Best Places to Visit in Florida
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Florida with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Florida sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Florida that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Florida whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Mission San Luis
Tallahassee, FL
From 1656 to 1704, Mission San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital. At Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum walk the plaza where the Apalachee played their traditional ball games centuries ago. Visit the most important structure in the Apalachee village, the council house, and also stop at the home of the Spanish Deputy Governor. Pay respects at the Franciscan church and at the friary where the clergy lived. Hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer at the forge and encounter a soldier on guard at the Castillo de San Luis, the Mission’s fort. Then explore the gallery where 300-year-old artifacts excavated from on site are on display.
Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a private nonprofit visual arts educational institution and cultural institute of the University of North Florida, serves the community and its visitors through exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and publications designed to enhance an understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art with particular emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present.
The Ernest Hemmingway Home & Museum
Key West, FL
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is recognized for being home to one of America’s most honored and respected authors. The museum allows visitors to see the rooms and gardens that were there at the most prolific period of Ernest Hemingway’s writing career.
Big Cat Rescue
Tampa, FL
Big Cat Rescue is one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats. They are home to about 80+ lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. What sets Big Cat Rescue apart is that they are working to end the abuse at its root by ending the private possession and trade in exotic cats through legislation and education. The sanctuary began rescuing exotic cats in Nov. 4, 1992.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa, FL
Five-time winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2010-2015), Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. The Zoo originated in the 1930’s as a municipal department with a small number of Florida native species. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has now grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won accolades as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Adventure Island
Tampa, FL
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun, feature the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere awaits an unrivaled blend of slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions. Adventure Island also features outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, a gift shop and a championship sand volleyball complex for hours of fun in the sun.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Miami, FL
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa, FL
Busch Gardens Tampa is the ultimate family adventure park, featuring an unparalleled combination of animal encounters, live entertainment and world-class thrill rides. Busch Gardens Tampa is one of 10 parks across the U.S. operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
Museum of Science & Industry
Tampa, FL
Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is a scientific playground with more than 450 hands-on activities in the largest science center in the southeastern United States. MOSI’s innovative exhibits urge you to ask questions and expand your mind. They show you how cool curiosity can be, there are no tests or quizzes. They spark conversations about the world and the future among kids and their grandparents, between spouses, and with strangers. There’s no other place like it in Tampa Bay.
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa, FL
At the Florida Aquarium, there are so many activities for the entire family, including visiting exhibits, exploring a shore, and watching a dolphin show. The Florida Aquarium also hosts AquaCamp programs which are offered during the summer and school year.
