10 Best Cities in Florida to Visit | Travel Guide Part 1

Florida is one of America's most exciting travel destinations, offering sun-soaked beaches, world-famous theme parks, historic towns, vibrant city life, shopping districts, nature reserves and unforgettable coastal drives. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a cruise extension or a solo adventure, the Sunshine State has a destination for every type of traveller.

From the colourful streets of Miami to the tropical atmosphere of Key West, exploring Florida is easy with a combination of domestic flights, Amtrak trains, rental cars and local transportation.

This guide covers 10 cities and destinations worth adding to your Florida itinerary, including how to get there, where to stay, what to see and useful travel-planning links.

Part 1: Florida Cities to Visit — Numbers 1 to 5

1. Miami — Beaches, Culture, Shopping and Nightlife

Best for: Couples, luxury travellers, food lovers, shopping and beach holidays

Miami is one of Florida's most internationally recognised destinations, celebrated for its beautiful beaches, Latin American and Caribbean influences, colourful Art Deco architecture, luxury hotels and energetic nightlife. It is an excellent starting point for visitors arriving on international flights or planning a cruise from PortMiami.

Best things to do

• Explore the Art Deco Historic District and Ocean Drive in South Beach.

• Spend a beach day at Miami Beach or South Pointe Park.

• Visit Little Havana for Cuban coffee, music, food and local culture.

• Discover Wynwood Walls and the surrounding street art.

• Shop at Bayside Marketplace or the luxury boutiques of the Design District.

• Take a Biscayne Bay sightseeing cruise.

How to get there

• Plane: Fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), the main airport serving the city.

• Train: Brightline connects Miami with Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Amtrak also serves Miami.

• Driving: Miami is connected to the rest of Florida by I-95, Florida's Turnpike and I-75. Allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Hotels to consider

• EAST Miami — a contemporary luxury hotel in Brickell, convenient for restaurants and shopping.

• The Betsy South Beach — a boutique hotel near the beach and Ocean Drive.

• Fontainebleau Miami Beach — a well-known resort for travellers seeking pools, dining and beachfront amenities.

Useful links: Official Miami tourism guide, Miami International Airport, Brightline, EAST Miami, The Betsy, Fontainebleau.

cntraveler.com

2. Orlando — The Theme Park Capital of the World

Best for: Families, theme parks, entertainment and multigenerational holidays

Orlando is a favourite for families and travellers who want a holiday packed with entertainment. Beyond its famous theme parks, the city offers shopping malls, dining experiences, golf courses, resorts, water parks and attractions for adults travelling without children.

Best things to do

• Experience the magic of Walt Disney World Resort.

• Visit Universal Orlando Resort and its immersive attractions.

• Explore SeaWorld Orlando.

• Enjoy dining, shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs.

• Discover ICON Park and its observation wheel.

• Plan a day trip to nearby Cocoa Beach if you want some time by the ocean.

How to get there

• Plane: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the principal airport. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is another option for certain routes.

• Train: Brightline connects Orlando International Airport with South Florida. Amtrak also serves the Orlando area.

• Driving: Orlando sits at the junction of major routes, including I-4 and Florida's Turnpike. A rental car is useful for visiting attractions outside your resort, although some theme park stays can be managed with shuttles and rideshares.

Hotels to consider

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort — a luxury resort for families and couples.

• Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort — a retro-inspired resort with family-friendly amenities.

• Hyatt Regency Orlando — a full-service hotel on International Drive.

Useful links: Official Orlando tourism guide, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Four Seasons Orlando, Universal Cabana Bay.

revestgrp.com

3. Tampa — Waterfront Attractions, Food and Family Fun

Best for: Families, sports fans, foodies and Gulf Coast adventures

Tampa blends modern city attractions with waterfront scenery and Florida's Gulf Coast lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy historic neighbourhoods, exciting sporting events, cultural attractions and access to nearby beaches. Tampa also makes a convenient base for exploring Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

Best things to do

• Walk or cycle along the Tampa Riverwalk.

• Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for rides and animal encounters.

• Explore the restaurants and historic streets of Ybor City.

• Discover marine life at The Florida Aquarium.

• Attend a sporting event or concert.

• Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach.

How to get there

• Plane: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the main airport.

• Train: Amtrak serves Tampa, including routes linking the city with other Florida destinations.

• Driving: I-275 and I-75 provide road access across the region. A rental car is particularly helpful for visiting beaches beyond downtown.

Hotels to consider

• JW Marriott Tampa Water Street — an upscale waterfront-area stay.

• The Tampa EDITION — a luxury option in Water Street Tampa.

• Hotel Haya — a boutique-style hotel in historic Ybor City.

Useful links: Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

hometogo.com

4. Jacksonville — Beaches, River Views and Outdoor Adventures

Best for: Road trips, beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans

Jacksonville is Florida's largest city by land area and offers a different experience from the state's busier tourist hubs. Its appeal includes miles of coastline, riverfront scenery, parks, cultural attractions and neighbourhoods with their own character.

Best things to do

• Relax at Jacksonville Beach or Atlantic Beach.

• Visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

• Explore the Riverside and Avondale neighbourhoods.

• Take a scenic river cruise or visit the downtown riverfront.

• Explore Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for outdoor recreation.

• Attend a Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game when the season and schedule permit.

How to get there

• Plane: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves the city and surrounding region.

• Train: Amtrak serves Jacksonville, with its station north of downtown.

• Driving: I-95 and I-10 provide access from other Florida cities and neighbouring states. A car is helpful because the city covers a large area.

Hotels to consider

• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront — convenient for downtown and riverfront activities.

• One Ocean Resort and Spa — a coastal resort option.

• Ponte Vedra Inn & Club — a luxury beachfront resort outside central Jacksonville.

Useful links: Visit Jacksonville, Jacksonville International Airport, Cummer Museum, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.

h2hmovingflorida.com

5. St. Augustine — Historic Streets and Old-World Charm

Best for: History enthusiasts, couples, architecture lovers and weekend escapes

St. Augustine is renowned as one of the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlements in the continental United States. Its historic streets, Spanish colonial architecture, museums and coastal atmosphere make it a charming alternative to Florida's larger cities.

Best things to do

• Tour Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

• Walk along St. George Street, filled with shops, cafés and historic buildings.

• Visit the Lightner Museum.

• Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, subject to access and operating conditions.

• Relax at St. Augustine Beach.

• Take a guided history or ghost tour through the old town.

How to get there

• Plane: The nearest major commercial airport is Jacksonville International Airport; Northeast Florida Regional Airport is closer but has limited general aviation and charter options.

• Train: Amtrak does not have a station in central St. Augustine. Travellers can use a rail connection to a nearby city and continue by road.

• Driving: St. Augustine is accessible from I-95 and US-1. Driving from Jacksonville takes roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Hotels to consider

• Casa Monica Resort & Spa — a historic luxury hotel in the downtown area.

• The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens — a boutique stay near historic attractions.

• Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach — an option for visitors who prefer a beachside stay.

Useful links: St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra tourism, Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Casa Monica Resort & Spa, The Collector.