17 Most Beautiful Places In Florida
Florida is so much more than the theme parks and five star resorts. While they are awesome, Florida is a huge state full of beautiful parks, beaches, towns, and more. After living in Florida for almost two years I have had the opportunity to explore the best the Florida has to offer. These 17 places are, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful in the state.
If you are looking for hidden gems for your next trip to the sunshine state this post all about the 17 most beautiful places in Florida is for you.
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17 Most Beautiful Places In Florida
1. Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is located in Central Florida, just around 40 minutes north of Orlando. This park is special because it is a winter home for hundreds of Manatees. At this 2,600 acre park is you will find crystal clear spring water and walking trails. You can swim in the water with the manatees at some times of the year. Check the Blue Springs State Park website to see if you can swim with the gentle giants.
If you want to see the manatees and other Florida wildlife from a boat checkout this St. Johns River Cruise.
While at Blue Springs State Park keep an eye out for monkeys. Rhesus macaques, Vervet monkeys, and Squirrel monkeys have been found in Central Florida.
Book Here - Blue Springs State Park Boat Tour
Read Next - 12 Best Day Trips From Orlando, Florida
2. The Jupiter Inlet
Located on Florida's East Coast, Jupiter is a small beachside town home to gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and nature reserves. One of the most picturesque places in Florida is the Jupiter Inlet.
At the Jupiter Inlet you can swim, have a cookout in the park, walk to the beach, and see the Homestead Museum.
Read Next - A Complete Jupiter, Florida Travel Guide
3. Andy Romano Beachfront Park
Andy Romano Beachfront Park is located in Daytona Beach on Florida's East Coast. This beach is unique because you can drive your car onto it and park on the beach, not to mention the beach itself is stunning.
You will find food trucks parked on the beach, plenty of top notch facilities, and picturesque views of northern Florida's coast at Andy Romano Park.
Read Next - A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida
4. The Breakers
The Breakers is a luxury five star hotel located in Palm Beach. This beachside resort is one of the most beautiful hotels I have been to. You will find stunning views of the water, amazing restaurants, ball rooms, grand gardens, pools, tennis courts, a spa and more.
Book Here - The Breakers
Read Next - A Perfect Guide To Palm Beach
5. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is one of the oldest structures in the United States. Located in the historic St. Augustine, The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the the US.
This structure built in the 17th century is situated right next to the water, which make it even more beautiful.
Read Next - A Quick Guide To St. Augustine, Florida
6. Clearwater Beach
Located just west of Tampa is the stunning beach town of Clearwater. You will find beachside cafes, boutiques, and even a mini theme park all on Clearwater. This tourist town is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Clearwater Beach is known for its white sand, crystal clear water, and having calm waters and minimal waves.
Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Tampa, Florida
7. Siesta Key
Located just south of Tampa is the gorgeous beach town of Siesta Key. Often ranked one of the best beaches in the country Siesta Key Beach, similar to Clearwater, offers powdery sand, clear water, and minimal waves.
While in Siesta Key consider visiting Siesta Village, Turtle Beach, Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Snorkel at the Point of Rocks, or visit Sunset Point.
Read Next - A Complete Guide To Siesta Key
8. Key West
Key West is the southernmost point in the United States. This island is connected to mainland Florida by a highway. Key West is pretty much a Caribbean Island you can drive too.
On Key West be sure to see the Hemingway Home, see Smathers Beach, take a stroll down Duval Street, and explore Dry Tortugas National Park!
9. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is one of Florida's best kept secrets. This sleep beach town located on the east coast of Florida (an hour north of Palm Beach), is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. You will also find an adorable downtown area that is perfect for shopping and grabbing a bit to eat. For your next trip to Florida definitely consider staying in Vero Beach!
10. Rosemary Beach
Located on the Florida Panhandle is the popular Rosemary Beach. This picturesque beach is known for its incredible beaches, adorable downtown area, and amazing seafood restaurants.
While in Rosemary Beach be sure to explore Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, visit the 30A Farmers' Market, see Camp Helen State Park, and eat at one of the top notch seafood restaurants.
11. Black Bear Wilderness Area
Black Bear Wilderness Area is a gorgeous nature reserve in Seminole County (about 30 minutes north of Orlando). This 1,600 area reserve is home to hiking trails, access to the St. Johns River, wild pigs, bears, swamps, alligators, and more.
While at the incredible Black Bear Wilderness Area I recommend doing the 7 mile hike so you can see the highlights.
More Information - Black Bear Wilderness Area
12. Mead Botanical Garden
Mead Botanical Garden is a stunning park in Winter Park, Florida (Winter Park borders Orlando to the north). At Mead you will find a butterfly garden, unique plants, bike trails, hiking trails, a small pond (you can swim in it), and more. Mead Botanical Gardens also holds events such as Docktoberfest (a play on Oktoberfest but with Dachshunds), weddings, yoga, classes, camps for kids, and more.
Read Next - 7 Of The Most Beautiful Parks In Orlando
13. Islamorada
Islamorada is another village on the Florida Keys (2 hours from Miami). This stunning island is known for its great fishing, island vibes, and picturesque beaches.
While In Islamorada be sure to explore Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, have a swim at Windsurfers at Anne’s Beach, visit Rain Barrel Village, and try Key Lime Pie at a local bakery (we love Blonde Giraffe).
14. Everglades National Park
The Everglades may not be for everyone, but they are certainly captivating. This 1.5 million acre national park is made up of mangroves, marshes, and pinewood flats.
If you do decide to visit the Everglades National Park be sure to book a guide because they are difficult to navigate, especially if you are new to this kind of terrain.
Book Here - Everglades National Park Tour
15. Marco Island
Marco Island is a stunning little beach town located on Florida's west coast. This charming town is only a 2 hour drive west of Miami. Marco Island is known for its beaches, shelling, outdoor activities, art scene, and laid back vibes.
While in Marco Island checkout Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, South Marco Beach, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and The Marco Island Historical Museum.
16. Delray Beach
Delray Beach is one of the most underrated vacation spots in Florida. This lovely beach town has it all - great nightlife, amazing beaches, top-notch restaurants, a cool arts scene, and is close to airports.
While in Delray Beach be sure to shop and dine on Atlantic Ave, visit Pineapple Grove, relax at the beach, and visit Morikami Japanese Garden Museum.
Read Next - What To Do In Delray Beach, Florida
17. Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is the best beach to go to from Miami. Located just 17 minutes from the heart of Miami this gorgeous island is home to 5 star hotels, cute seafood joints, and perfect beaches.
Key Biscayne is where the locals go. While South Beach is iconic and you should go if you are in Miami, Key Biscayne take the cake for being the most beautiful.
Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Miami, Florida
When To Visit Florida
The best time to be in Florida is in the winter or spring months (December - early May). The summer and fall (June - November) in Florida are extremely hot, humid, and uncomfortable. The fall and summer is also hurricane season in Florida, which you definitely want to avoid.
In my opinion, March is the best month to be in Florida because it is the perfect temperature, there is not much rain, and there is usually no seaweed in the water.
How To Get To Florida
This depend entirely on where you are visiting. Getting to Florida in general is super easy - you can drive or fly.
If you are hoping to explore Central Florida then fly in to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
If you want to explore the East Coast of the state you have a few options - Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FFL), and West Palm Beach International Airport (WPB).
The Florida Keys are accessible by driving from Miami or flying into Key West (EYW).
For the West Coast your best bet is flying into Tampa (TPA) or Sarasota.
If you are hoping to explore 30A fly into Pensacola (PNS).
More Florida Guides
I have created so many detailed Florida guides. If you are looking for a guide on Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Siesta Key, Jupiter, and more checkout one of our guides listed below!
The Ultimate Guide To Miami | What To Do In Orlando Besides The Theme Parks | 12 Best Day Trips From Orlando | 12 Best Coffee Shops In Orlando, Florida | The Ultimate Guide To Tampa, Florida | A Quick Guide To Siesta Key, Florida | The Ultimate Guide To Fort Lauderdale | The Perfect Weekend In Palm Beach | A Complete Guide To Jupiter, Florida | A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida | Best Hotels In Coral Gables, Florida
17 Most Beautiful Places In Florida Wrap Up
From swamps to baby powder beaches, Florida is such an amazing and diverse state. There is so many unexpected beautiful places in the sunshine state. We hope that this post all about the 17 most beautiful places in Florida help you get some inspiration for your next trip. If you have been to any beautiful places in Florida please leave us a comment (we love to explore new places)!
Happy Travels,
Daisy