Florida is a beautiful state overflowing with equally alluring and exciting attractions. If you’re looking for your next travel destination, get to know the best vacation spots in Florida.
The Best Vacation Spots In Florida You Must Visit
Florida welcomes over 100 million visitors every year. While 2020 was an exception and saw a drop in visitors due to the pandemic, that still didn’t stop the almost 80 million people that visited the Sunshine State.
Florida consistently tops the list of most visited U.S. states. And with an abundance of tourist attractions, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Here are the best places to go in Florida and the nearby areas to rent your next vacation home.
1. Biscayne National Park
Situated in southern Florida, Biscayne National Park is every nature lover’s dream. The park is mostly water, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It just means there’s plenty of water activities you can do, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, diving, snorkeling, and boating. There are also many opportunities for camping and hiking. If you want, you could even just sit back and watch the wildlife.
With a large mangrove forest at the shore and colorful reefs below the water, Biscayne National Park is undoubtedly a must-visit. For accommodations, the best places to rent vacation homes nearby are Key Largo and Homestead. These destinations not only offer easy access to the park but also have their own unique tourist attractions.
2. Busch Gardens
If you want an up-close and personal experience with animals, then add Busch Gardens to your bucket list. This African theme park boasts a broad collection of wild and exotic animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, gorillas, rhinos, and elephants. Their Safari-style tours allow visitors to ride in open-air vehicles as select animals roam the area freely. There are also live animal shows.
Busch Gardens is known for perfectly blending wild animal experiences with fun amusement park rides. There are rides suitable for all ages, though the thrilling rollercoasters are arguably the most popular. If you want easy access to Busch Gardens, book your stay at a vacation home in Tampa.
3. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in North America. The structure dates all the way back to the 17th century and is bursting with history. Stroll through the historic fort with the help of self-guided tours before taking in the stunning view of Matanzas Bay from atop the tower.
This well-preserved piece of history sits in St. Augustine, a city with a strong Spanish influence. Other than this impressive fortress, the city is also known for its historic churches, old houses, and interesting museums. It is the perfect place to rent a vacation home to see the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and enjoy other Florida tourist attractions as well.
4. Daytona International Speedway
Perhaps one of the most well-known NASCAR Cup Series races, the Daytona 500 race takes place at the Daytona International Speedway. This momentous race draws in thousands of visitors every February.
But, if you’re planning to visit any other time, you can always take a tour of the large track. While unconventional, the Daytona International Speedway is definitely one of the best vacation spots in Florida.
You can easily drop by the Daytona International Speedway by staying at a charming vacation home in Daytona Beach. Apart from the track, this Florida city is also known for its sandy beach, which people can drive on in designated areas.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
If you want an experience that perfectly encapsulates the rich history and gorgeous beaches of Florida, then visit Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is home to the coastal fortress that is Fort Jefferson, which dates back to the 1800s. It also consists of seven reef islands that boast amazing secluded beaches. If lazing around on the sand isn’t your style, you can always do some snorkeling, camping, and bird watching.
While you can’t travel to Dry Tortugas National Park by car, you can ride a public ferry or a private boat from nearby Key West. The southernmost city in Florida and the continental United States offers an abundance of vacation rentals.
6. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a popular eco-attraction and one of the best vacation spots in Florida. It is home to 1.5 million acres of swamplands and marsh, where wild animals roam free. Some of the animals you can spot here include Florida panthers, American crocodiles, alligators, manatees, turtles, river otters, and egrets. It is truly every nature and animal lovers’ paradise.
For accommodations, Everglades National Park is close to Florida City and Everglades City. Plan your trip and book a stay in a vacation home or condo in one of these cities for easy access to America’s largest tropical wilderness.
7. Kennedy Space Center
Florida is known for its beaches and parks (of nature and amusement variety). But, if you’re looking for something unique, the Kennedy Space Center is where you should go.
Filled with educational encounters, the Kennedy Space Center is a great destination for kids and kids at heart. Here, you will find the Space Shuttle Atlantis, different rockets, and learn about space missions. You can also meet an astronaut!
The complex is quite large, and it really takes a full day to really see everything there is to see. Then again, if you’re renting a vacation home nearby, you can go back every day to one of the best vacation spots in Florida. The nearest places for rentals include Merritt Island (where the complex sits) and Titusville.
8. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is a resort that combines a water park, a theme park, and educational experiences centered on the iconic construction toy. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the many fun rides, Lego shopping options, and restaurants in the park. Plus, LEGOLAND hosts a variety of seasonal events and shows for visitors of all ages.
While LEGOLAND offers its own accommodations, you can book a cheaper stay at one of the many vacation homes in the area of Winter Haven or nearby cities such as Lakeland, Highland City, Lake Hamilton, and Lake Wales.
9. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is arguably one of the most famous Florida vacation spots. With beautifully golden sand, South Beach itself is a top destination and typically packed with people. The Art Deco Historic District is also a popular point of interest, as it boasts historic buildings, vibrant dining options, and plenty of entertainment venues.
It’s hard to argue with the appeal of this coastal resort city, which is why many regard it as one of the best vacation spots in Florida. And while you can certainly stay in one of the many luxurious hotels and resorts in the area, there are also more private options such as vacation homes and condos.
10. SeaWorld Orlando
Another popular amusement park in Florida, SeaWorld Orlando offers an enjoyable experience for families. This aquatic destination boasts whale and dolphin shows, not to mention a host of other animals including otters, sea lions, and ducks. Head to the Antarctica section to observe penguins roaming about.
In addition to animal encounters, SeaWorld Orlando also comes with thrilling park rides such as the Journey to Atlantis water coaster and the Mako rollercoaster. SeaWorld is located in Orlando, so finding a vacation home or condo that suits your needs and budget should be easy. It is also close to the city of Kissimmee.
11. Universal Studios
If you enjoy thrilling rides and movies, then you’re going to like Universal Studios Orlando. This large amusement park is home to a variety of fun rides and reproduced sets from well-known films. Popular rides include Revenge of the Mummy, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Fast and Furious – Supercharged.
Universal Studios, though, is perhaps best known for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here, wizards, witches, and muggles alike can board the Hogwarts Express, choose a wand at Ollivander’s, walk around Hogsmeade Village, explore Diagon Alley, and enjoy one of several rides.
You can rent out a vacation home in Orlando, where the park is located, or book your stay in nearby Kissimmee.
12. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a 50-acre estate consisting of a villa, gardens, and a surrounding forest. Its most striking feature, though, is the Italian Renaissance formal gardens covering 10 acres of the property. Today, ownership of the Vizcaya property belongs to Miami-Dade County. The general public can visit the historic site and it is even open for weddings and other events.
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is in Miami. Therefore, if you want to visit it, you should rent a vacation home in the city or nearby Miami Beach.
13. Walt Disney World
When it comes to Florida vacation spots, it’s hard not to mention Walt Disney World. This amusement park and resort hybrid is known as the ultimate Disney lover’s destination. The park itself is brimming with magic and wonder, transforming you into that innocent child you once were. For that alone, Walt Disney World is undoubtedly one of the best vacation spots in Florida today.
It’s hard to explore and do everything Disney World has to offer in a single day, so maybe allocate two days for “the happiest place on Earth.” With two days just for this amusement park, though, you’re going to need to stay nearby, if not within the resort itself. The park is located in Orlando, so booking a stay there is the best option. Though, Disney World is also close to Kissimmee.
The Importance of Property Management Companies
The best vacation spots in Florida are certainly worth the time and trouble. But, planning a vacation is not always simple. If you don’t live in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to book a hotel or rental home. Finding the right vacation rentals, though, can be equally difficult. For a convenient and trouble-free experience, it’s a good idea to only rent homes managed by trusted property management companies.
If you need to find a property management company in Florida, our online directory is the best place to start. Filter your results by location and narrow down your options with only a few clicks.
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