The best places to visit in Florida will take you to cities, swamps, and just about everywhere in between. The Sunshine State is one of the most diverse in the country, so it’s no surprise that the top things to do in Florida come in a huge variety as well.
Read on to learn about the best things to do in South Florida and beyond.
Best Places to Visit in Florida: 8 Things to Do in Florida
1. Swimming Pigs Island
While it’s not technically in the Sunshine State, one of the best places to visit in Florida is Swimming Pigs Island, Bahamas.
Located around 258 miles away from Miami, Pig Island is in Exuma, a district of the country famous for pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and the Swimming Pigs.
Seeing the Swimming Pigs is a great option for anyone looking for things to do in South Florida.
While you can’t reach Pig Island by boat from Miami, flying by plane on a day trip makes it possible. Besides the Swimming Pigs, expect to also see:
- Nurse sharks
- Iguanas
- Sandbars
- Underwater caves
- An underwater plane wreck
- And much more!
Signing up for a Bahamas day trip is one of the best things to do in South Florida.
2. Miami
Miami is a cultural Mecca where crowds of all communities gather to appreciate the sun, surf, and sand. Because of that, it will always be one of the best places to visit in Florida.
From the artsy district of Wynwood to the seaside chaos of South Beach, Miami has a district that can appeal to just about anyone.
Likewise, the city is also great for different budgets. You can splurge in a beachside resort or downtown highrise or pinch pennies in a hostel or simple family hotel.
A visit to Miami is one of the many fun things to do in Florida.
3. Key West
South of Miami you’ll find Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States and another one of the best places to visit in Florida.
Key West is tiny but brimming with life. It’s a great place to enjoy an upbeat and lively beachside vacation.
As the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is one of the best places to visit in Florida.
Keep an eye out for different events throughout the year, as the island is famous for hosting concerts, parades, and more.
4. Florida Keys
Outside of Key West, travelers can explore four other distinct areas in the Florida Keys region:
- Key Largo
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- Big Pine and Lower Keys
As is the case with many of the fun things to do in Florida, you’ll find a huge amount of variety amongst these tiny islands. From fishing on Islamorada to snorkeling off of Key Largo, each area has something special to offer visitors.
5. Everglades National Park
Back on the Florida mainland, travelers looking for the best places to visit in Florida can’t miss out on Everglades National Park.
A 1.5 million-acre wetland preserve, Everglades National Park is a short drive away from Miami but home to several biomes, including coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods.
As you walk, trek, or kayak through the park, you have the opportunity to see all sorts of incredible animals, including alligators, crocodiles, waterbirds, panthers, turtles, and more.
6. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. It’s a great location to appreciate colonial-era architecture, as well as learn more about the culture and history of the state.
What makes the city one of the best places to go in Florida is the fact that it also offers access to beautiful beaches and nearby wildlife sanctuaries.
7. Orlando
As the capital of the Sunshine State, Orlando will always be one of the best places to visit in Florida.
While its landlocked location means it’s away from the coast, it’s easy to reach the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or South Florida to then enjoy a Pig Island tour.
Orlando also offers prime access to some of the top theme parks in the world. From Disney World to Universal Studios, the state capital is one of the best places to go in Florida.
Orlando is full of theme parks and other fun attractions, like the Orlando Eye.
8. Gulf Coast
If you’re looking for smooth, sandy beaches with calm water, the Gulf Coast is where you’ll want to go. While it’s a large area, two places you’ll want to visit are:
Pensacola
Pensacola offers visitors history, beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and more. The city is also one of the most walkable places in the state.
All of that makes it one of the best places to visit in Florida.
Destin
Destin might have some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. While they don’t quite match those of the Bahamas (especially the Exumas), you can find sugarwhite beaches and emerald water.
Besides lounging around the beaches, Destin is also a great place to go fishing. Its nickname is “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Fun Things to Do in Florida: Fly to the Bahamas
While there are many contenders for the best places to visit in Florida, one thing’s for certain: signing up for a Bahamas day trip is one of the most fun things to do in Florida.
Flying by plane lets you sightsee in the day and then return back to South Florida that same evening. You get to meet the Exuma Pigs and see many other local highlights.
Contact us to sign up for a Pig Island tour today!
