When you think of travelling in Florida, what comes to mind first? Maybe it’s the sunny beaches (some of the best in the US), comfy resorts, or big-name theme parks perfect for a family getaway. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s only scratching the surface. This big and beautiful state has loads of hidden gems, places even some locals haven’t discovered yet.

We’ve put together a list of 22 of the best places to visit in Florida that’ll make you want to pack your beach bag and head out the door. So don’t wait, let’s jump into the list and start planning your next adventure.

1. Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral

For anyone who’s fascinated by all things space and rockets (just like we are), you’re in for a treat. There are few places in the world quite as amazing to visit as the Kennedy Space Centre.

At the Apollo/Saturn V Centre, you can experience what it was like during the legendary launch of Apollo 8 with actual consoles and dramatic lighting effects. You’ll also get to find the retired Saturn V rocket up close, explore real space shuttles and see various astronaut memorabilia in the visitor complex. And yes, all are included in your ticket.

Apollo Saturn V Rocket at Kennedy Space Centre. Photo by Robert Hardholt on Adobe Stock

2. St. Augustine

Full of old streets and lovely beaches, St. Augustine is easily one of the best places to visit in Florida. If you are a history buff, you simply must visit the Castillo de San Marcos. It's a really impressive old fort with fabulous Spanish-style buildings from way back in the 1600s.

Broad view of Castillo de San Marcos. Photo by g_lovelace on Adobe Stock

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm (it's a zoo park) is well worth a visit, too. Seriously, seeing the white alligators and many other types up close is way better than just watching them on telly.

And if you fancy the beach, the sea here often gets some good waves, so it's great for surfing. You can hire a surfboard from one of the shops nearby and give it a go. It usually doesn't cost too much to hire one either.

3. Anna Maria Island

Let's be honest, those stunningly clean beaches are probably top of your list for coming to Anna Maria Island, right? You've got a few to choose from, but Bean Point is a real favourite. The water there is lovely and calm, so it’s a popular spot for swimming and soaking up the sun. But hey, AMI, one of the best places to visit in Florida, offers so much more than just relaxing on the sand.

Overview of Anna Maria Island, FL. Photo by Ben on Adobe Stock

If you love getting active, there are tons of watersports to get stuck into, especially kayaking. Just a heads-up, though, pop a light jacket in your bag if you're heading out on the water for sunset. It does get a bit nippy once the sun goes down below the horizon.

Now, if you're all about packing light (who isn't?), consider a good backpack or beach bag. The ideal one will be comfy to carry, surprisingly spacious, and keep your essentials dry and sand-free. That way, you can freely explore Florida's top spots without a second thought about soggy gear or sandy gadgets.

4. Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Tucked away in the southwest, these islands are among the best places to visit in Florida, offering a proper escape with their gorgeous white sandy beaches.

You’ll find plenty of cool, shady spots to retreat to on these two islands. Photo by eqroy on Adobe Stock

So, what do people usually get up to there? Well, you've got a good 25 miles of paths perfect for a leisurely bike ride, letting you soak in the island's peaceful vibe. Plus, there are 15 miles of beach if you fancy collecting some quirky seashells, or just want to have a swim in the warm sea. And you absolutely must witness the sunset on the west side of the island. That orange glow is something else.

5. Fort Lauderdale

Just a quick 40-minute drive north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale absolutely deserves a spot on your list of best places to visit in Florida. No doubt, venture just outside the city limits to a little gem called Hollywood, and your mind will be blown by all the awesome street art. It's everywhere.

And obviously,  you can't go without chilling out on some cracking beaches like Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and, well, Hollywood Beach. After all you’ve been out and about all day, make sure you take a wander down Las Olas Boulevard. It's a really cool street where you can bump into loads of good places to eat, nice cocktail spots, and a few interesting museums like NSU Art.

Tropical beach with palm trees in Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Mariakray on Adobe Stock

6. Tampa Bay Area

Forget just the dazzling beaches; the Tampa Bay Area also bursts with a vibrant Latin culture and some truly unique outdoor adventures. To begin with, you need to head to Ybor City. It's this Latin quarter that still feels like it's stepped out of history, when it was a massive centre for making cigars. These days, this city is also famous for its great nightlife and proper, tasty Cuban food.

Want a bit of a thrill? If you're in the Tampa Bay Area in January, you might just land yourself in the middle of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Think jolly pirate invasions and hundreds of floats parading with a pirate ship theme. There’s so much fun in this, we’ve lost count.

The colourful scenes at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Photo by Christopherab on Adobe Stock

7. Everglades National Park

If anyone asks us, “What is the prettiest place in Florida?”, we'd probably blurt out “The Everglades” straight away. So, what's the big deal? It's a seriously special conservation area in the US, packed with all sorts of amazing creatures like alligators, panthers, and tons of different birds.

You can properly explore this fascinating spot by going for a hike on the marked trails. Or, if you fancy getting up close and personal with the local alligators, then you've got to try an airboat ride across the wild swamplands. Oh, and a little tip: don't forget your insect repellent unless you want to be a mosquito buffet.

An  airboat tour in the Everglades. Photo by miami2you on Adobe Stock

8. Clearwater Beach

If you're looking for a brilliant little family beach trip where the kids won't be bored for a second, then Clearwater's a proper shout. You could even say this beach town's top answer to “Where do most people travel to in Florida?” You've got miles of lovely walks right by the sea, plenty of cute little souvenir shops, and heaps of good places to grab a bite.

Where else do you want to spend your summer holiday? Photo by artiom.photo - stock.adobe.com

Also, try to hop on a boat trip into the Gulf of Mexico. You'll get to see gorgeous bottlenose dolphins swimming freely in the bright blue water. And if you're there in mid-April, be sure to attend the Sugar Sand Festival at Pier 60 Park. It's amazing to watch these top sand artists create the most incredible sculptures you've ever seen.

9. Highway 30A

You might've heard of 30A, but if not, picture this: it's basically a string of little beach towns all lined up along this stunning 24-mile road in Florida. And guess what? It looks right out over those white sandy beaches and bright turquoise waters of the Gulf.

Because of how it's all laid out, it's dead easy to hop on a bike and explore all the lovely vibes in between the towns. Let's take Grayton Beach, for example, which is all mellow and hippy-ish. Meanwhile, Rosemary Beach is like something out of a dream, with its streets that look like they're from Holland.

The charming distant view of Rosemary Beach. Photo by KCULP on Adobe Stock

10. Orlando

Among the nicest parts of Florida to vacation in, Orlando is certainly a place that makes you very happy. While Disney World or Islands of Adventure might make it seem like just a family weekend getaway, trust us, there are loads there for everyone.

The pretty flamingos at Orlando's Gatorland Zoo. Photo by Lisa S. Engelbrecht/Danita Delimont on Adobe Stock

You should go to the CityWalk area at Universal. It's got a fantastic buzz at night with all the live music going on. They've got everything from DJs spinning tunes to Latin bands and rock music. Plus, you could get your mates together and have a laugh racing around on those super-fast electric go-karts right in the middle of town.

11. Florida Caverns State Park

The name pretty much tells you what's what: the cave tours are the main attraction, letting you explore all sorts of different rocks and formations. It's actually cool seeing all the weird and wonderful shapes lit up (without the need of a a SCUBA kit). Just a heads-up, the ground can be a bit slippery, so maybe wear shoes with a good grip.

An enchanting view inside a Florida Cavern. Photo by Lawrence on Adobe Stock

Plus, if you need to cool off, Blue Hole Spring is the place to go for a swim. Afterwards, you can just chill out in the grassy areas nearby. There's a load of space for a bit of fun in the sun.

12. Miami

Okay, the next spot on our list of best places to visit in Florida, Miami, is often buzzing with its wild nightlife. But trust us, there's a whole load of remarkable culture to get stuck into as well. Make sure you wander around Wynwood – the street art there is seriously bright and colourful. And definitely don't miss the Vizcaya Museum, which feels like stepping straight into an Italian palace.

Stop and admire the vibrant brick walls that symbolise the thick culture of Little Havana. Photo by Damien - stock.adobe.com

Even better, make a beeline for Little Havana. This area's got a proper Cuban vibe. Take a stroll down Calle Ocho (think of it as their Walk of Fame) and have a look inside the Cubaocho Museum. And you should also try some delicious Cuban grub like Tamales (they're like corn wraps) and their Paella Habana (that's their seafood rice dish).

13. Florida Keys

The Keys are definitely warmer and a good bit stickier than most of the other best places to visit in Florida we've mentioned. That said, the sunsets here are just as amazing, especially if you've got a nice cocktail in hand and a slice of that tangy Key Lime pie.

Key West is probably the most popular part of the Keys, and it's got so much great stuff to see and do. The writer Ernest Hemingway's old house is there, and you can have a look around. It's a museum now and only costs about $18 to get in.

A view of Ernest Hemingway's old house. Photo by Richard Semik on Adobe Stock

14. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has a really lively city centre and some absolutely brilliant beaches. But, to be honest, the thing we always go on about with this place is the amazing food scene. There are heaps of restaurants and little bars doing everything from Mexican to Cuban stuff that'll fill you right up before you leave.

Art and culture are also worth checking out while you're there. You can see some impressive and unique glass art by Dale Chihuly. And if you fancy escaping the heat for a bit, head to Sunken Gardens; it's like a really lush, shady tropical garden.

Exotic tropical green in Sunken Gardens. Photo by Giorgio G on Adobe Stock

15. High Springs

If you love getting stuck into outdoor stuff, High Springs is definitely one of the best places to visit in Florida that you shouldn't miss. The natural, super clear springs at Poe Springs Park are always a winner for us when it's boiling. Not only are there miles of trails for a good walk, but the park's also got sports fields and picnic spots. And yeah, you can fire up a barbecue there too.

Having a go at diving in the crystal-clear water at Ginnie Springs is just as much fun. If you're a qualified diver, you can rent the kit and explore the spectacular caves underwater. And even if you're not qualified, you can still have a good time paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Exploring the underwater caves at Ginnie Springs. Photo by Valerijs Novickis on Adobe Stock

16. Mount Dora

Head northwest from Orlando for about half an hour by car, and you'll discover Mount Dora. This town offers a true change of pace from some of the other best places to visit in Florida. It's got this lovely old-fashioned feel, a bit like stepping back in time to a New England town from ages ago.

If you wander along the edge of Lake Dora, you might just see bald eagles, alligators, turtles, or even some sandhill cranes. And if you take a walk north, you'll find Grantham Point Park, which has this 35-foot lighthouse. And it's an awesome place to watch the sunset over everyone out on their boats. Sounds pretty idyllic, eh?

The well-known lighthouse in Grantham Point Park. Photo by mark on Adobe Stock

17. Boneyard Beach

This intriguing and somewhat hidden beach is just a short distance from Jacksonville. If you're into taking photos and love nature like we do, you'll be in your element.

The best bit? All these oak and cedar trees that have washed up and been bleached white by the sea and sun on the Nassau Sound. They're all dry and ghostly white, looking just like, well, bones. There's this amazing, slightly eerie feeling when you're there, with the huge sea stretching out in front of you. All around, you're surrounded by the quiet, somewhat surreal shapes of these "skeletons."

The quirky charm of Boneyard Beach on a grey day. Photo by Brendan on Adobe Stock

18. Paynes Prairie State Preserve Park in Micanopy

This nature reserve will make you feel totally connected to the wild woodlands and the great outdoors. You've got alligators, horses, bison, birds, and lots of different animals all just chilling out together. Which is exactly why we wanted to stick this stop on our list of the best places to visit in Florida for you.

There’s plenty to explore. Photo by HJ on Adobe Stock

One of the top trails for exploring in the reserve is the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. This paved path, over fourteen miles long, is perfect for a bike ride as you take in the sights of the lush green prairie. And you never know, you might just get lucky and spot a herd of horses wandering about, having a nibble. Pretty amazing, isn’t that right?

19. Siesta Key

Head south from Tampa, driving over that really charming Skyway Bridge, and you'll end up in Siesta Key. The good thing is, even on the drive there, you get masses of amazing views over the bays, and you might even see a dolphin or two popping up.

Most of the beaches here have clear water and aren't too choppy. Photo by Margaret Burlingham on Adobe Stock

When you get to this one of the best places to visit in Florida, make sure to find Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, or Siesta Beach itself. There's also a must-see spot called Big Cat Habitat, home to tigers, lions, and loads of other fascinating animals. The last time we visited, we were absolutely amazed by a stunning white tiger. It’s so fast and so beautiful.

20. Ichetucknee River

Just like Boneyard Beach, Ichetucknee is another real hidden gem that Florida's got up its sleeve for visitors. Honestly, quite a few locals don't even know it's there; they looked totally blank when asked how to get to it.

The gorgeous turquoise water of the Ichetucknee River. Photo by Joanne Dale on Adobe Stock

However, this lack of crowds makes Ichetucknee a wonderful place if you want to discover a quieter, more natural side of Florida. At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, you and your mates can have a barbecue or rent kayaks and paddle down the river. And you might even spot (like most did) some manatees just gently swimming right up next to your kayak.

21. Tallahassee

Being a bit further inland, Tallahassee sometimes gets forgotten compared to some other best places to visit in Florida that are right by the sea. Even so, it's got its own cool vibe with all these massive green forests and a deep history.

A good example is the Goodwood Museum and Gardens, where you can learn a bit about Southern history through the cotton and corn farms. For getting out and about, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 400 different animals. You might even spot some really rare (or endangered) ones there, like these flatwoods salamanders, whooping cranes, and even West Indian manatees.

The best places to visit in Florida to see the state in a new light. Photo by Ruth P. Peterkin on Adobe Stock

22. Jupiter

From what we've seen, Jupiter isn't just for beach bums, it's also ideal for anyone who's into their history and culture. Still, whatever you're into, make sure you do a tour of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. You can go back in time there and learn all about the really interesting history of the Native Americans (the first folks living in the area).

From the top of the Lighthouse, you can get the best views of the whole town. Photo by lucky-photo on Adobe Stock

And if you're after a bit of a getaway into nature, Riverbend Park is always a good shout. This lucky find is perfect for cycling, going for walks, kayaking, and just exploring the wild, green scenery with loads of fascinating animals.

Get Ready for some Happy Trips to Florida!

Hopefully, these 22 best places to visit in Florida will give you some valuable ideas for your next getaway. From those super soft beaches to attractive national parks, it's a fairly tough one to say which place is better than the others. So, the only way to know for sure is to go, see and experience for yourselves. And don't forget to take CabinZero's backpacks and bags. Not only are they light and sturdy, but they also come with a lifetime guarantee, so they can come along with you wherever you go.

Quyen Pham