The tourist attractions in Florida are exceptional and uniquely made which welcomes different kinds of tourists and visitors always having this destination in their bucket lists.
Florida which is the southernmost part of the United States along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The state is filled with different unique places and attractions that entertains not only adults but also the entire families.
What is the prettiest spot or tourist attractions in Florida?
The state of Florida is one of the best destinations in the world with the best of tourism be it beaches, arts or entertainment and what have you?
Among the most rated tourist attractions in Florida include the following;
- Amelia Island
What is Amelia Island known for? Amelia Island also known as “Isle of Eight Flags” is a popular destination in Florida in the United States which is worth visiting for its luxurious resorts, golf courses and numerous sandy beaches.
Amelia Island which is part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands in the United State which was named after the daughter of the King of England, Princess Amelia. It is city which changed eight colonial rulers.
Between the months of November to March, Amelia Island is mostly best visited for its unique different varieties of bird watching. The spot also has other recreational and entertaining activities that tourists and visitors can experience.
Aside the pretty beach Amelia Island provides and the top things guests can do, the destination has the best of hotels and resorts to accommodate visitors.
See where to stay in Amelia Island
- Castillo de San Marcos
Another popular site among the tourist attractions in Florida is the Castillo de San Marcos in the city of St. Augustine. The castle which can be located on the shores of the Matanzas Bay is the oldest and largest masonry fort in the continental United States. According to history, it was built during the reign of the Spanish in the area, hence its name which literally means St. Mark’s Castle, however, handed over to the British when they surrendered.
What can you see at Castillo de San Marcos? After a closed down due to the pandemic, the castle is opened for tour activities with a small entrance fee. Tourists can tour the museum rooms, explore exhibits while the get the facts and figures from a Ranger.
Accommodations near Castillo de San Marcos
- Universal Orlando Resort
Being one of the most visited resorts in the world and second to Walt Disney, Universal Orlando Resort, popularly known as Universal Orlando and formally Universal Studios Escape, is an American theme park and entertainment resort complex based in Orlando, Florida. The resort is operated by Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Comcast’s NBCUniversal.
The resort consists of two theme parks namely Universal Studios Florida and the Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The theme park has an on-site waterpark, an on-site entertainment district (Universal City Walk), eight Loews Hotels (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites) and Epic Universe with an accompanying hotel which is in the pipeline.
All of the hotel resorts offer Early Park Admission into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort offer free unlimited Universal Express Pass for use at participating Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure attractions. There are similar products valid at Volcano Bay, Halloween Horror Nights, and Rock the Universe.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the best beaches in the world for its colorful light blue ocean with miles stretch of soft sand and promenade for the public where they can decide where to swim. At Fort Lauderdale Beach, there are lots of beaches but the main which is winning the heart of many is the Pompano Beach situated at the ocean front.
The destination offers the nicest experience you could think for you and the family such as swimming, going cruise and exciting beach adventure, fishing and many more things to do.
Visitors planning to visit can enjoy Fort Lauderdale Beach by booking in advance with some of the hotel though the beach is open to the public, to have a special treat and services provided.
- Kennedy Space Center
A phenomenal tourist attraction in Florida worth visiting is the Kennedy Space Center. This is a destination controlled by the National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA).
Aside the site being the grounds for the launch of space flights, it also serves as an important wildlife sanctuary for Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore are other features of the area. Center workers can encounter bald eagles, American alligators, wild boars, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, the endangered Florida panther and Florida manatees.
Tourist can visit the park daily from hours of 9 a.m. after getting their tickets online or at the gates to witness the training of Astronauts, perform a space-walk using immersive micro-gravity simulation technology or participate in a launch of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.
- Everglades National Park
Another popular site from the tourist attractions in Florida is the Everglades National Park. This park is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve on the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida, an hour drive from Miami. It is made up of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods that are home to hundreds of animal species.
At Everglades National Park, visitors can hike to see the beauty of nature from the wildlife species. Among the Everglades’ abundant wildlife are the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
- Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort is an entertainment resort complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, near the cities of Orlando and Kissimmee.
At Walt Disney World, visitors can plan their family vacation holidays to experience the magical of the site through their theme parks, resorts, movies, television programs, characters, games, videos, music, shopping and more.
- Universal Studios
Another tourist attraction in Florida where you can enjoy some live events and shows just the Walt Disney, is the Universal Studios. The theme park located in Orlando is the property of the NBC Universal. It was opened to the general public since June 1990 and the park is popularly known in the entertainment industry for the showing of movies, television programs, live shows and much more.
- Busch Gardens Tampa
An attractive spot in Florida specifically Tampa where you can experience fascinating animals like Cheetahs is the Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre African-centered animal theme park is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Being ranked the second among SeaWorld parks, Busch Gardens has seen rise in attendance with over 4 million visitors annually.
The garden has great side attractions to entertain guest from safari and tours, animal watching, camping and so on. The park also has Florida’s best roller coasters & thrill rides to entertain your kids. The restaurants and shops also feature varieties of consumables where the visitor can shop from.
- Miami Beach
Miami Beach is part of the tourist attractions in Florida. It is situated in the south Florida island city connected by bridges to mainland Miami. Wide beaches stretch from North Shore Open Space Park, past palm-lined Lummus Park to South Pointe Park.
The southern end, South Beach which is the more popular in Miami, is known for its international cachet with models and celebrities and its early-20th-century architecture in the Art Deco Historic district with pastel-colored buildings especially on Ocean Drive.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Florida. It comprises 7 islands, plus protected coral reefs. Garden Key is home to beaches and the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Loggerhead Key has a lighthouse and sea turtles. On nearby Loggerhead Reef, the Windjammer Wreck, the remains of an 1875 ship, is a popular dive site. Bush Key is a nesting site for seabirds like sooty terns.
Dry Tortugas National Park accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
- The Ringling
The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States. Spend a day or two exploring the 66 acre estate of John and Mable Ringling which also includes the Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, The Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens and more.
Museum of Art: From the Rubens’ Galleries to the Turrell Skyspace, view the permanent collection’s treasures, the fascinating exhibitions from around the world and the classical sculptures that fill the grand courtyard. Circus Museum: Thrill to it all: the parade wagons, the posters, the glittering costumes, the Ringling’s fully-restored private railcar and the cannon that shot daring performers through the air.
Ca’d’Zan: The home of the circus entrepreneur and his wife, Ca’ d’Zan stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. Designed in the Venetian Gothic style, this dazzling palatial mansion perfectly captures the splendor and romance of the Italy, the Ringlings so loved.
Bayfront Gardens: As awe-inspiring as any work of art, The Ringling Bayfront Gardens are a living treasure. Courting couples statuary watch over Mable’s Rose Garden. The shade the majestic Banyan trees provide. The delight inspired by the whimsy of the Dwarf Garden and more. Historic Asolo Theater: Sarasota’s most storied theater. U-shaped, with three tiers of boxes, this architectural gem provides a rare sense of intimacy between audience and performer that adds so much to the theater going experience.
Art after 5 – Enjoy Discounted Admission – Thursdays 5-8pm. Explore the Museum of Art permanent and special exhibition galleries, and the Circus Museum. Whether it is a Gallery Walk and Talk, Ringling by the Bay, or a self-guided tour, there is something for everyone. This site opens daily between 10:00am – 5:00pm, Thursdays until 8:00pm.
- Weeki Wachee Spring And Live Mermaid Show
Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring where you can see live mermaids, take a trip on a river boat cruise, learn about Florida wildlife, and swim in the pristine waters at Buccaneer Bay. You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most legendary and unique family destinations, entertaining audiences since 1947.
- Duval Street in Key West
Duval Street is the epicenter of Key West’s famous party atmosphere. The thoroughfare was named in honor of William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. This mile-long stretch of pavement draws millions of visitors from around the world who want to experience the legendary lifestyle of the Conch Republic.
At Duval Street, you can find a wide assortment of one-of-a-kind galleries, shops and boutiques. There are stores dedicated to hammocks, swimsuits and flip-flops as well as everything Cuban and Jimmy Buffet. You can find designer clothes, handmade jewelry and unique Key West memorabilia.
In addition, the local Walgreen’s drugstore in Duval Street in Key West is housed in the historic Strand Theater. The former old-time movie palace once accommodated over 800 people. Walgreen’s restored the building’s exterior, including the decorative figurines. Take in the whole scene as you stroll along the boulevard window-shopping and watching the colorful people.
- Naples Pier
The historic Naples Pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West end of 12th Avenue South in Florida. The Naples Pier is a favorite location for sightseers. The Pier features restrooms, showers, ADA beach access mat, and a concession stand with covered eating area and beach supplies.
Over here visitors can go for fishing, swimming and enjoy some beach life like playing volley ball and so much fun activities.
- St Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a city on Florida’s gulf coast, part of the Tampa Bay area. It is also known as “Sunshine City” for its pleasant weather making it popular for golfing, boating, fishing and beach going. Its waterfront parks host the Dali Museum, featuring surrealist works of art; the Museum of Fine Arts, with works ranging from ancient to contemporary and Mahaffey Theater, home of the Florida Orchestra.
The destination also features top rated restaurants where guest can enjoy some delicious delicacies.
- Marco Island
Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida, linked to the mainland by bridges south of the city of Naples. It is home to resort hotels, beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways. A long, sandy beach covers most of the west coast, with resort hotels in the south. Tigertail Beach Park has a tidal lagoon, popular for kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Fort Myers
Fort Myers is another top notch tourist attraction in the state of Florida. Fort Myers offers an exclusive fun and outdoor adventures to entertain guest and their family.
At Fort Myers, there are island destinations such as Sanibel and Captiva, world-renowned for their Gulf of Mexico beaches and brilliant seashells. There are sea birds and raptors and resident dolphins at havens such as Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This region is a paddlers’ playground, with the Calusa Blueway among the many kayaking options.
The site also has the best of hotels and resorts with restaurants to serve your seafood at the waterfront view.
- St Augustine
St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S., and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.
With their beautiful beaches, historical attractions, live music and events makes this attraction friendly for the entire family.
- Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long (805 km) NASCAR Cup Series motor race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is the first of two Cup races held every year at Daytona, the second being the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and one of three held in Florida, with the annual fall showdown Dixie Vodka 400 being held at Homestead south of Miami.
From 1988 to 2019, it was one of the four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule. The inaugural Daytona 500 was held in 1959 coinciding with the opening of the speedway and since 1982, it has been the season-opening race of the Cup series.
For fun wanting to experience motor race from Daytona 500, they can purchase their tickets from the official site of NASCAR website.
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