Florida is one of the most visited states with all its many picturesque beaches, amusement parks, national parks, and a wide array of other unique tourist attractions such as the epic street art at Wynwood Walls. Families flock to Orlando while sun-seekers make their way to coastal cities like Ft.Lauderdale Miami, and to the brilliant white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle. It’s always amazed me how Destin can look more tropical than Pompano Beach where my parents live. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of island life, head directly to the Florida Keys where life runs at a slower pace, a world away from the mainland. For the best places to stay during your dream vacation stay in beautiful Florida luxury rentals that’ll make your stay a remarkable one. Imagine the Instagram opportunities! Here are the 10 best things to do for fun in Florida.
ENJOY URBAN GRAFFITI AT WYNWOOD WALLS IN MIAMI
When heading to Miami, color is all around you. The buildings are beautiful pastel colors that you don’t see in many other cities. Wynwood Walls is no exception and is a series of cube-shaped buildings that are the canvas for some incredible multi-colored murals from some of the most renowned street and graffiti artists from all over the world. Expect to see huge images of iconic characters or just crazy patterns. The best thing is that Wynwood Walls is that it’s ever-changing, with murals being changed frequently. This celebrates the culture of a truly unappreciated form of art.
STROLL ALONG THE ART DECO HISTORIC DISTRICT IN MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach is not just about the glorious, wide stretch of golden sand that lines the Atlantic Ocean. One of the things that makes this area unique is the Art Deco Historic District. It features beautifully restored buildings from the 1930s and early 1940s. These forlorn architectural beauties are unparalleled in other cities. Today, the majority of these buildings are high-end hotels, condominiums, and even restaurants. An outstanding Art Deco building located along Ocean Drive and overlooking South Beach is the Hotel Breakwater South Beach, Park Central Hotel, and The Carlyle. If you want to stroll around and see more classical buildings, head to Collins Avenue to see the Delano South Beach and National Hotel Miami Beach.
SEE GATORS IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
The Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of marsh and swamp. It’s an important and fragile ecosystem that supports species like alligators, Florida Panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, river otters, manatees, American crocodiles, and many more. Everglades National Park is one of the largest parks in the States. Seeing some of these creatures in the wild is a memorable experience. The best way to see the area and also to catch a glimpse of alligators and others wildlife is by means of airboat rides. Be sure to book with a company that prioritizes the well-being of animals and doesn’t put on harmful alligator shows.
HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
There’s truly no place like Walt Disney World in Orlando. The Magic of Disney in Orland is everlasting as millions of visitors still visit here each year to enjoy the various attractions this mega amusement park has to offer. Some of the must-try activities here are the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Hollywood Studios.
MAJORLY GEEK OUT AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
If you’re looking for a fantastic experience, head to Universal Studios in Orlando. This huge amusement park offers numerous kinds of fantastic and thrilling rides that are recreated based on popular movies and shows. Some of the highlights here are the unbelievable 3D and 4D simulator rides, wet and wild rides, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. My absolute dream is to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Someday I ’ll board the Hogwarts Express and wander through Hogsmeade Village in search of vegan butterbeer.
CHECK OUT THE ACTION AT DAYTONA 500 INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
One of the most famous and important in the NASCAR Cup Series is the Daytona 500 race. It’s held at the Daytona International Speedway which attracts huge crowds every year. To move auto racing off the beach, the Speedway was built in 1959.
EXPLORE THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT OF THE CONTINENTAL U.S.
Take a leisurely stroll along Duval Street in Key West. It’s one of the highlights of the Florida Keys with numerous shops, restaurants, and beautifully restored old buildings line the street. There’s always a sparkling vibe regardless of the time of the year. Key West has this distinctly Caribbean flare which makes this island unique from other destinations around Florida. Apart from the Duval Street, there are many interesting attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S.
LEARN ABOUT HISTORY IN THE CAPITAL CITY
Tallahassee is the place to experience city life with a small country town feel in Florida. It seems more Southern than Miami. It’s so much like being in a different world that it’s hard to believe these cities are in the same state. There are a number of great museums to visit in the Tallahassee. The Museum of Florida History offers an interesting perspective on the progression of culture throughout the history of Florida, including prehistoric exhibits and present-day culture in Florida. This is a great way to learn about what makes Florida such a unique place.
BE AMAZED BY THE UNIVERSE AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
One of the most exciting, fascinating and educational attractions in Florida is the Kennedy Space Center located on Florida’s Space Coast. The history space exploration complex is huge and displays rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Be ready to meet an astronaut and widen your knowledge space missions. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is divided into mission zones that feature remarkable displays and interactive exhibits.
ENJOY THE WHITE SAND BEACHES OF NAPLES
No trip to Florida is complete without a few lazy beach days. Even better when they’re spent on the pure white sand and crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Naples. Catch the sunset from the Naples Pier and watch the sky illuminate the water with a golden red color. Naples is a great place to relax or to be a little more adventurous and get out on the open water in a charter boat for the chance to see dolphins. Naples is a must visit place if you are in Florida.
This article was made possible due to a collaboration with Luxury Rentals. All opinions and photos are my own.This post contains affiliate links. Please read the Miss Filatelista disclosure policy for more information.
Nicole
4 Oct 2018This is a great list. I'm thinking of taking a trip to Florida next year. I was in Miami a few years ago but didn't make it to the Wynwood walls. And I need to go to the Everglades!
July Rocha
4 Oct 2018Oh Kennedy space center sounds fun! And hunting street arts is always a pleasure. Thanks for your tips, this list is amazing!
Roxanne Weijer
4 Oct 2018We did a roadtrip through Florida a couple year ago and loved it! Walt Disney and Universal studies are the best. Next time I definitely want to enjoy the urban graffiti at Wynwood Walls.
Unknown
4 Oct 2018What a lovely list . I have been to Florida. Did key west, universal studio, Miami, and Everglades. But still so much to do , maybe next visit.
Christina
5 Oct 2018I know we would enjoy the art deco sector of Miami. I think we would be slightly scared to see the alligators. We would for sure have the time of our lives at Disney. I think it would be super cool to also go to the southern most tip of the US.
Christina
5 Oct 2018I know we would enjoy the art deco sector of Miami. I think we would be slightly scared to see the alligators. We would for sure have the time of our lives at Disney. I think it would be super cool to also go to the southern most tip of the US.
Unknown
5 Oct 2018Florida is literally my favorite place to travel and you hit all the high notes! I love that you included some of the hidden gems and lesser known locales along with Disney and the beaches. Definitely some great ideas for next time we visit!
Nafisa Habib
5 Oct 2018Urban graffiti at Wynwood Walls sounds to me interesting. Beaches looks so cool and loving your outfits and beach photos 🙂
That Texas Couple
5 Oct 2018What a great list! Florida is such a wonderful, diverse state. I'm lucky enough to have visited several times and have done many of these activities. I haven't been to Wynwood Walls yet, so I'll have to add that to my next visit.
Samantha Shaw
5 Oct 2018When I visited Florida a few years ago I so badly wanted to visit the Gulf beaches, but I ran out of time! They look so beautiful!!!