10 Best Cities in Florida to Visit | Travel Guide Part 2

Part 2: Florida Cities to Visit — Numbers 6 to 10

6. Fort Lauderdale — Canals, Yachts and Beautiful Beaches

Best for: Couples, cruise travellers, beach holidays and upscale shopping

Often called the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is known for its extensive canal network, boating culture, sandy beaches and lively waterfront dining. It offers a more relaxed alternative to Miami while remaining close enough for a combined South Florida itinerary.

Best things to do

• Spend time along Fort Lauderdale Beach.

• Take a water taxi or sightseeing cruise through the canals.

• Visit Las Olas Boulevard for restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

• Explore the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

• Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for walking trails and nature.

• Add a shopping trip to Sawgrass Mills, a major outlet mall in nearby Sunrise.

How to get there

• Plane: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the main airport.

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

• Driving: I-95 and Florida's Turnpike connect Fort Lauderdale to other parts of the state. Parking near the beach can be expensive, so check hotel parking fees.

Hotels to consider

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale — a luxury beachfront property.

• W Fort Lauderdale — a stylish hotel close to the beach.

• Riverside Hotel — a historic Las Olas Boulevard option.

Useful links: Visit Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Airport, Brightline, Bonnet House, The Ritz-Carlton.

7. Key West — Tropical Island Life and Stunning Sunsets

Best for: Romantic escapes, scenic road trips, watersports and island experiences

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and the final major stop along the Florida Keys' famous Overseas Highway. Expect pastel-coloured homes, tropical gardens, lively streets, historic landmarks and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Best things to do

• Watch sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.

• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

• Explore Duval Street's shops, cafés and restaurants.

• Relax at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

• Take a snorkelling, sailing or glass-bottom boat excursion.

• Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy for a classic holiday photograph.

How to get there

• Plane: Key West International Airport (EYW) has domestic services, with routes varying by season and airline.

• Train: There is no direct passenger train to Key West. Take a train to South Florida and continue by road.

• Driving: Follow US-1 along the Overseas Highway from mainland Florida. Miami to Key West generally takes around 3.5–4 hours without major delays, but allow additional time for scenic stops and traffic.

Hotels to consider

• Ocean Key Resort & Spa — a waterfront resort near Mallory Square.

• The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton — a beachfront resort.

• Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton — a historic oceanfront resort.

Useful links: The Florida Keys & Key West, Key West International Airport, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Ocean Key Resort, Casa Marina.

8. Naples — Luxury, White-Sand Beaches and Relaxation

Best for: Luxury travellers, couples, golf holidays and peaceful beach escapes

Naples, on Florida's Gulf Coast, is an excellent destination for travellers seeking a slower pace, beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and fine dining. It is also a convenient base for exploring nature preserves and coastal wildlife.

Best things to do

• Enjoy the beaches and sunset views at Naples Pier, checking current access conditions before visiting.

• Browse the boutiques and restaurants along Fifth Avenue South.

• Visit the Naples Botanical Garden.

• Explore the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

• Take a guided wildlife or boat tour through nearby coastal waterways.

• Spend time at Clam Pass Park or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, subject to current access and conditions.

How to get there

• Plane: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), near Fort Myers, is the main commercial airport for many Naples visitors. Naples Airport primarily serves general aviation and private aircraft.

• Train: Naples has no direct intercity passenger rail service. Travel by rail to another Florida city and continue by road.

• Driving: I-75 and US-41 connect Naples with other Gulf Coast destinations. Driving from Tampa usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and the route.

Hotels to consider

• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples — an upscale beachfront resort.

• LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort — a beach resort with golf and spa amenities.

• Inn on Fifth — a boutique luxury option near downtown shopping and dining.

Useful links: Paradise Coast tourism, Southwest Florida International Airport, Naples Botanical Garden, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.

9. Sarasota — Arts, Culture and Gulf Coast Beaches

Best for: Art lovers, couples, families and beach enthusiasts

Sarasota combines a vibrant arts scene with beautiful beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It is especially appealing to travellers who want more than a beach holiday, with museums, performing arts, gardens and nearby islands to explore.

Best things to do

• Visit Siesta Key Beach, known for its fine, pale sand.

• Explore The Ringling, which includes an art museum and historic estate.

• Discover Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

• Enjoy restaurants, shops and galleries in downtown Sarasota.

• Take a day trip to Lido Key.

• Explore the nearby coastal communities and nature reserves.

How to get there

• Plane: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) offers domestic flights, depending on the route and season. Tampa International Airport is another option.

• Train: Sarasota has no direct Amtrak intercity passenger station. Rail travellers can connect through another Florida city and continue by road.

• Driving: I-75 provides convenient access from Tampa, Fort Myers and other Florida destinations. A car is useful for reaching the beaches and surrounding islands.

Hotels to consider

• The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota — a luxury hotel near downtown and the waterfront.

• Lido Beach Resort — a beach-focused stay on Lido Key.

• The Resort at Longboat Key Club — an upscale resort on a barrier island.

Useful links: Visit Sarasota County, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Lido Beach Resort.

10. West Palm Beach — Waterfront Dining, Shopping and Culture

Best for: Luxury escapes, shopping, art, couples and rail-friendly travel

West Palm Beach offers a mix of waterfront dining, cultural attractions, shopping and easy access to the Atlantic coast. It is a particularly convenient stop for visitors travelling between Miami and Orlando by train, and it pairs well with a visit to neighbouring Palm Beach.

Best things to do

• Stroll along Clematis Street for restaurants, bars and local events.

• Visit The Square, a shopping and entertainment district.

• Explore the Norton Museum of Art.

• Visit the Mounts Botanical Garden.

• Take a short trip to Palm Beach for Worth Avenue's upscale boutiques.

• Enjoy nearby beaches, parks and waterfront dining.

How to get there

• Plane: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) serves the region.

• Train: Brightline stops in West Palm Beach, with connections to South Florida and Orlando. Amtrak also serves West Palm Beach.

• Driving: I-95 and Florida's Turnpike connect the city to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Driving is helpful for exploring Palm Beach County's beaches and attractions.

Hotels to consider

• The Breakers Palm Beach — a renowned luxury resort on neighbouring Palm Beach.

• The Ben, Autograph Collection — a boutique-style hotel near the waterfront.

• Hilton West Palm Beach — a full-service hotel close to downtown attractions.

Useful links: Discover The Palm Beaches, Palm Beach International Airport, Brightline, Norton Museum of Art, The Breakers, The Ben.

Planning Your Florida Holiday: Which Transport Should You Choose?

Florida is a large state, and the best way to travel depends on your itinerary, budget and the amount of flexibility you want.

1. Rental car — best for exploring multiple cities

Ideal for the Florida Keys, Naples, Sarasota, St. Augustine and beach-hopping. Remember to budget for tolls, parking and fuel.

Compare rental cars

2. Train — best for selected city-to-city routes

Brightline connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Amtrak serves additional Florida destinations, but schedules and station locations vary.

Brightline tickets · Amtrak

3. Plane — best for longer distances

Flying into the airport closest to your destination can save driving time, especially when travelling from outside Florida or combining distant regions.

Compare flights

For general transport guidance, consult VISIT FLORIDA, Brightline and Amtrak's Florida travel guide.

How to Plan a Multi-City Florida Itinerary

If you have seven to ten days, avoid trying to visit all ten destinations in one trip. Choose cities that fit together geographically so you spend more time enjoying Florida and less time travelling.

• South Florida escape: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

• Family adventure: Orlando, Tampa and a Gulf Coast beach.

• Scenic coastal road trip: Miami, Key West and Naples, allowing sufficient driving time.

• History and beaches: Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

• Relaxed Gulf Coast holiday: Tampa, Sarasota and Naples.

Travellers arriving from Trinidad and Tobago should compare flight routes, baggage allowances, hotel locations and transfers before deciding which airport to use. Also check entry requirements for the United States before booking.

Let Sharmila Narwani Plan Your Florida Getaway

Whether you dream of Miami's glamorous nightlife, Orlando's world-famous theme parks, the turquoise waters of Key West or a relaxing Gulf Coast retreat, your Florida holiday should be planned around your travel style, interests and budget.

Sharmila Narwani, Editor of TravelTasteJournal and Fora Travel Advisor, can help you explore your options and plan a trip that suits your needs. From choosing destinations and finding suitable hotels to arranging a multi-city itinerary, let your next Florida adventure begin with a personalised travel enquiry.

Ready to explore Florida?

Tell Sharmila where you want to go, your preferred travel dates, who is travelling and what kind of holiday you have in mind.

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Complete the travel enquiry form to get started. Hotel availability, rates and booking terms are subject to confirmation.

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