Best Places to Visit in Florida
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Florida with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Florida sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Florida that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Florida whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Mission San Luis
Tallahassee, FL
From 1656 to 1704, Mission San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital. At Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum walk the plaza where the Apalachee played their traditional ball games centuries ago. Visit the most important structure in the Apalachee village, the council house, and also stop at the home of the Spanish Deputy Governor. Pay respects at the Franciscan church and at the friary where the clergy lived. Hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer at the forge and encounter a soldier on guard at the Castillo de San Luis, the Mission’s fort. Then explore the gallery where 300-year-old artifacts excavated from on site are on display.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Fernandina Beach, FL
Dinosaur World
Plant City, FL
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Winter Park, FL
The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the artist and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. The Museum’s holdings also include American art pottery, late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics, decorative art.
Universal Studios Orlando Resort
Orlando, FL
Universal Studios Orlando Resort is well-known for its theme parks, rides, shows, shopping options, and dining options. The resort also currently offers a variety of vacation packages and accommodation rates in their hotel for every family.
Matheson Hammock Park
Coral Gables, FL
Matheson Beach is great for beginners, or those who simply enjoy a peaceful practice session. Matheson Hammock Park is a lovely scenic park with an unusual feature, a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. Its tranquil breeze-swept beach is a haven for families who enjoy its warm, safe waters and beautiful waterside views. Matheson is also a prime spot for Kite-Boarding. Its active breezes and calm shallow waters make launching easy. The park also has a full-service marina, snack bar and restaurant built into an historic coral rock building, picnic pavilions and nature trails. Matheson also contains a sailing and power boat school.
Museum of Science & Industry
Tampa, FL
Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is a scientific playground with more than 450 hands-on activities in the largest science center in the southeastern United States. MOSI’s innovative exhibits urge you to ask questions and expand your mind. They show you how cool curiosity can be, there are no tests or quizzes. They spark conversations about the world and the future among kids and their grandparents, between spouses, and with strangers. There’s no other place like it in Tampa Bay.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Orlando, FL
Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further their mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The gardens and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane.
Metropolitan Park
Jacksonville, FL
Metropolitan Park, is the First Coast’s premier recreational facility. Since its opening in 1984, this once vacant 27-acre facility offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer relaxing in the cool river breezes or listening to top-name entertainment at one of the many outdoor concerts, Metropolitan Park offers a variety of recreational amenities.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa, FL
Five-time winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2010-2015), Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. The Zoo originated in the 1930’s as a municipal department with a small number of Florida native species. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has now grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won accolades as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.