Discover 30 Stunning Destinations in Florida You Must Visit

Creating a list of the most picturesque locations in Florida poses a considerable challenge, primarily due to the abundance of stunning spots to highlight. Florida’s allure may manifest in man-made wonders, such as the vibrant streets of a Spanish colonial town, the iconic Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive, or the remote Fort Jefferson, encircled by coral reefs at the far western edge of the Florida Keys.

Moreover, Florida showcases remarkable natural beauty, from the expansive Everglades to pristine cypress swamps, mangroves, springs, sinkholes, and diverse beaches. Visitors can engage in various activities—such as diving, paddling, biking, driving, hiking, flying, or zipping across the waters in an airboat—while encountering dolphins, manatees, alligators, and a wealth of avian species flourishing in their natural habitats. Furthermore, the region’s warm subtropical climate enables the growth of exceptional gardens, flourishing with plants unique to certain locales across the globe.

Therefore, below is my selection of the most breathtaking destinations to explore in the Sunshine State:

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West concludes the Overseas Highway, yet the adventure doesn’t have to end there. This westernmost point of the Keys is an additional 70 miles away and accessible only by seaplane or boat.

Dry Tortugas National Park embodies a paradise for nature enthusiasts, boasting undisturbed coral reefs, a significant number of shipwrecks, and an impressive 19th-century coastal fortification, which commenced construction in 1847 yet remains unfinished.

Despite its historical significance, the park consists of 99% water, creating a mesmerizing expanse of azure when viewed from above, while underwater, a vibrant tapestry of marine life thrives.

Visitors can explore this biodiversity via a snorkeling trail around Garden Key, complemented by informational signs detailing the fragile reef ecosystems.

Fort Jefferson is composed of 16 million bricks and served as a prison for physician Samuel Mudd from 1865 to 1869, who was implicated in the Lincoln assassination and treated John Wilkes Booth’s injuries while he evaded capture.

2. Blue Spring State Park

This selection features several sites where manatees can be observed gracefully moving through the shallows. The first is Blue Spring State Park, recognized as a winter sanctuary for these gentle giants, a transformation achieved through dedicated conservation efforts.

Not long ago, only a few manatees undertook the annual journey along the St. John River to reach Blue Spring State Park; presently, over 720 can be found there.

The manatees are the main attractions at the park, observable during canoeing or kayaking excursions, as well as from guided river cruises.

Additionally, visitors can traverse the Pine Island Trail, which winds through a lagoon surrounded by a blend of hardwood hammock, scrub forest, and cypress swamp. It’s advisable to carry plenty of water and protect against insects when embarking on this hike.

3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Florida serves as an Eden for amateur botanists; however, if only one garden could be singled out for a visit, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota stands out as a top contender.

The garden’s collection of over 20,000 living plants originates from more than 150 expeditions to tropical regions, with its botanists having described or identified over 2,000 novel plant species.

Set on a tranquil bayfront site, visitors can stroll through a mangrove walkway, a bamboo garden, a fern garden, a rare outdoor butterfly garden, and banyan groves, as well as an enchanting tropical conservatory.

This conservatory features the Orchid Identification Center, nurturing around 6,000 orchids, with a particular emphasis on species found in Andean South America, Venezuela, Central America, and Mexico.

4. Amelia Island

A particularly stunning segment of Florida’s coastline resides near Jacksonville, where the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve meets the splendid Amelia Island. Named by the British in honor of a princess, this location offers a diverse array of attractions.

With 13 miles of sandy beach, a charming historic district encompassing 50 blocks, quaint bed and breakfasts, a plethora of dining options, and 99 holes of golf on breathtaking courses, Amelia Island offers something for everyone.

On the inland side lie ecologically sensitive marshlands, ideal for exploration via kayak or stand-up paddleboard, populated by egrets, herons, hawks, peregrine falcons, and ospreys.

5. Crystal River

For those like myself who relish the opportunity to interact with manatees, a visit to the Crystal River is essential. This river, sourced by springs, maintains a consistent temperature of 72°F, allowing the gentle herbivores to migrate upstream when temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico dip, seeking warmer waters on the aptly named Nature Coast in Central Florida.

Manatee season extends from mid-November to March, during which time the manatees congregate to mate, give birth, and nurture their young. Crystal River is among the few locations worldwide where swimming with manatees in their natural habitat is permissible.

Beyond manatee encounters, numerous activities await in the vicinity, from canoeing and kayaking to hiking through unspoiled forests and cycling along the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest paved trail in the state.

6. St. Augustine

Dating back to 1565, St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States.

The colonial downtown is a compact, walkable grid featuring brick streets, adorned with meticulously restored architecture that predates the nation itself.

Dominating the landscape are exquisite 19th-century hotels exhibiting Revivalist styles, three of which were established by industrialist Henry Flagler, who introduced the railroad to the city to attract affluent tourists. St. Augustine is still protected by the formidable Castillo de San Marcos.

Constructed from coquina limestone sourced locally, it stands as the oldest masonry fort within the continental United States, offering stunning views of the bay as well.

7. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Experience the elegance of the Gilded Age at this waterfront estate, which was constructed over several years for industrialist James Deering (1859-1925).

Completed in 1922, the villa drew inspiration from Tuscan and Venetian Renaissance architecture, seamlessly integrated into a combination of Italian Renaissance formal gardens and untouched native hammock, preserved intentionally by Deering.

Describing Villa Vizcaya as opulent would be an understatement. It encompasses more than 70 rooms adorned with European decorative arts spanning the 1400s to 1800s, while also incorporating modern amenities such as a dumbwaiter, a central vacuum system, and the inaugural telephone system in Miami-Dade County.

The formal gardens are exceptional as a fusion of Renaissance design and subtropical flora, culminating in a grand avenue that ascends to The Mound, where the Casino pavilion overlooks the estate.

8. Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

No exploration of beautiful locales in Florida would be complete without mentioning Ocean Drive, one of America’s most iconic streets, located in Miami Beach.

On one side lies the lush palms of Lummus Park, with the sandy beach extending beyond. Conversely, a continuous line of sleek Art Deco buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, adorned in soft pastel shades, graces the other side.

Showcased in numerous movies and television series, Ocean Drive is lined with hotels and restaurants/bars offering outdoor seating for observing life unfold in this glamorous area.

9. Henderson Beach State Park

Renowned for its sugar-white sand and shimmering emerald waters, the beaches surrounding Destin appear almost unreal.

My personal recommendation is Henderson Beach State Park, which not only offers stunning white sands and captivating surf but also protects a vital section of coastal ecosystems.

A boardwalk guides visitors through the dunes, which resemble snowy hills, with informative signs identifying various plant species thriving in this delicate environment.

The optimal time to visit the beach is early in the morning when the expansive sandy areas are usually uncrowded, providing an excellent opportunity to spot dolphins swimming near the shoreline.

10. Sanibel Island

Located off Fort Myers, Sanibel Island represents a subtropical haven accessible via a causeway constructed in the 1960s.

The island’s distinctive ecology has been steadfastly preserved, with more than two-thirds of its landmass designated as wildlife refuges.

The apex destination, favored by many, is the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge, situated by the bay and safeguarding a portion of the largest unspoiled mangrove system in the United States.

This incredible refuge supports approximately 230 bird species, including many migratory varieties, as well as manatees and alligators inhabiting this extraordinary area.

Additionally, Sanibel Island has earned recognition as the Shelling Capital of the World, a title further supported by the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, which features some of the largest and rarest shell specimens globally.

11. Blowing Rocks Preserve

While “rugged” may not typically come to mind when envisioning Florida, the Blowing Rocks Preserve unexpectedly showcases a segment of craggy limestone coastline juxtaposed against miles of soft, sandy beaches.

Located on Jupiter Island, here, the crashing Atlantic waves propel seawater through eroded openings, producing impressive misty plumes that can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

This natural spectacle occurs during high tide, while those exploring the dunes, mangroves, and maritime hammocks are encouraged to venture along the boardwalk, which accompanies the Indian River Lagoon, featuring informative signs on native flora and fauna.

12. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, managed by the National Audubon Society, is home to the largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress. A visit here is truly a journey into the heart of the Everglades, revealing a primeval forest filled with diverse wildlife.

Encounters with alligators are likely, along with possible sightings of cottonmouth snakes, red-bellied turtles, otters, and a variety of avian species, ranging from wintering painted buntings to endangered wood storks. A 2.25-mile boardwalk traverses a mosaic of habitats, including pinelands, wet prairies, marsh edges, and expansive cypress groves.

13. The Southernmost Point In Key West at Sunset

There are few locations across the globe where sunset rituals hold the same significance as they do in Key West. Its position at the southernmost tip of the Keys allows an uninterrupted view of the Gulf of Mexico, where yachts and distant island silhouettes grace the horizon. Though I cannot adequately articulate the vivid symphony of colors witnessed during this time, it is surely an experience that remains etched in memory for a lifetime.

An enchanting atmosphere envelops the city at sunset, characterized by a nightly festival at Mallory Square and couples cuddling on benches facing west at Fort Zachary Taylor. My personal favorite spot is the 12-foot buoy situated at the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, serving as a poignant reminder of one’s positioning at the edge of the nation.

14. Falling Waters State Park

The highest waterfall in the state, located in the northern region of Florida, is situated within a fascinating landscape of fern-lined sinkholes and towering trees. Falling Waters Falls descends 100 feet into one such sinkhole, replenishing an underwater river whose endpoint remains unknown.

An observation platform positioned midway down the sinkhole allows visitors to appreciate the delicate cascade of water amidst lush ferns and mosses. The trail leading to this viewpoint meanders past several smaller sinkholes, providing a bird’s eye perspective of these geological marvels.

15. Mount Dora

Nestled in Orlando’s northwestern expanse, this charming town offers a glimpse into Old Florida. Mount Dora was established in the 1870s, evolving into a beloved winter retreat drawing boaters, hunters, and anglers. The downtown area is easily navigable on foot, bustling with boutiques, antique shops, and a variety of eateries.

The sloping streets lead gracefully to the shores of Lake Dora where one can spot one of just three freshwater lighthouses in Florida.

Mount Dora also boasts a vibrant events calendar, featuring long-standing festivals such as the February Arts Festival, the March Sail Boat Regatta, and the October Bicycle Festival and Craft Fair.

16. The Kampong

My admiration for Florida’s tropical gardens knows no bounds, and The Kampong offers a captivating experience by the bay in Coconut Grove. Established in 1926, this nine-acre sanctuary was originally the estate of horticulturist and explorer David Fairchild (1869-1954), after whom the adjacent Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is named.

Fairchild is recognized for introducing tropical crops to America, and The Kampong serves as a lush homage to his legacy. This site features an abundance of exotic fruits, including 23 avocado varieties and 65 types of mango.

Visitors can admire flowering trees and rare tropical fruits, experience natural scents used in the fragrance industry, and relish a personal highlight—an enormous baobab tree roughly 90 years old. The Kampong functions as a living classroom, hosting collections studied by scientists worldwide while serving as the mainland campus for the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

17. South Pointe Park In Miami Beach

Positioned along the Government Cut channel at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, this remarkable park was landscaped in the 1980s and offers picturesque views in almost every direction. From this vantage point, one can gaze upon the towering structures lining the South Beach coastline, the skyline of downtown Miami, and Fisher Island across the channel.

To the east, one finds the vast Atlantic Ocean, with a promenade extending along a pier beside the breakwater, providing an ideal panorama of the surroundings. Consequently, this remains one of my preferred locations to witness the sun setting in Miami, with the enticing stretch of beachfront beckoning by day.

Another compelling reason to visit is the opportunity to watch impressive cruise ships departing from the Port of Miami, making everything around them appear diminutive by comparison.

18. Salvador Dalí Museum

It may surprise you to learn that the second-largest collection of works by the illustrious Surrealist Salvador Dalí resides in a museum located in St. Petersburg. This museum relocated to a new facility in the 2000s, characterized by a spherical glass skylight protruding from a concrete cube structure, forming a 75-foot high atrium.

The Salvador Dalí Museum possesses the most extensive collection of the artist’s masterpieces globally, featuring pieces such as “Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man” (1943) and “The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory” (1952-1954) among my personal favorites.

With nearly 100 of Dalí’s paintings, the collection is regularly rotated and illuminated through augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence technology to enhance the visitor experience.

19. Shark Valley Observation Tower

Located deep within the Everglades and accessible via the Tamiami Trail, a notable dip in the landscape can be found at the Shark River’s head. Shark Valley is characterized by expansive sawgrass prairies that become submerged during the rainy season.

As expected, the valley is rich in biodiversity, serving as a habitat for ibis, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, alligators, and a multitude of amphibian species.

A sleek, modern 65-foot observation tower provides sweeping 360-degree views, regarded as the finest in the Everglades, extending up to 20 miles over prairies and tropical hardwood forests. Visitors can opt to explore three trails originating from the Visitor Center, including a paved loop frequently used by the tourist tram, which offers an illuminating two-hour tour of the valley.

20. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

In 1923, the New York financier Alfred B. Maclay acquired an estate in Tallahassee and, along with his wife Louise, dedicated decades to cultivating one of the most stunning ornamental gardens I’ve encountered.

Established as a state park in the 1950s, the gardens are regarded as a masterwork of botanical design, celebrated for their vibrant azaleas and camellias. The prime time to witness these flowers in bloom is during the early months of the year, leading up to May. Visitors will encounter a walled garden, a brick pathway, a reflection pool, and a delightful secret garden along the way.

Additionally, the park serves as a venue for active recreation, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling excursions. With over 10 miles of biking paths, roughly half of which are shared-use, hikers can dive into the surrounding deep woods encircling the primary lake of the estate.

21. Hollywood Beach

For a well-developed beach experience offering everything necessary for a relaxing day along the Atlantic Coast, Hollywood Beach is hard to surpass.

This expansive stretch of soft white sand meets the soothing ocean surf and extends as far as the eye can see along the coast. Positioned between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is renowned for its acclaimed 2.5-mile long brick-paved boardwalk.

This promenade, affectionately known as the “Broadwalk”, serves as a lively thoroughfare frequented by joggers, walkers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers, while also leading visitors to a variety of waterfront attractions, including a children’s water playground and the Hollywood Beach Theatre.

22. Cape St. George Light

The Cape St. George Light has undergone a rebirth, having moved multiple times due to the vulnerability of the western end of St. George Island off the Florida Panhandle. Within 20 years of its completion in 1833, the lighthouse underwent reconstruction and was relocated twice. After enduring decades of sand erosion and hurricanes, the Cape St. George Light succumbed to the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.

However, this did not mark the end of its story. Much of the masonry from the structure was salvaged from the waters, allowing this magnificent building to be relocated to a more sheltered position at the end of FL-300 in the center of the island.

Perched above the soft sandy beach, framed by palm trees, the light stands with an air of permanence, offering delightful views across this long stretch of land from its lantern. Visitors should not miss the chance to explore the keeper’s cottage museum, showcasing artifacts from the original lighthouse, alongside a selection of gifts crafted by local artists.

23. Big Cypress National Preserve

Adjoining the Everglades to the north and west lies an extensive cypress swamp, with approximately 730,000 acres overseen by the National Park System. This vital habitat is essential for the overall health of the Everglades and serves as a refuge for unique species such as the endangered Florida panther, the ghost orchid, and the more prevalent American alligator.

While many merely traverse the area via I-75 or US 41, adventurous visitors will discover a plethora of activities to engage in.

Options include driving, paddling, and hiking beneath the towering trees on shorter journeys or extended expeditions, accompanied by intriguing interpretative programs.

For an added experience, consider participating in a ranger-led astronomy program, providing a rare opportunity to explore one of the darkest skies in the eastern United States through a telescope.

24. Naples Pier

A remarkable landmark symbolizing Florida’s resilience against natural calamities, Naples Pier extends over 1,000 feet into the Gulf, holding significant historical importance as the entry point for settlers and materials upon the establishment of Naples in the late 19th century.

During the late afternoon, the pier takes on a picturesque silhouette against the setting sun, easily accessible from Municipal beach, and providing an avenue to experience one of Florida’s most extraordinary sunsets.

Although severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022, reconstruction efforts are already in motion.

25. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The contribution of newspaper editor John Pennekamp to the preservation of Florida’s natural heritage is significant; he played a key role in the establishment of Everglades National Park and later helped protect the underwater beauty off Key Largo by creating the first underwater park in the United States in 1963.

The reef serves as a vibrant natural playground for scuba diving, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat excursions, showcasing stunning wildlife at every turn. An iconic image linked to the park is the Christ of the Deep statue—a remarkable 4,000-pound, 8.5-foot statue of Christ submerged 25 feet deep since 1990.

26. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida, located in Jacksonville, was established in the late 1950s when Ninah Cummer bequeathed her estate and impressive art collection to a foundation for the creation of a museum. Over the years, the collection has expanded significantly and now includes works by notable artists such as Rubens, Rockwell, and Winslow Homer.

In addition to the art, the riverfront gardens enhance the appeal of this destination. Spanning 1.5 acres, this tranquil oasis amid a bustling city features a formal Italian Garden, picturesque brick paths, cascading azaleas in the English Garden, and the Olmsted Garden, designed by the acclaimed landscape architects.

Florida abounds with majestic old live oaks, and in my opinion, none surpass the 200-year-old oak that presides over the gardens, with a breathtaking span of nearly 140 feet.

27. The Ancient Spanish Monastery

Visitors can step into a fragment of Medieval Spain nestled along the Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach. The St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church features an entire 12th-century Cistercian cloister, which resurfaced in the 1960s after being shipped from Spain in the 1920s.

Characterized by its round Romanesque arches and elegantly carved capitals, the cloister was purchased in Segovia under questionable circumstances by publisher William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951). His ambitious plan to reconstruct the monastery in New York faced financial setbacks, resulting in the dismantled stonework remaining in a Brooklyn warehouse for decades.

Ultimately, in the 1950s, a new owner meticulously reassembled the complex during the 1950s and 1960s. Time magazine once referred to it as “the largest jigsaw puzzle in history”, and today it stands as a serene enclave featuring lush gardens and a museum displaying various Medieval artifacts.

28. Hillsboro Inlet Light

Located at the northern end of Hillsboro Inlet in Pompano Beach, this maritime landmark captivates visitors with its historical significance. Declared hazardous for navigation in the late 19th century, the framework lighthouse, standing 132 feet tall, was erected in 1907.

The light is exceptionally robust, with a range extending to 28 nautical miles (32 miles). Since its construction, the lighthouse, accompanied by charming outbuildings tucked in among the palm trees, has retained its historical integrity.

Unless one visits during one of its open days, which occur four times each year, access to the lighthouse is limited due to its positioning within the private Hillsboro Club.

However, there are numerous accessible viewpoints that provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly on the south side of the inlet at Fisherman’s Point or at Hillsboro Inlet Park by SR A1A, where a small museum dedicated to the lighthouse is located.

29. Boneyard Beach

Situated not far from Jacksonville, an ethereal landscape unfolds at the Big Talbot Island State Park. Boneyard Beach, adorned with the bleached remains of oaks and cedars, serves as a testament to coastal erosion.

This location is not appropriate for typical beach activities such as swimming. Instead, Boneyard Beach serves as a prime spot for photographers, with its skeletal limbs appearing particularly haunting in the soft light following sunrise.

Extending for over a mile, visitors will enjoy traversing through roots and trunks. Besides creating an otherworldly atmosphere, this cluster of driftwood plays a crucial role in preventing further erosion of the bluff, functioning as a natural breakwater.

30. Silver Springs State Park

In conclusion, my list culminates near the beginning; Silver Springs State Park holds the distinction of being Florida’s inaugural commercial tourist attraction, dating back to the 1870s when visitors from the North arrived by steamship.

Feeding into the river of the same name, Silver Springs constitutes the largest artesian spring globally. Given its long-standing tourism significance, the springs remain undeveloped and became a state park in the 2010s.

Visitors can partake in the classic Victorian experience by taking a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the diverse wildlife thriving in the springs’ crystal-clear waters. For those seeking more independence, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available, along with 15 miles of scenic trails.