10 Epic Places in South Florida You Can’t Skip: Beaches, Cities & Parks

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I’ve been making pilgrimages to South Florida twice a year for as long as I can remember, and it still finds ways to surprise me. One trip might be all about chasing sunset cocktails in Miami’s rooftop bars, the next about paddling through mangrove tunnels in the Everglades with only the splash of manatees for company. I’ve biked across the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys with turquoise water stretching to infinity, watched sea turtles nest on Sanibel’s quiet beaches, and wandered the pastel streets of Key West where time seems to slow down.

From glitzy coastal cities to national parks that feel a world away, every corner has its own rhythm and flavor. If you think South Florida is just beaches and nightlife, you’re missing half the story. Here are my favorite spots in Southern Florida that you should know about.

1. Miami, Florida

As one of the trendiest cities, not only in Florida but in all of the US, Miami is the cultural and financial hub of South Florida. It is also a top beach destination in Florida. You could easily relax at the beach for days on end, but that wouldn’t do justice for all the other cool things to do in Miami.

Known for its beaches and water sports, Miami offers visitors with an assortment of aquatic adventures including sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The city also has several urban parks, such as Bayfront Park, Museum Park, and Tropical Park. The weather is beautiful year-round, so you’ll always have a reason to be outside.

Want to see a cool contrast between old and new? The city of Miami has a distinctly contemporary vibe, while Miami Beach is much more subdued and relaxed in comparison.

South Beach is the top attraction among all the Miami beaches, so if you’re looking for a cool place to stay in Florida, this is it. The Art Deco District is located just opposite the beach where you’ll find Ocean Drive, a bustling pedestrian-friendly street with restaurants, bars, hotels, and boutiques.

Other things to do in Miami, one of the best places to visit in Southern Florida

Miami is a clear favorite for couples in Florida, particularly as a honeymoon destination. Below are some other must-visit spots within Miami:

• The Brickell Neighborhood and the Miami Design District are known for their high-end stores and posh dining scene.
• Little Havana and Little Haiti are great places to see Miami’s Caribbean influences up close. Española Way offers more of a European, old world vibe.
• Overtown Neighborhood is worth exploring for its rich African-American history and amazing food.
• The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a Mediterranean-style estate on Biscayne Bay that was once the residence of James Deering.
• The Coconut Grove Neighborhood is famed for its historic homes that are built from coral rock. Visitors will also find peacocks, street entertainers and cozy cafés here.
• Other cool, cultural attractions include the Jungle Island, Zoo Miami, and Coral Castle.

In addition, the city of Miami hosts an annual festival called Calle Ocho Music Festival, which is one of the world’s largest Latin music festivals.

From its vibrant fashion scene, sports and entertainment, historic sites, beaches, and visual art centers, everything about Miami is fascinating and worth exploring. It’s no wonder this city is among the best places to visit in South Florida.

Read next: Top Luxury Airbnbs in Miami, Florida

2. The Florida Keys

For watersport enthusiasts, it’s hard to find a better vacation spot in South Florida than the Florida Keys. This is the most livable place in South Florida, hands down, and it’s easy to see why!

Made up of 1,700 islands, the Florida Keys offers a relaxing and calming atmosphere, perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures. The colorful reefs surrounding Dry Tortugas National Park are a sight not to be missed! Enjoy delicious seafood while relaxing by the water and taking in the refreshing sea breeze, and you’ll see why this is one of the best places to visit in South Florida.

Top destination in the Florida Keys: Key West

Key West is among the most popular vacation spots within the Florida Keys. Although the Keys isn’t particularly famous for its beaches, the beachside locations within Key West are very appealing.

Located at the southern tip of the continental U.S., Key West has an old world charm to it, mainly through its architecture. Several authors have embraced the romanticism of this town and made it their home, including Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, and Ernest Hemingway.

• Read my post: The Most Romantic Getaways on the East Coast

Key West also seamlessly blends different cultures. There are distinct Caribbean influences, most notably in the island’s culinary scene.

One of the top tourist spots in the area is Duval Street, just south of the Key West Historic District. Here, you can explore vibrant restaurants and bars, enjoying zesty Key Lime Pie and catching the sunset from Mallory Square. It’s full of boutiques, souvenir shops, and even a few historic buildings. Other popular attractions nearby include the Shipwreck Museum, Key West Aquarium, and Dry Tortugas National Park. These are some of the best hidden gems you’ll find!

Whether you’re looking for culture, luxury, or relaxation, the Florida Keys have got you covered as one of the coolest islands in the world!

Read next: Best Airbnb vacation rentals in the Florida Keys

3. Naples, Florida

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is another top destination in South Florida. It’s best known for its golfing and upscale shopping scene, and you’ll also find luxurious resorts and condos tucked along the coastline.

Bask in the sun at Lowdermilk Park, stroll Naples Pier, and spot wildlife at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. There’s so much to see and do here, but you can easily cover most of it in 2-3 days. Here are some other noteworthy sights in and around Naples:

– Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: A waterpark perfect for a day of family fun

– Naples Beach Brewery: One of the best craft breweries in the area.

– The Naples Botanical Garden: 170 acres of lush green vegetation endemic to the tropics.

– Venetian Bay: A waterfront village featuring lots of restaurants and boutiques.

– 5th Avenue South: A popular shopping street extending from downtown Naples to the beach.

– Smallwood Store: Located near Naples, this trading post has been transformed into a museum, where you can learn about how fur trading used to take place.

– Museum of the Everglades: Just east of Naples, this museum traces the 2,000-year-old history of the region, including that of the Calusa Indians.

– Fakahatchee Strand State Park: One of the best hidden gem vacation spots in Florida. Known for its collection of ghost orchids and many other rare and endangered species of plants and animals.

With endless, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, Naples is a must-see destination in Southern Florida.

4. Sanibel Island

For those looking to explore the natural beauty of South Florida, Sanibel Island offers the perfect window. With a cool tropical vibe and lots of breathtaking landscapes, Sanibel Island is among the best places to visit, not only in the state of Florida, but in the entire US.

The island is home to a diverse marine life and is particularly famous for its seashell varieties. There are also many species of birds like egrets, herons, and the American bald eagle, and of course, like everyone else in Florida, you’ll find alligators.

Enjoy the peace and serenity of Captiva Island, hike around J.N Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and go swimming at Bowman’s Beach. You’ll definitely wish you booked a longer stay here.

What makes Sanibel Island stand out among the numerous beaches across Florida is its relaxing and laid back vibe. In the absence of all the hustle and bustle of chain stores and traffic lights, visitors can escape into this dreamy tropical paradise and forget all of life’s worries.

Read next: Most unique stays in Florida

5. Sarasota, Florida

Located on Florida’s southwestern coastline, Sarasota is another marvelous city worthy of a spot on your bucket list. The city features sandy beaches, noteworthy architecture, and plenty of culturally significant sites.

One of the biggest attractions in Sarasota is its art scene. There are several visual arts and performing centers across the city, along with many theatres. The city proudly hosts an annual film festival focusing on local and international cinema. Another large-scale art event hosted by the city is the Sarasota Chalk Festival, that attracts art-lovers from all over the country. Other notable places to visit in Sarasota include the following

• The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art: 66- acre museum showcasing an assortment of exquisite art and architecture.
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 15-acre garden featuring rare plant and animal species, a fun activity for kids and adults.
• Siesta Key Beach: Known as one of the top beaches in the U.S.
• Myakka River State Park: At 37,000 acres, this is one of Florida’s largest state parks.

With a cool mix of nature and culture, Sarasota is among the best places to visit in Southern Florida.

6. Boca Raton

Boca Raton has this polished, coastal charm that feels worlds away from Miami’s buzz, yet it’s only an hour north. I love starting my mornings at Red Reef Park, where you can snorkel right off the beach and spot parrotfish weaving through the reef. Downtown’s Mizner Park is another favorite. Love the Mediterranean Revival architecture, palm-lined walkways, and a mix of galleries, boutiques, and cafés perfect for a slow afternoon.

Boca’s name comes from the Spanish “Boca de Ratones,” referring to rocky inlets that once challenged sailors (no actual rats involved). Beyond the glitz, you’ll find Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a sea turtle rehabilitation facility where I once watched hatchlings make their first dash to the ocean. With its blend of upscale living, cultural spots, and easy access to nature, Boca is that rare place where you can shop, snorkel, and see baby turtles…all in a single day.

My Pro Tip: For a quieter beach day, head to Spanish River Park. It’s less crowded and equally beautiful. Parking can be tight, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

• For more reading: 12 Epic Locations to Live in Broward County

7. Stuart, Florida

Looking for one of the most underrated places in South Florida? Add Stuart, FL to your bucket list.

Stuart is considered the “Sailfish Capital of the World” and it’s easy to see why with all its fishing charters and sailing activities. The city also offers lots of fun water activities including scuba diving and snorkeling.

Aside from sailing and other aquatic activities, there are other things you’ll want to explore here. Downtown Stuart is a great place for a stroll, where you can eat, shop, and enjoy the live music in this historic part of the city. If you’d like to learn about the history of Stuart, check out the Stuart Heritage Museum and Road to Victory Military Museum.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor destination in Southern Florida with a few museums and art galleries, Stuart has you covered.

8. Everglades National Park

A round-up of the best places to visit in South Florida wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Everglades National Park.

As one of the few national parks on the East Coast, the Everglades is a 1.5-million acre wetland preserve with a variety of flora and fauna. As you maneuver your way through the mangroves and marshes for which this park is known for, you’ll see alligators, crocodiles, and perhaps even a Florida panther and leatherback turtle. Fun fact: The Everglades is the only place on Earth where both alligators and crocodiles coexist!

The Everglades is located just outside of Miami, so I recommend pairing them together in the same trip. Though it’s only an hour away, it truly feels worlds apart with abounding nature and wildlife!

8. Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach are the perfect vacation spots to visit year round.

Whether it’s the wonderful shopping, historic sights, or the mouthwatering dishes offered by the local restaurants, Fort Myers has a lot to offer. The following are some of the major attractions that visitors can look forward to in Fort Myers:

• IMAG History and Science Center: A science and aquarium museum with interactive exhibits covering dinosaurs, Calusa Indians, weather/climate, and wildlife, to name a few.
• The Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates: A museum dedicated to the lives of both men, and a 21-acre botanical garden.
• Lovers Key State Park: 712 acres of tidal lagoons, barrier islands, and canals. Definitely a place where you’ll want to dip your toes in the water!
• Bonita Beach: A beautiful beach near Fort Myers with a long boardwalk. As the name suggests, it’s definitely a beautiful spot to check out…es muy bonita!
• Lee County Manatee Park: A popular place to see manatees up close and go kayaking.

The city’s charm combined with the sun-soaked beaches and historical sites makes Fort Myers and the Fort Myers Beach the perfect destination for a relaxed and fun-filled vacation. Nature lovers and beach goers alike will love this place, and quickly see why it’s among the best places to visit in South Florida.

9. Biscayne National Park

Most people drive right past Biscayne National Park without realizing 95% of it is underwater. I learned that the first time I hopped on a boat from Homestead and found myself floating above a living aquarium of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and schools of neon-colored fish. The water is so clear you can spot stingrays gliding along the sandy bottom from the deck.

On one trip, I kayaked through the mangrove shoreline, the air buzzing with ospreys and herons, before snorkeling over the Maritime Heritage Trail where history hides beneath the waves. It’s a place that feels both wild and serene, a reminder that South Florida’s beauty isn’t just on the beaches.

Insider Tips: Bring your own gear if you can, as rentals are available but can be pricier. Check weather conditions before your trip, as winds can influence water clarity and accessibility. Early mornings are best for clearer waters and less crowd.

10. West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach is a dynamic blend of vibrant street life, chic cultural venues, and lush tropical ambience. It’s the place to be for trendy eateries and vibrant nightlife, especially around Clematis Street and CityPlace. Art lovers are drawn to the Norton Museum of Art, which boasts an impressive collection.

Explore the outdoors along the waterfront or at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary for a close-up look at local flora and fauna.

Insider Tips: Parking is easier to find and often free in the evenings. Plan your visit during one of the many street festivals or outdoor concerts to really see the city come alive. With its rich mix of activities and relaxing spots, West Palm Beach offers an exciting yet laid-back getaway.

• Read next: 12 Places to Live in Broward County, FL

Other top places to visit in South Florida

This list of must-see places in South Florida is by no means exhaustive. So, there are many other spots you’ll want to explore in the Sunshine State. Whether it’s Florida’s very own version of Hollywood or even the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale, you won’t run out of beautiful beaches and endless outdoor activities (and sunshine!) throughout South Florida. This is only the beginning.

For further reading:

• Top rentals in Florida
• Best off-the-beaten-path destinations in Florida
• Top vacation rentals in the Florida Keys