30 Best Things To Do In Florida, USA - Updated 2024

Sharadha
Sharadha 
Updated
| 13 min read

Located in the southeastern end of United States of America, Florida has coastal borders of the Atlantic ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. One of the most popular attractions in this state is Miami, the beach and resort town preferred by celebrities and travelers from across the globe. The world-famous theme parks of Orlando including the Walt Disney World are further reasons that make Florida a busy state in the US. From the best nightlife to coastal getaways and fancy theme parks, this state is filled with fun activities for all its visitors. Here is our list of things to do in Florida, USA.

1. Watch mesmerizing sunsets from the coast of Key West (from USD 79.0)

This is a food and premium wine inclusive catamaran afternoon sail into the ocean at the coast of Key West. The Key West coast is popular for its sunset and moonrise views where the sky meets the ocean. Watch the golden ball lighten-up the sea with its orange hues as it sets down and witnesses the moonrise. The 60-feet (18.3 meters) catamaran has ample deck space for you to simply relax, sip on champagne or a pint of cold beer and enjoy the absolutely poetic views.

Visited this place?

Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres

Duration: 2 hours

2445 reviews

2. Go dolphin watching in Clearwater Bay (from USD 37.0)

Clearwater Bay is another scenic place in Florida near the Gulf of Mexico where you can spot bottlenose dolphins dancing their way through the water. Enjoy the amazing dolphin sightings in the turquoise waters of the bay as you get to know more about the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast, Intercoastal waterways and more. You will also be able to spot some of the popular celebrity abodes along the coast.

Visited this place?

Clearwater Bay, Gulf Coast Dolphin Watching Cruise

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

747 reviews

3. Try parasailing above the Atlantic Ocean (from USD 79.0)

Another interesting activity to do in the Key West coast is going up above the Atlantic Ocean on a para-sailing trip. Checkout dolphins and sea turtles in action from about 300 feet (91.4 meters) above ground. Experience the thrill of flying in the air above the vast ocean and a bustling beach. Enjoy the exhilarating quietness as you float in the air. These parasailing tours are tailor-made according to the thrill-seeking spirit in you.

Visited this place?

Parasailing in Key West with Professional Guide

Duration: 1 hour

182 reviews

4. Embark on the haunted trolley tour of St. Augustine (from USD 34.0)

Enjoy an evening in St. Augustine that involves both fun and fear factored in by a haunted trolley tour. This fright-sighting tour is all about listening to spooky stories and visiting the haunted places of St. Augustine’s fearful past. The city has a history of gruesome executions, strange ghostly encounters, and haunted old buildings. Get ready to be scared to your bones at the old jail, Potter’s Wax Museum, Chamber of Horrors, the Old drug store and more.

Visited this place?

Haunted Trolley Tour of St Augustine

Duration: 1 hour

791 reviews

5. Take your kids to Legoland in Polk County (from USD 116.0)

Ever wondered how exciting it must be to stay at the Legoland as you watched Sheldon and Amy on their honeymoon in Big Bang Theory? That’s a real place in Florida. Enjoy the fun rides, interactive shows, wild water rides, building a Lego world and much more in the world of Legos at Legoland. Let your power of creativity and imagination run wild and free in this wonderland of fun. This trip comprises of one- or two-day passes to Legoland where you can experience and create the best fun-time memories with your family.

Visited this place?

Florida Legoland Resort With Rides, Shows, Attractions

Duration: 1 to 3 days

955 reviews

6. Book an adventurous airboat ride on River St. Johns (from USD 79.0)

Florida is a place of wetlands, swamps, rivers, and other freshwater sights. Airboat rides are very popular on the scenic freshwater tributaries of the St. Johns River. Have fun spotting the local wildlife such as alligators, water snakes, turtles, birds, manatees and much more as you go on a thrilling ride on the shallow waters. Did you know that Captain Blye and his pirate ship that sank on the river? Get to know about this historic Pirate Captain and his tales as you explore the St. Johns waters. Experience the power of airboat piercing through water in this guided tour.

Visited this place?

St. Johns River Airboat Safari

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

610 reviews

7. Learn more about Space at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (from USD 89.0)

Another dream for every school-going kid in this world would be to see what it is like in space, and experience zero-gravity. And the one place where you get to experience all these science dreams at its best is the NASA space center. The NASA Kennedy Space Center tour is very popular among kids and science enthusiasts. Be honored by the opportunity to meet a veteran astronaut. Walk under the largest rocket in the world, experience moonwalk, enjoy riding a virtual space shuttle, go on an up-close bus ride, learn about the mysteries of space via IMAX 3D movies and do much more on this tour. This one-day trip does not include food and snacks.

Visited this place?

Kennedy Space Center Tour & Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Duration: 11 hours

249 reviews

8. Swim with manatees in the Crystal River (from USD 79.0)

Witness how West Indian manatees flock the freshwater springs of the Crystal River in Florida, their natural habitat. Go snorkeling into the water and swim with manatees. Relish the warm drinks served on the boat and be stunned by the beautiful aquatic ecosystem and life of the manatees. As the name suggests the Crystal River has crystal-clear freshwater that is wonderful for clicking photos and record videos of a remarkable underwater experience.

Visited this place?

Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer

Duration: 3 hours

1091 reviews

9. Glide over Miami and admire the bird's-eye view (from USD 180.0)

Another interesting adventure activity in Miami is the seaplane ride. Enjoy the aerial views of Miami Beach and a thrilling water take-off. Get amazed by how the urban landscape meets the natural beauty of Miami beach. Treat your eyes to the unmatchable beauty of the white sandy Miami beaches from above. Listen to the colorful stories of the land and its beaches from an experienced pilot. Check out the stunning and grand celebrity mansions along the Miami shore. See for yourself how the natural beauty of the coast is accentuated by the human-made skyscrapers and mansions of the city.

Visited this place?

Miami Skyline Seaplane Tour From Key Biscayne With South Beach

Duration: 30 minutes

111 reviews

10. Savor the delicious Miami cuisine on this walking tour (from USD 69.0)

To experience the best of food scenes in Miami one must check out the Little Havana neighborhood. Give new life to all your five senses with the attractive sights, sounds, and tastes of this vibrant Miami neighborhood. Experience the rich history and culture imbibed in the family-owned Cuban restaurants. Listen to the magical music renditions of local artists, get the traditional Cuban cigar, enjoy the delectable guava pastries and much more at Little Havana.

Visited this place?

Miami Little Havana Food and Walking Tour with Tastings

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

5288 reviews

11. Explore street art in Miami's Wynwood district (from USD 35.0)

Miami’s Wynwood District was formerly a warehouse district that got transformed into a galleria of street art and exhibits in the last decade. Go on a 1.5-hour walking tour across this stunning neighborhood and experience the power of creativity. Learn about the making of art by checking out behind the scenes of three of the most popular galleries in the Wynwood district. Learn the different stories and art techniques involved in the creation of the Wynwood’s murals. This vibrant and artistic side of Miami is a must-see sight in Florida.

Visited this place?

Wynwood Arts District Street Art and Gallery Walking Tour

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

99 reviews

12. Ride a jet ski on the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean (from USD 171.0)

Key West coast is a place for water sports. Experience the thrill of going on a jet ski ride across the tropical blue waters of the Key West coast. Witness dolphins dancing, stingrays swimming, sea turtles, manatees and much more on this exciting ride. Explore over 26 miles (42 kilometers) of warm Atlantic ocean waters or the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the southernmost tip of the continental USA on this trip. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will help you find your way across the waters.

Visited this place?

Key West Jet Ski Tour Ultimate Island Adventure

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

529 reviews

13. Learn Salsa and Bachata at South Beach (from USD 89.0)

Engross yourself in the magic of Latin music and dance to the tunes throughout the night at the South Beach Ocean Drive. Learn the aesthetic dance of Salsa and Bachata in the Upstairs Mojito Room under the guidance of an expert host instructor. Put the dance floor on fire with groovy Salsa moves to the sensational music of a live band. You can also enjoy the cabaret and musical performances of local talents of the South Beach on this tour.

Visited this place?

Miami Salsa Night with Lessons, Live Tropical Band, Mojitos

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

212 reviews

14. Explore Everglades' wilderness on an airboat (from USD 46.0)

The Florida Everglades is a great place to experience the wildlife of the state. The Everglades is said to have one-of-a-kind wetland ecosystem that you cannot witness anywhere else on Earth. Spot the different water animals of the locality as you go on an airboat ride on the ‘River of Grass’. Learn about the complex ecosystem of swamps on this guided tour. Checkout the beasty reptiles at the Alligator Farm. Explore the jungle trails near the farms and have a close look at the alligators in their natural habitat. The trip includes pick-up and drop-off.

Visited this place?

Everglades Airboat Ride Ranger-Guided Eco-Tour from Miami

Duration: 1 to 4 hours

286 reviews

15. Go kayaking down the Wekiva River (from USD 100.0)

Another amazing place to go kayaking in Florida is the Wekiva River that is surrounded by lush green forests that will simply mesmerize you. This wild natural beauty is popular for its scenic views and is also a habitat for manatees, gators, turtles and other freshwater animals. Wekiva is registered under National Wild and Scenic rivers and one-of-a-kind in entire Florida. On this four-hour kayak tour learn about the local ecosystem and the preserved wildlife of the river.

Visited this place?

Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour

Duration: 4 hours

174 reviews

16. Relax and rejuvenate at Villa Vizcaya in Miami

Villa Vizcaya
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Averette used under CC BY 3.0

The Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark built in the year 1910 as a subtropical winter home for James Deering. Learn about the fascinating history of this architectural marvel that was built by over a thousand craftsmen. The estate comprises lagoon gardens, the Vizcaya museum, the native forest area, and the bay. Go on a walking tour around this massive historic place and get engrossed in its antique values.

Villa Vizcaya in Miami

Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, USA

Website: Villa Vizcaya in Miami

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 10 - 22 USD

Visited this place?

17. Visit the Old Road Gallery in Islamorada


If you are a fan of pottery and sculpture, you cannot miss this stunning gallery. The Old Road Gallery in Islamorada was established by artists Dwayne and Cindy King in the year 2014. This unique gallery showcases decades of their hard work in creating sculptural masterpieces using different materials. Artifacts made of bronze, silver, clay, copper and much more, are put up for display amidst a beautiful garden in this gallery. The Old Road Gallery is a home dedicated to art and the ‘King’ couple has been extending their creativity in the creation of bronze, clay and copper sculptures that resonate the essence of Florida Keys.

Old Road Gallery

Address: 88888 Old Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, USA

Website: Old Road Gallery

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Visited this place?

18. Indulge in delectable dishes at La Luce in Orlando

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by La Luce on Friday, October 4, 2019

The one place to visit for fulfilling your food cravings is La Luce in Orlando. This is a perfect establishment for a casual and relaxed dining experience. The restaurant serves thin-crust pizzas, pastas, Italian and Mediterranean delicacies and much more. Check out their stunning collection of Trattoria-style wines. This is an exceptional dining space for a calm family dinner, a smooth romantic evening with amazing varieties of food and wine.

La Luce

Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln a, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

Website: La Luce

Opening hours: 6pm - 11pm (daily)

Visited this place?

19. Devote a day to unadulterated fun at Siesta Key Beach


The Siesta Key Beach is all about beach fun. The white sands and turquoise waters of this stunning beach are so apt for spending a day with your family and friends. Siesta Key Beach is one of the pleasant destinations in Sarasota, Florida. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the blue waters meeting the clear sky that looks as if they are merged together at Siesta Key Beach. Have sheer fun rolling on the sands or simply snoozing, splashing in the waters or just reading a book, this is a place for it all.

Siesta Key Beach

Address: 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242, USA

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Visited this place?

20. Go bowling at SpareZ in Davie


SpareZ is a popular bowling destination in Florida where you can spend time having fun with your family and friends. Learn the nuances of bowling at SpareZ. Create unforgettable moments of joy with your kids or simply watch your pals pick up the bowling battle. If you are someone who loves to bowl, this should be your first stop in Florida, USA.

SpareZ

Address: 5325 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328, USA

Website: SpareZ

Opening hours: 9am - 1am (daily)

Visited this place?

21. Explore Miami on a segway (from USD 75.0)

One of the most relaxing ways to explore a city as well as interact with its people on a fresh morning is to go on a Segway tour. On this 2.5 hour segway tour visit the most popular attraction of Miami and learn about its history. Enjoy riding along the scenic coast of the city such as the Star Island, Key Biscayne, South Beach, and Coconut Grove. Get to know about the magnificent Miami mansions and the city’s popular Art Deco architecture. Also find out the history, culture, and lifestyle of the magic city.

Visited this place?

Miami City Segway Tour with Knowledgeable Guide

Duration: 2 hours

162 reviews

22. Get spectacular views of Orlando from a hot air balloon (from USD 185.0)

Florida is a city that offers out-of-the-world experiences. Embark on a journey of floating in the air on a hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy the morning views of the lush green forests, waterways, and orchards of Central Florida by embarking on a hot-air balloon ride from Claremont. You will also get to see the aerial view of the Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and much more on this morning ride. Don’t forget to collect your flight certificate, champagne and post-flight snacks at the end of this joyous ride.

Visited this place?

Orlando Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

10 reviews

23. Get an aerial view of Miami from a helicopter (from USD 100.0)

Miami is one of the most celebrated cities of Florida as well as the whole of the United States. This is a city of magical views that you cannot miss. Go on a helicopter tour and witness the breathtaking beaches such as the Sunny Isles Beach, Hallandale Beach, Golden Beach and more from up above. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the popular Miami sights: Aventura, Hard Rock Stadium and many more.

Visited this place?

Taste of Miami Helicopter Tour

Duration: 12 to 15 minutes

10 reviews

24. Witness the Blue Man Group show at Universal Orlando Resort (from USD 63.0)

The Blue Man Group is known for its spectacular stage performances using science and innovation that carries the audience to a whole new world of awe. Get engrossed in their mastery of music and comedy along with innovative stage displays for a whole evening at the Universal Orlando Resort. Experience the mischief in science combined with exciting musical performances with your family. Children and adults both will absolutely love the Blue Man Group show.

Visited this place?

Blue Man Group Show at Universal Orlando Resort

Duration: 2 hours

10 reviews

25. Check out this ATV off-road experience across Orlando (from USD 102.0)

It is indeed a wild experience to hop on a single-seater all-terrain vehicle. Enjoy the off-road bumpy trials of Florida countryside on a two-hour ATV ride and take time to internalize the breathtaking views of the swamps, wetlands, orange groves and much more. This is a guided adventure activity with instructions, safety gear like helmet, gloves and goggles and more. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”, so push your limits and feel the adrenaline rush.

Visited this place?

Orlando Florida Countryside ATV Off-Road Experience Tour

Duration: 2 hours

33 reviews

26. Attend a Mai-Kai Polynesian dinner show in Fort Lauderdale (from USD 47.0)

If you are an art enthusiast, you are definitely going to love this tour to the Mai-Kai Polynesian Show. A former warehouse district, Mai-Kai has evolved into an art neighborhood filled with galleries, street art, outdoor installations and much more. In this 1.5-hour walking tour at Wynwood, explore one of the most creative places in the world. Delve into the aesthetics and art hub of Miami and enjoy a fun-filled dinner show in Fort Lauderdale.

Visited this place?

Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show Ticket

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

27. Be a part of the Titanic exhibition dinner gala (from USD 58.0)

If there is one movie, one romantic tale that the whole world has loved and quoted in conversations for generations after generations, it is the love of Rose and Jack in the movie Titanic. Immerse yourself into the world of romance and rich history as you enter the Titanic artifact exhibition dinner gala. This is an interactive show where you will get to experience the life inside the Titanic for real. The show also includes a three-course meal and sightseeing at the artifact exhibition galleries. You can also purchase the popular signature cocktails like “The 401” and ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ at the gala. This is a perfect activity for movie and history buffs.

Visited this place?

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Dinner Gala

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

28. Plan a day out with your kids to Disney World (from USD 165.0)

plan a day out with your kids to disney world
Source: www.viator.com

What is a fulfilling trip to Florida without visiting the Walt Disney World? On this tour, you will be accompanied by a private guide who will help you navigate inside the Walt Disney World, learn its history, interesting facts and stories of the park, take the popular rides and much more. There are three different options available for the park tour such as the three-hour orientation tour, the six-hour magic tour, and the nine-hour full-day hopper tour. Florida is indeed a land of fulfilling all your childhood fantasies and some incredible family fun.

Visited this place?

Walt Disney World Private Guide

5 reviews

29. Go shopping in Orlando (from USD 20.0)

go shopping in orlando
Source: www.viator.com

While Orlando is popular for its scenic sights and theme parks one cannot miss out the shopping spaces such as The Mall at Millenia. If there is one place where you can go on a shopping spree in Orlando it is this fabulous mall. On this tour you can shop at the best retail stores in the city too. Live your dream of shopping luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more. Check out the world’s top-selling electronics at Apple store, Tory, Macy’s and much more. Relish the delectable delicacies as you can choose from the 22 different dining choices at the mall.

Visited this place?

Orlando Shopping Tour

30. Scuba dive to witness the diversity of underwater life (from USD 115.0)

Go on a guided scuba diving tour exploring the hidden gems of Florida’s underwater worlds. Explore the world’s largest reefs at Key West and the beautiful Marine life. Grab this wonderful opportunity to learn the basics of scuba diving as you start on a guided underwater tour from waist-deep 3-feet (about 1 meter) water to more as you explore. Although adventure activities like scuba diving generally require prior professional training, you will not be requiring a certification in this trip. The experts will provide with all the necessary diving gear and instructions for a hassle-free experience. All you need to do is follow the guidance and have sheer fun.

Visited this place?

Scuba Diving Guided Tour from Big Pine Key

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

7 reviews

Florida: a place for adventurous water activities and sightseeing

Escape the busy city life and embrace the joy of adventure as you try the different water sports available in the whole of Florida. If you are looking for the best nightlife in the state and a perfect beach vacation hop on to the next ride to Miami. Florida is a place of rich wildlife, stunning rivers, beautiful beaches, historic places and more. Explore this state to experience wild encounters like never before.

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

Sharadha is a happy 'paw'rent to beautiful GSDs - Max n Tuffey. At times, when she is not too busy pampering her furry kids, she is trying her best to stay fit, write and travel. She loves...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.