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Travelholics

Best Cities to Visit in Florida

Florida is the sunshine state of the United States of America and for many when you hear it they will say all the world famous theme parks like Universal studios and Disney world. However, there is a lot of beautiful scenery that you can enjoy in Florida. Florida has a rich historical and cultural heritage that includes peaceful natives, Spanish conquistadors, swashbuckling pirates, and an effect of Carribean for many years, making it an extraordinarily interesting and diverse site to explore. Here are five cities where you can stay and enjoy your holidays.

Miami

Park and the beach of South Beach.

Miami is one of the state’s hippest and most popular cities, located in southern Florida.  The ancient and modern Florida are on display in Miami and adjacent Miami Beach. The vibrant stylish city core contrasts sharply with Miami Beach’s much more relaxed ambience. Flagler Street in downtown Miami boasts a variety of historic sites, while the Brickell district and the Design District have a slew of high-end shops and restaurants. Little Haiti and Little Havana, two vibrant ethnic enclaves in Miami, have Caribbean influences, while the Overtown neighborhood is recognized for its rich African-American history and hearty soul food.

Orlando

Universal Studios globe sign at entrance.

Orlando, home to internationally recognized amusement parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, is at the heart of Florida’s tourist business. These have grown to include big themed water parks like Discovery Cove, Typhoon Lagoon, and Volcano Bay throughout the years. Other neighboring sites provide a welcome change of pace and are easily accessible from Orlando on day trips. The Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral and witnessing the manatees on the Crystal River are two among them.

Key West

Key West Aquarium. Few people visible inside.

With antique architecture and a languid pace, historic Key West, at the furthest southern corner of the continental United States, has a distinct island vibe. Several well-known authors have called this gorgeous and laid-back city home, including Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, and Ernest Hemingway. The primary tourist spot, Duval Street, is lined with boutiques, souvenir stores, restaurants, and even some historic residences. The Key West Aquarium and a shipwreck museum that explores the area’s lengthy history of salvage are two of the city’s biggest attractions. Dry Tortugas National Park, which comprises seven reef islands that create an archipelago, is a must-see for those interested in ocean environments.

Naples

Naples, Florida sunset dusk in gulf of Mexico with pier wooden jetty on horizon and silhouette ocean waves view

Naples, Florida’s southernmost city, is an upmarket area with a charming city center and a gorgeous stretch of beach. The ocean is lined with a mix of exquisite houses, a few luxury resorts, and condo complexes, but the city has retained a small-town character.  Naples and its surrounding areas have some of the nicest beaches in the state. Warm, shallow waters with small waves are great for swimming and playing. The fine white sand is ideal for lounging down on your towel while gazing out over the Gulf of Mexico and soaking up some of that famed Florida sunshine.

Tampa

People outside the Florida Aquarium building in Tampa FL, USA

Tampa is particularly popular with families, who come to see the city’s various nature attractions. The most well-known is Busch Gardens, a massive amusement park and zoo with limitless things to see and do. The Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park, the Tampa Aquarium, and a public manatee viewing center are also available to animal lovers. Big Cat Rescue, a shelter for abused and abandoned cats such as lions, tigers, and jaguars, is also open to visitors.