Top 25 Attractions
In every area of Florida, you will find completely different but equally exciting attractions that range from airboat rides and swimming with dolphins to luxury hotels and splendid estates. While it’s hard to choose one over the other, these are our picks for Florida’s Top 25 Attractions.
Airboat Adventures
Imagine racing through the swamplands of the scenic Everglades, skimming across the surface on a speeding airboat, the warm Florida breeze whipping through your hair and the gentle spray of the water misting across your face. The airboat slows down as your guide tells you, through your headset, about the beautiful plants and birds you see. Maybe you’ll even spot an alligator! Is there a more thrilling way to tour the Everglades? We think not. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours is one of many fine airboat tour groups that can take you on a wild ride through the Everglades to see alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and unique tropical plants.
captainmitchs.com
Contemporary Luxury
The new 24-acre, 199-unit Isla Bella Beach Resort, at mile marker 47 at Marathon’s Seven Mile Bridge, features 199 luxury ocean view rooms & suites with large outdoor living areas, four restaurants & bars, five pools, 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor & outdoor celebration space, marina, fitness center, full-service spa & nearly a mile of breathtaking waterfront. Not only is this forward-thinking, luxurious resort a completely smoke-free campus, it is also pet-friendly!
islabellabeachresort.com
Treasure Pleasure
While just a short drive from the bustling urban environments of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is an ideal beach destination, with expansive beaches made of sugary white sand and warm, gentle Gulf waves. A recently-renovated beach walk lines the sands, perfect for making your way to nearby beach bars, restaurants, and shops. You could certainly lay out in the sun all day, but we recommend checking out the local watersports like parasailing, boating, and Jet Skiing. Having long been a beach vacation destination, Treasure Island has a charming collection of classic hotels and vacation rentals that are interspersed with luxurious resorts.
treasureislandflorida.org
Swim with Dolphins
If you thought that only fantasy princesses swam with dolphins - you’d be wrong! You, too, can take a dive into adventure with these friendly finned creatures when you visit Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo. Located on the bay side of the island, this attraction lets you interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a unique and stimulating environment. Perfect for dolphin lovers of any age, you can choose between a structured swim and a shallow water encounter. The swim takes you into deeper waters to experience the speed and agility of the dolphins as you swim, enjoy dorsal tows, “handshakes,” and even kisses!
dolphinsplus.com
Surf Cocoa Beach
One of the most popular surf areas in Florida, Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s destination with forgiving waves, surf schools, and has produced champion surfers like 11-time ASP World Tour Champion, Kelly Slater, whose bronze statue graces Cocoa Beach’s main thoroughfare, A1A. You can learn more about Kelly and other wave-riders at the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves and documents the unique history and culture of Florida surfing through exhibits, events, and programs. The museum is part of the world-famous (and world’s largest) Ron Jon Surf Shop, open 24 hours a day.
Lighthouse Views
While there are several intriguing lighthouses to see in Florida, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is one of the last complete large light stations remaining in the U.S., and has been kept beautifully intact for you to experience what it was like to live and work at the lighthouse; in fact, the lighthouse remains a working private aid to navigation to this day. It was completed in 1887, and is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. You can even climb the 203 steps to the top for an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean, inlet and inland waters.
ponceinlet.org
Space Adventure
Get your family vacation to really “take off” with a trip to one of the most out-of-this-world attractions: The Kennedy Space Center! Become an honorary space explorer as you view the $100 million Atlantis shuttle exhibit, visit launch areas, meet veteran astronauts, train in spaceflight simulators, walk through new rotating exhibits, live the experience with a five-story 3D presentation in the IMAX theater, journey through the magical Rocket Garden, and more. Imagine the heart-racing delight of seeing a rocket launch from the center’s viewing platform.
kennedyspacecenter.com
Sunset Tradition
When visiting Key West, you may hear friendly passerby say, “See you at sunset!” - this is because each evening, hundreds of people gather in the iconic Mallory Square two hours before sunset to begin a celebration of the day - the Key West Sunset Celebration. A tradition and view that has been witnessed by the likes of Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams, this is a can’t-miss festival that includes the talents of magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, and artists, and offers delicious food from local vendors.
mallorysquare.com
Orlando’s Icon
A visit to the shopping, dining, and entertainment center at ICON Orlando 360 is a thrill in and of itself, even if you didn’t ride its towering observation wheel - which is essentially an enormous ferris wheel, built specifically using an A-frame structure that will not block a single view for riders (hence the addition of “360” to its title - referring to the experience of 360-degree views). The center features shops offering clothes, accessories, gifts, and more. The main attraction is the 400 foot tall observation wheel, which is the tallest on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The wheel provides you with unobstructed views of the center, International Drive, and downtown Orlando.
iconorlando.com
Shop ’til You Drop
Fifth Avenue South in Downtown Naples calls to the avid shoppers, retail aficionados, and bargain hunters of the world. The historic architecture of Old Florida lends to the charm of this retail area, and having long been shopping destination, many of the stores here are locally owned and operated. If you can’t see all the shops in one day, don’t worry - you can always come back! In fact, shopping here is so popular that some hotels and resorts even offer shopping packages.
fifthavenuesouth.com
The Best Beach
If you consider yourself a beach lover, you have to visit Siesta Key Beach, which is so stunningly beautiful that it has one numerous awards, including the nation’s best - more than once! Huge expanses of powdery white sand will squeak beneath your feet, and a slight gradient from beach to waves makes it perfect for wading and for small children. The kids will also enjoy the new playground located at one of the two recently-renovated beach facilities, which include concessions. This beach is surrounded by all kinds of accommodations, and is just a short walk or bicycle ride from Siesta Village.
Your Home Away from Home
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa has always prided itself on being an upscale, residential-style accommodation that lets guest feel like they’re living in a luxurious home-away-from-home. A recent, multi-million dollar renovation saw updates to all 287 guest rooms and suites, public areas, and meeting and event spaces. The resort has also added 37 new suites, with fully equipped kitchens and balconies, as well as guest rooms with balcony doors that open up to the pool deck.
clearwaterbeach.regency.hyatt.com
A Mysterious Castle
Just a short drive south of Miami is Coral Castle in Homestead. Perhaps one of the most unique and mysterious places you will ever visit, the castle is shrouded in rumors and speculation about how it came to be built in the first place. Coral Castle features enormous sculptures made of coral rock - totaling over 1,100 tons - and was constructed by the very elusive Ed Leedskalnin, who built it at nighttime, in secret, from 1923 to 1951. There were no witnesses to tell how this small man, brilliant as he was, put together such structures as the castle’s nine ton gate, or huge Polaris telescope.
coralcastle.com
Experience Dali
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg cares for and shares an expertly curated collection of Salvador Dali works to delight and educate their visitors and to provide unique inspiration for events, programs and special exhibits. The Museum contains the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Europe, housed in a completely unique facility whose facade resembles a Dali work itself. In addition to the famous works by Dali, the Museum serves as an active resource in the cultural life of the St. Petersburg community and the world at large.
thedali.org
Diver’s Paradise
A trip to the Miami area isn't complete without a stop in Key Biscayne, just a short – and gorgeous – drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway from the big city. From sunny beaches to the Ritz-Carlton resort, Biscayne offers all the allure of South Florida on a tiny sliver of land. Key Biscayne has terrific beaches and the added appeal of being sandwiched between two major parks and also offers a nearby coastal barrier reef and the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the United States: the Maritime Heritage Trail.
miamiandbeaches.com
Live in LEGOLAND
Embark on a multi-day adventure with a trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, just a short drive from Orlando. Spanning 150 acres, the interactive theme park features over 50 rides, shows and attractions, a world-famous botanical garden, plus the five acre LEGOLAND Water Park. In addition to the theme park, LEGOLAND offers two hotels: LEGOLAND Florida Hotel, which is just steps from the entrance of the park and sports interactive areas, LEGO sculptures, and more; and the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, which offers a village-style layout of brightly colored, beach-themed bungalows just a half hour from the park.
vacations.legoland.com
Botanical Paradise
Located on the beautiful tropical paradise island of Key West, the Key West Botanical Gardens showcase the natural flora and fauna of the Florida Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean, and emphasizes cultivation of threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys. This is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States, with a tropical environment with ample rain that allows most trees to retain their leaves even in the dry season - meaning no matter when you visit, the garden will be full of colorful blooms. keywest.garden
Extravagant Estate
Named after one of the most captivating shorelines on the Spanish coast, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context. The home’s builder, James Deering, established his Renaissance-inspired estate at the heart of Miami’s tropical hardwood hammock. The greatest of photographs cannot convey the serenity of Vizcaya’s ten acres of gardens. In many ways, the Formal Gardens resemble the layout of France’s Versailles. Low, trimmed shrubs organize walkways into mesmerizing, geometric patterns. Thick columns, lush mazes and classical statues also lend to its European aesthetic; but Vizcaya uniquely embraces its tropical surroundings as well.
vizcaya.org
Endless Summer
Key West’s 24 North Hotel provides the feeling of an “endless summer” with its tropical beauty and tranquil setting. ]A 12,105-square-foot Sunset Green, located between 24 North and The Gates hotels, has outdoor concert and event space for 1,200. The breezy boutique hotel has a Latitude Supply & Co. convenience store, pool and two food and beverage venues.
24northhotels.com
Road Tripper Heaven
Packed with history, nature, and scenic backroads, Martin County is a hidden gem of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. This is one of the last places to enjoy the great outdoors - this area not only offers tranquil beaches but also lush pastures, tree-lined backroads, and charming small towns that make it a favorite for roadtrippers.
discovermartin.com
Circus Estate
Perhaps one of the grandest arts and culture attractions in Sarasota is The Ringling. The 66-acre estate includes an historic mansion, a rose garden, a circus museum, and the historic Asolo Theatre; plus the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, featuring 21 galleries of European, American, and Asian masterpieces with an international reputation. The grounds have many more surprises such as the secret garden where the circus king himself rests and are free for guests to enjoy.
ringling.org
Hollywood Arts
A visit to the Art and Culture Center Hollywood will give you a sense of this city’s way of life - combining old and new to make something special in the present. Mediterranean Revival style building is home to the Center’s exhibitions featuring contemporary visual arts exhibitions, or new art. A visit to the Center will provide you with as many as six exhibitors, with five ground-floor gallery spaces and a Student Gallery on the second floor, which presents a new exhibition each month by students. The Center offers contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and high-quality education programs for adults and children, and is an important part of the Hollywood community.
artandculturecenter.org
Modernized Resort
The Anna Maria Beach Resort on beautiful Anna Maria Island combines luxury with the island’s tranquil location to bring you a uniquely Anna Maria resort experience. It has been fully renovated just about a year ago to offer a combination of 31 suites and deluxe and standard rooms, all completely modernized. Rooms on the second level feature 10 ft. ceilings and private balconies, and ground level rooms provide private patios. The resort pool has gotten a facelift as well, and now features a zero entry area and sitting shelves, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and a hot tub to cozy into in the evenings.
annamaria.com
Alligator Adventure
Opening their doors in 1893, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of the oldest attractions in the area (and, quite possibly, the state). The original owners began this attraction with their own collection of alligators, and it has grown to become a beloved animal adventure. Enjoy educational shows that teach as well as entertain. The farm offers an intriguing zipline and aerial adventure course called “Crocodile Crossing.” Guests can coast at eye-level with exotic birds and dangle above crocodiles on one of two courses that reach up to 60 feet high!
alligatorfarm.com
Zoo Explorations
At Brevard Zoo in Melbourne you can kayak through Africa or zipline through South America. Adventure around animal exhibits and see the residents themselves up-close and personal. Let a giraffe eat right from your hand, pet a gentle rhino, or have colorful parrots land on your arms. Brevard Zoo is home to more than 650 animals representing more than 165 species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Explore each habitat by walking along shaded boardwalks surrounded by lush, unspoiled Florida, paddle-boat around the 22-acre restored wetlands area in the Wild Florida exhibit, or kayak around the 10 acre Expedition Africa exhibit. In the summer months you can cool off in the Indian River Play Lagoon or the touch tank in the “Paws on Play” area for kids. To get the wind in your hair, zoom through the “Treetop Trek,” a thrilling zip line and obstacle course.
brevardzoo.org
