13 Best Cities in Florida
Looking for Florida cities as a vacation destination is not exclusive to foreigners. Americans themselves love heading to the Sunshine State to enjoy their days off.
What few people know, however, is that the region is much more than just Miami and Orlando. There are several municipalities worthy of your visit, with much to offer to different audiences.
OK, a visit to a theme park cannot be left out of your itinerary, but there is much more to it than that. From beautiful beaches to historic landscapes, from sports to shopping. Believe me, sticking to the ordinary is a waste of time and money.
To understand this, just analyze the state map. There are so many places to visit that Florida stands out, alongside California, as a summer destination for locals. Not believing? Just search for names like Naples, Jacksonville, and Key West. And these are just a few examples.
Are you interested in the best cities in Florida? Check below which places are worth visiting and what to do in each of them. Just be careful not to fall too much in love and end up wanting to live in the United States.
What are the Main Cities in South Florida?
The southern region of the state of Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and Hispanic culture. Without a doubt, Miami is the best-known city here, but it is far from the only one that deserves a visit. Oh, and don’t think that this area is only about the sun and the sea. There is a lot to discover, pleasing different tastes and budgets.
1. Miami
When it comes to visiting Florida cities, there is no doubt that Miami is the most famous. Known worldwide, the city attracts tourists for its beautiful beaches, such as Miami Beach, tropical climate, and lively nightlife.
More than that, this is also a region that is highly sought after by foreigners who live in the United States. This contributes to the city’s rich Hispanic culture and extremely cosmopolitan atmosphere.
It is one of the cities in Florida most visited by tourists who are mainly looking to shop in Miami. With several outlets and attractive prices, this is a paradise for those who want to purchase products for less. However, anyone who thinks that this is the only attraction of this beautiful city is mistaken.
What to do in Miami
There are several Miami neighborhoods that are great for staying and have countless attractions. Examples of this are the famous Arts District, Downtown, and Little Havana. At first, it’s worth stopping by Wynwood Walls, an incredible outdoor graffiti exhibition.
For those who prefer to rest, there are great resort options in Miami Beach. Some of Miami’s best hotels are located here, making it a tourist favorite. With a busy life and alternative options for outings, restaurants in Miami are impossible not to visit.
Finally, you can get to know the region, go shopping, and even embark on a cruise. Without a doubt, there is no shortage of opportunities for things to do in Miami. If you want to see everything in a practical way, buy a ticket for the tourist bus in Miami.
2. Key West
To get to know the region, a good tip is to head to the extreme south of the state. In fact, Key West is the last of the cities in Florida, being about 170 kilometers from Havana, Cuba.
If that’s not enough, let me warn you that this is, in reality, a group of islands that lie in the Caribbean Sea. More interesting than that, however, is the fact that the journey can be done entirely by car.
To do this, simply access the Overseas Highway, one of the most beautiful buildings you will see in your life. After all, it’s not every day that you drive across the blue sea of the Gulf of Mexico.
What to do in Key West
As it is a small island, there are not many attractions in Key West. This does not mean, however, that you will run out of activities to fill your days in this friendly paradise.
The best option here is to enjoy your day on the local beaches. OK, you can find beautiful landscapes in several other cities in Florida. Still, I guarantee that none will be like this. To further improve the experience, I also suggest watching the sunset in the region.
For the more radical, it is possible to carry out some more adventurous activities here. Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are just some of the alternatives for this audience.
3. Fort Lauderdale
The third of the main cities in Florida is well known to tourists. The reason for this, however, is not because of its attractions, tourist attractions, or beautiful beaches. The name of Fort Lauderdale is famous here for being the main entry point into the United States for those traveling by plane.
But beyond this, the city of Fort Lauderdale has a lot to offer tourists. Much more than an airport, the place is great for shopping and getting to know the local culture.
What to do in Fort Lauderdale
Without a doubt, this city is wonderful and is a very common tourist spot among foreigners. A little more popular than Boca Raton, it surprises with the huge number of things to do. Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are beautiful, and the climate is similar to that of the Caribbean. For photo lovers, this is the place! How about taking an incredible fishing trip in Fort Lauderdale?
A beautiful city like this could not fail to have interesting attractions for tourists. An example is the Science Museum, one of the most visited places with information technology that attracts many tourists. In this space, you will find 3D cinemas, flight simulators, and various samples of rare Florida plants and trees.
Shopping lovers can’t miss the Las Oslas Boulevard Shopping Mall. A 2 square kilometer shopping center with restaurants, bars, clubs, and a wonderful theater.
4. Boca Raton
Firstly, Boca Raton is a mandatory tourist stop for anyone touring Florida’s cities. Furthermore, it is a place where many foreigners choose to live due to the quality of life, activities to do, and proximity to Miami.
In fact, there are around 80 kilometers that separate the cities, which can be covered in less than an hour. This, in fact, is a very common tour among tourists who visit the region.
The reason for this is quite obvious once you arrive in the city. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. The landscape of the beautiful blue sea merges with the incredible tree-lined streets and large houses, making the view almost like a painting painted by hand.
What to do in Boca Raton
If you really like boating, Boca Raton is the ideal place for you. With a very large number of boats and tours available to tourists, it is possible to explore and have fun in the region.
The city has many tourist attractions, such as museums and a multitude of parks. At the same time, it manages to be one of the calmest and most peaceful cities in the state. Ideal for those who want to take a break from the busy routine of Orlando’s parks.
For those who love shopping, the Good Deals Outlet is a good choice for getting discounts and buying what you need. But, by the time you get here, I think your suitcase will already be pretty full of shopping…
5. Naples
Do you want to see something different from what you imagine in Florida cities? If that’s your goal, Naples is your place in the state, being on the opposite side of Miami, about 200 kilometers away.
The city is known for its numerous golf courses, which attract athletes from all over the world. As a result, this is an extremely rich region, which means that the restaurants and shops here are highly luxurious.
In general, visitors here are more demanding, which means that the service, products, and services are different. If you intend to enjoy your treats, better save.
What to do in Naples
As expected, the great attraction of the Naples region is the sport and culture around it. Therefore, this tends to be a much more interesting destination for those who have fun walking through the 18 holes.
If this isn’t your case, don’t worry; the city offers some alternatives that please everyone, such as a stroll through the Naples Street market. The best thing about it is its location, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, the best option is to arrive early, reserve your place, and wait for the indescribable local sunset.
Finally, it is also possible to take advantage of the high standard of the place. Hotels and restaurants are fantastic, offering an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, it is a great spot for shopping, even though the focus here is not on savings but on exclusivity.
What are the Main Cities in Central Florida?
Driving up the state’s highways, you will come across the central region, where important cities in Florida are located. The focus here is certainly on theme parks spread across some of the municipalities you will see below. In addition to them, however, there are other diverse attractions that will certainly attract you here.
6. Orlando
OK, I know you already know this city and know all its attractions. Maybe you’ve already been here or even know someone who has visited and brought you a themed gift. After all, this is one of the cities in Florida with the most tourists.
Still, it is necessary to explain that Orlando is extremely important to the state. The park complexes here attract millions of tourists annually. This movement of visitors is what makes Florida known worldwide.
Therefore, Orlando is one of the most important cities in Florida. If you have any doubts about this, check out some of the numbers below.
What to do in Orlando
In 2019 alone, the city of Orlando received around 75 million visitors. Of these, more than 20 million went to Disney Magic Kingdom, and 14 million to Animal Kingdom. It is also possible to count here the 12 million who visited Epcot and the 11 million who chose Hollywood Studios.
Through the numbers, it is possible to understand that the city’s focus is, obviously, on parks. Along with those mentioned above, we must also add Universal Spaces, SeaWorld, and many others.
To cater to this audience, there is a wide range of hotels in the region, as well as great restaurants. Also, consider the city’s outlets when making your Orlando itinerary, whether it’s for 1 or 7 days.
7. Palm Bay
To help you locate yourself on the map, Palm Bay is one of the cities in Florida close to Miami and Orlando. It is exactly 120 kilometers from the first, while it is approximately 280 kilometers away from the second.
A little different from the Florida cities you’ve seen so far, Palm Bay has a wilder feel. This is because there are many parks that are similar to safaris. Furthermore, unlike most beaches, it has rivers.
This is a big positive point, as the view is wonderful. Another advantage is that, as the waters are calmer, it is possible to enjoy a more relaxed ride with boats and stand-ups.
What to do in Palm Bay
With average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, sunbathing is always a good option in Palm Bay. For those who want to get to know the surroundings, I recommend taking a trip to the Turkey Creek Sanctuary Park. In addition to immense contact with nature, it is possible to see replicas of dinosaur bones and go kayaking.
This tour is ideal for those with children on board the trip. At the end of the trails, it won’t be difficult to find parks to end the afternoon with a well-deserved picnic. And after a tiring day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than a snack to replenish your energy.
8. Tampa
The city of Tampa, Florida, is a common stop for those going to Orlando to visit the theme parks. It is located on the west coast of the state, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, 130 kilometers from Orlando.
Its name is known in tourism due to Busch Gardens, an incredible park in the city. Still, that’s not all that this incredible location has to offer its visitors.
An interesting tip, for example, is to check out the sports in the region. This is because teams from several major leagues can be found here, such as American football, hockey, and baseball. Can you imagine watching a match of one of these sports from inside the stadium? Simply incredible! Then get your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket.
What to do in Tampa
In Tampa, the Busch Gardens amusement park is located in a city known for having the largest roller coasters in the world. So, adrenaline is guaranteed in one of the most beautiful cities in Florida. If you don’t love roller coasters, no problem! That’s not all Tampa has to offer.
For nature lovers, it is possible to do outdoor activities, such as zip lining. Also, take the opportunity to kayak and canoe or book a Segway tour around Tampa.
In the city, it is possible to play golf and run in local public parks. Tourists who love participating in water activities can venture to Adventure Island, which is located right in front of Busch Gardens.
9. St. Petersburg
It’s no wonder that the city of St. Petersburg is a year-round vacation destination for so many Americans. According to studies, the region has an average of 360 days of sunshine per year. Because of this, it received the affectionate nickname of The Sunshine City, The city of sunlight, in literal translation.
The municipality has approximately 250 thousand inhabitants and is located next to Tampa. By car, the journey is 40 kilometers long and takes less than half an hour to complete.
For those interested in sports, the city is home to the Tampa Bays, the famous American football team. Therefore, visiting it can be a great opportunity to see our football’s distant brother up close.
What to do in St. Petersburg
I’ve already talked here about several places to enjoy the beach and shop. Of course, St. Petersburg is another one of the Florida cities that offers both options for your entertainment. Still, how about we focus on something a little more cultural this time?
To do this, I recommend visiting great museums in the city. If you’ve already turned your nose up when you read the word museum, try to relax. Contrary to what it may seem, there is no monotony here, quite the opposite.
The best-known in the region is the Salvador Dalí Museum, which has the artist’s largest collection outside of Europe. In addition to it, the city also houses the Florida Holocaust Museum, founded by two Jews who fled Germany. In addition to being historical, it is a very interesting experience.
What are the Main Cities in North Florida?
In the northernmost part of Florida, there are cities that are not so well known but extremely important. Even though many people, including the one who writes to you, don’t know, the capital and most populous city of the state are here. Furthermore, in this region, you can also find everything, including beaches and shopping centers.
10. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is known as a beach paradise among Florida cities. The place offers a blue sea, friendly people, and tourists from different parts of the United States. It is between Orlando and Jacksonville.
Approximately 90 kilometers from the world capital of theme parks, getting to the city is simple. This makes it perfectly possible to add the region to your itinerary, perhaps on a day to take a break from the roller coasters.
Around here, it is very common to find beach tours for sale; after all, there are 36 kilometers of coastline and a lot to see. On these tours, you can make stops and choose your preferred beach to spend the day. If you prefer, you can stay in one of the best hotels in Daytona Beach and enjoy even more.
What to do in Daytona Beach
Many tourists rent convertibles to enjoy the city’s breeze and pleasant climate. What many foreigners don’t know is that this is the home of the main Stock Car circuit in the United States: Daytona International Speedway.
For those who love speed and cars, this is an almost obligatory stop. Even if you don’t go to Daytona during the competition, you can go to the circuit and watch the training.
In Daytona, you can have fun on the pier, rent a bike, enjoy the view, and even enjoy museums. The place also has good restaurants and shopping malls for those who like shopping. And for a different activity, try fishing in Daytona Beach.
11. St. Augustine
Most likely, you have never heard of St. Augustine, one of the most historic cities in Florida. About 50 kilometers from Jacksonville, the region is a must-see for all types of tourists.
With just over 12 thousand inhabitants, the small municipality hides some very special gems within its territory. The big reason for this is the importance of the place in the history of the United States.
From Spanish colonization in 1565 to the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. In each of these events, St. Augustine played an important role in the lives of the Americans.
What to do in St. Augustine
If you are finding this a dull ride, I suggest reviewing your concepts. With more than 60 attractions, this is one of the cities in Florida with the greatest cultural, historical, and gastronomic richness.
The main local tourist attraction is Castillo de San Marcos, an incredible fort built by the Spanish. With the title of the oldest masonry fort in the United States, admission is $15 and is worth every penny.
Another essential tour is a tour of the region’s historic center, called Old Town. The tip is to start at the city gates and head to Saint George Street, the main and most tourist street here. Around the area, you can find everything from an 1887 pharmacy to the St. Augustine Pirates & Treasure Museum.
12. Jacksonville
Two hours from Orlando, Jacksonville is the most populous and one of the largest cities in Florida. Here, you will discover a watery paradise within the big city. The climate helps a lot as it is hot. December and January are the winter months in the country.
Contrary to what many people think, its more than 800,000 inhabitants easily outnumber the populations of Miami and Orlando. With this, you can look forward to a large shopping center and countless leisure activities.
Even though it doesn’t have Disney or Universal parks, Jacksonville is an important point in Florida. In addition to its importance for business, it is a city close to the state capital. This, by the way, is not one of the famous cities in Florida either, contrary to popular belief.
What to do in Jacksonville
For those who are fans of beaches and landscapes, this is the right place, with thousands of options for fun. With several beaches, it is possible to spend an afternoon with the family or even alone and have a great time. Picnics, sports or reading a book by the sea, anything goes well with the wonders of this city’s beaches.
On the list of things to do, you will find parks, lakes, beaches, history museums, and art and science museums. When visiting Jacksonville’s beaches, don’t forget to visit the Intracoastal Waterway, which is the Pacific water channel.
Touring the Intracoastal is a phenomenal experience! Many tourists go to see the manatees and dolphins, and the local forest is incredible.
13. Tallahassee
If you’re like me, you’ve probably never heard of Tallahassee before. It turns out that this is the capital of Florida and not the famous Orlando and Miami or the populous Jacksonville. With constant growth, the municipality now has 180 thousand inhabitants, placing it as the seventh largest in the state.
In addition to its political importance, there are many attractions to getting to know Tallahassee, even if it is far away. The far west of the state is a good distance from the best-known cities in Florida.
The closest is Jacksonville, approximately 270 kilometers away. Then comes Orlando, more than 400 kilometers away. Finally, Miami is the furthest, at an incredible 750 kilometers.
What to do in Tallahassee
Like any good state capital, Tallahassee has one of its main attractions at this point. Therefore, it is impossible to visit the city and not visit the Florida State Capitol Building, the seat of local government.
Additionally, a mandatory stop is Florida A&M University, the local university. Here, you can stroll around the campus and, if you’re lucky, attend a sporting event like the ones we see in films and series.
Finally, set aside some space in your schedule to contemplate the nature of one of the most Texan cities in Florida. Stop by Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and Wakulla Springs. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui in 2024 (Thailand)
Enjoy Florida’s Cities
There are so many wonderful places to visit that it’s normal to get lost when choosing one of the cities in Florida for your itinerary. What I advise you to do is take into consideration what attracts you most about the destination. Calculate the distance and see if it is really worth traveling to the city and enjoying it.
Remember that quantity does not mean quality. You can visit the ten best cities in Florida but not enjoy any of them. So make a good choice and make the most of it.
It is also very important to draw up a map/route that fits your tastes. Take advantage of this and enter the number of days you will stay in the region. And don’t forget: calculate the time and leave a margin for unforeseen events. And never travel to a distant city on the day of your return flight.
