From theme parks and beach towns to historic sites and unique roadside stops, this list highlights fun and memorable things to do across Florida. Ideal for family trips, coastal getaways, road trips, and iconic Florida experiences.
Sections
8
🎢 Theme Parks & Attractions
🏖️ Beaches & Coastal Stops
🐊 Nature, Springs & Wildlife
🏙️ Downtowns, Walkable Areas & Culture
⭐ Worth a Stop (If You’re Nearby)
⭐ Must-See Florida
🎢 Theme Parks & Attractions
One of the Disney parks I’ve visited multiple times. A great mix of rides, shows, and animal experiences — easy to enjoy on repeat visits.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Walt Disney World Resort
Visited more than once. A Disney park that’s easy to enjoy on repeat visits, especially for World Showcase, food festivals, and a slower-paced day.
Epcot
Visited more than once. Classic Disney park with iconic attractions and a nostalgic feel that still works well on repeat visits.
Magic Kingdom Park
One of the most immersive Disney resorts, themed around beloved animated films. The larger-than-life characters, colorful sections, and family-friendly layout make it fun just to explore, even if you’re not staying on property. Great photo spots and ...
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
One of the most immersive Disney parks if you love movies, shows, and themed lands. Even after visiting multiple times, there’s always something fun to revisit, especially with kids.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Stopped by to see the famous gingerbread house, which is always stunning during the holidays. The resort itself is beautiful to walk through and feels very classic and elegant. A great holiday stop even if you’re not staying here.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Visited for lunch at Kona Cafe, which is one of our favorite spots. The Polynesian has a relaxed island vibe and is fun to explore. Easy to visit by Disney transportation and worth a stop even on a non-park day.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
This is a fun, budget-friendly Disney resort with big movie-themed decor. It’s great if you plan to spend most of your time in the parks and just want a comfortable, themed place to come back to.
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
A fun and spooky way to experience Key West after dark. This haunted bus tour takes you to some of the city’s most infamous ghost stories, cemeteries, and historic sites while you stay comfortably on the trolley. Great storytelling, atmospheric stops...
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West
🏖️ Beaches & Coastal Stops
A great spot if you want calm water and a more relaxed beach experience. The water here is usually much quieter than the open Gulf side, making it perfect for floating, wading, or just relaxing without strong waves.
Quietwater Beach
Miami Beach is a classic Florida stop for a reason—wide beaches, clear water, and that iconic pastel vibe. We loved walking the beach, relaxing by the water, and soaking in the energy. It’s great for people-watching, photos, and just slowing down bet...
Miami Beach
Key Largo Beach felt calmer and more laid-back compared to Miami. It’s a great stop if you want a quieter beach moment while driving the Keys, especially for relaxing, hammocks, and waterfront views.
Key Largo Beach
🐊 Nature, Springs & Wildlife
We had the most amazing fun day kayaking. The guides were great, and we even got to hold sea creatures, which made the experience extra special. Such a hands-on, memorable way to explore the water and learn about marine life. Laid-back, family-friend...
Lazy Dog Adventures
An easy nature stop with a short walk and a chance to spot local wildlife. While sightings depend on timing, we still enjoyed visiting and checking it out as part of a Keys road trip. Best viewed as a bonus stop rather than a must-see.
Blue Hole
This was one of our favorite stops in the Florida Keys. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured sea turtles—and you can actually see the turtles up close while learning their stories.
We loved how educational and ...
Turtle Hospital
This was such a memorable experience in the Florida Keys. We visited the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon and participated in an interactive program where a dolphin painted a shirt. It was fun, hands-on, and surprisingly educational.
What really s...
Dolphin Research Center
Feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s in Marathon was wild and unforgettable. You buy a bucket of fish and feed the massive tarpon right off the dock—and yes, they can absolutely try to swallow your whole hand if you’re not careful.
It’s equal parts excitin...
Best Tarpon Feeding in the Florida Keys
This animal sanctuary was a meaningful stop where we learned about rescued wildlife and conservation efforts. You get to see animals up close while learning their stories, which makes the experience feel purposeful instead of just sightseeing.
Everglades Outpost
Everglades National Park is a must for understanding Florida beyond the beaches. The landscapes, wildlife, and sheer scale of the park are unforgettable. It’s one of those places that reminds you how unique Florida really is.
Tip: Bring bug spray and...
Everglades National Park
Zoo Miami is a large, open-air zoo with wide walking paths and animals in spacious habitats. It’s a good stop for families and animal lovers, especially if you enjoy slower-paced exploring and educational exhibits.
Zoo Miami
🏙️ Downtowns, Walkable Areas & Culture
The heart of Key West’s famous sunset celebration. Street performers, artists, local vendors, and a fun, lively atmosphere every evening. Great place to walk around, people-watch, grab a snack, and catch one of the best sunsets in Florida. Easy stop ...
Mallory Square
A quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop in the Keys. We enjoyed the peaceful drive and natural setting. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but it’s a nice place to slow down and explore if you enjoy nature and don’t mind keeping expectations flexible.
No Name Key
Little Havana is one of Miami’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. It’s great for walking, people-watching, Cuban food, music, and soaking in the local atmosphere. A fun place to experience Miami beyond the beach scene.
Explore Little Havana | Miami & Miami Beach
⭐ Worth a Stop (If You’re Nearby)
The Christmas Palace is a fun and unexpected stop, especially if you love seasonal décor. Even outside the holidays, it’s entertaining to walk through and see the elaborate displays. A quirky Miami-area experience if you’re nearby.
The Christmas Palace
⭐ Must-See Florida
Wear water shoes—the beach is rocky, not sandy. The water is clear and great for exploring. I found a lot of sponges and coral pieces along the shore, which was a really nice bonus if you enjoy collecting natural finds. It’s a great mix of beach time...
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
“An iconic drive with beautiful views—worth doing at least once.”
Seven Mile Bridge
🛍️ Shopping & Wandering
Visited more than once. Large walkable shopping and dining district with themed restaurants, stores, and entertainment. Easy to enjoy without a park ticket.
Disney Springs
Visited more than once. Large outlet mall with a wide mix of brand-name stores. Good stop for bargain shopping if you’re already in the Orlando area.
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Hotels & Resorts
Beautiful, relaxing Disney resort with a peaceful riverside atmosphere that feels like a break from the parks. The grounds are scenic and quiet, rooms are comfortable, and the theming is charming without feeling overwhelming. A great place to unwind ...