Florida Travel Guide: Top Destinations & Insider Tips

Let's be honest. Searching for "visiting places in Florida" throws a million options at you. Endless lists of beaches, theme parks, and cities all screaming for attention. It's overwhelming. I've lived here for over a decade, and I still discover new corners. But I've also seen the same tourist traps disappoint people time and again.

This isn't another generic list. Think of it as a friend's brutally honest advice on where to go in Florida, how to do it smartly, and what to skip so you don't waste precious vacation time. We'll cover the icons you can't miss, the underrated spots you'll love, and the nitty-gritty details—ticket prices, parking hacks, the best time to show up—that most articles gloss over.

Iconic Florida: The Must-Sees & How to Tackle Them

You can't talk about visiting Florida without mentioning these places. But knowing about them and knowing how to visit them are two different things.

Orlando's Theme Park Universe

Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. They're massive, expensive, and magical if you play your cards right. The biggest mistake? Treating them like a casual afternoon out.

**Walt Disney World** is a beast of its own with four main parks. A one-day ticket starts around $109-$189 depending on the date, and yes, you often need a park reservation on top of that. Genie+ (the paid fastpass system) is practically mandatory for popular rides if you hate long lines. My strategy? Rope-drop (arrive before opening) Magic Kingdom, hit headliners first, and use the afternoon for shows and less popular rides.

**Universal Orlando Resort** feels more manageable. The two main parks (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) are connected by the Hogwarts Express, which you can ride with a Park-to-Park ticket (from around $164). If you're a Potter fan, this ticket is non-negotiable. The single-rider lines here are a goldmine for saving time if your group doesn't mind splitting up.

South Florida's Dynamic Coast: Miami & The Keys

Miami isn't just one place. It's a collection of neighborhoods with distinct personalities. South Beach (Ocean Drive) is for seeing the iconic art deco buildings and vibrant, crowded scene. But for actually relaxing on the sand, I prefer the slightly north stretches like Mid-Beach or the residential vibe of Surfside. Parking is a nightmare and expensive ($2-$4 per hour on meters, lots can be $20+). Consider using the Miami Beach parking app or simply taking a rideshare.

The drive to the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway is an attraction itself. Key Largo is about an hour from Miami, with great diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Islamorada is the sportfishing capital. Key West, the end of the line, is 3.5+ hours from Miami. Don't day-trip it—the drive will exhaust you. Stay overnight to enjoy the sunset at Mallory Square, the history at the Hemingway Home, and the quirky, laid-back atmosphere.

Beyond Theme Parks: Beaches, Nature & Hidden Gems

If you think Florida is only roller coasters and Miami clubs, you're missing half its soul. The state's natural beauty is staggering.

I have a soft spot for Florida's springs. Places like Ichetucknee Springs State Park or Weeki Wachee Springs offer crystal clear, 72-degree water year-round. You tube down a river, snorkel, or just marvel at the clarity. It's the opposite of a salty, wave-crashing beach day, and a perfect respite from summer heat. Rentals are cheap, and the scenery is pure, old Florida.

The Practical Florida: Planning, Timing & Saving Money

This is where trips are made or broken. Florida's weather and crowds dictate everything.

When to Go: Peak season is December-April (dry, mild, crowded, expensive). Shoulder months (May, late October-November) offer a good balance. Summer (June-September) is hot, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms, but it's also when you find lower hotel rates outside Orlando and fewer crowds at non-theme park attractions. Hurricane season runs June-November—always get travel insurance.

Getting Around: You need a car. Period. Public transport is not a viable option for a multi-destination trip. Renting a car at a major airport is straightforward. Be prepared for toll roads (like Florida's Turnpike and the Beachline Expressway to Orlando). Rentals usually have a SunPass transponder; you'll pay tolls plus a daily convenience fee.

Saving Money:

• Theme Parks: Buy tickets directly from the park's official website at least a few weeks out. Third-party sellers can be risky. Look for bundled hotel+ticket deals if staying on-site.
• Food: Eating every meal in park restaurants or oceanfront bistros adds up fast. Hit a local grocery store for breakfast items, snacks, and bottled water. Many hotels have mini-fridges.
• Attractions: For state parks like the springs or beaches with amenities, the entry fee per car is often the best value for a full day of activity.

Making It Work: A 7-Day Florida Itinerary Example

Let's stitch this together. Say you have a week and want a mix of magic and relaxation.

Day 1-3: Orlando. Fly into Orlando International (MCO). Pick your poison: two days at Disney parks or two days at Universal. Use the third day as a flex/rest day—visit Disney Springs or Universal's CityWalk, or hit a water park. Stay in a hotel on International Drive or Lake Buena Vista for convenience.

Day 4-5: Gulf Coast Beaches. Rent a car on Day 4 (if you haven't already) and drive ~2 hours west to Clearwater Beach or Sarasota's Siesta Key (famous for its quartz sand). Check into a beach hotel. Spend these days decompressing: build sandcastles, take a dolphin cruise, watch the legendary sunset.

Day 6: Day Trip to Nature. From the Gulf Coast, you're within 1.5-2 hours of either Crystal River (in manatee season) or Weeki Wachee Springs for a river tubing adventure. Pick one for a memorable outdoor experience.

Day 7: Return. Drive back to Orlando (allow 2+ hours with traffic) for your flight home.

This mix gives you the iconic Orlando buzz followed by the laid-back coastal vibe Florida is famous for, without insane daily travel times.

Your Florida Questions, Answered

What is the best way to split a one-week Florida trip between Orlando and the coast?

Aim for a 4-and-3 split. Spend four days in Orlando to cover two major theme parks with a rest day in between. Then, drive to either the Gulf Coast (Clearwater, Sarasota) or the Atlantic Coast (Cocoa Beach, Miami) for three days of beach relaxation. Trying to do more creates a stressful, checklist-style vacation. Book your Orlando park tickets online in advance for the best prices and to reserve ride times where available.

Is visiting the Everglades worth it for a family with young kids?

Absolutely, but choose the right experience. Skip the long, quiet airboat tours that bore kids. Instead, book a shorter, faster airboat tour (30-45 minutes) from a reputable operator like Sawgrass Recreation Park. The thrill of the ride and guaranteed alligator sightings hold their attention. Pair it with a visit to the Shark Valley Tram Tour in the national park, a 2-hour guided tram ride where you'll see tons of wildlife without walking. Go early in the morning when animals are active and bring bug spray and sun protection.

What's the biggest mistake first-time visitors make when planning a Florida vacation?

Underestimating the distances, climate, and pace. Florida is deceptively large. Driving from Miami to Orlando takes 3.5 hours without traffic. Trying to pack Miami, the Keys, and Orlando into a 5-day trip means you'll spend it in the car. The heat and humidity from May to October are intense; you must plan indoor/water-based activities for midday. Finally, people try to do too much. Picking one or two regions to explore deeply always beats a frantic statewide dash.

Florida rewards those who plan a little but stay flexible. It's a state of contrasts—thrilling rides and tranquil springs, vibrant cities and silent swamps. Focus on the experience you truly want, nail down those key logistics, and you're set for a memorable trip. Now go find your own Sunshine State story.