Florida is a popular tourist destination because of its nice weather year-round. For this reason, many tourists visit the state to enjoy outdoor activities and water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, golfing, horseback riding and fishing. In the winter months, many northerners escape to Florida for the sunshine. Along with great weather, Florida has numerous historical landmarks and fun, family-friendly attractions including museums, art galleries, aquariums and amusement parks.
Whether you’re interested in touring Florida’s big cities like Miami, Jacksonville or Orlando, or are interested in getting away to a quiet town like Fernandina Beach, a rental car in Florida will make the visit more enjoyable. With a rental car, you’ll have no trouble getting from one place to another and you can come and go as you please. When you rent an SUV or large sedan, you’ll have ample room for your golf clubs, fishing equipment, snorkeling gear and shopping bags.
Must-see attractions in Florida
1. Walt Disney World
Spend time with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Harry Potter and all their friends at Walt Disney World. This resort has four theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Walt Disney World and Animal Kingdom. There is so much to do at this attraction. In these parks, you can ride a variety of rollercoasters, tour the aquarium, watch a musical show or explore other cultures at their cultural exhibits.
Address: Orlando, Florida
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend a day or two at each park.
2. Bowman’s Beach
Located on Sanibel Island, Bowman’s Beach is a great place to swim, watch dolphins or collect seashells. It’s a quiet beach with plenty of sand for a long walk and numerous picnic spots. If you have the right license, you can do some saltwater fishing, which is a rare opportunity.
Address: 1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend a few hours here.
3. Everglades National Park
One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Florida is Everglades National Park in the southern part of the state. There are activities here for both adults and kids. Through its many exhibits, you’ll learn all about the ecosystem. You can explore the park on a bike, on foot or by boat. This park is a great place to birdwatch, go fishing or try slogging (that is walking through the swamp).
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend an entire day here.
4. Daytona International Speedway
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll want to visit the Daytona International Speedway. During racing season, you can attend the Daytona 500 or another professional car race. There is also a museum that celebrates the history of this car racing venue. You can also schedule an appointment to drive a NASCAR racecar or take a ride in one with a professional driver.
Address: 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend half a day here.
5. The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is a collection of exhibits. It includes the Circus Museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Historic Asolo Theater. While here, there are several things to do and learn. You can take part in a Bayfront Garden Tour, watch a film in the theater or attend a choreography workshop. Live shows like musical and dance performances are also on the museum’s calendar. On certain days, the kids can take part in story hour or art classes.
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Spend at least 2 hours here.
6. Kennedy Space Center
You can explore space and learn about NASA programs at this Florida attraction. You’ll visit the NASA launch sites, get a close-up look at a space shuttle, experience a shuttle launch, and watch 3D space movies. There are also several special programs offered at the Kennedy Space Center. This includes talking with an astronaut or taking part in astronaut simulator training. If you’re hungry, you don’t have to leave the space center. You can just grab a bite at Moon Rock or the Orbit Cafe.
Address: Merritt Island, Florida 32899
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Visiting the space center is an all-day event.
7. Butterfly World
At Butterfly World, you can do some bird watching and appreciate the colorful flowers while walking through the picturesque gardens. In its screened-in aviaries you can see butterflies from all over the world. There is also a large bug exhibit for insect lovers. If you want an interactive experience, you can feed the parrots.
Address: Tradewinds Park – South, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend a few hours here.
8. Legoland Florida Resort & Water Park
Spend the day having tons of fun at Legoland. There are thrilling rollercoasters, car rides and a LEGO brick display. On hot days, you can get wet on the water rides or relax in the lazy river. Sit back and enjoy a movie in the 4D theater or attend a meet and greet with popular Lego characters.
Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: You can easily spend a full day here.
9. The Dali Museum
Visit downtown St. Petersburg and the Dali Museum to see a variety of art exhibits. The museum features modern architecture and is home to an impressive collection of photography, paintings, sculptures and illustrations. During your visit, you can also take a walk in the garden, which is close to the waterfront.
Address: 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan on spending 2 hours here.
10. St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Get a close-up look at large reptiles like crocodiles and alligators at this Florida attraction. You’ll also get a chance to see Galápagos tortoises, snakes and other exotic creatures. Adventure seekers can go ziplining through the park and over the river. The park also features daily wildlife shows and special seasonal events such as its Croctoberfest.
Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: Plan to spend at least 4 hours here.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Florida
On your vacation in Florida, you can sample a variety of foods from different cultures. Florida is especially known for its Cuban and Spanish cuisine. Because of its proximity to the water, Florida has numerous seafood restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like coconut shrimp, mullet and fried alligator. Some of the best restaurants to visit in Florida include:
The Star Fish Company: Enjoy freshly caught seafood at this family-friendly restaurant in the town of Cortez on Sarasota Bay. It has a casual ambiance although you can enjoy views of the water from the dining room. On nice days, diners can eat outdoors. Some of its most popular menu items include calamari, crab cakes, mullet and fish chowder.
The Surf Club Restaurant: Dine at the Surf Club Restaurant, a Michelin-rated restaurant in Surfside, Florida. This is an upscale restaurant with a contemporary menu. Some popular dishes here include caviar, dover sole, filet mignon and Maine lobster.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: If you’re looking for a unique and fun place to eat, you should consider Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Lake Buena Vista. This restaurant specializes in bar foods like chicken wings, tacos, pizza, burgers and a variety of beers and stylish cocktails. Its 1940s adventure-themed decor makes this a special Florida restaurant.
Bento Asian Kitchen & Sushi Bar: This popular fast-food restaurant can be found in several locations throughout Florida. Its menu includes sushi, pad Thai, poke bowls and sweet boba tea.
