Florida cities are among the main tourist destinations sought after by Brazilians. With the perfect combination of incredible beaches, popular parties, shopping centers, mild climate, natural reserves and theme parks for the whole family, the state is full of tourists looking for a place in the sun – especially in summer.
Although the best-known destinations are still Miami and Orlando, travelers have increasingly become interested in exploring the state’s other hidden beauties. See now a guide to the main cities in Florida for tourists to help plan your trip!
Climate and when to go to Florida
Thanks to its mild climate, subtropical in the north and tropical in the south, Florida is a destination with no contraindications: it can be visited all year round. The winter there, which runs from December to March, has pleasant temperatures – the thermometer does not usually drop below 10ºC – and coincides with school holidays in Brazil, which favors family trips.
Summer, which runs from June to September, is hot and lively: the state is full of people in search of the beaches and the countless possibilities for outdoor trips in the region. Although the season is very inviting, temperatures there can easily exceed 30ºC, so it’s best to check the weather forecast if you intend to plan your trip during this time.
Map of Florida cities
Cities in Florida: what are the main tourist destinations?
1. Miami
Among Brazilians, Miami is known for its giant outlets and good shopping opportunities, but this vibrant Florida city has much more to offer. With a rich gastronomic, artistic and cultural scene, combined with an exuberant natural beauty and enormous diversity that color the streets with influence from Cuba, Haiti, African-American and native peoples of North America, among other cultures that are found in this bustling cultural melting pot.
Those who like architecture will also be impressed by the picturesque Art Deco circuit of Miami Beach, a charming district full of pastel-colored buildings, built between 1920 and 1940. Fans of outdoor activities will find the city the perfect base for explore Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, both on the outskirts of the city.
2. Orlando
Few places are the stage for as many dreams as Orlando. Home to the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Studios parks, to name just the two most famous, the city also has countless restaurants with renowned chefs and diverse cuisine, a wide hotel chain that caters to all budgets, artistic shows for fill your agenda and options for nature activities in the surrounding area, such as kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and zip lining. If you’re there on a Sunday, be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market in Lake Eola Park.
Read too: What to do in Orlando: complete guide to enjoying Disney
3. Destin
This friendly beach town still preserves the relaxed atmosphere of the fishing village it once was. Today, with around 14 thousand inhabitants, it is considered the main destination on the Emerald Coast, thanks to the endless kilometers of white sand beaches and absurdly clear waters, the kind we usually see on postcards.
Read too: Destin, Florida: complete guide to enjoying the city
The place is full of natural life, being home to several marine and bird species, including pods of playful dolphins that frequently appear to greet tourists on boats exploring this region of the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Harbor Walk, the city’s social center, which brings together several restaurant and leisure options.
4. Panama City Beach
A destination with attractions that please the whole family, Panama Beach City receives thousands of visitors every year in search of the city’s beautiful beaches and long summer climate, soft white sands and the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. All this, of course, always accompanied by a good drink and good food served in the restaurants and bars in the region.
A good way to start your visit is with a walk along the Russell-Fields Pier, which extends 460 meters into the Gulf of Mexico and provides a beautiful view of the central beach of Panama City Beach.
Read too: What to do in Panama City Beach
Right in front of the pier is the entrance to Pier Park, the city center that looks like an open-air shopping mall, full of stores for all tastes, souvenir kiosks and restaurants. This is also where the SkyWheel is located, a 53-meter-high Ferris wheel that, at its highest point, offers a panoramic view of the city.
5. Fort Lauderdale
Blue skies, 37 kilometers of beaches, palm trees that give a tropical touch and… canals! One of the main attractions of this North American “Venice” is touring the canals that run through the city by boat, but there is much more to do there.
Its beaches are famous for their paradisiacal appearance and attract many visitors every year, who always find a white sand haven to enjoy the summer. Those who want more contact with their wilder side can see the alligators in the Florida Everglades up close. But if your stop is more cultural tourism, you won’t be disappointed either: Fort Lauderdale has numerous art museums and a Broadway theater.
6. Key West
The beautiful sunset should be Key West’s main attraction, but the journey there via the Overseas Highway is a strong competitor: this is considered one of the most scenic roads in the United States. The entire trip is over the blue sea of the Gulf of Mexico and, once there, you come across the beautiful southernmost island in the country.
Key West is a small but very charming city and, unlike much of the USA, you won’t need a car to get around. Take the opportunity to walk and bike rides and be enchanted by what was once Ernest Hemingway’s home. Diving, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are some of the activities that await you there.
7. Tallahasee
In addition to being one of the most important cities in Florida (it is the state capital), the place has jaw-dropping natural beauty and a bustling urban life, with many events, shows and gastronomic parties, thanks in part to its university-driven soul. due to the presence of several higher education institutions there.
Natural parks are the main attraction for nature lovers, and the Elinor Klapp-Phipps and Wakulla Springs are beautiful tours that allow diving in lakes with crystal clear waters. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest in the United States, is home to animals such as coyotes, bears and bobcats and has varied ecosystems, such as swamps, coves, streams and estuaries.
8. Daytona Beach
Just an hour from Orlando, Daytona Beach is a modern beach, famous for the NASCAR International Speedway, the NASCAR Sprint Cup racing circuit. But not only speed fans will find something to do there. Daytona Beach is a historic pier full of leisure attractions and a water park for the whole family.
Daytona Beach also offers diving, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, recreational fishing and boating options.
9. Tampa
The largest city on the west coast of Florida, Tampa Bay has a pleasant climate all year round and a mix of a beach atmosphere with bustling urban life and attractions for all ages. Little ones love the fun museums like the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, and they’ll get a thrill on the extreme roller coasters at Busch Gardens.
The city also has a rich gastronomic scene and trendy bars scattered along the waterfront. Don’t forget to take a walk in the bay during sunset to take your breath away at the spectacle.
10. Boca Raton
Known as “City for all seasons“, Boca Ratón is full of sunny days and a beach atmosphere that infects many people. Full of palm trees and Spanish-inspired buildings in shades of pink, the city is also a great destination for those looking for luxurious resorts and good shopping options.
Read too: Where to stay in Boca Ratón, Florida
Don’t miss the exuberant marine life at South Beach Park. The place is also popular with those who practice water sports, such as diving, surfing and recreational fishing.
And you? Which cities in Florida do you like most? Leave it in the comments 😉
