Florida Travel Guide
The beach at South Beach, Miami. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Florida is beaches and theme parks at continental scale. The Orlando area holds Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the two most visited theme-park resorts on earth. Miami brings Latin-Caribbean energy, Art Deco streets and the country's best Cuban food. And the Everglades, a slow-moving river of grass, is like nowhere else in the United States.
The Florida Keys arc southwest from Miami to Key West over the Overseas Highway, 42 bridges across turquoise water. The Gulf coast runs quieter: Clearwater and Siesta Key beaches, the manatee springs, and the old-Spain streets of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the continental US (1565).
Destinations in Florida
Walt Disney WorldFour theme parks plus water parks across 100 sq km; plan at least three days.
Universal Orlando ResortTwo parks including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; the thrill-ride capital.
Kennedy Space CenterNASA's launch complex on Merritt Island, an hour east; watch a rocket launch if timing aligns.
South Beach and Ocean DriveArt Deco hotels, white sand and the boardwalk; Miami's postcard.
Everglades National ParkAirboat rides, alligators and the Anhinga Trail; the great subtropical wilderness.
Key WestThe end of the Overseas Highway: Duval Street, Mallory Square sunsets, Hemingway's house.- Dry Tortugas National ParkFort Jefferson and coral reefs, 110 km west of Key West by ferry or seaplane.
- Siesta KeyPowder-quartz sand consistently ranked among America's best beaches.
Little HavanaCalle Ocho: Cuban coffee windows, cigar rollers and domino park.- St. AugustineSpanish colonial streets, the 1672 Castillo de San Marcos fort.
Wynwood WallsThe open-air street-art district that remade Miami's art scene.
Hover a state to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Florida
Regional food
- Key lime pie (the official state pie, from the Keys)
- Cuban sandwich (pressed pork, ham, pickles; Miami's signature)
- Stone crab claws (seasonal, October to May)
- Grouper sandwich (Gulf coast staple)
Getting there
Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are the big gateways; Tampa (TPA) covers the Gulf. Brightline trains link Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando. A car is the practical choice for the Keys and the Everglades.