The Big 2023: Top 23 Attractions of the Sunshine State
There is zero shortage of amazing, exciting, and special things to do in the lovely Sunshine State. It can feel a little overwhelming to travelers trying to plan their vacations but luckily our list of the top 23 attractions is here to help!
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Tampa
An African-themed theme park there are rides and animals not much more to ask for! There is a train throughout the park and ample areas to take a break ad rest in the shade. A must-see- there are Emus and Kangaroos visitors can touch. An all-around, everything theme park this is the perfect place if a vacation can’t be broken out into a visit to a theme park and a zoo.
Buschgardens.com/tampa
2. Butterfly World – Fort Lauderdale
Butterfly World is a tropical adventure and bird park where guests can wander through six outdoor, screened in aviaries with over 20,000 live butterflies and free flying tropical birds. See domestic, rare, and exotic birds in the Jewels of the Sky Aviary and Tropical Bird Aviary. Immerse yourself in a blooming garden paradise with one of the largest collections of flowering plants, vines, and trees in the world. Learn about butterfly conservation, research, and the efforts to save endangered butterflies. Take gorgeous and memorable photos among the waterfalls, flowering plants, and roses.
butterflyworld.com
3. Ocean Drive – Miami Beach
The main road through South Beach. Its Art Deco feel has been featured in many famous films including The Birdcage and Scarface to name a few. The setting for the epic video game Grand Theft Auto means everyone will recognize a few landmarks. With magazines named for the famed street and too many delicious and infamous restaurants to name, a day and night – or 3 – will be over before you can blink!
www.miamiandbeaches.com
4. Norton Museum of Art – West Palm Beach
Gorgeous from the moment it comes into sight, illustrious is an understatement. Home to 1000s upon 1000s exceptional pieces hours can be spent here. 2022 is featuring Mexican Modernism highlighting epic artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Norton.org
5. Elliott Museum – Stuart
On the tiny Hutchinson Island, you will find inventor Sterling Elliott’s namesake, a museum home to beautiful and rare vintage automobiles, works by Americana artists, baseball memorabilia, and the genius Changing Exhibitions Gallery – always something new. A man before his time, Elliott fought for freedoms and turned his work into solutions. With a huge array of things to do and see, don’t forget to ride in the elevator - it just may be the highlight!
hsmc-fl.com/elliott-museum
6. Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club - Tampa
A prohibition-era style cocktail bar the bartenders not only know how to make a mean drink - they were trained in Europe. The 1920s feel is elevated by the prolific and rich feeling décor. Want a little more privacy while sharing tapas? Simply pull the drape on your booth for a more intimate feel. And don’t forget – you’ll get that evening’s password for entry upon making reservations! It might even be a shave-and-a-haircut.
Cirostampa.com
7. Palm Beach Zoo – West Palm Beach
The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society is the top-notch zoo experience in the state. A non-profit, the zoo 's benefactors' multiple parts of the world. More than 190 species call the zoo home from a sweet-looking sloth to the startling white alligator. In addition, there is a splash pad-like fountain play at the new Nature Pavilion for grownups and kids alike!
Palmbeachzoo.org
8. Amelia Island State Park – Amelia Island
All Florida beaches are beautiful and hold their unique flair, Amelia Island State Park just so happens to be the only beach in Florida that allows horseback riding – and right in the surf. For family fun or a wonderfully romantic activity, being taken for a stroll by one of these gorgeous animals will have everyone feeling special.
Floridastatepark.org
9. Miami City Ballet - Miami
It’s hard to convey the elegance and grace of a ballet, the emotion, and depth at which a performance can have. An evening at the Miami City Ballet will set up a feeling of elegance and grandeur that few entertainments events can. Headquartered in Miami, the Miami City Ballet has three magnificent performance centers in the state – aside from Miami, there is one in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palme Beach. Each regal and stunning in construction.
Miamicityballet.org
10. Florida Horse Country - Ocala
The regal and majestic horse radiates and an equally calm and fierce spirit. Those who enjoy horseback riding – or even horseback looking – will enjoy the multiple horse farms in Marion County. Known for producing some of the finest champions in the world, Ocala has riding, equestrian shows, and events, tours, and venues for use. One of the more beautiful and special places in Florida, Ocala will not disappoint.
Ocalamarion.com
11. The Vandenberg – Key West
An artificial reef 6 miles off the coast, the Hoyt S. Vandenberg was initially an Army vessel by a different name before acquiring and renamed by the Navy. A lengthy history is attached to the service and life of the ship. Now a top spot for divers, its legacy lives on underwater.
Keywest.com/vandenburg
12. Bioluminescent Kayaking - Melbourne
On the Indian River Lagoon in “Bioluminescent Bay” lays an adventure that seems like a fantasy from childhood. With many tours available, the best way to see the small lights are to be close to them hence clear kayaks. The light seen is created by creatures of all kinds caused by a – very cool – chemical reaction in their body. Available only under the beautiful night sky this is sure to be a magical endeavor.
Gokayaking.com
13. Venetian Pool – Coral Gables
Only in the chic suburb of Coral Gables will the public pool be something made for Greek Gods. Carved out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, there are all the pool amenities found at a resort – from grottos to waterfalls – a regular day at the pool will feel opulent.
Coralgables.com
14. Spring Training – multiple cities
It’s not secret Major League baseball has many, many teams in Florida for Spring Training. Known as the Grapefruit League, Florida's ballparks all have their own vibe and allow visitors unmatched access to players, coaches, and intimate dynamics related to fan's favorite team or teams. With 15 major league teams to choose from fans can enjoy one, two, or try to see them all!
Mlb.com
15. Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach
The famed race is as long as it sounds – 500 miles around the Daytona International Speedway. For an unparalleled experience aim for tickets in the Sprint Tower. An adrenaline-filled event, a visit to the Speedway does not only have to occur on race day. Touring the facilities allows for time to see drivers' actual hand impressions, captivating memorabilia and - of course – time to shop.
Daytonainternationalspeedway.com
16. The Smithsonian Exhibit at S.t Lucie County Aquarium – Ft. Pierce
A trip to Washington DC is not needed to visit The Smithsonian. At the St Lucie County Aquarium, The Smithsonian has come to Florida. More than the average fish tank the exhibits are model ecosystems - marine and estuarine ecosystems to be exact! There is seagrass, mangroves, lagoons and many more to educate and allow visitors to see these fascinating natural occurrences up close. A must-see for any aquatic fan!
Stlucieco.gov
17. The Turtle Hospital - Marathon
A non-profit dedicated to rescuing and saving injured and sick turtles. Begun in the late 1980s, the hospital has saved almost 2,000 turtles. A tour with a rehabilitation specialist takes about 90 minutes and allows visitors to see these gentle creatures being nourished back to health. At the culmination of the tour, guests can feed some of the healthier members of the hospital. A real treat for those wanting to support a local organization doing some fantastic work!
Turtlehospital.org
18. Devil’s Den - Williston
A home to manatees during the winter, Devil’s Den was created when a roof over a subterranean river collapsed. Privately owned it has been transformed into a diver’s paradise. Home to fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age, one can see why this is now an incredibly sought-after location for those wanting to see the rock formations and natural beauty occurring in this incredible Spring.
Devilsden.com
19. Cape Romano Domes Homes - The Thousand Islands
Near Marco Island, these white concrete structures were built by forward-thinking businessman insistent corners were a waste of space inside and out. Intended to withstand hurricanes, they did - Hurricane Andrew, Wilma, and Irma. The homes are now the property of the state with their fate still up for debate – save the domes!
Fws.gov
20. John Pennekamp Coral State Park - Key Largo
Any early 2000s techno-rock fan will remember the cover God Lives Underwater fans debut album cover, Empty, featuring the Christ of the Abyss statue. While possibly the most famous reason to go, not the only - it was the first underwater state park in America.
Pennenkamppark.com
21. The Ringling in Sarasota
Built by John Ringling for his lovely wife, the jaw-droppingly gorgeous and astounding property is home to events, archives, and museums on an echelon not known to many. Home to the official state art museum there is so much to see here before you get to the fascinating circus memorabilia. Great for all ages!
Ringling.org
22. Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West
It’s always fun to be reminded how close and how far we are from where we are located. The southernmost buoy- while kitschy - is a fun bucket item list or at least Key West to-do for most people. Grab a photo, try and find Cuba then go have a drink on Duval!
Keywest.com
23. Dinosaur World in Plant City
Dinosaur World is the world’s largest dinosaur attraction, with over 200 life size dinosaurs in our outdoor museum with interactive exhibits. Pan for real minerals and gemstones at the new Dino Gem Mine and crack your own geode at the Geode Cracker. Children can dig for fossils at the Fossil Dig and keep their favorite three. Learn what it takes to be a Paleontologist at the Exploration Cave Show and try your hand at Dino-Trivia at the Triviasaurus Rex Game Show.
