Top 10 Things Florida Is Famous For - Updated 2024

florida is famous for
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located in the southeast of the United States, the state of Florida is mostly surrounded by water with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Native Americans were the first people to call this area home including the Apalachee and Timucua people. Florida was the first area of the continental United States to be visited by Europeans, with Spanish conquistadors arriving in 1513. Fast-forward to today, the state is home to millions of people, making it the third-most populous state in the nation. Tourists come to check out the bars in Miami, theme parks in Orlando, and beaches in Tampa. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our list of the top 10 things Florida is famous for.

1. Amusement parks

Universal Studio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LauraMoral used under CC BY-SA 4.0

We couldn’t make a list about Florida without including one of the state’s biggest and most famous attractions—amusement parks. Orlando is famous for its multitude of theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. LEGO enthusiasts can head to Lakeland where LEGOLAND Resort is located or plan a trip to Tampa where you can explore the safari-themed Busch Gardens. Whether you are checking out the animals or marveling at movie-themed attractions, there’s fun to be had for all ages.

Visited this place?

2. Kennedy Space Center (from USD 89.0)

Regardless of age, space exploration is one of those topics that some of us find interesting. Many shuttles were from Kennedy Space Center, and at Visitor Center, you get to learn more about space travel as well as what it’s like to be an astronaut. Upon your arrival at Space Center, you will be welcomed by a real astronaut. While inside, explore the exhibits and get a taste of an authentic space simulation at Shuttle Launch Experience. A trip here is going to be a fun-filled day with plenty to explore.

Visited this place?

Kennedy Space Center Tour & Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Duration: 11 hours

249 reviews

3. Beach parties

Beach party
Source: pixabay.com

With miles and miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that Florida has some of the best beaches in the nation. When you combine beaches and warm weather, you’re bound to get people wanting to let loose and have some fun. From spring breakers to people wanting to escape cold temperatures, people flock to these sandy havens to drink and dance the night away. Panama City Beach is one of the most famous destinations with its white sand and beachside bars to keep you occupied during the day. At night, you can head to one of the many beach clubs to experience the party here. You can also hit up Miami Beach, a popular party spot for celebrities.

Visited this place?

4. Orange crops

Orange tree
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ronnie Macdonald used under CC BY 2.0

The state of Florida produces over 70% of the nation’s citrus supply, and more than 90% of the nation’s orange juice is made from Florida oranges. The citrus fruit arrived in America by way of Christopher Columbus, while the orange trees were planted during the mid-1500s by Spanish explorers. For those who love all things citrus, Florida’s sandy soil and warm climate proved to be the perfect environment for growing these juicy tangy fruits. A wide variety of oranges are grown in Florida, and the fresh season runs from October to April. If you can, we recommend visiting an orange grove during your trip and tasting an orange fresh off the tree.

Visited this place?

5. Water parks

Blizzard Beach Florida
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dr latino999 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

We know that Florida is known for its theme parks, but did you know that the state has more water parks than anywhere else in the US? It shouldn’t come as a surprise as a state with this much fun and gorgeous weather is bound to have a number of water parks. If you are staying in Orlando, head over to Blizzard Beach. While most water parks stick to a tropical theme, this park actually has a unique ski resort theme. It boasts an array of rides to enjoy including a free-fall body slide that’s one of the tallest in the world or check out Buccaneer Bay in Spring Hill, the state’s only spring-fed water park. While here, don’t forget to include the area’s famous mermaid show in your travel itinerary.

Visited this place?

6. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach
Source: Needpix

The city of Fort Lauderdale has a whopping seven miles of beaches, and Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the best. It used to be like a “Spring Break Beach,” but it underwent major redevelopment and turned itself into a tourist spot for people looking to relax and soak up some sun. There’s plenty to do on Fort Lauderdale Beach including snorkeling, surfing, and boating. You can head into one of the many trendy hotels and enjoy a drink or walk along the promenade and take in the views.

Visited this place?

7. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee
Source: Photo by Flickr user B A Bowen Photogr... used under CC BY 2.0

Lake Okeechobee is a whopping 730 square miles (1,900 square kilometers), making it Florida’s largest freshwater lake. Interestingly, it is very shallow for a lake that’s so big with an average depth of 9 feet (2.7 metres). The lake is a popular destination for Floridians and tourists alike. It’s known for being one of the best places to fish and boat in the state. There are also trails running around the lake for those who want to walk and take in the view.

Visited this place?

8. NASCAR

Green flag at Daytona
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nascarking used under CC BY-SA 4.0

NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular auto racing company that dates back to 1948. They run car races across the United States—even in other parts of the world—and are headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. One of the most famous races is the Daytona 500, a 500-mile (800 kilometres) race held at Daytona International Speedway each year. Florida is also home to Homestead-Miami Speedway. If you’re looking to catch a race, take a look at NASCAR website to see what will be on soon.

NASCAR

Website: NASCAR

Visited this place?

9. Miami (from USD 50.0)

Miami is a vibrant city with beautiful architecture and a variety of cultural influences. If you’re keen to explore this city but are short on time or want the help of a tour guide, this Viator city tour is the perfect option for you. The tour starts off in South Beach where you get to explore the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. In Little Havana, feel the Cuban influence and have lunch at one of the restaurants there. You are going to enjoy this trip with a friendly tour guide.

Visited this place?

Miami Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour by Car and Boat

Duration: 6 hours

621 reviews

10. Florida Everglades (from USD 58.0)

Florida Everglades is a wetland region located in the southern part of the state. It forms a unique ecosystem that is found nowhere else in the world. If you are interested in exploring this region, why not take this airboat tour where you will get to see the Everglades with your own eyes? As you glide along the water, your guide will share information about the area with you. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you may see alligators, turtles, and birds along the way. At the end of the airboat tour, there’s also a chance to see an alligator show for those who want to learn more about these impressive animals.

Visited this place?

Florida Everglades Airboat from Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 4 hours

10 reviews

Florida is famous for so much

The state of Florida is famous for its loads of stuff! From amusement parks and beach parties to oranges, there’s plenty of interesting things to keep you occupied during your trip. So start planning your vacation today and book some of the things Florida is famous for.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nicole is an American expat living in London, England. When she moved from the midwest to London in 2012, it was her first time leaving the US. She has traveled steadily since then, making trips...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Florida
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.