13 Must-See Destinations in Florida for Your Next Vacation

With over 15 years of experience in Florida’s restaurant scene, including owning a place myself, I’ve witnessed everything from supper clubs sourcing farm-fresh ingredients to public houses supporting local artisans. The state’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its inhabitants: from mermaids (modern-day divers) and manatees drifting through Central Florida’s waters, to the historic charm of the nation's oldest city in the northeast, and timeless fishing villages scattered along the Northwest Panhandle.

From Florida’s 1,350 miles of stunning coastline to the colorful art scenes in its cities, here are 13 of the best spots to explore in the Sunshine State.

1. Miami

• Location: South Florida
• Highlights: inclusive initiatives and vibrant public art

South Beach is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, but don't overlook its upscale dining scene—Michelin-starred restaurants are nestled within Miami’s iconic Art Deco architecture. With Cuba just 90 miles away, head to Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana for delicious croquetas and lively salsa music, in a city where the nightlife lasts until 5 a.m. Once-blighted areas have been revitalized, with neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Design District now serving as creative hubs with public art and design since their transformation in 2013.

Exploring Miami’s glamorous bars, renowned boardwalk, and stunning beaches is made easier by the city’s inclusive design. Accessible beach mats can be found at over 20 spots along Ocean Drive, and beach wheelchairs with large, sturdy tires are available for use year-round at multiple locations along the coast.

Where to Stay

Nestled in the heart of South Beach, this 1940s Art Deco gem offers 130 rooms and suites, two pools, 25,000 square feet of public space, and even a library for those who forget to bring a book. The Betsy also showcases a curated collection of public art during Miami’s renowned Art Basel event.

2. Key West

• Location: Florida Keys
• Highlights: six-toed cats and the relaxed island way of life

Famous for its sunset gatherings, Key West also boasts shipwreck and maritime museums to explore, alongside delicious conch fritters. At Mallory Square, cobblestone streets come alive with street performers showcasing magic tricks, fortune-telling, and live music as the sun sets over the water. Hidden behind the main strip, Hemingway’s famous six-toed cats roam his legendary home, and local musicians gather at tucked-away spots like General Horseplay to jam.

Just past the Seven-Mile Bridge from Marathon, Key West’s mangroves offer hidden kayaking trails, while ghostly shipwrecks lie 145 feet underwater (dive with Captain’s Corner for a closer look). After a day of snorkeling among the fish, unwind with a refreshing Rum Runner cocktail and toast another unforgettable day in paradise.

Where to Stay

Situated at the end of Duval Street, just steps from the Southernmost Point, this boutique resort offers three pools and unbeatable sunset views. Rooms feature rattan furniture, wide-planked driftwood floors, and spacious balconies for a cozy and relaxing retreat.

3. Naples

• Location: Southwest Florida
• Highlights: world-class golf courses and a wealth of art galleries and museums (100+)

Naples is a haven for art lovers, with more than 100 galleries and museums showcasing everything from the rich history of the Seminole and Calusa tribes to vintage automobiles. Be sure to catch a performance at Artis-Naples, affectionately known as 'The Phil' by locals.

Naples’ pristine, pearly white beaches are perfect for shelling, but for a deeper Florida experience, visit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, where a wildlife center and hospital care for injured and orphaned native animals.

Where to Stay

Located just steps from the palm-lined streets and upscale boutiques of Fifth Avenue, the luxurious Inn on Fifth features plush Club Level Suites, two exquisite restaurants, a full-service spa, and a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of Naples Bay.

4. Palm Beach

• Location: Southeastern Florida
• Highlights: stunning architecture and opportunities for celebrity sightings

Palm Beach has long been a haven for movie stars, finance moguls, and even royalty. Known for its Mediterranean Revival and Venetian-style buildings, the island radiates the glamour of the Gilded Age, especially in iconic landmarks like the Flagler Museum.

For unique cultural experiences and community-centered events like public opera workshops, head to the Society of the Four Arts along the Intracoastal Waterway. The 10-acre campus features a performance hall, art gallery, educational center, libraries, and scenic sculpture gardens.

Where to Stay

This pink-hued gem has been a chic destination for celebrities such as Judy Garland and John Lennon since 1947. Just steps from the beach, its vintage Floridian decor and amenities like beach cruisers, butlers, golf, tennis, boating, babysitting, and pet services make it the perfect spot for a stylish getaway.

5. St. Petersburg

• Location: Pinellas Peninsula, Tampa Bay
• Highlights: a vibrant arts scene and diverse international cuisine

St. Petersburg is home to a network of neighborhoods filled with striking murals and pedestrian-friendly streets. Art lovers will enjoy the Dalí Museum, which showcases over 2,400 works by the surrealist master, the Museum of Fine Arts’ Monet collection, and the Morean Arts Center, featuring an impressive Chihuly Collection of 18 glass sculptures.

St. Petersburg is just a short bridge ride from St. Pete Beach, a barrier island perfect for a relaxing day on the sand or a snorkeling adventure (check out Island Ferry Eco Tours).

Where to Stay

This iconic hotel, opened in 1928, takes its name from the William Vincent Wallace opera *Maritana*, and echoes of the musical can be found throughout the opulent halls and rooms of the Don CeSar. The hotel also features elegant dining options, a full-service spa, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation for weary travelers.

6. Crystal River

• Location: Western Central Florida
• Highlights: manatees and mermaids

While Florida’s beaches are undeniably beautiful, locals know the true magic of the state lies in its more than 1,000 natural springs—many of which are found in Crystal River. The city boasts a network of state parks and national wildlife refuges, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching.

For even more natural beauty, Crystal River is just a short drive from Weeki Wachee State Park, home to Florida’s deepest freshwater cave system. The park’s live mermaid shows, where performers re-enact Hans Christian Andersen’s *The Little Mermaid* submerged in a 400-foot amphitheater, are a must-see.

Where to Stay

This lodge is nestled among the natural springs of King’s Bay and surrounded by over 25,000 acres of lakes, rivers, wildlife refuges, and state parks. A true sanctuary for nature lovers, it features a full-service marina, an 18-hole golf course, and dining options that offer 'cook your catch' experiences.

7. Highway 30A

• Location: Northwestern Coast
• Highlights: rare coastal dune lakes and underwater museums

This 24-mile stretch of scenic byway along the Gulf Coast is home to singing bartenders and quirky festivals such as Crafted and Digital Graffiti. A must-visit stop on a 30A road trip is the Underwater Art Museum in Grayton Beach. Here, daring divers can explore sculptures that are selected and submerged each year for a truly unique experience.

Another gem along 30A’s slice of the Emerald Coast is the rare coastal dune lakes, unique ecological treasures found in only a few places worldwide.

Where to Stay

This vintage rooming house in Grayton Beach takes you back in time. Each of the 13 rooms is decorated with classic Floridian charm, featuring framed old maps and model ships turned into lamps. Accessible for all, it offers breakfast, yoga sessions, and open-mic storytelling nights in its cozy 'Backyard of Love.'

8. Apalachicola

• Location: Northwestern Coast
• Highlights: oysters and charming old fishing village atmosphere

Along Franklin County, you’ll find stretches of pristine coastline and rustic shacks offering irresistible smoked fish dip. Apalachicola, a working fishing village, offers a glimpse of the daily life of fishermen and oyster farmers at the docks.

This friendly port town, situated at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, has earned the title of a 'distinctive destination' by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, thanks to its historic character and commitment to preserving its heritage.

Where to Stay

This historic 1907 building, now a chic boutique hotel, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features charming wraparound porches and stylish guest rooms for a perfect stay.

9. Orlando

• Location: Central Florida
• Come for: iconic theme parks and a vast network of lakes

Is it even possible to talk about Florida without mentioning Disney? The magical world of Disney has been a major Orlando attraction since 1971. Spend the day enjoying the rides in Frontierland at Walt Disney World, then head over to Universal Studios to cast spells in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or get up close with orcas at SeaWorld. The theme parks truly dominate this city.

But Orlando isn’t just about theme parks. The city boasts more than 100 lakes, including Lake Apopka, which spans a massive 30,000 acres, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Where to Stay

Inspired by the traditional African kraal, this lodge offers breathtaking views of four vibrant savannas teeming with over 30 species of African wildlife. Immerse yourself in the culture with African art throughout the property, and enjoy the convenience of complimentary shuttle service around the park, so you can explore without ever having to get behind the wheel.

10. St. Augustine

• Location: Northeast Atlantic Coast
• Come for: rich history and spine-tingling ghost tours

Dubbed the “nation’s oldest city,” St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by European settlers. This historic gem offers a variety of immersive tours, including the Old Town Trolley Tour, which takes you to over 100 significant sites, like the famous Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can drink from the fabled waters that are said to grant immortality.

St. Augustine, nestled on the northeast coast, is home to a pedestrian-only street and historical landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fort from the 1600s now recognized as a national monument. Wander through St. George Street for unique antiques and quirky shops.

Where to stay

This charming luxury inn is located in the heart of downtown, featuring nine historic buildings and 30 rooms that reflect the property’s 18th-century roots. The inn offers a sensory retreat with a picturesque courtyard, brick pathways lined with statues, and an amphitheater, all just steps away from the city’s lively attractions.

11. Amelia Island

• Location: Barrier island off the Northern Atlantic coast
• Come for: secluded beaches and horseback riding along the shore

With 13 miles of pristine, untouched beaches and majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Amelia Island offers a serene retreat that feels more like a step back in time compared to its more tourist-packed southern counterparts. The soft, quartz-filled sand is framed by towering sand dunes reaching up to 40 feet—perfect for horseback riding, which provides a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Amelia Island is home to Florida’s oldest lighthouse (built in 1838 and originally lit with whale oil) as well as the state’s oldest bar, the Palace Saloon, a historic watering hole with a rich past.

Where to stay

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn was once an active school from 1886 until the late 1900s. This charming boutique hotel blends historic details such as original windows and heart pine flooring with modern touches like an on-site mini-golf course and the upscale bar known as the Principal’s Office.

12. Pensacola

• Location: Northwest Florida
• Come for: historic downtown and world-class scuba diving opportunities

Pensacola’s Historic Downtown is a treasure trove of museums and vibrant art spaces. Established in 1925, the Saenger Theatre is the place for live performances, while Electric Serenade offers private karaoke sessions. For the adventurous, dive to the USS Oriskany, the world’s largest artificial reef, created from a sunken aircraft carrier.

Across the bridge, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a protected haven for wildlife, including osprey, dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays. Be sure to visit the quirky Futuro House (or the ‘UFO House’), a 1960s roadside attraction that has become a Florida icon.

Where to stay

Just a short walk from Pensacola’s bustling downtown, this boutique hotel celebrates the city’s rich history and artistic culture with custom vinyl collections and record players in every room. Guests can also enjoy a wood-fire restaurant and a secret speakeasy, once the site of Sunday school lessons.

13. Everglades National Park

• Location: Southern tip of Florida mainland
• Come for: encountering endangered species and outdoor adventures

Despite the bustling city of Miami being just an hour away, the Everglades National Park offers a stark contrast with its vast coastal mangroves and murky swamps. Whether you're biking, hiking, or bird-watching, the park’s trails offer immersive experiences. However, to truly explore, take a water-based tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve offers airboat tours at Gator Park or peaceful kayak trips to discover its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

Where to stay

Whether you choose traditional camping or glamping, this secluded landscape invites you to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Located near the Homestead park entrance, the site offers 274 tent pitches, 65 RV spots, and luxurious glamping Eco-Tents. For a unique experience, rent a houseboat from Flamingo Marina and enjoy a night on Whitewater Bay, where you can sleep surrounded by the sounds of croaking frogs and chirping cicadas, with room for up to six guests.