The Best Things to Do in Florida

Florida isn’t just Mickey ears and Cinderella castles.  It’s a playground for everyone, from wildlife lovers and beach bums to space enthusiasts and night owls.

From sipping cocktails in an art deco bar in Miami, watching rockets blast into space, lounging on a dreamy beach on the Gulf coast, or skimming across sawgrass in the Everglades spotting alligators, this state has a lot to offer beyond the parks. And it’s not called the ‘Sunshine State’ for nothing – it’s a great all-year-round destination.

 

TL;DR: Best Bits of Florida

 

• The Everglades: Wildlife spotting, airboat rides, and incredible landscapes
• Orlando: Theme park magic, family fun, and shop-til-you-drop malls
• The Florida Keys: Beachy heaven, island hopping, and spectacular sunsets
• The Atlantic Coast: Bodyboarding, lively piers, and space exploration
• The Gulf Coast: Powder-soft sand, gentle waters, and laid-back R&R
• Miami: Art Deco glamour, lively culture, and stylish dining & nightlife
• Augustine: Historic streets, Spanish charm, and old-world atmosphere

 

The Everglades: Wildlife spotting & Airboat adventures

The Everglades is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s not a swamp, as many people think, but a slow-moving ‘river of grass’ that spreads across 1.5 million acres of southern Florida. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only place where crocodiles and alligators live side-by-side in the wild. Added to that, over 360 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and more than 300 species of freshwater and saltwater fish – it’s easy to see why it’s often called one of the world’s great ecosystems.

There are several ways to experience the Everglades.  The classic approach is by airboat ride (think Gentle Ben, if you’re old enough to remember!). Skimming across the sawgrass, you’ll have a guide who knows exactly where to spot wildlife and can help you spot alligators, turtles, herons and egrets hiding in the landscape.  If you prefer something quieter, a kayak or canoe trip lets you glide more gently through the mangroves and narrow waterways.  If you’d like to keep your feet on terra firma, the Anhinga Trail is a 1-mile walking trail where you’re almost guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds. Cycling is another option, and Shark Valley (not home to any sharks, by the way!) features a 15-mile loop with an observation tower at the halfway point, offering great views across the sawgrass.

Top tip: If you don’t have time to venture all the way to the Everglades on your Florida holiday, Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) near Kissimmee offers a taste of it, with airboat rides and opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife just a short drive from Orlando.

 

Orlando: Disney Magic & Shopping

We can’t talk about Florida without mentioning theme parks – and Orlando is the heart of it all. Once you’ve experienced how the Floridians do theme parks, you’ll never look at Alton Towers in quite the same way!

Disney alone is vast, and tickets are usually sold in blocks of 7 or 14 days, which often means you have to decide whether to focus solely on Disney or mix it up with other parks.  Walt Disney World has four separate parks: Magic Kingdom (classic Disney magic, complete with Cinderella’s Castle), EPCOT (a mix of technology, futuristic rides and the classic ‘around the world’ area), Hollywood Studios (all things film-based) and Animal Kingdom (part wildlife park, part theme park).  Universal Orlando is the other giant, with Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the new Epic Universe. Across the parks you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon with a plethora high-tech rides, incredible shows, parades and street performers.  SeaWorld is another option, and if you’re visiting in summer, a water park is a great way to have fun and keep cool at the same time.  Disney has two waterparks – Typhoon Lagoon, with its giant wave pool, and Blizzard Beach, a snow-themed park. Universal has Volcano Bay, while SeaWorld has Aquatica and Discovery Cove where you can snorkel and swim with dolphins.

Orlando isn’t just about theme parks though – it’s also a shopper’s paradise. Take your pick from the Mall at Millenia, the Florida Mall, Premium Outlets, and more.  There are almost endless shops where you can find big-name discounts – and all in air conditioned comfort!

 

The Florida Keys: Island paradise & the ultimate road trip

Right at the southern tip of Florida lies the beautiful Florida Keys. Just south of Miami, it’s reached by the state’s most scenic drive – the famous Overseas Highway. With its 42 bridges linking 113 miles of islands, you’ll experience stunning views of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and endless skies en route. With its swaying palms and laid-back, Caribbean-like atmosphere, the Florida Keys are the perfect place to slip into island time, laze on the beach, and hop between the islands.

At the northern end is Key Largo, known for its excellent diving and snorkelling. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S, is home to colourful tropical fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and sergeant majors, as well as turtles and rays. The park also features the bronze Christ of the Abyss statue, submerged offshore and viewed by glass-bottom boat or via snorkelling or diving. Just south, Islamorada is famous for sport fishing, meaning you can try your hand at catching marlin, sailfish, or tarpon in some of the world’s best fishing waters.

Marathon, in the middle of the Keys, offers family-friendly beaches and the Turtle Hospital, a rehab centre for injured and endangered sea turtles, where you can take guided tours and meet the residents. It also provides easy access to one of the most iconic sections of the Overseas Highway – Seven Mile Bridge – that links the Middle and Lower Keys with spectacular views.

For something quieter and more nature-focused, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys are perfect for wildlife spotting, where you can explore the state parks and more secluded beaches.

At the southern tip, Key West is the liveliest of the Keys, with its colourful architecture and the busy Duval Street lined with bars, cafés, and galleries, and water sports. It’s also home to the famous sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, where people gather every night to enjoy buskers, performers, live music, key lime pie, and the stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Key West is also home to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can meet the six-toed cats and learn about the author’s fascinating life.

 

Florida’s Atlantic Coast: Surfing & Space Exploration

Florida’s Atlantic coastline on the eastern side of the state is great if you like a bit of buzz alongside your beach time, as the waves here are often more suited to surfing or bodyboarding than gentle paddling. Daytona Beach is the liveliest spot, famous for its motorsport history and spring break crowds, and you can even drive along parts of the sand in certain areas.

New Smyrna Beach has a quieter, more laid-back charm, while Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are a little bit more upmarket, with designer shops, cafés, and excellent dining – and of course, great beaches.  Cocoa Beach is also a very popular choice, and only about an hour away from Orlando, with a long and sandy beach and surf shops.  It’s also ideally placed to visit Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Even if you’re not staying by this coast, a day trip here is a must-do, especially if you’re fascinated by space exploration. You can stand beneath the enormous Saturn V rocket, get up close to a real space shuttle, explore interactive exhibits about NASA’s history, and, if the timing is right, even watch a live launch. The visitor complex also includes astronaut encounters, 4D simulators, and a chance to learn about the journeys of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions.

If you’re visiting Florida’s Atlantic coast, spring and summer are the best times to go, when the water is warm for swimming and surfing. In winter, the water can feel quite a bit cooler, although the beaches are quieter and the atmosphere more relaxed.

 

The Gulf Coast: Sunsets and Soft Sands                                         

Florida’s west coast offers a very different vibe from the Atlantic side, with gentler waves, softer sand, and stunning sunsets. Starting in the north, Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular spots, due to its proximity to Orlando, at just two hours’ drive away, with its lively pier, big resorts, and busy atmosphere. Just inland, you’ll also find Clearwater Marine Aquarium, best known as the former home of Winter the dolphin, star of the film Dolphin Tale. This rehab centre for marine animals makes a lovely day trip.

A little further south, St. Pete Beach enjoys a similar stretch of perfect white sand but with a slightly quieter, more laid-back pace. Continuing down the coast, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key offer a slower, more local feel, while Siesta Key Beach (particularly Siesta Beach on the main barrier island) is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S, with soft, powdery white quartz sand that stays cool even in the heat of the day. In nearby Sarasota, you’ll find The Ringling Museum.  Once the estate of John and Mabel Ringling, its art and circus museums are set in beautiful gardens and offer a fascinating insight into the Barnum and Bailey circus history that’s celebrated in The Greatest Showman film.  Further south, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are great for nature lovers with shell collecting, wildlife spotting, and incredible stretches of white sandy beach. Meanwhile, Naples and Marco Island provide a more upscale Gulf Coast experience, with high-end hotels and golf courses.

The whole of the Gulf Coast is home to stingrays who enjoy the calm, shallow waters, so just remember to do the stingray shuffle when wading in shallow water, sliding your feet along the sand to warn any hidden stingrays, especially during the warmer months.

 

Miami: Art Deco vibes & Colourful art

The city of Miami is an exciting mix of Latin flair, American glamour and iconic Art Deco style.  South Beach is the best-known area, with its iconic pastel coloured hotels, white sand, rollerbladers along the promenade, swanky bars, and nightlife that goes on into the early hours. North Beach and Mid Beach are much quieter, offering a more relaxed pace while still being close enough to dip your toes into the action if the mood takes you.

For a slice of Cuba, head to Little Havana. Stroll down Calle Ocho to explore the lively cafés, cigar shops, and art galleries, sip strong Cuban coffee, or catch live salsa and Latin jazz. For a glimpse of local life, visit Domino Park (officially known as Máximo Gómez Park), where locals gather to play dominoes and colourful street art adds to the buzzing atmosphere.

Downtown Miami has transformed in recent years, with glass skyscrapers and high-rises creating a lively area on the edge of Biscayne Bay. For a glimpse into the lives of Miami’s rich and famous, take a boat tour of Millionaire’s Row to see luxurious mansions and celebrity homes along the waterfront. Or for a spot of culture, visit the Pérez Art Museum for contemporary art or the Frost Museum of Science, complete with a planetarium and hands-on exhibits. For more creativity, head to Wynwood, home to industrial buildings that have been covered in world-class street art in huge colourful murals. Miami is also heaven for foodies, with everything from Latin-inspired cuisine to high-end seafood, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s also home to stylish cocktail bars that capture the Art Deco era – perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.

 

St. Augustine: American History & Cobbled streets

Dating back to the mid-16th century, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Of course, its history doesn’t quite match the centuries-old cities of the UK, but it still has a historic charm that makes it worth a visit. Located near Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast, the city centre is small and easy to explore on foot, although you could jump on a hop-on, hop-off trolley to see the sights, if you prefer.

The streets are narrow, lined with Spanish-style buildings, and the city is dominated by the impressive Castillo de San Marcos fortress. Built in the late 1600s from coquina, which is a stone made of shells, the fort was designed to absorb cannon fire rather than shatter, which is why it survived numerous attacks.  St. George Street is the heart of the historic part of the city, with shops, cafés, galleries, and small museums housed in old buildings. Here, guides and street performers bring the past to life, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  For a break from history, Anastasia State Park offers beaches, walking trails, and birdwatching. St. Augustine is especially lovely at night, when lanterns light the streets.

 

From wildlife spotting in the Everglades to huge shopping malls, sun-soaked beaches, thrilling theme parks, surfing along the Atlantic coast, and island-hopping through the Florida Keys along the scenic Overseas Highway, Florida promises sun, culture, and unforgettable experiences.  If you’d like us to help craft your perfect Florida multi-centre holiday, please get in touch with our team.