15 Places to visit in Florida

Unique Places to Visit in Florida

For something a little different this vacation, you can't go wrong with these hidden gems and truly unique places to visit in Florida! For those seeking outdoor adventure, ziplining through the treetops, taking an airboat tour in the Everglades or kayaking in Florida’s endless waterways adds an extra immersive thrill to your visit.

1. Cape Coral

Firstly for a boat-themed stay head to Cape Coral, otherwise known as the “Venice of America”. Home to 400 miles of navigable waterways, this unique coastal city offers the most number of waterways then any other city in the world, enticing visitors to head out and effortlessly explore the Gulf of Mexico by boat. Head out on a private dolphin or sightseeing tour, soak up some family fun at Gator Mike's Family Fun Park or the Sun Splash Family Water Park or enjoy the unique evening appeal of Downtown South Cape Coral or a trip to a local distillery or brewery.

2. The Florida Keys

Further south, the Florida Keys provide a tropical underwater haven, with vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving trips. This southern most part of Florida is also a haven for winter snowbirds and honeymooners, with secluded beaches, luxury resorts, and stunning sunset cruises to soak up and experience. The top unique things to see and do in the Florida Keys include driving part or all of the 113-mile Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West, visiting the author Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum, the Turtle Hospital and enjoying the buzz of Mallory Square and Duval Street.

3. St. Augustine

For unique and historical places to visit in Florida you can't go wrong with St. Augustine on the Atlantic Coast. Founded in 1565, the nation’s oldest city charms visitors year-round, with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Top unique things to do in St. Augustine include embarking on one of the city's renowned ghost tours. Continue on with the haunting theme, with a trip to the Medieval Torture Museum and Old Jail Museum. Alternatively, enjoy a trip to the local Alligator Farm or Saint Augustine Distillery.

Cool Places to Visit in Florida

Think the Sunshine State is just golf and Disney? Think again, Florida is the perfect destination for stylish city breaks and romantic breaks. With cool world-class attractions at every turn, experience the thrill of a rocket launch to creative districts brimming with art and world food.

4. Miami

For cool trendsetting spots and unforgettable vibes, look no further than Miami. Visit the iconic murals of Wynwood Walls, before heading to Miami’s photogenic South Beach, for a chic beach day against a cool backdrop of Art Deco architecture. The Bayside Marketplace in Miami also offers a cool meeting place for waterfront dining, shopping and live entertainment. Visitors seeking a memorable outing can also head to Raccoon Island or the renowned Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Miami nights out are equally legendary, with cool rooftop dining venues, live music, and the dazzling nightlife of South Beach to experience.

5. Gainesville

Home to the University of Florida, this northern city offers a cool and alternative destination to explore whilst in the Sunshine State. Some of the coolest attractions and things to do is visit the Florida Museum and Kanapaha Botanical Gardnes, meet the free-flying butterflies in the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History (located in the sprawling University campus) and go on a popular scavenger hunt. You'll also find plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the nature on the doorstep of the city, with a hike through Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, horseback riding and biking through scenic praries and tubing along tranquil natural springs.

6. The Space Coast

Just 56 miles east of Orlando, the Space Coast is a cool spot for science lovers, offering access to the Kennedy Space Center. Get ready to blast off your vacation, with a live rocket launch! For a carefree stay, check-in to our nearby beach resort homes. Those looking to go all out can book one of our cool Orlando villas with space-themed rooms, for a truly out-of-this-world Florida stay! Alternatively, enjoy a strategic vacation base in the upscale setting of Melbourne Beach, just 35 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, with a stay in a modern pool villa with space-themed kids' rooms.

Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples

Florida is a destination brimming with romance - from first-class beach resorts and sunsets to endless waterways. Check-in to these incredible scenic destinations and experience an unforgettable adventure, scenic beach break or luxury honeymoon with your loved one.

7. Anna Maria Island

For a romantic getaway where time slows right down, elope from the rate race and discover the barrier island of Anna Maria Island. Offering "Old Florida" vibes, soak up a carefree break with your special someone. Explore the Manatee Beach Park, go hiking, wildlife watching, dolphin spotting, and savor romantic ocean-view dining and sunset beach strolls along its 7-mile stretch of soft white sand.

8. Islamorada

Islamorada meanwhile promises endless escapism in the Upper Florida Keys - offering an exclusive beachfront oasis for couples and groups seeking a resort-style getaway in South Florida. Soak up a snorkeling adventure at Sombrero Reef, kick back with a picnic in Founders Park or start the day right with a local yoga class.

Places to Visit in Florida with Kids

Home to endless activities and family-friendly things to do, you'll find the state awash with places to visit in Florida with kids.

9. Orlando

With more than 18 theme parks in the Orlando Florida area, this destination has to be one of the top places to visit in Florida with kids. Home to iconic, world-famous theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND, this Central Florida city promises all-weather fun and escapism, as well as plenty of fun free and cheap things to do and educational attractions, such as the immersive Orlando Science Center.

Our Orlando resorts with amazing amenities such as waterparks are destinations in themselves. Located nearby all the must-see attractions and things to do in Orlando with kids, they offer the ideal vacation base from which to experience one of the top family-friendly places to visit in Florida.

10. Weeki Wachee Springs

For some family fun in the Great Outdoors, the 200-acre natural state park of Weeki Wachee Springs promises unforgettable moments. Situated 55 miles north of St. Petersburg, this state park offers the perfect pitt-stop during a Florida road trip. Embark on a fun Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding lessons and tours, before diving into the fresh springs in the family-friendly Buccaneer Bay (a spring-fed water park with lazy river, swim area, waterslides and sandy beach) and Lil' Mates Caribbean Cove (a great wading pool for under 6s). This family-friendly attraction is also home to the famouse underwater theater, which hosts a live mermaid show!

11. Fort Lauderdale

Home to 165 miles of navigable waterways and fantastic attractions and activities, Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic Coast makes for a great family vacation. Enjoy its all-weather Science Museum, a Jungle Queen Cruise or Riverboat tour on the Intracoastal Waterway, a scenic Everglades Airboat tour, go on a family hike along its nature trails, enjoy shopping, dining and soak up a great sandy beach. All this and more awaits in Fort Lauderdale, just 30 miles from Miami!

Fun Places to Visit in Florida

When seeking out the fun places to visit in Florida, these top destinations offer the perfect all-weather amusement for all ages. Multigenerational groups will find a countless array of activities and destinations packed full of attractions.

12. International Drive

Aside from the theme parks of Orlando, the 11.1-mile long International Drive (known as I-Drive) has to be one of the top destinations for fun in Florida. is packed with attractions for endless, all-weather fun. Orlando’s International Drive (I-Drive) offers everything from shopping and go-karting to marine life and indoor skydiving - make it one of the most popular entertainemtnt destinations in Florida, if not the country! With 55 music, comedy, and nightlife venues, and three stadium-style movie cinemas to enjoy, this hotspot promises round-the-clock fun.

13. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach promises sun-drenched fun on Florida's Gulf Coast - with soft quartz sands, calm waters and its buzzing Pier 60 to soak up and enjoy. Experience an endless bucketlist of water sports and beach-based activities, from parasailing and jet skiing to dolphin tours. You'll also find helicopter tours, golf courses and a world-class spot for big game fishing! In fact, Clearwater Beach is a year-round destination for nearshore, offshore and deep-water fishing, making it an angler's paradise! The surrounding area of Clearwater Beach is also awash with fun family-friendly attractions. Just 28 minutes' drive away, soak up the nearby thrills and spills of Tampa - home to Busch Gardens and the Adventure Island water park.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Florida

With 1,350 miles of breathtaking coastline, 175 state parks to explore and diverse landscapes to beguile the senses, you don't have to travel far to discover the most beautiful places to visit in Florida. Home to a rich abundance of wildlife, marine life and birdlife, including numerous endangered species, Florida is a nature lover's paradise.

14. The Everglades National Park

The state's diverse ecosystems and unspoilt natural beauty is showcased in spots like the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire U.S. Spanning from Kissimmee in Central Florida to Florida Bay in the south, take in the sprawling network of forests, praries and 5,000-year old wetlands. The abundance of breathtaking wildlife includes 360 bird species, American alligators and crocodiles, 27 different types of snakes, dolphins and West Indian manatees.

15. Route 30A

On the Gulf of Mexico, the 24-mile long State Road 30A passes through some of Florida's most beautiful hotspots, including Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor and Seagrove. For a leisurely way to immerse yourself in the local beauty, enjoy a ride along one of the numerous scenic bike trails - with these quaint coastal resorts and scenic dining options to experience along the way. You'll also find beautiful nature preserves to explore on 30A, including the beguiling beauty spots of Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Eden Gardens State Park.