Planning a trip to the Sunshine State but wondering where to go? Our quick guide breaks down three of the best places to visit in Florida, with hotel recs and more.
Want personalized travel recommendations instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll help you build a trip itinerary that perfectly fits your travel interests and budget. And as a complimentary bonus, we’ll unlock access to VIP hotel perks and status at the best hotels in Florida.
3 of the best places to visit in Florida
Ready for a breakdown of the best places to visit in Florida? Read on.
1. Miami: enjoy the lively Miami Beach, then relax in Fort Lauderdale
Image courtesy of Faena Hotel Miami Beach
The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area may be best known for its incredible nightlife, but there’s so much more to these two cities than beach parties and ritzy resorts (although, there is certainly plenty of both here). Our 2-day guide to Miami covers the highlights, but there’s a rich, cosmopolitan culture to explore that’s infiltrated every aspect of life here, from the gastronomy to the architecture.
Going back to the accommodations, there’s no shortage of excellent hotels in Miami Beach, Miami proper and Fort Lauderdale — with each area appealing to different tastes and budgets. Among our favorite luxury choices are Faena Hotel in South Beach and Hyatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Both hotels offer world-class amenities and accommodations in scenic locales.
Finally, Miami is one of the top departure points in the United States for cruises (...so you could totally extend your awesome Florida vacation with a Caribbean cruise).
Want to elevate your stay at the best hotels in Miami or Fort Lauderdale? Connect with Fora.
Sidenote: there are two major airports in the area, one in Miami proper and the other in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Fora Perks at Faena Hotel Miami Beach:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale:
$25 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
2. Everglades National Park: one of the best places to visit in Florida for conservationists & nature seekers
A treasured wetland conservatory home to an incredible variety of species — including alligators, American crocodiles, manatees and even panthers — Everglades National Park is one of the best places to visit in Florida for travelers who want to see the state’s natural side at its best.
And possibly the best part? You can totally stay in Miami and treat the Everglades — as well as other cool parks like Biscayne and Big Cypress — as a day trip.
Fun fact: Everglades National Park is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist (outside of zoos, that is).
3. Orlando: have a blast at theme parks like Walt Disney World & Universal Studios Florida
We’ll be straight with you: Orlando itself — while certainly not a bad place to visit — isn’t the reason most people travel to the area (although, there are some charming hotels in Downtown Orlando). A staggeringly high percentage of travelers want to visit Orlando resorts, and, namely, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida — both of which can be counted among the best places to visit in Florida.
These parks probably don’t need an introduction, but just in case, they’re an absolute blast for travelers of all backgrounds, allowing them to enjoy their favorite worlds — from Star Wars to Toy Story, Harry Potter to Jurassic World — fun rides and shows, great food and so much more.
Our guides to top Disney hotels in Orlando and hotels in Universal Studios Orlando cover the best places to stay. And don’t forget, you can book and plan your trip with Fora to level up your visit to either (or both) parks. For example, check out the perks we can score you at Disney and Universal partner hotels.
Fora Perks at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Connect with Fora to visit the best places in Florida with VIP perks
Book and plan your trip with Fora to visit the best places in Florida in style. We’ll help you decide which destination(s) fit your interests, then find you the best accommodations that match both your travel style and budget. Even better: we’ll hook you up with VIP perks, like spa tickets and complimentary daily breakfast, at no extra cost. It’s like having a friend on the inside.
Looking for more Florida travel inspiration? Check out these cool destination and hotel guides:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Clara Bicas, an expert on travel to Florida.