Florida, USA Vacation: 14 Tips on What to See and Do

Florida, often called the Sunshine State, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA. And it’s no wonder! This peninsula offers an incredible combination of great weather, sandy beaches with turquoise seas, exciting theme parks, and wild nature full of alligators.

It’s been a while, but I still remember our trip to Florida. Miami, with its over-air-conditioned shops, which feels completely different from other US cities. Key West, where the sea was warmer than coffee, alligators, and Universal Studios in Orlando.

In one place, you can enjoy stylish South Beach, explore historic St. Augustine, embark on an adventure in national parks, or spend a day at the legendary Walt Disney World. Florida is simply a paradise for all travelers.

In this article, we bring you 14 tips on what you definitely shouldn’t miss in Florida.

Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article

• I recommend flying between November and March if you want to explore cities and parks and avoid extreme heat, or in spring if you want to swim. Avoid hurricane season (August-October).
• With children, you must not miss theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando.
• Everglades, Dry Tortugas, and Biscayne National Parks are places where you can see wild alligators.
• You’ll find the most beautiful beaches at Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, and in the Florida Keys area.
• You’ll need a car (book via RentalCars) and we also recommend buying tickets in advance via GetYourGuide.

Ideal Road Trip / Itinerary for 7 or 14 Days

We have prepared sample itineraries for 7 and 14 days for you, along with tips for the best accommodation.

7-Day Itinerary

14-Day Itinerary

When to Fly to Florida?

Florida’s climate is one of the state’s main attractions, but you definitely don’t want to fly here during hurricane season or when it’s humid and hot. The ideal time is from November to March, when temperatures are pleasant and humidity is significantly lower than in summer.

The ocean can be colder in the winter months, especially in the north of the state, but the weather is stable, and sunny days prevail.

Spring (April to June) brings warmer days and gradually increasing rainfall. Temperatures range around 25-30 °C, and the sea is already warm enough for swimming. Late spring can be a good compromise between pleasant weather and smaller crowds of tourists than those that arrive during the summer holidays.

The summer months (July and August) are characterized by high temperatures around 32-35 °C and high humidity, which for me personally is a nightmare. The period from August to October is known as hurricane season. Although the probability of your stay being affected by a hurricane is not high, it is important to monitor the weather forecast and be prepared for any potential change of plans. At this time, it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers natural disasters.

14 Tips on What to See and Do in Florida

Let’s now look at what you should see in Florida.

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the largest and most visited entertainment complex in the world. It covers an area of almost 100 km² and consists of several theme parks that offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The heart of the complex is Magic Kingdom, an iconic park with Cinderella Castle and classic attractions like Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s here that you’ll experience the true Disney atmosphere that captivates both children and adults. Don’t forget to plan your time so you can stay until the evening and see the amazing light show and fireworks over the castle.

EPCOT is another fascinating park, divided into two parts: Future World with interactive exhibits on science and technology, and World Showcase, where you’ll find pavilions representing 11 countries from around the world, including their architecture, gastronomy, and culture.

Disney “’s Hollywood Studios” offers a glimpse into the world of film and television. New areas dedicated to Star Wars (Galaxy’s Edge) and Toy Story are among the park’s most popular attractions. Star Wars fans should not miss the Millennium Falcon ride or the Rise of the Resistance attraction, which are among the most technologically advanced experiences in the entire resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines classic entertainment attractions with elements of a zoo. Here you can see hundreds of animal species in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. The Pandora – The World of Avatar area is a breathtaking place, especially after dark, when the entire landscape magically glows.

Walt Disney World also offers water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, where you can rest from walking and enjoy slides and pools. For golf lovers, there are four golf courses, and for shoppers, Disney Springs, a huge complex of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

If you’re planning a visit to Disney World, it’s important to plan your stay well. If you want to see everything, you’ll need 3-4 days. Be sure to buy tickets in advance! For example, via GetYourGuide.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is another exceptional entertainment complex that competes with Walt Disney World. It consists of three main parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park. For movie fans, especially the Harry Potter series, a visit to this resort is an absolute must.

Universal Studios Florida takes you into the world of film and television through attractions inspired by popular films and television showss. You can ride with the Simpsons, fight with Transformers, or participate in the Shrek 4-D show. The park is also home to a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and London, including an incredibly detailed replica of Gringotts Bank.

Islands of Adventure is an adrenaline park with several themed areas. Here you’ll find Marvel Super Hero Island with the impressive The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park with dinosaurs and water attractions, and Hogwarts – the second part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, located inside Hogwarts Castle, is among the best in the entire resort.

A unique feature of Universal Orlando Resort is the Hogwarts Express – a train that connects both parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter between the parks. The train journey itself is an experience with changing views from the windows and interactions with characters from the films.

Volcano Bay is a modern water park with a Polynesian culture theme. The dominant feature of the park is the 61-meter-high Krakatau volcano, from which water slides lead. The park uses TapuTapu technology, wristbands that eliminate the need to wait in lines – instead, you can swim in the pool or relax on the beach, while the wristband notifies you when it’s your turn for an attraction.

Tip: Buy a Park to Park ticket so you can move between the individual parks; I recommend buying on GetYourGuide.

3. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is a NASA visitor center. It is located right next to an active space base from which rockets launch into space.

The main part of the visitor center is the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, where the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed, one of only three remaining space shuttles in the world. It’s amazing to see this iconic vessel up close and imagine how it served to transport astronauts into space for over 30 years. The exhibit also includes simulators that allow you to experience what it’s like to launch and land a space shuttle. The simulators are only for the brave; it was quite intense.

Another impressive part of the center is the Saturn V Center, dedicated to the Apollo program and missions to the Moon. Here you can see the actual Saturn V rocket, which is over 110 meters long and was the most powerful rocket ever flown. A presentation about the Moon landing, including authentic footage and sounds from mission control, will transport you to one of the most important moments in human history.

Kennedy Space Center also offers astronaut encounters, where you can personally meet men and women who have traveled to space, listen to their stories, and even take photos with them. These encounters take place almost every day, and their schedule can be found on the center’s official website.

One of the most impressive experiences can be watching an actual rocket launch. If you’re lucky and your stay in Florida coincides with a planned launch, you can purchase a special ticket that allows you to watch the launch from the visitor center. Even if you don’t manage to see a launch, you can visit the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the launchpads.

For a complete experience, book a special Explore Tour, which takes you to areas not normally accessible, such as historic launchpads or the Vehicle Assembly Building – one of the largest buildings in the world by volume.

4. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem and one of Florida’s most remarkable natural phenomena. This vast subtropical wetland, covering an area of over 6,000 km², is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including many endangered species – and especially crocodiles.

What makes the Everglades so unique is the fact that it is a shallow, slow-moving “river of grass” that stretches from Lake Okeechobee to the southern tip of Florida. It is the only place in the world where you can see alligators and crocodiles living together in one ecosystem. In addition to these impressive reptiles, you can spot here the rare Florida puma, manatees, panthers, and over 350 bird species.

One of the best ways to explore the Everglades is an airboat ride; book your trips in advance via GetYourGuide. These flat-bottomed boats, powered by a large propeller at the back, will take you through shallow waters and allow you to reach remote parts of the wetlands that would otherwise be difficult to access.

If you’re here when hiking is possible, I recommend the Anhinga Trail, which is a short, paved path and ideal for observing alligators, turtles, and waterfowl up close. For the more adventurous, there’s the Gumbo Limbo Trail, which takes you through a forest with tropical vegetation, or the Pa-hay-okee Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the “”river of grass””.

The Shark Valley area is another popular spot in the park, where you’ll find a 24 km long loop trail. You can walk or bike it, or take a tram tour pulled by a tractor. In the middle of the loop stands a 20-meter-high observation tower, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and often plenty of wildlife.

5. Miami Beach and South Beach

Miami Beach, and especially its southern part known as South Beach, is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world.

South Beach stretches between 1st Street and 23rd Street and is known for its white sand and turquoise blue water. Along the beach runs a promenade, perfect for a morning run, bike ride, or just a relaxing stroll with ocean views.

What makes South Beach so unique is its Art Deco architecture. Along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue, you’ll find more than 800 historic buildings constructed between 1923 and 1943.

These colorful hotels and apartment buildings with characteristic neon lights and geometric patterns have been featured in several films and television series. If you speak English, definitely go on an Art Deco tour, for example, by bike via GetYourGuide.

Ocean Drive is the main artery of South Beach, with numerous restaurants, bars, and hotels directly across from the beach. And if you want to shop, there’s Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian zone that stretches across the island and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

For a concert, head to the New World Center, home of the New World Symphony, and for art, visit the Bass Museum of Art with its collection of old European art and contemporary works.

South of South Beach lies South Pointe Park, a peaceful green oasis at the very tip of the island. From the park, there’s a magnificent view of the ocean, Miami Port, and the city center.

6. Florida Keys and Key West

The Florida Keys form a chain of islands stretching from the southern tip of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico. This 180 km long strip of islands connected by the iconic Overseas Highway offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire United States, and for me, it was probably the most beautiful part of Florida.

The drive along the Overseas Highway (US Highway 1) is absolutely breathtaking in itself. This road connects the individual islands with a series of bridges, the most impressive of which is the Seven Mile Bridge – one of the longest bridges in the world.

During the drive, you’ll have views of the turquoise sea on both sides. Don’t forget to stop at one of the scenic viewpoints to enjoy the panorama.

Key Largo, the first and largest of the islands, is known as the diving capital. Here you’ll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the USA, which protects part of the Florida Reef – the third largest coral reef in the world.

Islamorada, known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”, is an ideal place for deep-sea fishing. You can rent a boat with a captain here and go hunting for marlin, tuna, or sailfish. If you’re not into fishing, you’ll find several sandbars in the middle of the sea where you can relax in knee-deep water.

Marathon is home to the Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation center for sea turtles, where you can learn about these fascinating creatures and the efforts to save them. Nearby is also the Dolphin Research Center, where you can observe and even swim with dolphins.

In the Lower Keys lies the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can see Key deer – an endemic subspecies of white-tailed deer that is smaller than a common deer and lives only on these islands.

The final point of the journey is Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA, just 145 km from Cuba. This town has an unusual atmosphere that in the past attracted personalities like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, or Jimmy Buffett. Hemingway’s house is now a museum, where more than 40 polydactyl cats (with extra toes) live, supposedly descendants of the writer’s own pet.

Duval Street is the main artery of Key West, with bars, restaurants, and shops. Every evening at Mallory Square, the Sunset Celebration takes place – a spontaneous festival with street performers and vendors who gather to celebrate the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Other Key West attractions include the Southernmost Point Buoy (the southernmost point of the USA), Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park with a beautiful beach and a Civil War-era fort, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you can stroll through a garden full of exotic butterflies.

If you eat meat and seafood, don’t forget to try local specialties like conch fritters (fried conch pieces), stone crab claws, and of course, Key lime pie – a lemon pie that bears the name of these islands. As a vegetarian, I only tasted the last one, and even though I don’t really like citrus desserts, I really enjoyed it.

7. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, located on Florida’s west coast by the Gulf of Mexico, is often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA. It is known for its fine white sand, which is so soft it resembles powder, and crystal-clear turquoise water, which is warmer and calmer than on Florida’s east coast.

The main part of the beach is centered around Pier 60, which stretches 365 meters into the bay. Every evening, Sunsets at Pier 60 is held here, a festival that begins two hours before sunset and ends two hours after. You can see street performers, musicians, artisans selling their wares, and of course, enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect place to end a day at the beach.

The beach is also perfect for families with small children, thanks to its shallow water with a gradual entry. In summer, the water temperature is around 30 °C, which personally felt a bit like coffee to me, but my dad loves that temperature.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, made famous by the movie Dolphin Tale, was home to Winter, a dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Although Winter passed away in 2021, the aquarium continues its work as a rehabilitation center for marine animals and an educational institution. We definitely recommend a visit.

8. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, often nicknamed “the Venice of America”, is a sophisticated coastal city located about 45 km north of Miami. Thanks to its network of canals, beautiful beaches, rich cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere, it has become a popular destination for those seeking a slightly quieter, yet still cosmopolitan alternative to bustling Miami.

Fort Lauderdale’s main attraction is undoubtedly its beach. Stretching over 11 km along the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers soft sand, clear water, and a beautiful palm-lined promenade.

Unlike South Beach in Miami, there are fewer people and more tranquility here. What truly sets Fort Lauderdale apart from other beach destinations is its extensive system of waterways. The city is crisscrossed by over 300 km of canals, earning it the nickname “the Venice of America”.

The best way to explore this network of waterways is by water taxi or tour boat. During the cruise, you can admire luxurious homes and yachts along Millionaire’s Row and learn more about the city’s history and architecture. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard here and explore the canals on your own.

Las Olas Boulevard is the city’s main artery and the center of its cultural and social life. This elegant street is lined with lush vegetation, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. A stroll along Las Olas allows you to soak in the city’s atmosphere, buy souvenirs, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes. Nearby is also the historic Stranahan House district, the oldest surviving building in Fort Lauderdale, offering a glimpse into the region’s history.

You’ll also find the NSU Art Museum here, which boasts a collection of over 7,000 works and specializes in art by Latin American and Florida artists. For families with children, I recommend the Museum of Discovery and Science, where you’ll find exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space travel. Also worth mentioning is the House Museum & Gardens, a historic house from 1920, surrounded by gardens and a sanctuary for wildlife.

If you’re heading to Florida for shopping, in addition to the popular Las Olas Boulevard, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, a luxury shopping center with stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, or Sawgrass Mills in nearby Sunrise, one of the largest outlet centers in the USA, are worth a visit.

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the USA, making it a true hidden gem. It is located about 110 km west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. This isolation has helped preserve its natural beauty and historical richness virtually untouched.

The park consists of seven small coral islands (hence the name “Dry Tortugas” – Dry Turtles, due to the lack of fresh water and abundance of seaturtles in the area) surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and magnificent coral reefs. The largest and most visited of the islands is Garden Key, home to the impressive Fort Jefferson.

Fort Jefferson is a massive brick fortress built in the mid-19th century as part of the US coastal defense. Although it was never completed and never fought in any battle, it is the largest masonry structure in America, built with over 16 million bricks.

The fortress also served as a prison during the Civil War; its most famous inmate was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of complicity in President Lincoln’s assassination (he treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg). A guided tour of this historic fortress will provide a fascinating insight into American history.

People primarily come here for snorkeling and diving. The waters surrounding the islands are among the cleanest in the United States and are home to abundant marine life and coral reefs. You can explore several sunken shipwrecks or simply float above the shallow reefs and observe colorful tropical fish, lobsters, stingrays, and perhaps even sea turtles (loggerheads), after which the islands were named. The best place for snorkeling is the Moat Wall, which is the wall surrounding Fort Jefferson, where a unique ecosystem is created. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent it from tour operators.

For those who wish to stay overnight, the park offers primitive camping on Garden Key. The campsite is located directly on the beach with a view of the fort and offers an unforgettable experience under the stars. Given the park’s remoteness and the absence of light pollution, the night skies are breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

However, you must book your campsite well in advance and bring all necessary equipment, including enough drinking water, as there are no supplies on the island.

There are two main ways to get to the park. The most common is the Yankee Freedom III ferry, which departs every morning from Key West and offers a full-day trip including breakfast and lunch. The journey takes about 2.5 hours one way. The second option is a seaplane, which is more expensive, but the trip only takes about 40 minutes and offers breathtaking aerial views of Key West and the surrounding waters. Additionally, you have the chance to see shipwrecks and even dolphins and sea turtles from a bird’s-eye view.

10. Historic St. Augustine

St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, is the oldest European-established settlement in what is now the United States and one of Florida’s most charming historic cities. Located on the state’s northeast coast, this city, with its rich history and architecture, captivates every visitor with its unique atmosphere that combines Spanish, British, and American influences.

The heart of St. Augustine is its historic district, where you can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with buildings from the Spanish colonial era. The main thoroughfare is St. George Street, a pedestrian zone full of shops, restaurants, and historic attractions. Here you can visit the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the USA or taste chocolate made with traditional methods at the Whetstone Chocolate Factory.

The city’s landmark is Castillo de San Marcos, an impressive 17th-century fortress built from a special material called coquina – a mixture of limestone and shells. This oldest masonry fort in the continental USA has withstood many sieges and changes of government. Today, it is a national monument managed by the National Park Service and offers guided tours, historical reenactments, and breathtaking views of Matanzas Bay.

For architecture lovers, St. Augustine is a true paradise. Flagler College, formerly the luxurious Hotel Ponce de Leon built by Florida pioneer Henry Flagler, is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Interior tours reveal magnificent frescoes, Tiffany stained glass, and elaborate carved wooden details. Nearby is the Lightner Museum, formerly the Hotel Alcazar, which now houses a remarkable collection of art and artifacts from America’s Gilded Age.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum provides not only panoramic views from a height of 165 feet (about 50 meters) but also insight into the area’s maritime history. More adventurous visitors can enjoy a night tour, as the lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted places in America.

11. Busch Gardens Tampa

If you love adrenaline, be sure to visit Busch Gardens Tampa. It’s located in Tampa on Florida’s west coast and, in addition to roller coasters, they also have animals.

The park is divided into several themed areas inspired by various African countries and cultures. Upon entering the park, you’ll be greeted by Morocco, an area designed to resemble a traditional North African city with bazaars and restaurants. From there, you can explore other parts of the park, such as Egypt, Congo, Jungala, or Pantopia.

One of the park’s main attractions is its roller coasters, which are among the best in the United States. SheiKra was the first floorless roller coaster in America with a 90-degree drop from a height of 200 feet (about 61 meters); the biggest adrenaline rush is when it stops at the top and you look down that 90-degree drop.

Cheetah Hunt is a roller coaster inspired by a cheetah’s sprint, which catapults you three times during the ride and reaches speeds of up to 60 mph (about 97 km/h). Montu is one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world, while Kumba offers seven inversions and is among the most intense rides in the park.

If you’re not into adrenaline, you can take the Serengeti Express train, which will take you through the Serengeti Plains area, where you can observe giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Or try Cobra’s Curse, a family roller coaster with a unique vertical lift and spinning cars.

What truly makes Busch Gardens exceptional is its focus on animals and conservation. The park is home to over 200 species of animals from around the world, including many endangered ones. The Serengeti Plain is a 65-acre (about 26 hectares) replica of an African savanna, where herds of hoofed animals live in a shared enclosure. You can observe them from several viewpoints, from the Serengeti Express, or on special safari tours.

In Jungala, an area inspired by Southeast Asian jungles, you can see tigers, orangutans, and other Asian species in naturalistic exhibits. The tiger enclosure has glass walls that allow you to observe these majestic big cats up close, and even underwater when they swim in the pool.

The park also offers several shows and animal encounters. Probably the most popular is “Opening Night Critters”, a show that features trained domestic and exotic animals in an entertaining theatrical format. “Keeper Talks” are informative presentations where animal caregivers share interesting facts about the animals in their care and answer audience questions.

If you wish, book “Animal Encounters”, which, as the name suggests, allows you to meet animals such as elephants, giraffes, or cheetahs.

12. Tampa Bay and Ybor City

The city of Tampa itself has a dynamic downtown with skyscrapers, museums, and cultural institutions. Worth visiting is the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile (about 3.9 km) long promenade along the Hillsborough River that connects parks, museums, restaurants, and attractions in the city center. Along the path, you’ll find attractions like the Tampa Museum of Art with an impressive collection of ancient and modern art, the Glazer Children’s Museum for families with children, and the Florida Aquarium, where you can discover marine life from Florida and tropical regions.

Ybor City, Tampa’s historic district, is a former cigar kingdom and one of Florida’s most interesting urban areas. Founded in the 1880s by Cuban cigar manufacturer Vicente Martinez-Ybor, the district became home to thousands of immigrants, primarily Cubans, Spaniards, and Italians, who worked in the local cigar factories. Today’s Ybor City is a national historic landmark with remarkable architecture, including former cigar factories, social clubs, and workers’ homes.

The heart of Ybor City is 7th Avenue, a lively street full of restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs. During the day, you can enjoy Cuban coffee and a sandwich at the historic Columbia Restaurant, which has been operating since 1905 and is the oldest continuously operating Spanish restaurant in the USA. At night, the street transforms into one of Florida’s most vibrant nightlife scenes with live music, dancing, and bars open late.

If you want to learn about history, visit the Ybor City Museum State Park, which is housed in a former bakery and offers exhibits on the history of cigar manufacturing and immigrant communities. The museum also includes La Casita, a reconstructed worker’s cottage that shows how factory workers lived in the early 20th century. You can also take a guided tour of the historic district or visit one of the few remaining cigar factories, such as J.C. Newman Cigar Company, where cigars are still made using traditional methods.

An interesting curiosity of Ybor City is the chickens that roam freely through the streets. They are descendants of chickens raised by the district’s original inhabitants and are now protected as a city landmark.

13. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, often called “St. Pete”, lies on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The city holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive sunny days (768). Here you’ll find The Dalí Museum, which has the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside Europe

14. Naples and Southwest Florida

Naples, located on Florida’s southwest coast on the Gulf of Mexico, is synonymous with luxury. This exclusive resort is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, excellent restaurants, and rich cultural scene.

Naples’ main attraction is undoubtedly its beaches. Naples Beach stretches along the entire city and is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water. The symbol of the beach is the historic Naples Pier, which was built in 1888 and has been reconstructed several times since. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and sunsets. Unlike many other Florida beaches, those in Naples are quieter and less crowded, but also expensive.

Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are two main shopping and dining arteries in downtown Naples. These elegant streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, many with outdoor seating, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on and outdoor areas fill with people enjoying dinner under the stars, these streets have an almost European charm.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, managed by the National Audubon Society, is located about a 30-minute drive from Naples and protects one of the largest remaining old-growth cypress forests in North America. Visitors can explore a 2.25-mile (about 3.6 km) long boardwalk trail that passes through various ecosystems, from wetlands to pine flatwoods, offering opportunities to observe birds, butterflies, alligators, and other wildlife.

Even more impressive is Everglades National Park, whose southern entrance (Everglades City) is just an hour’s drive from Naples. This area offers several activities not available elsewhere in the park, such as airboat rides or kayaking through the so-called “10,000 Islands”, a maze of mangrove islets and waterways.

Naples is known as the golf paradise of the world, with over 90 golf courses in the area, many designed by legendary golf architects. Some courses are part of private clubs, but many are open to the public. Among the most famous are Tiburón Golf Club, which hosts PGA and LPGA professional tournaments, and Naples Grande Golf Club, designed by the renowned architect Rees Jones.