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Top 15 Cities to Visit in Florida 2024 | Travel Guide
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Are you ready for an amazing trip to the Sunshine State? As 2024 comes closer, the top 15 cities in Florida are calling out to travelers. They offer beautiful beaches, lively cultures, and incredible natural sights. From Miami's art deco beauty to St. Augustine's historic charm, this guide will show you the best spots in Florida1.
Florida has a lot to offer, from its deep history to top-notch food and outdoor fun. If you love the beach, adventure, or culture, this guide is for you. It will help you plan your dream trip to Florida in 20241.
Key Takeaways
- Uncover the top 15 must-visit cities in Florida for 2024.
- Explore the state's stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, and abundant natural wonders.
- Plan your perfect Sunshine State vacation with insider tips and expert recommendations.
- Discover the rich history, world-class dining, and outdoor adventures that make Florida a premier destination.
- Get inspired to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sunshine State in 2024.
15. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a vibrant city in South Florida. It's famous for its art deco architecture, lively South Beach area, and top-notch dining and nightlife scene2. You can see the colorful Art Deco buildings, walk on Ocean Drive, and try the Cuban-influenced food and Latin-inspired nightlife2.
Historical Highlights
Miami Beach shows off its history through its buildings2. It has a famous Art Deco Historic District with buildings from the 1920s and 1930s2. You'll see buildings with pastel colors, neon signs, and unique designs from that time2.
The city is also known for its cultural attractions2. Its Hispanic people, especially Cubans, have made a big mark on the food and nightlife2. You can feel the Latin-inspired vibe in the salsa clubs and Cuban restaurants2.
Miami Beach is also famous for its beautiful beaches2. Places like South Beach let you relax, swim, and enjoy water sports2. The city welcomes everyone with mats and beach wheelchairs3.
"Miami Beach is a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage, architectural gems, and stunning natural beauty. From exploring the iconic Art Deco District to indulging in the city's captivating nightlife, visitors are sure to create unforgettable memories in this coastal gem."
| Top Hotels in Miami Beach | Reader Score |
|---|---|
| The Setai Miami Beach | 95.59 |
| Faena Hotel Miami Beach | 94.34 |
| The Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club | 93.33 |
| Nobu Hotel Miami Beach | 93.04 |
| The Palms Hotel & Spa | 93.04 |
| W South Beach | 92.84 |
| Acqualina Resort & Residences | 91.05 |
| The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach | 90.43 |
| Eden Roc Miami Beach | 87.30 |
| The SLS South Beach | 86.75 |
Miami Beach is a top spot for those who love art deco, culture, and beaches. It's a great place for a memorable Florida trip324.
14. Sanibel Island
Situated off the coast of Southwest Florida, Sanibel Island is a natural paradise. It's known for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and exceptional shelling. With over 15 miles of pristine coastline and 0 stoplights, it's a peaceful escape from daily life5.
Sanibel Island is famous for its shelling. It has over 250 types of shells, making it a paradise for beachcombers. The best time for shelling is October-November, when the tides are low. This lets visitors explore Bowman's Beach6.
Historical Highlights
Sanibel Island's history is as rich as its natural beauty. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse has guided captains since 1884. It's a key historical spot5.
The island is also home to the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge covers almost a third of Sanibel Island and is part of the largest mangrove ecosystem in the US5. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with over 245 species of birds6.
Sanibel Island also has a vibrant cultural scene. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is dedicated to shells and mollusks. It's a unique place to learn about the island's marine life6.
The island's charm goes beyond its nature and culture. It has 25 miles of bike paths and 50 types of fish. Nature lovers will enjoy its 230 types of birds and 250 kinds of shells7.
Sanibel Island is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history. It's been named one of the "Top 10 Best Florida Beach Towns" by USA Today7. It's also the #1 top tourist destination by Frommer's Travel Guide7.
Sanibel Island offers a mix of beach relaxation, nature adventures, and cultural experiences. It's a place that will leave a lasting impression765.
13. Destin
Destin sits on Florida's Emerald Coast, famous for its white sand beaches and top-notch fishing8. It's perfect for water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and parasailing. You can also check out state parks like Henderson Beach State Park9. For deep-sea fishing, Destin has many charter boats ready to take you to catch big fish like red snapper and marlin9.
Historical Highlights
At the Destin History and Fishing Museum, you'll learn about Destin's fishing past. It shows how the area changed from a small fishing town to a popular spot9. The museum has exhibits on the local fishing history, showing the tools and methods used by fishermen over the years9.
| Destin Attraction | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Crab Island | 4.3 | 57 |
| Buccaneer Pirate Cruise | 4.6 | 118 |
| Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park | 3.5 | 240 |
| Southern Star Dolphin Cruise | 4.3 | 123 |
| The Track | 3.3 | 199 |
| LuLu's Destin | 3.6 | 1400 |
| Destin History & Fishing Museum | 4.8 | 13 |
| Timberview Helicopters | 4.5 | 42 |
| Destin Private Yachts | 5.0 | 3 |
| Flippers Adventures | 4.5 | 61 |
Destin isn't just about the beach. It has lots of activities for families. The Track has five raceways, including the big Wild Woody. Urban Air Adventure Park has a ropes course and climbing walls9. For water lovers, Wet-N-Wild Watersports offers jet ski tours to see dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays9.
"Destin is home to the most extensive fleet of fishing charter boats in Florida, offering year-round off-shore access along the Gulf Coast."9
Destin has adventures, relaxation, and history for everyone. Its beautiful beaches and many activities make it a favorite worldwide8910.
12. Amelia Island
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Amelia Island is a beautiful spot in Florida's northeast corner. It's known for its history, nature, and fun activities11. In 2022, it welcomed 758,000 visitors, a 15% jump from the year before11. The island is a top spot for golf lovers, with five championship courses and 90 holes11.
Historical Highlights
The island's history stretches back centuries. It drew Native Americans, the French, Spanish, and British, each leaving their mark11. In a survey, readers picked Amelia Island as the best island in the U.S., beating places like Hilton Head and Maui11.
Today, its historic downtown is filled with Victorian-era buildings and shops. Nature lovers will enjoy 10% of the island set aside for parks11. These parks offer trails for hiking and biking.
Visitors love the island's beaches, with over 13 miles of coast11. You can enjoy paddleboarding, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach11.
Amelia Island is famous for its shrimping history11. You can try fresh shrimp at places like Salt Life Food Shack and The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill11. The Isle of Flags Shrimp Festival in May celebrates this tradition with food, music, and crafts11.
Amelia Island is a top travel spot, winning many awards12. In 2024, it was named the #1 Best Island in the U.S. by Global Traveler Magazine12. It was also ranked as the #9 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report12.
With its history, beauty, and activities, Amelia Island is a great place for all ages11. Whether you want a beach vacation, an adventure, or to learn about its past, Amelia Island is enchanting.
| Restaurant Name | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Arte Pizza | 109 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach | (904) 277-1515 |
| Captain Jack's Smokehouse | 960030 Gateway Blvd, Fernandina Beach | (904) 310-3611 |
| Timoti's Seafood Shak | 21 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach | (904) 310-6550 |
| The Surf Restaurant & Bar | 3199 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach | (904) 261-5711 |
| Amelia Island Coffee | 207 Centre St, Fernandina Beach | (904) 321-2111 |
| Bob's Steak & Chop House | 80 Amelia Village Cir, Fernandina Beach | (904) 432-2201 |
"Amelia Island is a true gem of the Florida coast, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and endless activities for visitors to explore and enjoy."
11. Marco Island
Marco Island is a gem on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. It's known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and outdoor fun13. The island is 20 square miles of tropical beauty, offering a mix of nature and luxury.
The Marco Island Historical Museum tells the island's story. It covers the Native American history and how it became a popular vacation spot. Visitors learn about the island's past and what made it special.
Visiting Marco Island means diving into nature. The island is full of birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife. It's perfect for those who love nature13. Nearby Naples is just a 30-minute drive away, offering more fun with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Marco Island is also known for its luxury resorts and spas. It's a place for those wanting a fancy getaway. You can enjoy spa treatments, fine dining, and many activities in a peaceful setting.
For a full Florida vacation, Marco Island is a great choice. It has beautiful beaches, wildlife, and lots of things to do. This island will leave you with unforgettable memories1314.
Historical Highlights
The Calusa Native American tribe lived on Marco Island for centuries before Europeans arrived13. The island's good location and resources made it a great place for the Calusa. Today, you can see their history at the Marco Island Historical Museum.
In the late 1800s, Marco Island started to become a vacation spot. The first hotel, the Marco Hotel, opened in 1892. Over time, the island grew popular and turned into a resort community loved by people worldwide.
Through its history, Marco Island has faced tough times, like hurricanes. But the island's people have always come back strong. This shows why it's a top choice for those looking for a unique Florida experience141315.