
Things to do in Florida
Here comes the sunshine
There’s more to this panhandle US state than just Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. An airboat experience in the Everglades showcases one of the world’s largest wetlands, the powdery sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico offer the perfect getaway, and a walking tour of Miami’s vibrant food scene lets travelers in on some of the eclectic elements that make up Florida’s spirit. From Kennedy Space Center to the string of islands that make up the Florida Keys to, yes, Orlando’s ubiquitous theme parks, the Sunshine State mixes outdoor adventure, diverse culture, and family fun to form an all-in-one destination that delights all ages.
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When to visit
The Sunshine State is—you guessed it—quite sunny year-round. Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit, though snowbirds and locals love the cool(er) weather winter brings. The shoulder seasons are ideal for most visitors. Spring brings outdoor fun like SunFest in the south and the Interstate Mullet Toss in the Panhandle. Fall is just as wonderful (hurricanes permitting), as manatees start arriving in Silver Springs State Park and international boat shows fill the waters.
Getting around
No doubt about it: You need a car to get around Florida. Interstates 4, 10, 75, and 95 act as arteries connecting cities like Miami to St. Augustine, Tampa to Orlando, Naples to Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola to Jacksonville. Intercity travel varies; most cities have extensive bus routes and ridesharing is always an option. With flat roads and a beach never more than 60 miles away, you’ll be thankful for the flexibility—and air conditioning—a rental car provides.
Traveler tips
Florida’s theme parks and beaches are the major draw, but this state is so much more than its main attractions. Venture into the interior of the Panhandle and get lost in natural bliss in places like the Apalachicola National Forest and Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Plan your itinerary with history in mind, too. Two of the country’s first incorporated African-American cities were founded in what’s now Sanford and Eatonville, and they’ve got the Southern and soul food to prove it.