Theme parks, postcard-perfect beaches, and vibrant cities, Florida is home to a long list of popular destinations. While no one likes the thought of dealing with a crowded tourist spot, there are some attractions in Florida that are so special we think they are worth the wait.
If you can get past the long lines and camera flashes, the Sunshine State offers a handful of experiences that will leave a lasting impression, despite its popularity. From swimming with manatees to strolling through Diagon Alley, are some of the things to do in Florida that are worth braving the tourist crowds.
Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Springs
What Is It? The largest winter refuge for manatees on the Gulf Coast, Three Sisters Springs is a natural inlet on the east side of Kings Bay.
Why Do It? A hotspot for manatees and the people that want to see them, this premier manatee-viewing spot is worth the excursion. You can see the gentle giants from the boardwalk vantage point in manatee season, or enjoy a swimming, kayaking, or canoeing adventure on a scheduled tour.
Good to Know: Highlighted by the translucent blue waters, this majestic experience will be in your memory for a long time.
See Alligators at Everglades National Park
What Is It? Considered a quintessential Florida experience, visiting alligators in the Everglades National Park is a must.
Why Do It? With 1.5 million acres of marshy landscapes, here you’ll find alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, and manatees. While the packaged tours can be touristy, it’s worth it when you see your first alligator sighting as it pops up to the surface.
Good to Know: Join the crowds of animal lovers and go on an authentic Florida adventure, from climbing to the top of the 65-foot observation tower in Shark Valley to taking an airboat ride through the diverse swamp area.
Soak in the Sunshine at Clearwater Beach
What Is It? One of Florida’s most famous white sand beaches, this area tends to lure in crowds from all corners of the state.
Why Do It? Racking up a long list of awards and consistently ranked the best beach in Florida, here you’ll find luxurious oceanfront hotels that line the powder white sand and crystal blue waters. It’s not the most secluded beach in the Sunshine State, but it sure is top-notch.
Good to Know: From the breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets at Pier 60 to the quality of the beach and family-friendly surrounding area, Clearwater is a great summer getaway for sun-seeking vacationers.
Visit Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
What Is It? Worth the long lines and Harry Potter fanatics, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an impressive nod to the book series, where fans can experience real-life adaptions of places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Why Do It? Perfect for both kids and kids at heart, go on the thrilling Hogwarts Express and Dragon Challenge, shop for wands at Ollivanders, and dine at The Leaky Cauldron.
Good to Know: Make sure to save room for a frothy pint of the butterscotch-flavored Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.
Take a Wild Safari Through Disney's Animal Kingdom
What Is It? While many can argue the entire Walt Disney World theme Park is a must-visit destination, even with the throngs of tourists, it’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is really special.
Why Do It? Yes, you can meet Disney characters at the Magic Kingdom, but the Animal Kingdom boasts an entire park devoted to animal habitats.
Good to Know: Considered a mecca for family-friendly entertainment, here you can not only find Disney’s typical enchanting entertainment but a safari through a forest and savanna, where you’ll be able to spot giraffes, wildebeests and antelopes roam the tall grasses.
Kayak the Crystal Clear Waters of Weeki Wachee Springs
What Is It? The secret’s out on the beauty of Weeki Wachee Springs, but we still think it’s worth a visit.
Why Do It? A perfect place to show the kids Old Florida, this top-rated natural spring in Florida is world-famous not only for its crystal clear spring waters but for the unique underwater theater and mermaid show.
Good to Know: Attracting plenty of visitors on Florida’s hot summer days, here you can go swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, while the little ones might enjoy sliding down the flume rides at the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay.
Walk Down Duval Street in Key West
What Is It? Key West is Florida’s laid-back party haven, where tropical vibes and revelry are found at every corner.
Why Do It? You simply cannot visit Key West without taking a stroll along Duval Street, where you’ll find a bustling strip of legendary bars and restaurants with outdoor patios. After you’ve sampled some of the city’s local delicacies such as key lime pie, take a literary tour of the iconic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or take a day trip to Smathers Beach.
Good to Know: Wrap up your day by joining the nightly celebrations at Mallory Square, where sun-seekers gather to watch the sunset alongside live entertainment.
Meet Astronauts at Kennedy Space Center
What Is It? One of Florida’s most popular attractions, the Kennedy Space Center is a 14,000-acre complex that has hosted many space shuttle launches.
Why Do It? Located in Titusville just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, space enthusiasts can get all the space-related history that they can handle. Both educational and inspirational, visitors can even have lunch with a real-life astronaut to hear first-hand stories of the thrills of space travel.
Good to Know: Browse the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to see fascinating exhibits and artifacts, or float beside spacewalking astronauts during an IMAX film Hubble 3D.
Discover a Melting Pot of Culture at Miami Beach
What Is It? A colorful burst of color and culture, Miami Beach is worth experiencing at least once.
Why Do It? You’ll understand this notion once you take a peek at its vibrant Art Deco District and expansive stretch of alluring sand extending along the picturesque waterfront. Made famous for its beaches, parties, and beautiful people, the nightlife here is legendary.
Good to Know: If you’re looking for a city to be entertained in, you’ll find it here, from the oceanfront hotels to the entertainment, shopping and, cultural activities on offer.
Ride the Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens
What Is It? One of the best theme parks outside of Orlando, Busch Gardens draws a healthy crowd of tourists.
Why Do It? Its wide range of roller coasters and family-friendly attractions make it worth it, however, as the African theme park allows visitors to go on a walking safari and see exotic animals in an array of natural habitats.
Good to Know: You’ll find a range of rides that cater to kids of all ages, where you can lay low feeding giraffes or kick your visit up a notch with a ride on SheiKra, one of the most thrilling roller coasters in the world.
Interact with Marine Wildlife at Discovery Cove
What Is It? One of Florida’s most unique theme park attractions, Discovery Cove offers visitors once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters.
Why Do It? A lush paradise that offers a chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins, here you can learn about dolphin behavior and communication before hugging, kissing and rubbing your new dolphin friend.
Good to Know: Snorkeling is available along The Grand Reef and playful otters will keep you entertained at the Freshwater Oasis, while those brave enough to come face to face with a shark can see these sharp-toothed creatures behind panoramic glass windows.
Explore Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine's Historic District
What Is It? Castillo de San Marcos is St. Augustine’s top attraction, for good reason.
Why Do It? The perfect destination for history enthusiasts, not only are you in America’s oldest city but the city’s 500 years of history is perfectly reflected in the Castillo de San Marcos.
Good to Know: Walk along the walls of this 17th-century fort where centuries-old historic battles took place and soak in the ambiance of the oldest masonry fort in North America, or take a stroll along the cobblestoned streets to find an array of quaint cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Hear the Roar of Engines at Daytona International Speedway
What Is It? A beach area famed for its surf beaches and enthusiastic race fans, Daytona Beach is where you’ll find the Daytona International Speedway.
Why Do It? Thousands of visitors who have the need for speed flock to this attraction every year, where the Daytona 500 Nascar race is held. One of the most famous sporting events in Florida means that it can get packed, but it will all be worth it once you hear the thrilling roar of the engines at the start of the race.
Good to Know: If you want to avoid the crowds, book a behind-the-scenes tour for a look at what makes this landmark an important piece of history in the world of racing.
Appreciate Surrealism at Salvador Dali Museum
What Is It? One of the most popular museums in Florida, the Salvador Dali Museum offers visitors a dose of culture with its impressive collection of Surrealism artwork.
Why Do It? Let your imagination run wild as you gaze at the colorful thought-provoking creations, from oils to watercolors, sketches and sculptures.
Good to Know: Considered the most comprehensive collection outside of Europe, here you can see eight out of Dali’s 18 famous “Masterworks”.
Go Snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park
What Is It? You can’t come to Florida and not go on an underwater adventure, and there is no better place to do this than at the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Why Do It? One of South Florida’s beautiful natural wonders, this park is perfect for a day of snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Explore the colorful displays of coral reefs that surround the park’s seven islands, where crystal clear waters offer a peek into the tropical fish and marine life.
Good to Know: Nearly 99 percent of the park is submerged underwater, which means you’ll have one of the state’s most undisturbed ecosystems at your fingertips.