Florida Visitors' Guide (2024)

When it comes to finding the perfect vacation destination, ourFlorida Visitors’ Guideis sure to help you narrow down a spot. From its sunny weather and vibrant culture to its stunning beaches and world-class attractions, there’s something for everyone in Florida. And with so many amazing cities to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next vacation.

Looking for a place to start your Florida adventure? From the bustling metropolis of Miami to the laid-back atmosphere of Key West, you’re sure to find the perfect destination for your needs. And don’t forget to explore Orlando to visit some of the state’s most popular attractions, like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.

Florida Visitors' Guide (1)

From fascinating museums to delectable seafood, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Florida.

While many of us dreams of all the things to do in Aruba, don’t overlook the beautiful places right here in the continental USA! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Florida, whether it’s for family fun or escaping the cold weather. So what do you have to lose? Get started on your trip right away!

Table of Contents

Where is Florida Located?

Florida is located in the southeastern United States, it is a peninsula between both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, thanks to its sunny weather and beautiful beaches.

The state is home to a diverse range of attractions, from major theme parks to small towns and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Florida has something to offer everyone.

Florida’s Hispanic Influence:

As the third-largest state in the US, Florida is home to a large and diverse population. And with its close proximity to Latin America, it’s no surprise that the state has a strong Hispanic influence.

In fact, Florida has a long history of Hispanic influence, dating back to the days of Spanish exploration. Florida was actually the first point of contact for many Spanish explorers, who established settlements along the coast. Over time, their influence spread inland, and today Florida is home to a large Hispanic population.

This influence can be seen in many aspects of Florida culture, from the food to the music. It’s even reflected in the state’s architecture, with many buildings featuring Spanish-style tile roofs and stucco walls. Even if you’re not Hispanic yourself, it’s impossible to visit Florida without being affected by its rich Hispanic heritage.

Miami, especially, is a city in South Florida with a strong Hispanic influence. This is most evident in Little Havana, a neighborhood that is home to many Cuban refugees. The Cuban community has had a significant impact on the city, and Cuban culture can be seen in the food, music, and art of Miami Beach.

As a result of the Hispanic influence, Florida is a vibrant and diverse state with a rich culture.

Tallahassee, The State Capital

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, you’ll want to make sure you include the state capital, Tallahassee, in your itinerary.

From exploring the state capitol building to enjoying the local food and drink scene, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city.

Tallahassee is also home to a number of state parks and museums, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two if you’re looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the major tourist areas.

With so much to offer, Tallahassee is an essential stop on any Florida vacation.

Experience Florida’s Natural Beauty:

In addition to its vibrant culture, Florida is also known for its stunning natural beauty.

The state is home to a variety of landscapes, from the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to the lush everglades of the South to the coral reefs found all around the Florida Keys! The natural beauty is just one reason Florida is such a popular destination for all nature lovers.

One of the best ways to experience Florida’s natural beauty is to take a trip to one of its many state and national parks.

Sunshine State Beaches:

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or play, Florida has a couple beautiful beaches for you. From the world-famous shores of Miami Beach and Daytona Beach to the secluded beaches of the Florida Keys, with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico there’s something for everyone.

Some of the most popular beaches are:

  • Miami Beach
  • Florida Keys – especially Key West
  • South Beach
  • Emerald Coast

And don’t forget to check out some of the state’s popular attractions on the Atlantic Ocean, like the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona International Speedway, and St. Augustine on your Florida travel vacation.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in the Sunshine State. So start planning your trip today!

The Everglades:

One of Florida’s most iconic attractions is the Everglades National Park, a massive wetland preserve that is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can take an airboat ride through the wetlands, go on a safari at one of the many parks, or even camp overnight in the wilderness.

No matter how you choose to experience the Everglades, this popular destination is sure to be a memorable adventure.

Natural Springs in Florida

In addition to its beaches and wetlands, Florida is also home to a number of stunning natural springs. These springs are a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and camping.

Some of the most popular springs in Florida include Rainbow Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Crystal River, and Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

Music and Literature

Florida’s rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its music and literature.

Florida is home to a number of popular musical genres, including country, rock, hip hop, and Latin. And the state has produced a number of famous musicians, including Tom Petty, Gloria Estefan, and Pitbull.

When it comes to literature, Florida is best known for its detective fiction. This genre was popularized by writers like John D. MacDonald and Carl Hiaasen. If you’re looking for a good mystery novel set in Florida, be sure to check out one of these authors’ books.

So whether you’re interested in music or literature, Florida has something to offer.

Florida’s Art Scene

When most people think of Florida, they think of golden beaches, coral reefs, alligators, and Walt Disney World. However, Florida is also home to a vibrant art scene.

In Coral Gables, you’ll find a wealth of arts venues as well as art deco architecture. The Art in the Tropics Festival, held every April, is a must-see event for art enthusiasts. It includes southern Florida’s finest arts and crafts, live painting sessions, craft and origami displays, live music, and food stalls.

The Tampa Bay area is home to a number of museums and galleries, and you can find street art throughout the state.

Prefer performance arts? From world-renowned opera companies to innovative contemporary theater troupes, there’s something for everyone in Florida’s performing arts scene.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of dance or theater, interested in painting, sculpture, or photography, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Florida’s art scene.

Visiting Florida

There’s no doubt about it – Florida is a great place to visit. With its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and endless activities, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful state.

Places to stay:

When you visit Florida, you’ll have no shortage of places to stay. From luxury resorts to camping in the state parks, there’s accommodation for every budget and taste.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Florida, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels and resorts.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider camping in one of the state’s many beautiful parks.

No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation in Florida.

Where to eat:

Florida is home to a diverse range of cuisines, from seafood to Cuban and everything in between.

And with its many restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, you’re sure to find something to your taste.

So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, you’ll be able to find it in Florida.

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Florida Travel Guide – Fun Things to Do in the Sunshine State!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Florida. From exploring the state’s natural beauty to its vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone.

If time is on your hands, explore the entire state! A road trip down the East Coast or a road trip through the Florida Keys will give you plenty of beauty to see. Personally, as a child of the 80s/90s, my bucket list includes a road trip down the A1A from Orlando to Miami (Beach Front Avenue!)!

Some of the most popular activities include visiting the beaches, hiking in the state parks, taking an airboat ride through the Everglades, and visiting many of the theme parks in Orlando like Disney World, Universal, Legoland, and Sea World.

Or, if you’re looking for something more laid-back, you can always enjoy the state’s many golf courses, museums, and shops.

No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to do in Florida.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Florida today! Check out our list of the best cities to visit in the state.

Choose a Floridian City:

As previously mentioned, Florida is the 3rd largest state in the USA so you can’t just “go to Florida”, you have to pick an area OR have a few weeks to explore. 🙂

  • Orlando

Have you been to Florida? What are some of your favorite things to do in the state?

Let us know in the comments below!

Florida Visitors' Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the best months to visit Florida? ›

For maximum comfort, aim for December through May. Plenty of snowbirds dot Florida's beaches until March or April, and they're here for smart reasons. The sun is shining, the weather is dry and (tolerably) hot, there's minimal rain (December is Florida's driest month), and the hurricane gods are fast asleep!

What you need to know before going to Florida? ›

Headed to Florida? Here are 11 things you should know
  • Consider a spring or fall adventure to avoid the crowds and heat. ...
  • Plan on spending at least a week in Florida. ...
  • Add a state park to your itinerary of national park visits. ...
  • Stay safe during the Atlantic hurricane season.

What is the best part of Florida to stay in? ›

Here are some of the Best Places to Stay in Florida:
  • Bal Harbour, Florida. The St. ...
  • Marathon, Florida Keys. Accommodation is changing in the Florida Keys and you can get a little bit more less and a little less kitsch nowadays. ...
  • Naples, Florida. ...
  • North Miami Beach, Florida. ...
  • Sarasota, Florida. ...
  • Surfside, Florida.

How long should you go to Florida for? ›

The more areas/cities you pick, the longer you will need. A week is enough in say orlando or for both Miami and the Keys. Do all 3 and 2 weeks is better. It all goes down to what else you will be doing in the USA and what other cities and places you are visiting.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Florida? ›

The cheapest month to fly to Orlando International is currently May. The cheapest month to fly to Destin is currently August. The cheapest month to fly to Tallahassee is currently April. And the cheapest month to fly to Punta Gorda is currently May.

What is the cheapest month to vacation in Florida? ›

When to Visit Florida for Cheap Prices. The best time to visit Florida to save some cash is usually between January and March, however, you will find prices drop after September as the peak season ebbs and crowds are less.

Is it worth going to Florida for a week? ›

I would go for one week... stay near to the magic and you can't go wrong.... :) Personally I have never done this, but I would go to Florida for a week over Spain etc any time. No worries about accidently drinking the water, accomodation should be fine. and so much to do and see.

How much should you tip in Florida? ›

Typical tip 15%-20% of check total in sit down restaurants that serve you. If tip is added then leave it at that and do not add more unless you want. For sit down restaurants, you tip 15-20 percent of the pretax total. For buffets, tip 10%.

Which side of Florida is prettiest? ›

While the east coast of Florida has bigger ocean waves, cool attractions and mesmerizing sunrises, the west sits on a unique and rich body of water that lends itself to a variety of interests and activities all along the coast. The best Gulf Coast beaches are the ones that suit your particular idea of paradise.

What is the prettiest place in Florida? ›

Key West. There are a lot of beautiful places and unique things to do in the Florida Keys (America's only private island resort, anyone?), but Key West rightfully tops most visitors' lists.

What is the number 1 safest city in Florida? ›

Marco Island is the safest city in Florida, with fewer than 100 total crimes reported. 3 cities reported zero murders: Marco Island, Sunny Isles, and Doral. Kissimmee is the only city to report a higher per capita violent crime rate than the nationwide average, reporting 4.1 incidents per 1,000 people.

What is the wettest month in Florida? ›

Florida wettest month

In some areas, such as around Orlando, June is when thunderstorms are most frequent. During the rainy season Florida sees an increased frequency of rain showers, thunderstorms, and occasional tropical storms.

What is the coldest month in Florida? ›

According to the records kept by the National Weather Service, the coldest month in Florida is January, with an average temperature of 61 degrees throughout the month.

How much money do you need per day in Florida? ›

You should plan to spend around $251 per day on your vacation in Florida. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

What month is hurricane season the worst in Florida? ›

While hurricanes can happen at any point during hurricane season, mid-August through late October is the most likely time for a hurricane to make landfall in Florida. The official peak of hurricane season is September 10.

What months are too hot in Florida? ›

Florida summers start between late May and early June when the weather gets hot and humid. Temperatures can reach up to 90° or higher in July and August, but it often feels even hotter due to high levels of humidity. Summer often lasts till September.

What is hurricane season in Florida? ›

The hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is anticipated to peak in September, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. ( Image credit: NOAA) ... WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

What is the rainiest month in Florida? ›

Florida wettest month

Florida experiences its highest precipitation levels during the summer, particularly in August. In some areas, such as around Orlando, June is when thunderstorms are most frequent.

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