Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the U.S. With the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico in the west, Florida has a vast 1300-mile long coastline and many beaches. Famous for its theme parks like Disney world and Universal Studio and beautiful beaches, Florida has a rich diverse culture, a notable arts scene, various universities and research centers, and an amazing nightlife. However, Florida has more to offer than just entertainment and education. This beautiful state is also home to many national parks and natural preserves that are teeming with diverse wildlife and plant life both above and below the water. It also offers various adventure sports and activities like fishing, golfing, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.
Whatever your tastes, moods, and preferences, whatever your age and interests, this ‘Sunshine State’ has something to offer to every visitor! Here are the top-rated tourist attractions and places to visit that make Florida the most visited tourist destination all year round.
Orlando
Home to internationally famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and the Universal Studios, Orlando is the heart of Florida’s tourist industry. This beautiful city is teeming with tourists all year round visiting the stunning theme parks and water parks. Some other theme parks include Disney’s Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort, Epcot, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and many more. The Kennedy Space Center, the launch pad of NASA, is also a popular attraction.
Miami and South Beach
Miami is Florida’s, and perhaps the worlds, most popular tourist destination all year round. This beautiful city of Florida is s study in contrasts with the thriving modern city center and the laid-back and quaint atmosphere of the beaches and ethnic neighborhoods. This city also has one of the busiest ports of the world which also offers various adventurous cruises from Florida to many other cities like Bahamas and Caribbean. Places worth visiting include the Art Deco District, Flagler Street, Little Haiti, Little Havana, Coconut grove, Vizcaya Museum, and Botanical Garden. The beaches of Miami, especially the South beach, are quite famous for their beauty and nightlife.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale located 28 miles north of Miami, is famous for its picturesque beachfront, arts, culture, and events. Visit the landscaped promenade of Fort Lauderdale River walk with its signature white wave wall and brick paved path. The city offers delicious food, shopping, and amazing nightlife. Other places to see include the Las Olas Boulevard, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, the NSU Museum of Art, etc.
Florida Keys and the Overseas Highway
The Florida Keys is a string of tropical islands stretching almost 120 miles from the southern tip of Florida. This string of islands, starts from Miami and ends in Dry Tortugas National Park. The Key West is the most popular city of the keys. It is a picturesque and laid-back city famous for its rich culture, interesting architecture, culinary variety, and popular port. It is accessible by travelling through the Overseas Highway which runs from Miami to Key West. It is a modern wonder also known as “The Highway That Goes to the Sea”, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park, 1.5-million acre of wetlands, is the biggest natural preserve in the States. This vast subtropical wilderness has been declared a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. It is an important and fragile ecosystem that supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters, and many other species. Explore the legendary River of Grass, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Reserve, Gator Trail, etc in the Everglades. There are many similar natural preserves in Florida like the Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, etc.