With a population of more than 21 million this sun-drenched state sports white sandy beaches. It is known for its long coastlines that go up to 2170 km, and public and private beaches spanning 663 miles which are mostly accessible because this aqueous central state has water bodies within 60kms from any part of the region. This amazing place is bookend by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Find below some great Florida places to visit this year.
Biggest Cities
Jacksonville
Some of the largest cities like Jacksonville offer a great culture, entertainment, food, educational institutions, and reasonably priced neighbourhoods. It is the highest populated city in Florida with more than eight lakhs in number. It impresses the visitors with jazz Festival, Museum of Science and History- it beholds the biggest exhibits and the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium which is the largest single-lens planetarium in the world. It also has great features like the Jacksonville Art Walk with galleries, food –on the go, music, and markets. The city has a fast-paced lifestyle and culture. It surprises the visitors with amazing luxury brand stores that raise the bar of fashion and trendsetting designs. With designer boutiques, casual, and basics this city has great collections of different styles.
North Florida
For antique art items, the largest antique shop in North Florida is the Avonlea Antique Mall occupying 40,000 sq. ft. It has over 200 dealers exhibiting their collections from the affordable pieces of antique jewellery, furniture; you can explore rare arts, souvenirs, etc. Stellers Gallery of Ponte Vedra, 5 Points is a famous shopping centre with apparel, tattoo parlours, vintage designs stores also pet boutiques.
Just near the Fuller Warren Bridge – The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a huge marketplace with numerous organic food items on display, music, face painting, and handicrafts, etc. Move to fancy shopping malls with large anchors like The River City Marketplace, The Avenues, St. Johns Town Centre to find big brands like Coach, Mac, Original Piece, and Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy, Marshalls, Lowe’s and Bed Bath and Beyond, etc.
Miami
The next beautiful and vibrant bustling city is Miami- it is adorned with stunning beaches if you wish to see some clear waters here visit the mesmerising beaches like Lummus Park, Bal Harbour Beach, South Beach, Haulover Beach Park, and Surfside Beach. This metro has its pride in the third tallest skyline. Visitors would love to see the historic places in downtown Miami as it is the crux of the city with businesses and financial districts, cultural places, and attractions. This sunshine city has beautiful museums like the Frost Art Museum, Frost Museum of Science, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami Children’s Museum, Pérez Art Museum, Lowe Art Museum, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark set on a 28-acre early 20th century estate in Coconut Grove.
While you are in Miami don’t miss cultural destinations like Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, the Miami Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and Key Biscayne. To be in Miami and experiencing the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour is ideal and surprising, with the historic neighbourhood this place adds flavourful delights that keep changing. Some must-try items are mamey and flan ice cream, plantain cups filled with chicken, picadillo empanadas, guava pastelito, Cuban coffee, guarapo juice, croquetas, dulce de leche churros, and malanga frita. Miami has something for everyone’s especially for the adventure lovers there are speed boating, kayaking, swimming with dolphins in dolphin world, etc. Enjoy the lovely nature and wildlife in the tour in Everglades and watch turtles, alligators, Purple Gallinule, snakes, etc.
The best shopping centres in the beach area are Design District, Lincoln Road Mall, Dolphin Mall where you can explore best trendsetting fashion apparel from noteworthy brands like Marc Jacobs, Cartier, Emilio Pucci, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Kiko, Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret, Penguin, Gap, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Athleta, Aldo, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, etc.
Orlando
Another city always in the hustle is Orlando, it is a place with several theme parks it’s the best place for kids and family vacations. Though Orlando has beautiful beaches it is popular for the wonderful Walt Disney World, including Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It has more than 60 million tourists every year for its adventure parks and attractions, although the theme parks are interesting they can be quite hectic however Orlando brings the best places to shop from convenience stores to luxury brands. The best five shopping places here are:
1. The Mall at Millenia
2. The Florida Mall
3. Orlando Premium Outlets
4. Disney Springs
5. International Drive
The Most Beautiful places and nearby restaurants
Sanibel Island. A beautiful scenic island accessed by a causeway to the mainland it has amusing wildlife and shells. It has many tourists popping regularly thus there are ample resorts and restaurants with appealing features and mouth-watering dining. The best places to stay around here are; Sanibel Moorings Resort- it includes pools, tennis courts, workout areas, WIFI, rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Similarly, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, West Wind Inn, Casa Ybel Resort, and South Seas Island Resort.
Fort Walton Beach
Dive into the emerald green waters making the fantasy world come alive. The white sands and the seashells with the contrasting skies and water border the stunning region. Stay in the cozy nook at The Island Ft Walton Destin by Hotel RL that spans through 6-acre land offering best views of the beach combining convenience and luxury with best facilities like Outdoor pools, 5 story waterfalls, bar and restaurant, nightclub, private beach, boutique, fitness centre, and many more. Similar hotels here are; Hilton garden inn, Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
A magnificent nature and wildlife centre built to protect pond cypress and bald cypress. Explore interesting boardwalks and watch the old trees, endangered birds, and alligators. Some of the best hotels to check-in within 18 to 20 km from the sanctuary are Hyatt Place coconut point, TownePlace suites, Doubletree Suites by Hilton, and Ritz Carlton golf resort.
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