Florida is packed with sunshine, theme parks, and natural wonders. Whether you love adventure, wildlife, or relaxation, there is something for everyone. My first time to Florida was actually on a high school science field trip to Orlando. Since then I’ve gone back with both friends and family, and my most recent visit was to Miami with my husband on our way to Peru in May 2024. Even after multiple trips, I’m never tired of going back. Here are my favorite things to do across all those trips.
1. Disney World (Orlando)
Why Visit:
The world’s biggest and most visited theme park!
Highlights:
- Magic Kingdom → the classic Disney park with Cinderella Castle, fireworks, and nostalgic rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion.
- Hollywood Studios → focused on movies, shows, and thrill rides such as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror (my favorite!).
- Animal Kingdom → where nature meets adventure and Disney storytelling, with attractions like the World of Avatar and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- EPCOT → celebrates cultures around the world with themed architecture, shows and food. Watch the fireworks, light and music show Luminous: The Symphony of Us here at night.
How to Go:
We stayed at a Disney resort so we could get the early park entry and free transport. We bought the 4-day park hopper tickets online in advance which lets you switch between parks freely.
2. Universal Orlando (Orlando)
Why Visit:
The flagship Universal theme park packed with incredible rides, immersive lands, and cinematic details.
Highlights:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter → check out Hogsmead at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe (newly opened this year, I still need to go!). Travel between Hogsmead and Diagon Alley on the Hogwarts Express.
- Jurassic Park → glide the rapids of the Jurassic Park River Adventure or try the VelociCoaster if you’re a thrill seeker. Located in Universal Islands of Adventure.
- Revenge of the Mummy → indoor coaster with fire, speed, and surprise reversals. Located in Universal Studios Florida.
How to Go:
We got the 1 day park-to-park ticket online in advance so we could visit both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida in one day. Universal Epic Universe has its own separate 1-day ticket.
3. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Orlando)
Why Visit:
A fascinating mix of real rockets and hands-on exhibits.
Highlights:
- Space Shuttle Atlantis → view the retired Space Shuttle orbiter suspended midair.
- Apollo/Saturn V Center → stand under the largest rocket ever flown.
- Rocket Garden → walk among giant rockets from NASA’s space programs, all standing tall outdoors.
How to Go:
The space center is about a one-hour drive from Orlando. We bought the 1 day tickets online in advance. Check the launch schedule if you want to time your visit with a real rocket lift-off from the complex!
4. Everglades National Park (Homestead)
Why Visit:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Everglades National Park is a vast “river of grass” full of alligators, mangroves, and rare wildlife.
Highlights:
- Take an Airboat Tour → the classic Everglades experience. See alligators, birds, and endless wetlands on a boat powered by a giant fan that skims over the marshes. We saw one gator bite another!
- Anhinga Trail → short (0.8 mile / 1.3 km) boardwalk full of alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
How to Go:
We stayed in Homestead (~1 hour south of Miami) and drove to the park (~30 minutes). We used our National Park Pass to enter the park, but you can also buy tickets at the entrance (cashless options only). The airboat tour was booked online in advance from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours.
5. Florida Keys Road Trip
Why Visit:
Drive the Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West for a scenic road trip. It’s 113 miles (182 km) of bridges and islands connecting the Keys.
Highlights:
- Ernest Hemingway’s House → meet the famous six toed cats.
- Robbie’s Marina → hand-feed giant tarpons.
- Southernmost Point Buoy → snap the classic photo 90 miles from Cuba.
How to Go:
We stayed in Homestead and did a long day trip, driving 3 hours each way to Key West and back.