About Florida
Florida stretches 500 miles from the Georgia border to Key West, offering an extraordinary variety of experiences. The state boasts over 1,350 miles of coastline, the world's largest concentration of theme parks, subtropical wilderness in the Everglades, and vibrant multicultural cities like Miami and Tampa. Florida's year-round warm weather makes it a perennial favorite for domestic and international visitors.
Quick Overview
Capital: Tallahassee
Largest City: Jacksonville
Population: 22.6 million
Languages: English, Spanish
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5/UTC-4 DST), Central Time in Panhandle
Explore Florida by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Florida
Discover the top 27 must-see destinations in Florida, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Walt Disney World Resort
The world's most visited theme park complex featuring four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. With over 50 million visitors annually, Disney World is the ultimate family destination offering immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, and beloved characters. Spanning 40 square miles, it also includes two water parks and a vast resort complex.
Universal Orlando Resort
Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando offers two major theme parks — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — plus the Epic Universe park opening in 2025. The resort is known for its thrilling, immersive experiences based on iconic films and TV shows. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade bring the Harry Potter universe to life with incredible detail.
Everglades National Park
The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting 1.5 million acres of wetland ecosystems. Home to the endangered Florida panther, American crocodiles, manatees, and hundreds of bird species, the Everglades is unlike any other place on earth. Airboat tours and walking trails offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The gateway to America's space program, Kennedy Space Center offers an awe-inspiring look at NASA's history and future. Visitors can see authentic space shuttles, meet astronauts, explore historic launch facilities, and watch rocket launches from the adjacent Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Atlantis shuttle exhibit is among the finest museum displays in the world.
South Beach (Miami Beach)
One of the world's most iconic beach destinations, South Beach stretches along the Atlantic coast of Miami Beach with white sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of pastel Art Deco buildings. The famous Ocean Drive boardwalk is lined with cafes, bars, and art galleries. Beyond the beach, the nightlife, dining, and cultural scene make South Beach a true global playground.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
A stunning European-style villa built by industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya sits on the shores of Biscayne Bay with spectacular formal gardens and priceless antique art collections. The 34-room mansion showcases an extraordinary collection of European decorative arts from the 15th through 19th centuries. The surrounding 10 acres of formal gardens blend Italian, French, and American styles.
Dry Tortugas National Park
One of America's most remote and spectacular national parks, Dry Tortugas sits 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park's centerpiece is the massive Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century Civil War-era fortress built on a tiny island. The surrounding waters offer some of the most pristine coral reefs and snorkeling in North America, with abundant marine life and exceptional water clarity.
St. Augustine Historic District
Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. The historic district features 144 blocks of original Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old buildings. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort, is among the best-preserved military structures in the Western Hemisphere.
Recommended Itineraries for Florida
Plan your perfect Florida trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Florida Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Florida, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Florida
- Days 1-2: Florida city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Florida
- Days 1-3: Florida comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Florida, departure
Where to Stay in Florida
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Florida offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($80)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($200)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($500+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Breakers Palm Beach
One of America's most iconic resort hotels, The Breakers has defined Palm Beach luxury since 1896. The Italian Renaissance-style oceanfront resort features two championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and direct access to a private beach. Impeccable service and legendary history make this the gold standard of Florida luxury.
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Perched in Brickell's financial district with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, the Four Seasons Miami combines prime business location with resort-level amenities. The rooftop pool area overlooks the bay, the spa is among Miami's finest, and Zuma Miami on the ground floor ranks as one of the city's best restaurants.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
The most premium of Universal Orlando's on-site hotels, Portofino Bay recreates an Italian Riviera coastal village with stunning fidelity. Guests receive Early Park Admission to Universal parks, free water taxis to the theme parks, and complimentary Express access on select days. The Trattoria del Porto restaurant and Despicable Me-themed family suites are major highlights.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples
The signature luxury address on Florida's southwest Gulf Coast, The Ritz-Carlton Naples sits on a pristine stretch of Gulf beach and defines the elegance for which Naples is known. The Grill restaurant serves exceptional seafood, the spa is a full-service luxury retreat, and the staff-to-guest ratio ensures truly personalized service.
Where to Eat in Florida
Discover the culinary delights of Florida, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Bazaar Mar by José Andrés
Celebrity chef José Andrés brings his avant-garde Spanish cuisine to SLS Brickell with a seafood-focused menu of theatrical small plates. The ceviche bar and live-fire cooking stations create unforgettable dishes that blend Spanish technique with Peruvian and Japanese influences. One of Miami's most acclaimed fine dining destinations.
La Palme d'Or at the Biltmore Hotel
The grande dame of Miami fine dining, La Palme d'Or at the historic Biltmore Hotel delivers classic French haute cuisine in the most glamorous setting in South Florida. The grand dining room of the National Historic Landmark hotel creates an atmosphere of Old World elegance, while the menu celebrates the French culinary tradition with Florida ingredients.
Bern's Steak House
One of the most legendary steakhouses in America, Bern's has operated in Tampa's Hyde Park since 1956. The restaurant ages its own beef, grows its own vegetables, and maintains one of the largest wine cellars in the world with over 500,000 bottles. The upstairs Harry Waugh Dessert Room — individual booths in old wine casks — is one of Florida's most memorable dining experiences.
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz's flagship restaurant in the Miami Design District celebrates simple, honest cooking with locally sourced Florida ingredients. The wood-burning oven produces exceptional thin-crust pizzas, and the ever-changing menu reflects seasonal Florida harvests. A touchstone of Miami's farm-to-table movement.
Cafe Boulud Palm Beach
Daniel Boulud's Palm Beach outpost at The Brazilian Court Hotel delivers Parisian bistro elegance in Florida's most rarefied zip code. The seasonal menu draws on French technique applied to local Florida seafood and produce. The tropical courtyard setting and impeccable service attract Palm Beach's discerning social set.
The Capital Grille Miami
The Miami outpost of this nationally acclaimed steakhouse chain delivers on its reputation for dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. The Brickell location serves Miami's finance and business community, and the consistent quality and attentive service make it a reliable luxury dining choice.
Getting Around Florida
Florida is best explored by rental car; public transit limited outside major cities
Budget Breakdown for Florida
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $120 | $300 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $50 | $120 |
| Transportation | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| Daily Total | $80 | $200 | $500+ |
Best Time to Visit Florida
Best Season: March, April, October, November
Peak Season: December-April (winter snowbirds), June-August (summer families)
Avoid: August-September (hottest, most humid, hurricane season peak)
Essential Travel Tips for Florida
- Book theme park tickets online in advance — significant savings vs. gate prices
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility; Florida is very car-centric
- Visit theme parks on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
- Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and stay hydrated in summer heat
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Florida is generally safe for tourists. Hurricane season runs June-November; monitor weather forecasts. Use normal urban precautions in city centers.
Monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) from June 1 through November 30
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 90 minutes and wear protective clothing
Never approach, feed, or attempt to handle alligators — maintain a minimum 15-foot distance
Swim near lifeguard stands; if caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore not against the current
Seek shelter immediately at the first sign of thunderstorms — get off the beach, golf course, or open areas
Drink at least 2 liters of water per day in summer; avoid outdoor activities during peak heat (11 AM - 3 PM)
Never leave valuables visible in rental cars — remove everything from sight when parking
Apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) when in wooded or marshy areas
Watch for jellyfish, man-o'-war, sea urchins, fire coral, and stingrays in coastal waters
Use standard urban precautions in crowded tourist areas; avoid Overtown and Liberty City neighborhoods at night
Watch where you step, especially in grassy areas — fire ant mounds look like irregular dirt mounds
Florida has high rates of pedestrian accidents — always use crosswalks and remain alert at intersections
Be cautious of overcharging taxis, timeshare pitches, and unsolicited help with luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Florida?
The best time to visit Florida is March, April, October, November. August-September (hottest, most humid, hurricane season peak) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Florida?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Florida for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Florida?
For a comprehensive Florida experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Florida expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $80 per day, mid-range $200, and luxury $500+.