There are many things to do in Florida, but there are 19 top-rated attractions that you must see. These attractions include the Everglades National Park, Duval Street in Key West, Edison and Ford Winter Estates, and The Ringling Museum. You must see these attractions in person to truly understand why Florida is a top travel destination. We’ll also touch on some of our favorite places to eat, shop, and relax while in Florida.
Dry Tortugas National Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, visit Dry Tortugas National Park in southern Florida. The park has lots to offer, from snorkeling and diving to ranger-guided tours, geocaching, and wildlife spotting. The area is also home to the Fort Jefferson Fort, which was built by Thomas Jefferson. In addition to exploring the national park’s natural wonders, visitors can also learn more about its military history at Fort Jefferson.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys, a group of seven islands that preserve the history of the US military. It also features some of the richest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world. Whether you’re looking to take a boat ride or snorkel, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at Dry Tortugas.
Dry Tortugas National Park is comprised of seven islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Middle Key, and East, all of which are surrounded by water. The most human impact on the islands is on Garden Key, which is home to the park’s visitor center and visitor’s center. The park’s lush vegetation and gorgeous beaches make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy night sky-watching, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding.
Duval Street in Key West
The vibrant nightlife on Duval Street in Key West is just one of the many things you can do in Keys. Famous for its lively nightlife, it’s also home to the Ernest Hemingway House and the Sloppy Joe’s bar. Both were frequented by the famous writer during his time in Key West. The National Park Service has listed 18 buildings as being historic. Six blocks have been designated a historic district. Florida travel blog
Another must-see attraction in Keys is the Truman Little White House. The museum contains artifacts from the famous president, including the “The Buck Stops Here” sign. Another place to see is the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located 70 miles west of Key West. A day trip from Key West is also possible to the neighboring island of Garden Key, which is accessible via public ferry.
The island is protected by the world’s third longest barrier reef, which creates sand naturally. Though Key West isn’t renowned for its beaches, you can still go for a swim at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is about 20 minutes from Duval Street. If you’re visiting Key West, don’t miss it.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have been designated as Florida Historic Landmarks. These historic estates offer a glimpse into the lives of America’s greatest inventors and are also a must-see during the holiday season. The mansions are beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the Edison Winter Estates offer a holiday light tour.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are located on 20 acres of prime riverfront in Fort Myers. Visitors can tour the restored mansions and botanical gardens, and view the museum. You can even explore the museum’s collection of unique historical artifacts. Edison’s inventions, such as the telegraph, can be seen, as are the x-ray machine and the original Botanical Research Laboratory. Visitors can also ride the original Model T, where he chronicled his life and adventures. https://floridatravel.blog/
Thomas Edison bought the land in 1885 and built his winter home there. It served as a retreat from the cold winters in New Jersey. He died there in 1931. Henry Ford purchased the property from Robert Smith of New York, who built his craftsman-style bungalow. The Mangoes and Edison Winter Estates became one museum in 1997. These are among the 19 top-rated tourist attractions in Florida
The Ringling
John and Mable Ringling’s estate is home to the Ringling Museum of Art. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum of Florida. Founded by John and Mable Ringling in 1927, this museum is an important cultural institution for visitors to Florida. The Ringling Museum of Art features an impressive collection of European and Asian paintings as well as temporary outdoor sculptures from famous artists.
The museum is home to the Ca’ d’Zan, the former winter quarters of the Ringling Circus. This beautiful, 4,000 square foot model contains over 42,000 pieces, including 1,500 people, 500 animals, and 55 railroad cars. The Ringling Museum is home to the famous Asolo Theater, which dates back to the eighteenth century, and the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion. Admission to the Museum is free on Mondays.
If you’re in the mood for Italian style, you’ll love the Ca’ d’Zan mansion, located on Sarasota Bay. The 36,000 square foot mansion is decorated with Italian art and furnishings and has 15 bathrooms. The pink sandstone exterior and multi-colored marble terrace reflect the ambiance of the Italian Renaissance. Inside, you’ll find ornate Moorish-style windows, tile decoration, and wrought-iron balconies.
Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg
If you are an art lover and have a desire to discover the art of a famous Spanish artist, you can visit the Salvador Dal Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. This museum is dedicated to the works of the late artist and is located downtown on the waterfront. You can reach the museum from 5th Avenue Southeast, Bay Shore Drive, or Dan Wheldon Way. If you are not sure where to begin your journey, this website can help you decide.
When visiting St. Petersburg, Florida, be sure to make time for a visit to the Salvador Dali Museum. The building, constructed of hurricane-proof concrete and freeform geodesic glass, is a whimsical mixture of glass and concrete. Admission to the museum is $20 for adults, $7 for children, and $10 for students. Headphones are included in the price. You can also take in the exhibition by reading the free accompanying booklet.
Beaches of Naples
While you’re in Naples, Florida, don’t miss the Sun-n-Fun Lagoon, one of the city’s water parks. This family-friendly attraction offers four swimming pools, a lazy river, a splash playground, five water slides, and a concession stand. While you’re at the park, make sure you take the time to explore the natural beauty of Collier County. The Gulf Coast’s gentle waters have a soft sand bottom.
If you’re interested in nature, check out Clam Pass Preserve Park, which opens up amazing nature sites and offers a scenic boardwalk through its habitat. Naples beaches are filled with soft, white sugar-like sand. Beaches are popular throughout the day, but they’re especially beautiful at sunset. During the evening, a few restaurants on the shoreline offer breathtaking views of the sunset.
After dinner, head to the local Mercato, where you’ll find many great restaurants and boutiques. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Mercato, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and eat at a variety of restaurants. You’ll find fun events, such as movie nights on the lawn during the season and live music at several of the bars.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
The state’s Great Floridian Birding and Wildlife Trail is an extensive network of 510 premier wildlife viewing sites, a true road to adventure. Millions of visitors participate in wildlife viewing activities each year, which not only boost the Florida economy, but also promote the conservation of native species. The trail’s many stops include the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole Trail, the Crane Point Museum, and the Overs Highway.
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area on the Gulf Island coast is a birder’s paradise. The area has more than 160 species of birds, including endangered red-legged honeycreepers and Florida jays. There are dozens of bird watching tours offered daily to the public, with expert guides available for every level. Located just 45 minutes from Naples, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park offers guided kayak and boat tours. Nearby, Big Cypress National Preserve is home to diverse ecosystems, including cypress swamps and hardwood hammocks.
Another top-rated tourist attraction is Big Lagoon State Park, a hidden gem located on the coast near Perdido Key. It’s a gateway to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, which spans over 2,000 acres of protected habitat. The park’s beach provides great opportunities for swimming, bicycling, and hiking along the four-mile trails, and it even has a boat launch!
Weeki Wachee Spring and Live Mermaids Show
The Show: The underwater theater in Weeki Wachee, Florida, is among the top tourist attractions in Florida. Founded in 1947, the Weeki Wachee Spring and Live Mermaids Show has been entertaining tourists for over 60 years. This attraction was once Florida’s most popular attraction before Disney moved to Orlando. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved roadside attractions in Florida.
The Shows: There are two different shows at Weeki Wachee Springs, the most popular of which is the Little Mermaid. In this show, young women dressed as fish perform choreographed routines underwater. While the show is entertaining, parents should know that children under the age of three are not permitted in the water. However, older families may wish to visit the Show to see the mermaids.
The Water Park: The park was opened in 1947 by Newton Perry. By the 1950s, Florida roads were lined with roadside attractions. Weeki Wachee Springs had vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, a mermaid theater, and a Seminole village. Its popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, but attendance declined as theme parks opened in the area.