If you’re planning on traveling to Florida, but don’t want to travel too far from the beach, then these 10 places are the best places to visit near Florida. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure park, you can find what you’re looking for in the ten locations we’ve listed below. And if you’re up to it, check out our list of the top five zip lines in Florida – you won’t regret it!
1) Florida Keys
The Keys are like no other place on earth. It’s a tropical paradise that is full of natural beauty, wildlife, and amazing architecture. With so many things to do and see, it can be difficult to choose where to go first. Here are some of the best places in the Keys. Remember you’ll need to rent a car for most of these destinations!
I highly recommend visiting Old Town Key West (or walking from Mallory Square). You can easily spend an entire day exploring this charming neighborhood. Highlights include Hemingway House, The Southernmost Point monument, Sunset Pier, and Pigeon Key.
If you’re interested in marine life and scuba diving then you must visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You’ll have access to snorkeling trails with over 20 coral species (including butterflyfish), sunken shipwrecks, and plenty of fish species including tarpon, grouper, parrotfish, trumpetfish, and more!
2) Miami
Miami is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of great places to visit. Spanning from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. No matter what you’re interested in, a little time in Miami will offer you the chance to do some exploring and see the sights. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit near Miami -If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to Everglades National Park. There’s more than enough wildlife here to keep you busy for days!
-Head south on I-95 to Key West and spend the day at Sloppy Joe’s Bar or Ernest Hemingway’s house on Whitehead Street. You’ll feel like an old salt after spending some time at these historical sites!
-If culture is your thing, head over to Little Havana or Coral Gables where many people have made Cuban their home. You’ll find an amazing mix of people living together in harmony, unlike any other place in America!
3) Orlando
Located in Central Florida, Orlando is a city that offers an abundance of things to do and see. It’s home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. It’s also home to some incredible museums like the Orlando Science Center and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Downtown Orlando features some fantastic restaurants, music venues like The Social and Firestone Live, art galleries, and boutiques for shopping.
4) Tampa Bay Area
Tampa is a fun and exciting city with a lot to offer. From the Tampa Bay Amphitheater, which hosts some of the most popular concerts in the world, to the Gasparilla Festival, which is one of the largest festivals in America, there’s always something new to explore. The city is also home to many attractions like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island which have been perfecting their craft for decades. Plus, it has some of the best dinings around that you’ll be sure to enjoy!
5) Everglades
If you’re looking for a place to visit, the Everglades is a must! One of the largest protected areas in North America, the Everglades is home to over 100 different bird species and offers some of the best airboat tours in the country. You can also take a swamp buggy tour or head out on an overnight kayak trip. If you’re lucky, you might even see alligators or manatees! What’s more, it’s never been easier to get there: Fly into Miami International Airport and then rent a car (or catch a bus) for the rest of your journey.
6) Clearwater Beaches
Clearwater Beaches is a perfect family destination. Not only does it offer the best of the beach, but also a range of attractions and activities that are perfect for kids, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 60 species including sea turtles, manatees, octopuses, es, and jellyfish. There’s also an interactive touch tank where visitors can feel sea stars, hermit crabs, and other invertebrates up close.
ClearWater Beaches sits on the Gulf Coast offering miles of beaches from red sandy shores to dark secluded coves. The water here is clear and warm year-round so you can enjoy it in any season!
7) fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the third-largest city in the state of Florida and home to a thriving business community. Fort Lauderdale has been called the gateway to South Florida because it’s centrally located in Broward County. Fort Lauderdale offers beautiful beaches, trendy shopping areas, and world-class golf courses. The city attracts more than 20 million visitors each year for its sun, sand, and nightclubs. There are also many art galleries and cultural events happening throughout the city. With all that there is to do, it’s easy to see why Fort Lauderdale was voted one of America’s most livable cities by Forbes magazine.
8) Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 20 miles long and three miles wide. The island has five distinct neighborhoods: Lighthouse Point, Oyster Bay, East End Village, Sanibel Harbor, and Tarpon Bay. There are also two bridges to the mainland. Sanibel is a great place for kayaking or renting bikes to explore the beautiful Gulf beaches. It is not uncommon to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees in the waters surrounding the island. It’s also worth exploring downtown shops where you can find clothing boutiques, galleries, art studios, and antique stores. And while you are there don’t forget to visit at least one of Sanibel’s many restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood!
9) Naples
Naples is a major city in Southwest Florida and the third largest in the state. The majority of Naples’ residents are white, and its largest ethnic group is German. Naples has been rated as one of the best places to live in America by U.S. News and World Report and was ranked as one of the top five cities for retirement by Forbes magazine. The cost of living index ranks Naples at 133 out of 200 for all metropolitan areas across America, making it a very affordable place to live with an above-average quality of life. There are many beautiful homes available on the market, ranging from $700,000 to over $1 million, so there is something to suit everyone’s needs.
10) Panama City Beach
Many people think that the best place to visit near Florida is Disney World. However, Panama City Beach is a hidden gem. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in America and you can find absolutely everything there from amusement parks to family-friendly hotels. Panama City Beach offers visitors a variety of activities, including parasailing, swimming with dolphins or manatees, fishing, boating, and more. You can also rent jet skis or take a tour of the Emerald Coast. This beach town also has plenty of restaurants for all tastes, so you will never go hungry. If you are looking for one of the best places to visit near Florida then head on down to Panama City Beach!