Florida USA: 14 Best Things to See and Do

Florida USA, often called the Sunshine State, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United States. And it’s easy to see why! This peninsula offers an incredible combination of fantastic weather, sandy beaches with turquoise waters, thrilling theme parks, and wild nature teeming with alligators.

It’s been a while now, but I still think back fondly to our trip to Florida. Miami with its over-air-conditioned shops, a city that feels completely different from anywhere else in the USA. Key West, where the sea was warmer than our morning coffee. Alligators and Universal Studios in Orlando.

In one destination, you can soak up the stylish vibes of South Beach, explore historic St. Augustine, head out on an adventure in the national parks, or spend a day at the legendary Walt Disney World. Florida is simply a paradise for every kind of traveller.

In this article, we’re sharing 14 tips for things you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Florida.

TL;DR

• We recommend flying between November and March if you want to explore cities and parks without the extreme heat. Spring is ideal for swimming. Avoid hurricane season (August–October).
• If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando.
• The national parks – Everglades, Dry Tortugas, and Biscayne – are where you can spot wild alligators.
• The most beautiful beaches are 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 through GetYourGuide.
• Direct flights from London to Miami or Orlando are widely available with airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Norwegian. Flight time is around 9–10 hours.

Ideal Road Trip Itinerary for 7 or 14 Days

We’ve put together sample itineraries for 7 and 14 days, complete with accommodation tips.

7-Day Itinerary

14-Day Itinerary

When to Fly to Florida?

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

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

Spring (April to June) brings warmer days and gradually increasing rainfall. Temperatures hover around 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), and the sea is warm enough for swimming. Late spring can be a great compromise between pleasant weather and smaller tourist crowds compared to the summer holidays.

The summer months (July and August) are characterised by high temperatures around 32–35 °C (90–95 °F) and high humidity – which, personally, I find absolutely nightmarish. The period from August to October is known as hurricane season. While the probability of your trip being affected by a hurricane isn’t particularly high, it’s important to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for potential changes to your plans. During this time, it’s wise to have travel insurance that covers natural disasters.

14 Best Things to See and Do in Florida USA

Let’s dive into what you absolutely have to see and do while visiting Florida.

1. Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the largest and most visited theme park complex in the world. Spread across nearly 100 km² (25,000 acres), it consists of several theme parks offering entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The heart of the complex is Magic Kingdom, the iconic park with Cinderella Castle and classic attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. This is where you’ll experience that quintessential Disney magic that captivates both children and adults alike. Make sure to plan your day so you can stay until evening to catch the spectacular light show and fireworks over the castle.

EPCOT is another fascinating park, split into two sections: Future World with interactive exhibits on science and technology, and World Showcase, where you’ll find pavilions representing 11 countries from around the globe, complete with their architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a window into the world of film and television. The newer areas dedicated to Star Wars (Galaxy’s Edge) and Toy Story are among the park’s most popular attractions. Star Wars fans absolutely must try the Millennium Falcon ride and Rise of the Resistance, which is one of the most technologically advanced experiences in the entire resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines classic theme park rides with elements of a zoological garden. You can see hundreds of animal species in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. The Pandora – The World of Avatar area is absolutely breathtaking, especially after dark when the entire landscape glows with an otherworldly magic.

Walt Disney World also features water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, where you can take a break from walking and enjoy slides and pools. For golf lovers, there are four golf courses, and for shoppers, there’s Disney Springs – a massive complex of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

If you’re planning a visit to Disney World, it’s crucial to plan your stay well in advance. If you want to see everything, you’ll need 3–4 days. Definitely buy your tickets ahead of time! For example, through GetYourGuide.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is another exceptional theme park complex that rivals Walt Disney World. It consists of three main parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park. For film fans, particularly Harry Potter devotees, 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 movies and TV shows. You can ride with The Simpsons, battle alongside the Transformers, or catch the Shrek 4-D show. The park is also home to 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-packed park with several themed zones. You’ll find Marvel Super Hero Island with the imposing Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park with dinosaurs and water rides, and Hogsmeade – the second part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, housed inside Hogwarts Castle, is widely regarded as one of the best attractions in the entire resort.

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

Volcano Bay is a modern water park themed around Polynesian culture. The park’s centrepiece is the 61-metre-tall Krakatau volcano, from which water slides descend. The park uses TapuTapu technology – wristbands that eliminate the need to queue. Instead, you can swim in the pool or relax on the beach while your wristband alerts you when it’s your turn for an attraction.

Tip: Buy a Park to Park ticket so you can move freely between the parks. We recommend purchasing through GetYourGuide.

3. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is NASA’s visitor complex, located right next to an active spaceport from which rockets are launched into space.

The main highlight of the visitor centre is the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, where a real space shuttle, Atlantis, is on display – one of only three remaining space shuttles in the world. It’s incredible to see this iconic spacecraft up close and imagine how it served for over 30 years transporting astronauts into space. The exhibit also includes simulators that let you experience what it’s like to launch and land a space shuttle. The simulators aren’t for the faint-hearted – they’re pretty intense!

Another impressive section of the centre is the Saturn V Center, dedicated to the Apollo programme and missions to the Moon. Here you can see an actual Saturn V rocket, which is over 110 metres long and was the most powerful rocket ever flown. The presentation about the Moon landing, complete with authentic footage and audio from Mission Control, transports 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 travelled to space, hear their stories, and even get a photo with them. These encounters take place almost every day, and the schedule can be found on the centre’s official website.

One of the most incredible experiences can be watching a real rocket launch. If you’re lucky and your Florida trip coincides with a scheduled launch, you can purchase a special ticket that allows you to watch the launch from the visitor centre. Even if you don’t manage to see a launch, you can visit the observation tower offering panoramic views of the launch pads.

For the full experience, book the special Explore Tour, which takes you to areas not normally accessible to the public, such as historic launch pads and 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 wonders. This vast subtropical wetland, spanning over 6,000 km² (1.5 million acres), is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including many endangered species – and most importantly, crocodiles.

What makes the Everglades so unique is the fact that it’s a shallow, slowly flowing “river of grass” stretching from Lake Okeechobee to the southern tip of Florida. It’s the only place in the world where you can see alligators and crocodiles living together in the same ecosystem. Beyond these impressive reptiles, you might also spot the rare Florida panther, manatees, and over 350 species of birds.

One of the best ways to explore the Everglades is on an airboat ride – book your trips in advance through GetYourGuide. These flat-bottomed boats powered by a large propeller at the back glide through the shallow waters, taking you into remote parts of the wetlands that would otherwise be nearly impossible to reach.

If you’re visiting during the dry season when the hiking trails are accessible, I’d recommend the Anhinga Trail – a short, paved path that’s ideal for spotting alligators, turtles, and water birds up close. For the more adventurous, there’s Gumbo Limbo Trail, which winds through a tropical hardwood hammock, or the Pa-hay-okee Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the “river of grass.”

Shark Valley is another popular area within the park, featuring a 15-mile (24 km) loop trail. You can walk it, cycle it, or hop on a tram tour. At the midpoint of the loop stands a 20-metre-tall observation tower, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and often plenty of wildlife too.

5. Miami Beach and South Beach

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

South Beach stretches between 1st Street and 23rd Street and is renowned for its white sand and turquoise blue water. A boardwalk runs along the beach, perfect for a morning jog, a bike ride, or simply a leisurely stroll with ocean views.

What makes South Beach so special 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 colourful hotels and apartment buildings with their distinctive neon lights and geometric patterns have featured in numerous films and TV series. An Art Deco walking or cycling tour is a brilliant way to explore them – you can book one through GetYourGuide.

Ocean Drive is the beating heart of South Beach, lined with restaurants, bars, and hotels right across from the beach. And if you fancy some shopping, head to Lincoln Road Mall – a pedestrian street that runs across the island, flanked by shops, restaurants, and cafés.

For live music, check out the New World Center, home of the New World Symphony. For art lovers, there’s the Bass Museum of Art with its collection of historic European art and contemporary works.

South of South Beach lies South Pointe Park, a tranquil green oasis at the very tip of the island. The park offers gorgeous views of the ocean, the Port of Miami, and the downtown skyline.

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 112-mile (180 km) strip of islands connected by the iconic Overseas Highway offers some of the most stunning 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 an experience in itself. This road connects the individual islands via a series of bridges, the most impressive being the Seven Mile Bridge – one of the longest bridges in the world.

During the drive, you’ll have views of turquoise waters on both sides. Don’t forget to pull over at one of the scenic viewpoints to properly take in the panorama.

Key Largo, the first and largest of the islands, is known as the diving capital of the world. 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 system in the world.

Islamorada, known as the “sport fishing capital of the world,” is the ideal spot for deep-sea fishing. You can charter a boat with a captain and head out in pursuit of marlin, tuna, or sailfish. If fishing isn’t your thing, you’ll find several sandbars in the middle of the ocean where you can relax in knee-deep water.

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

On the Lower Keys lies the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can spot Key deer – an endemic subspecies of white-tailed deer that’s smaller than a regular deer and lives only on these islands.

The final stop on the journey is Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA, just 90 miles (145 km) from Cuba. This little town has an unmistakable atmosphere that has historically attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Jimmy Buffett. Hemingway’s house is now a museum, home to more than 40 polydactyl cats (with extra toes), supposedly descendants of the writer’s own pet.

Duval Street is the main drag of Key West, packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. Every evening at Mallory Square, the Sunset Celebration takes place – a spontaneous festival of 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 in the USA), Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park with its lovely beach and Civil War-era fortress, and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you can wander through gardens filled with exotic butterflies.

If you eat meat and seafood, don’t miss the local specialities: conch fritters (fried conch bites), stone crab claws, and of course Key lime pie – the citrus dessert named after these very islands. As a vegetarian, I only tried the latter, and even though I’m not usually one for citrus desserts, I absolutely loved it.

7. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, located on Florida’s west coast along the Gulf of Mexico, is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA. It’s famous for its fine white sand – so soft it feels like powder – and crystal-clear turquoise water that’s warmer and calmer than on Florida’s east coast.

The main stretch of beach centres around Pier 60, which extends 365 metres (1,200 feet) into the gulf. Every evening, Sunsets at Pier 60 takes place – a festival that begins two hours before sunset and continues two hours after. You’ll see street performers, musicians, artisans selling their crafts, and of course you can soak in a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day at the beach.

The beach is also perfect for families with small children thanks to the shallow water with a gentle slope. In summer, the water temperature reaches around 30 °C (86 °F) – which, to be honest, felt more like bathwater to me, but my dad absolutely loved it.

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

8. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, often dubbed the “Venice of America,” is a sophisticated coastal city located about 28 miles (45 km) north of Miami. Thanks to its network of canals, gorgeous beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s become a favourite destination for those seeking a slightly more relaxed yet still cosmopolitan alternative to bustling Miami.

The main draw of Fort Lauderdale is undoubtedly its beach. Stretching over 7 miles (11 km) along the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers soft sand, clean water, and a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees.

Compared to South Beach in Miami, there are fewer crowds and a more laid-back vibe. What really sets Fort Lauderdale apart from other beach destinations is its extensive system of waterways. The city is criss-crossed by over 300 km (190 miles) of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of America.”

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

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

You’ll also find the NSU Art Museum here, home to a collection of more than 7,000 works specialising in Latin American and Florida-based artists. For families with children, I’d recommend the Museum of Discovery and Science, with exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to space travel. Also worth mentioning is the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a historic 1920s estate surrounded by gardens and a wildlife sanctuary.

If you’re heading to Florida for some shopping, beyond the popular Las Olas Boulevard, check out Galleria Fort Lauderdale – an upmarket shopping centre with stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy’s – or Sawgrass Mills in nearby Sunrise, one of the largest outlet malls in the USA.

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 lies about 70 miles (110 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. This isolation has helped preserve its natural beauty and historical riches virtually untouched.

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

Fort Jefferson is a massive brick fortress built in the mid-19th century as part of the US coastal defence system. Although it was never completed and never saw battle, it’s the largest masonry structure in the Americas, built with more than 16 million bricks.

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

Most people come here to snorkel and dive. The waters surrounding the islands are among the clearest in the United States and teem with marine life and coral reefs. You can explore several shipwrecks or simply float above the shallow reefs watching colourful tropical fish, lobsters, rays, and possibly even sea turtles (hawksbills), after which the islands were named. The best snorkelling spot is the Moat Wall surrounding Fort Jefferson, where a unique ecosystem has formed. You can bring your own snorkelling gear or hire it from the tour operators.

For those who want to stay overnight, the park offers primitive camping on Garden Key. The campsite is right on the beach overlooking the fort and offers an unforgettable experience under the stars. Given the park’s remoteness and lack of light pollution, the night skies are spectacular, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

You’ll need to book your campsite well in advance, though, and bring all your supplies, including plenty of drinking water, as there are no facilities on the island.

There are two main ways to reach 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 crossing takes about 2.5 hours each way. The second option is a seaplane, which is pricier but takes only about 40 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of Key West and the surrounding waters. You might even spot shipwrecks, dolphins, and sea turtles from above.

10. Historic St. Augustine

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

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

The city’s crowning jewel is Castillo de San Marcos, an imposing 17th-century fortress built from a unique material called coquina – a mixture of limestone and shells. This oldest masonry fort in the continental USA has withstood numerous sieges and changes of government. Today it’s a national monument managed by the National Park Service, offering guided tours, historical re-enactments, and stunning views over Matanzas Bay.

For architecture enthusiasts, St. Augustine is a real treat. Flagler College, formerly the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel built by Florida pioneer Henry Flagler, is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Interior tours reveal stunning frescoes, Tiffany stained-glass windows, and intricate carved woodwork. Nearby stands the Lightner Museum, once the Hotel Alcazar, which now houses a remarkable collection of art and artefacts from the American Gilded Age.

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

11. Busch Gardens Tampa

If you love adrenaline, you absolutely need to visit Busch Gardens Tampa. Located in Tampa on Florida’s west coast, it combines world-class roller coasters with a wildlife park.

The park is divided into several themed areas inspired by different African countries and cultures. As you enter, you’re greeted by Morocco, an area designed to resemble a traditional North African city with bazaars and restaurants. From there, you can explore other sections like Egypt, Congo, Jungala, and Pantopia.

One of the park’s main draws is its roller coasters, which rank among the best in the United States. SheiKra was America’s first floorless roller coaster, featuring a 90-degree drop from 200 feet (about 61 metres). The biggest thrill is when the train pauses at the top, leaving you staring straight down into the abyss.

Cheetah Hunt is a roller coaster inspired by a cheetah’s sprint that launches you three times during the ride, reaching 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 one of the most intense rides in the park.

If you’re not big on adrenaline, you can hop on the Serengeti Express train, which takes you through the Serengeti Plains area where you can watch giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Or try Cobra’s Curse, a family-friendly roller coaster with a unique vertical lift and spinning cars.

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

In Jungala, an area inspired by the jungles of Southeast Asia, you can see tigers, orangutans, and other Asian species in naturalistic habitats. The tiger enclosure has glass walls that let you watch these majestic big cats up close – and even underwater when they take a swim.

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

If you’re interested, book an “Animal Encounter” – which, as the name suggests, gives you the chance to get up close with animals like elephants, giraffes, or cheetahs.

12. Tampa Bay and Ybor City

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

Ybor City, Tampa’s historic district, is a former cigar-making kingdom and one of the most fascinating urban neighbourhoods in Florida. 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’ houses.

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

If you’d like to learn some history, visit the Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in a former bakery and featuring exhibits about the history of cigar manufacturing and immigrant communities. The museum includes La Casita, a restored worker’s cottage showing how factory workers lived in the early 20th century. You can also join a guided walking 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.

A quirky curiosity of Ybor City is the free-roaming chickens that wander the streets. They’re descendants of chickens kept by the neighbourhood’s original residents and are now protected as a local heritage.

13. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, often called “St. Pete,” sits 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). You’ll find The Dalí Museum here, which houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí works outside Europe.

14. Naples and Southwest Florida

Naples, perched on Florida’s southwest coast along the Gulf of Mexico, is synonymous with luxury. This exclusive resort town is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, outstanding restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene.

The main draw of Naples is undoubtedly its beaches. Naples Beach stretches along the entire town and is famous for its fine white sand and crystal-clear water. The iconic landmark is the historic Naples Pier, originally built in 1888 and reconstructed several times since. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and sunsets. Unlike many other Florida beaches, the ones in Naples are quieter and less crowded – though prices are on the higher side.

Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the two main shopping and dining strips in downtown Naples. These elegant streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and restaurants, many with outdoor seating, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere. In the evening especially, when the lights come on and the al fresco spaces fill with people savouring dinner under the stars, these streets have an almost European charm.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, managed by the National Audubon Society, lies 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) boardwalk trail that passes through diverse ecosystems – from wetlands to pine flatlands – offering opportunities to spot 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 unavailable elsewhere in the park, such as airboat rides or kayaking through the “Ten Thousand Islands,” a maze of mangrove islets and waterways.

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