Destinations in 2024 for Eco-Friendly Adventures from Norway.
