One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Florida is a big state with many wonderful things to see and do. Those thinking about taking a trip to the Sunshine State will need to make some tough choices. That’s because one trip isn’t enough to enjoy everything the great state of Florida has to offer.
With this in mind, we figured we’d offer a small list of quality destinations to consider. The following are seven of the best Florida destinations to visit in 2022, in no particular order:
Miami Beach
The Miami metropolitan area is a sprawling region with a population north of six million people. While the city is full of fun things to see and do, those visiting for the first time are encouraged to make Miami Beach the focus of their trip. Spread across the thin strip of land separating the Bay of Biscayne from the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach is home to the architecture, nightlife, and luxury we associate with the region. Furthermore, the best hotels in Miami can be found in Miami Beach. Just don’t forget to pack swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses!
The Florida Keys
If you take US Highway 1 south out of Miami, the first island you’ll come to is Key Largo. The gateway to the Florida Keys, Key Largo is considered the most laid back and inclusive of all the islands in the archipelago. You can go diving, fishing, snorkeling, or just sit back and watch the waves. Those looking for something a little more thrilling may want to keep going until they reach Key West, the furthest island from the mainland. You’ll find posh nightclubs, fine restaurants, and a more urban atmosphere than you get in Key Largo. While not off-limits, the communities in between are more residential and less tourist-friendly than the outermost islands.
Kennedy Space Center
NASA’s primary launch center – where every space launch has started since 1968 – Kennedy Space Center is the Mecca for anyone interested in astronautics and spaceflight. The Vehicle Assembly Building – one of the largest buildings by volume in the world – is so massive that it forms its own weather patterns, requiring vast amounts of air conditioning to control the humidity. The Visitor Complex is home to dozens of exhibits and hundreds of artifacts from as far back as the Mercury Program. While most of the spaceport is off-limits to visitors, buses departing the Visitor Complex will take you on a driving tour of the facility’s most iconic features, including the VAB and launch pads.
St. Augustine
Founded by Spanish explorers in 1565, St. Augustine can lay claim to being the oldest continuously-inhabited European-established city in the United States. While the early history of St. Augustine is its biggest draw – including the beautifully preserved Castillo de San Marcos – the Gilded Age left an equally noticeable mark on the city. Historic hotels and boutique museums help bring this era to life, highlighting a time when St. Augustine was considered the premier vacation destination for America’s rich and famous.
Universal Orlando Resort
A trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Orlando – home to two of the most popular theme park resorts in the entire world. Fans of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park are encouraged to visit Universal Orlando Resort, located near the heart of the city. There you’ll find three parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. The first two are where you’ll find all the thrill rides, while the third is their waterpark.
Walt Disney World Resort
Other than a handful of sleepy resort towns along the coast, Florida was mostly swampland and nothing else. That is until a man named Walt Disney decided to buy up a bunch of land outside Orlando and build a massive theme park resort. While Walt never lived to see his plans become a reality, Walt Disney World Resort is currently celebrating 50 years of being what many consider the gold standard of theme parks. As you enter the resort and leave the regular world behind, it’s easy to get lost in the magic for days on end.
Florida is a world-renowned tourist destination. But where do you begin? There’s simply too much to see and do on one trip, which only means it’s time to plan the next one as soon as you’re back home!
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