Popular Florida Tourist Attractions You Can't Miss On Your Next Trip

Florida is the most visited state in the U.S.for good reason. In addition to its well-earned nickname as The Sunshine State — it has about 240 sunny days per year — it offers an unmatched range of attractions that appeal to nearly every type of traveler. While Florida is often associated with theme parks, the reality is that it offers much more than roller coasters and character meet-and-greets. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a luxury traveler, there's something for you in Florida.

Because I split my time between Indiana and Florida, primarily in the Orlando area, I've experienced the state both as a frequent visitor and as someone familiar with local culture. I'm at Walt Disney World every six to eight weeks, so I'm particularly well-versed in the Disney lifestyle and the surrounding attractions that make Central Florida such a draw. I've also explored many of the unique Florida experiences that consistently draw travelers to this state. In this guide, we'll visit 10 popular Florida tourist attractions you can't miss on your next trip. Whether you're looking for bustling cities or the state's best beaches, we've got you covered.

No Florida travel list would be complete without Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, since it opened in 1971, it has been the single most powerful tourism draw in Florida. Spanning four theme park gates, two water parks, over 30 hotels, and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district, Disney World isn't just an attraction; it's an entire vacation for many travelers. Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella Castle and classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. It is the classic Disney fairytale park, in many ways. Meanwhile, EPCOT offers something entirely different, with the World Showcase, innovative rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and some of the best seasonal festivals in the country. Events like the Food & Wine Festival and Flower & Garden Festival are annual pilgrimages for many fans.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can experience everything from Old Hollywood movie magic on Sunset Boulevard to a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a billion-dollar expansion that immerses visitors in the planet Batuu. Then, at Disney's Animal Kingdom, visitors can take a walk on the wild side during a Kilimanjaro Safaris adventure or visit Pandora: The World of Avatar. Disney's appeal, though, goes far beyond its rides. The brand's immersive storytelling and constant evolution keep the Resort fresh. New lands, updated attractions, and some of the nation's best restaurants at hotels and Disney Springs ensure that no two trips feel exactly the same, even for locals and out-of-state Annual Passholders like myself. It's also worth noting that the resort isn't just for kids. I personally take at least one adults-only Disney trip a year, and we have a great time doing the Monorail bar crawl and other activities that are less kid-friendly.

Opened in 2025in Orlando, Universal Epic Universe is the next generation of theme park travel in the state, with 161 new patents filed as its attractions and experiences were developed. This is Universal's most ambitious project to date, designed to be a fully immersive destination. Guests enter Epic Universe through a "portal" that transports them to five highly themed, cinematic lands. Super Nintendo World brings Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and more iconic characters to life by dropping guests into the middle of a life-size video game world. Meanwhile, Dark Universe celebrates the legendary Universal Monsters franchise with a moody, gothic atmosphere that includes an immersive ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and a vampire-themed steakhouse, The Stakehouse (get it?)

In the Ministry of Magic area, fans will enter the most immersive Wizarding World expansion yet. The Paris-themed area features "Harry Potter" character greets, an interactive wand attraction, and much more. In Berk, Epic Universe visitors are transported to the world of "How to Train Your Dragon," where they can ride the Dragon Racer's Rally and watch a brand new stage show entitled "The Untrainable Dragon." Finally, Celestial Park offers an upscale experience, with the Universal Helios Grand Hotel at its center. Guests can also enjoy shopping, dining, and family-friendly rides like the Constellation Carousel in this area. While Helios Grand is the most high-end resort on-property, travelers looking for more bang for their buck can check out the Universal Terra Luna Resort, which is also on-site at Epic Universe.

The Everglades are among the United States' most incredible natural wonders. An immense subtropical wilderness unlike any other on Earth, this massive swamp covers 1.5 million acres. The biodiversity here is astounding. It is the only place in the world where alligators (which can only survive in freshwater) and crocodiles (which can live in fresh or saltwater) share a habitat. Everglades National Park is also home to endangered species like Florida panthers and threatened animals like manatees, as well as about 2,000 other types of plants and animals! An airboat tour is a must-do Everglades experience.  Since 1968, Everglades Safari Park has been an airboat tour operator, offering multiple types of tours that last between 30 and 60 minutes.

For a less fast-paced experience, the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour takes guests on a journey from Everglades City to the Chokoloskee Bay. The potential for dolphin and sea turtle sightings is a big draw for this tour. For those who prefer exploring on foot or by bike, the National Park offers 17 hiking trails divided into four areas: Pine Island Trails, Flamingo Trails, Shark Valley Trails, and Gulf Coast Trails. The Anhinga Trail is among the most popular for its almost guaranteed wildlife sightings (alligators included!) Hikers here walk on a boardwalk through the midst of a freshwater marsh. The Shark Valley area is also well-known for its Tram Road, where there is an observation tower that allows visitors to get a bird's eye view of the Everglades' amazing ecosystem. As a final note, those who enjoy hunting for cryptid creatures, whether seriously or all in fun, should keep an eye out for the Skunk Ape and Gatorman of lore during any visit to Everglades National Park.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida's Space Coast is among the most inspiring attractions in the state. As the location where NASA has launched some of the most important galactic missions in human history, it's no wonder the Space Center was voted the nation's number one tourist attraction in 2025. Bus tours here are included with admission and offer an amazing behind-the-scenes look at space travel. Guests are taken into restricted sectors where they have the opportunity to see the world's biggest rocket, Saturn V, and glimpse the inner workings of a functional spaceflight facility. Inside the main complex, visitors can check out dozens of attractions and experiences. The Rocket Garden, which lets people walk through a sea of actual rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras, is a great place to start.

There are also many interactive exhibits, where visitors can experience the feeling of a shuttle launch, discover the future of Deep Space exploration, pretend to be an astronaut in the Hyperdeck virtual reality area, and much, much more. The Space Shuttle Atlantis pavilion, for instance, houses NASA's iconic Atlantis spacecraft in a cavernous, awe-inspiring room that has over 60 exhibits in and of itself. The beautifully designed U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is also here, located in the larger "Heroes and Legends" area. Among the most unique things to do at the Space Center is to book an astronaut encounter. This gives museum visitors the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from people who have actually traveled to space. 

Key West is, in many ways, its own world when compared to mainland Florida. Sitting at the tip of the Florida Keys, only about 90 miles from Cuba, this town has long attracted writers, artists, and free spirits who want to live life on their own terms. That devil-may-care streak still defines it today. Duval Street is the main drag here, where visitors can check out open-air cafés, Cuban coffee shops, art galleries, and boho boutiques all day long. When the sun goes down, it's time to check out Duval Street's legendary bars and live music venues. Spots like Sloppy Joe's and The Green Parrot have been slinging drinks for travelers and locals alike for generations. The former is a true Key West institution. Opened on the day Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the bar has been operating in some capacity or another for generations.

Just a few blocks away in Mallory Square, the nightly Sunset Celebration festival is a must-see ritual for travelers. Since the 1960s, local street performers, musicians, magicians, food trucks, and artistic souls have gathered together as the sun sets over the Gulf every evening. Key West is also forever linked to Ernest Hemingway, whose former home is among its most popular sites. Now a museum, the author's one-time residence is open daily for tours. It was here that the legendary writer penned "The Old Man and the Sea" and "To Have and Have Not," among other now-iconic works. For those looking to live the island life for a while, La Concha Key West offers a five-star experience. Fans over the years have included Hemingway himself, as well as playwright Tennessee Williams. There are also plenty of other laidback hotels throughout the Keys.

Visiting St. Augustine feels like stepping back in time to about 200 years before the United States was even a nation. Founded in 1565 by a Spanish explorer, this Florida town holds the honor of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the United States, and its long history is visible everywhere. The city's most powerful landmark is the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive 20-acre stone fortress that began construction in the 17th century. Built to protect the Spanish settlement from pirates and rival European empires, modern guests can enter the fort for $15 admission fee. Inside, they can take self-guided tours and experience various demonstrations, like cannon firings, at St. Augustine's oldest building. Travelers interested in St. Augustine's military history should also stop by Fort Matanzas, which was completed in 1742 to serve as a watchtower for Castillo San Marcos.

St. Augustine's Old Town is also worth exploring. It's here where travelers can wander through narrow cobblestone streets that feel distinctly European. Spanish Colonial architecture, ornate wrought-iron balconies, and historic pastel-colored houses all add to the feeling that one is in another time and place entirely. The Old City House Inn & Restaurant is a great place to shop and dine in this district. Housed in what was once an 18th-century stable, this building offers history in droves. The Columbia Restaurant is another must-stop. It bills itself as "Florida's Oldest Restaurant," and has been serving St. Augustine locals and travelers since 1905. Famous for its signature "1905" salad and Cuban sandwich, this is the perfect lunch spot.

Clearwater Beach is regularly ranked among America's best beaches by delivering precisely what most tourists dream of when they imagine a classic Florida beach getaway: white sand, warm turquoise water, and plenty of sun. Situated on Florida's Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach offers something for everyone. One thing all visitors should experience is the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 festival. Much like in Key West, revelers gather every evening to enjoy local street performers, check out vendors, and watch the gorgeous sunset over the Gulf. Some choose to skip the party on land in favor of their own celebration on the water. The Tropics Boat Tours company offers Sunset Celebration cruises that allow travelers to experience the sunset from a different perspective.

For those who want a bit of adventure during their Clearwater Beach getaway, deep-sea fishing charters are a major attraction here. Tarpon, as any sport fisher knows, are among the Gulf's most prized catches when they are in season, but other species here include tuna, marlin, and bluefish. Additionally, dolphin-watching tours and snorkeling excursions allow visitors to get up close with the beautiful sea life in this part of Florida. Clearwater Beach is also known for its dining scene. Among the best spots to grab a casual bite to eat are Frenchy's Cafe, famous for its crab legs (you can even order them for shipping nationwide!), and Crabby's Dockside, which serves fresh seafood, burgers, and more. For a more upscale Clearwater dining experience, check out the city's sole AAA Four-Diamond dining establishment, Caretta on the Gulf.

Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, is one of Florida's most extraordinary destinations, in no small part because getting there is half the adventure. Visitors can only arrive by boat or seaplane, which immediately makes a simple day trip feel like the ultimate adventure. Although there are seven small islands here, they make up just about 1% of this unique National Park; the rest of the biome lies underwater. The sheer isolation of Dry Tortugas has helped preserve America's only tropical coral reef over the centuries. Its most well-known landmark, though, is on land. Fort Jefferson, which has a fascinating history, was built in the 19th century as a military stronghold for the nation's southern coast. During the Civil War, Union deserters were sent here as prisoners to work on construction. Today, tourists can take guided or self-guided tours of the Fort Jefferson compound, including living quarters for soldiers and their families, the prison section, and much more.

Unsurprisingly, Dry Tortugas is an absolute paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, and nature lovers. A wide variety of tropical sea life resides here, including several species of sea turtles, angelfish, yellowtail snappers, French grunts, and many more. Due to the protected nature of this National Park, it is crucial to follow all of the regulations when snorkeling or diving. Coral, shells, and all sea creatures are not to be touched. Furthermore, shipwrecks and other artifacts are under federal protection and must not be disturbed. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration and nesting seasons, when dozens of species can be seen in a single outing.

Miami's Wynwood neighborhood is where Florida's modern creative energy can be found. Once a run-down warehouse district, Wynwood was transformed for the city's 2009 Art Basel event, and has been drawing artists and free spirits ever since. The famous Wynwood Walls museum — an open-air space that celebrates street art — is the heart of the district. Internationally renowned muralists and graffiti artists regularly repaint huge exterior walls with bold artwork. Due to its constantly evolving nature, no two visits to Wynwood Walls are the same. Dozens of artists' pieces grace the walls here, and anyone is welcome to submit a proposal, offering a potentially huge platform for emerging artisans.

In addition to the artwork itself, Wynwood has also become an incredible destination for anyone who enjoys contemporary culture and independent creativity. Over 70 art galleries, graphic and interior design studios, and pop-up exhibitions join forces with stylish cafés, craft cocktail bars, and Michelin-star restaurants. Must-visit locations include Panther Coffee, known for its small-batch coffee roasts, and Novela Cafe Social, a bright, modern spot that offers coffee and a hard-to-beat breakfast and lunch menu. The nightlife scene here is also fantastic. Mexican-fusion restaurant, Mayami Wynwood, offers late-night DJs alongside a trendy Latin-inspired atmosphere. Meanwhile, The Dirty Rabbit is a more traditional dance club where guests can groove until 3 a.m. What makes Wynwood particualrly unique for tourists is that it shows a different side of Florida. This isn't a place built around theme parks or ocean views, but a district fueled by artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who are driving Florida forward.

Fifth Avenue South is the epitome of old-school glamour in Florida. This palm-lined boulevard is located in downtown Naples, an elegant stretch where historic architecture, upscale shopping, and elegant dining converge. It's not uncommon for events like the Ferrari Club of Naples' Car Show or jazz concerts to occur here on any given weekend. Unlike Florida destinations designed specifically for tourism, Fifth Avenue South has long been Naples' social and cultural hub for local residents. Dining is one of Fifth Avenue South's biggest draws for everyone from proverbial ladies who lunch to business owners looking to seal deals. To see and be seen, check out the chic Osteria Tulia Italian restaurant or Sails Restaurant, inspired, unsurprisingly, by the sea.

Shopping is another reason to visit Naples' glitzy, chic downtown area. All along Fifth Avenue South are boutiques from well-known brand names like Vineyard Vines, Soma, White House Black Market, and Sperry Topsider. These are coupled with local standbys such as Back of the Bay Boutique and Alice Simone, where shoppers can find a mix of great brands and exceptional service. All of the stores here echo Naples' sophisticated, coastal style. If you want to stay on this gorgeous street, The Inn on Fifth is an excellent option. Opened in a former bank in 1998, this hotel offers a rooftop pool and bar area, luxurious rooms with contemporary black, white, and red decor, and two on-site dining options: Ocean Prime and Trulock's, both known for their high-end, seafood-heavy menus.

I am in Florida every month or so, so I drew from many of my own experiences, particularly in regard to Walt Disney World and Key West, to write this guide. I also turned to official websites for various destinations like Disney World, Epic Universe, Dry Tortugas, the Everglades, Wynwood Walls, and Clearwater Beach for details. Additionally, travel sites like "Travel + Leisure" and the National Parks Service, plus official sites for restaurants, hotels, and activities, were key to this roundup.