Your ultimate guide to Florida’s must-see attractions

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Jen Lyons
August 1, 2024
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Just how popular is Florida? According to Visit Florida, an astonishing 140 million people visited the Sunshine State in 2023. It’s not surprising, given everything Florida has to offer. From the Florida Panhandle to the Keys and the Gulf Coast to Miami, the state is simply bursting with appealing attractions, activities and entertainment, no matter the time of year. Whether you’re looking for theme parks, beaches, culture or natural spaces, Florida delivers. If you’re planning a Florida vacation, it can be hard to know where to start. Read on for our overview of some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, with helpful tips for planning your trip. 

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Arguably Florida’s most famous attraction, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is actually four theme parks in one: the classic Magic Kingdom Park, the internationally themed EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll also find two water parks, shopping, entertainment, dining and recreation. 

Best time to visit 

Despite your best-laid plans, you’ll never arrive at Disney World and find that you have the place to yourself. Walt Disney World Resort is open 365 days a year, and it’s busy every day. That being said, there are some times of the year when you’re more likely to avoid long lines and peak pricing. Despite the hot weather and high humidity, the summer months are packed with visitors because school is out, making it a good time for families. You’ll also want to avoid the weeks between mid-March and mid-April when many parts of the country have spring break. Some of the best times to visit include winter weeks that don’t coincide with holidays — think early November and most of January. February is also a pretty safe bet, aside from the Presidents Day long weekend. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to travel during off-peak months, keep in mind that weekdays are always less crowded than weekends.  

Can’t-miss attractions 

In total, Walt Disney World Resort covers a staggering 43 square miles, so there’s no way to see everything in a single trip — although there is a popular challenge where participants try to ride every Walt Disney World ride in a single day! Most visitors spend 4-5 days exploring the parks, and the can't-miss attractions will depend on the interests of you and your traveling companions. Disney traditionalists will want to spend plenty of time at the Magic Kingdom Park, which is home to classic attractions like “it’s a small world,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Space Mountain.” With its hallmark geodesic dome, EPCOT has a wide range of rides, including the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride, which is the first Disney coaster with a reverse launch. EPCOT is also where you’ll find the World Showcase, with authentic recreations of countries from around the world. Cinephiles will love Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which features multiple Star Wars rides and a full Toy Story Land. Finally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom pairs real animal exhibits with nature-inspired rides. 

Expert tips 

There are endless websites and blogs dedicated to sharing Disney tips and tricks, as well as plenty of travel advisors who specialize in crafting magical Disney vacations. However, here are a few of the basics. First, do your research. Plan your itinerary in advance to make sure you give yourself enough time to experience the attractions of greatest interest. Second, use Disney’s complimentary transportation. The park is massive so take the monorail, buses and boats to make it fast and easier to park hop. Finally, plan for long days. Ride lines are shortest first thing in the morning and late in the evening, after fireworks shows and other entertainment have ended. 

2. Universal Studios

Ready for more Orlando theme park fun? A complement to Disney World, Universal Studios boasts rides, shows and characters from a wide variety of blockbuster movies and TV shows. It’s perhaps best known for its Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but you’ll find attractions celebrating plenty of Hollywood stories, including Minions, ET, Men in Black, the Mummy and Transformers. 

Best time to visit

Like Walt Disney World Resort, non-holiday weeks and weekdays are your best bet for fewer crowds. Crowds also tend to be lower in September, after school is back in session. Keep in mind that, like Disney World, ticket prices for Universal Studios vary based on demand and increase as your visit date approaches, so be sure to plan ahead as much as possible. 

Can’t-miss attractions 

Universal Studios Florida has three separate parks, for which you can buy individual or bundled tickets. Fans of Harry Potter will want to be sure to visit both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as Diagon Alley is in one park and Hogsmeade is at the other (yes, you can take the Hogwarts Express to travel between the two). The third park is Universal’s Volcano Bay, an action-packed water park that’s the perfect place to cool off when the Florida heat becomes too much. 

Expert tips

Universal Studios Orlando has eight themed hotels on property. In addition to proximity to the parks via a shuttle or water taxi, guests of all Universal hotels get early park admissions. Gain entrance to either theme park an hour before the park gates open, or Volcano Bay 30 minutes early. Want even more? If you stay at one of the three Premier hotels on property, you’ll enjoy Universal Express Unlimited, which lets you skip the lines at many of the most popular attractions. 

3. The Everglades

Spanning an incredible 1.5 million acres, Florida’s Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers and active travelers have long flocked to the wild southern tip of Florida for its unique subtropical wetlands. Walk the old-growth cypress forest in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, take a 25-mile tram tour down the Gator Trail or take an airboat ride in search of manatees, flamingos, alligators, crocodiles and even the elusive Florida panther. 

Best time to visit

Aim to visit between December and April, when the weather is mild and the humidity is lower. During this dry season, daily highs are in the upper 70s and rain is minimal. These conditions are also ideal for spotting animals. You’ll probably want to steer clear in the months of May through August, when average highs soar past 90 degrees and humidity tops 90%. If that isn’t enough to dissuade you, there are also significant mosquitoes and biting flies during the summer months. Adventurous travelers sometimes opt to take their chances and visit during peak hurricane season, between September and November, in pursuit of deals and room to roam. 

Can’t-miss attractions

It’s smart to prioritize activities that give you the best opportunity to spot wildlife and gain an understanding of the Everglade’s unique ecosystem. Check out Anhinga Trail, a boardwalk that gives you a front-row seat to alligators, turtles and birds in their natural habitats. Big Cypress National Preserve is a great place to see diversity of landscape. Explore cypress swamps, hardwood forests and prairies on foot or from a kayak. 

Expert tips

The most important tip for an Everglades trip is to be prepared for the elements. Heat and humidity can be intense, so bring plenty of water, dress in lightweight, breathable layers and pack plenty of sunscreen. You’ll also want to bring mosquito repellent, especially if you visit during the wet season. 

4. Miami Beach

Just an hour from the rugged natural beauty of the Everglades but a world away, Miami Beach is a chic, cosmopolitan city that’s the hub for South Florida culture. Spend a weekend (or a lifetime!) in this South Florida escape and enjoy postcard-perfect beaches, classic Art Deco architecture, international cuisine and unmatched nightlife. 

Best time to visit

Like much of Florida, the best time to visit the Miami area is in the winter months. Between December and April, the weather is beautifully warm and dry, but without summer’s oppressive heat and humidity. Note that Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with activity peaking in the fall. If you plan to visit Miami Beach during hurricane season, be sure to pay attention to local news and weather alerts. 

Can’t-miss attractions

You can’t go wrong in Miami Beach. Connected to mainland Miami by a causeway, this beach outpost has vacation vibes, 24/7. Your first stop should be the beach itself, which boasts warm, turquoise waters and white sand. Want something more active? Rent a bicycle and pedal to the South Pointe Park and Pier for gorgeous views of the Miami skyline. Of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to Ocean Drive. Meander down this stretch of road during the daytime to marvel at the Art Deco architecture, then return at night for a lively and colorful nightlife scene. 

Expert tips

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from Miami Beach’s beautiful beaches, save some time to explore beyond the sand. The Miami metro area has a wide range of unique neighborhoods, from Little Havana with its rich Cuban heritage, to the stunning murals of Wynwood Walls, to the impossibly trendy Design District. 

5. The Florida Keys 

Paradise awaits in the Florida Keys, a string of islands that stretch southwest from the southern tip of Florida over 120 miles to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. The Florida Keys appeal to a wide range of travelers, including beachcombers, anglers, history buffs and anyone looking to relax and unwind with a slower pace of life. 

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit the Florida Keys depends on your interests and priorities. Generally speaking, the dry season between November and April is the best time to visit. The rainy season runs from May through October, during which time the islands get the vast majority of their yearly rainfall.For specific interests, here are some guidelines. The Keys are popular with anglers throughout the year, but April and May are the best months for catching big fish. You’ll find plenty of festivals from April through July. And, you’ll be less likely to blow your vacation budget if you stay in the Florida Keys during the rainy season, though it’s important to watch the forecast for hurricanes. 

Can’t-miss attractions

The archipelago that makes up the Florida Keys includes over 800 islands. You can drive from one end to the other on the Overseas Highway, which includes 42 bridges that connect the islands. Driving the length of the Keys is an attraction in its own right, but each island has its own vibe. Enjoy the convenience of Key West, just about an hour from Miami. Learn about marine life in Marathon. Snorkel or dive Alligator Reef, which sits on the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world. Or get away from it all in remote and romantic Key West. 

Expert tips

To gain a true appreciation of this idyllic island chain, be sure to eat local. Seafood is bountiful in the Keys, whether you’re enjoying conch fritters, grilled lobster tail, freshly caught mahi mahi or tropical fruits. The Caribbean influence is everywhere, in the form of jerk seasoning, coconut and plantains, among others. And since it’s vacation, be sure to enjoy the signature dessert of the Keys every night: key lime pie, with a graham cracker crust, tangy lime filling and a dollop of whipped cream. 

Make Florida your second hometown

Florida simply has too much to offer for a one-time vacation. Give yourself ample time to explore by becoming a second home owner in your favorite part of the Sunshine State. Pacaso puts vacation home ownership within reach with a unique co-ownership model that allows up to eight individuals to equitably share a luxury vacation home. Browse homes that are available now, or submit a home you have your eye on to Pacaso for consideration as a co-ownership property. 
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