Florida Travel Guide: Where to Go and What to Do

Every year, millions of tourists travel to Florida, wanting to bask in the beauty of the Sunshine State.

From the breathtaking natural scenery in central Florida to the endless adventures in North Florida and the cultural richness of the Gulf of Mexico - this state has something for everyone. 

Exploring Florida is always a good idea. If you are considering vactions in Orlando, you can check out the orlandovacation website, where you can find some great deals to explore the city.  With many new experiences awaiting you, it's hard to decide which parts of the state to visit. This Florida travel guide has excellent suggestions for where to go and what to do to have the perfect vacation.

Exploring Central Florida

If your main goal is to explore beautiful natural scenery, you should head to Central Florida. Here, you can find the Space Coast, the most relaxing beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Not far from it is the Kennedy Space Center, where you can observe the stars or witness an actual live rocket launch. 

If you are traveling with your family, you can head west towards Orlando and explore Walt Disney World Resort, which is considered the second-best place to visit in the state. Seeing bald eagles hunting, sea turtles nesting, and other wildlife in action at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is also a day well spent for families.

For those with a more adventurous spirit, there is always skydiving over Plant City, taking a hot air balloon ride around Davenport, or getting on a monster track in Clermont city.

South Florida

If you head to South Florida, you won't have to look far for an adventure. It's by far the most popular part of the state, with its coastal area and land attraction both favored by tourists and locals alike. The South Beach area is full of charming boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars, with the latter coming alive at night with upbeat Latin music.

Visit West Palm Beach and enjoy a week at the most extravagant version of  Floridian vacation spots. Traveling there with a chartered flight allows you to experience luxury before you even arrive at your destination. From Palm Beach, you can just as easily fly to the charming Pineapple Grove Arts District or the Everglades National Park. Florida Keys destinations, including Key West and Key Largo, offer adventures like fishing and diving, as well as relaxing beaches where you can soak up the sunshine.

The Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is probably the most colorful place you will ever see. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring St. Petersburg, the city that boasts about having the most consecutive days of sunshine in US history. It also has several museums displaying artifacts from several different cultures. Not to mention the Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail, with its 35 breweries, where you can try unique, artisan beers or craft your own.

Tampa will let you experience everything from adrenaline-inducing roller coaster rides to different entertainment options, such as bars and restaurants. You can also observe the wildlife at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or get to know some of the thousands of creatures The Florida Aquarium is home to.

And if you are looking for calmer scenery, you may want to visit Clearwater Beach, famous for its crystal clear water and white sand. In Sarasota, you can check out Florida's oldest state parks, the Myakka River State Park, the butterflies at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Family-Friendly Attractions

North Florida offers the best options for those looking for some family fun wrapped in a charming design. Bringing your family to Jacksonville will allow you to explore the local zoo, home to over a thousand species of animals and plants. There are also over a dozen museums where you can learn about everything from science to history and contemporary art.

If your family is particularly interested in historical facts, you will definitely want to visit St. Augustine. Often called the Ancient City, it's the oldest one in the United States, proudly displaying several seaside historical buildings, including the San Marcos National Monument.

Heading northeast, you will find Amelia Island, a charming location that offers a relaxing refuge at Fernandina Beach. Emerald Coast has a similar scenery, although its jewel-green water makes it a little more crowded by tourists. Florida Caverns State Park is a great place to visit if you are interested in underground explorations.

Apart from the unique experience each part of the state provides, your trip’s purpose and the season you choose to travel during will also determine your choice of destination. For example, if you are planning a romantic getaway during the summer months, you will have a better experience seeing the stars at the Kennedy Space Center than at the busy Palm Beach area. Theme park attractions offer much more flexibility in terms of weather and tourist traffic.