Florida is home to numerous iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors annually. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, Florida offers a diverse range of landmarks to explore. If you plan a trip to the Sunshine State this summer, add these must-visit landmarks to your itinerary.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform a flyover over Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT, Florida., October 30, 2023. The Thunderbirds performed the flyover to help kick off National Veterans and Military Family Month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Burdette)
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
South Beach, Miami
South Beach, located in Miami Beach, Florida, is a vibrant and iconic destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches, Art Deco architecture, and energetic nightlife. The area is lined with trendy boutiques, stylish cafes, and world-class restaurants, offering visitors a diverse range of options for entertainment and relaxation. South Beach is famous for its colorful lifeguard stands, bustling Ocean Drive, and the famous Lummus Park, making it a favorite spot for tourists and locals. Whether it's lounging on the beach, people-watching along the bustling streets, or enjoying the lively nightlife, South Beach has something to offer everyone.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in the southern tip of Florida, is a unique and vast ecosystem unlike any other in the United States. It is home to rare and endangered species, including the American crocodile, West Indian manatee, and the elusive Florida panther. The park's wetlands provide essential habitat for various wildlife, and its mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and pine rocklands offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of untouched nature. With opportunities for airboat tours, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography, Everglades National Park provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Florida.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, encompasses seven small islands and the impressive Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress. The park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the underwater wonders, including colorful coral formations and diverse fish species, or take a guided tour of the historic fort, which served as a military prison during the Civil War. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas offers a remote and unspoiled experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 Miles West of Key West, FL
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a prominent historic site in St. Augustine, Florida, known for its rich maritime history and stunning coast views. The museum's centerpiece is the beautifully preserved St. Augustine Lighthouse, which allows visitors to climb 219 steps to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The museum showcases exhibits on the region's maritime history, featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and engaging stories of nautical adventures. Visitors can also explore the lighthouse keeper's house, the WWII US Coast Guard Coastal Lookout Quarters, and the grounds, all providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's maritime past. Whether learning about the storied maritime heritage or enjoying the breathtaking scenery, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
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| St. Augustine Lighthouse |
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos, located in St. Augustine, Florida, is a remarkable fortress with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Constructed by the Spanish, it is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. The fort's distinctive masonry walls and bastions provide a glimpse into the military architecture of the past and offer panoramic views of the surrounding waterfront. Visitors can explore the gun deck, artillery displays, and historic exhibits to learn about the significance of the fortification in protecting the historic city of St. Augustine. The Castillo de San Marcos is a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing firsthand the enduring legacy of Spanish colonial influence in the region.
Panorama of the Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine, Florida, USA.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens, located in Lake Wales, Florida, is a serene and picturesque sanctuary renowned for its stunning landscapes, lush gardens, and the iconic Singing Tower. The garden's centerpiece is the 205-foot neo-Gothic and art-deco Singing Tower, housing one of the world's finest carillons. Visitors can enjoy the melodious tunes of the carillon bells that resonate throughout the gardens during daily concerts. The meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring flowering plants, serene ponds, and walking paths, offer a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a tranquil outdoor experience. Bok Tower Gardens' blend of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and musical artistry provides a memorable and harmonious escape for visitors of all ages.
The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Garden in Lake Wales, FL
Salvador Dali Museum
The
Salvador Dali Museum in
St. Petersburg, Florida, is a world-renowned institution showcasing the largest collection of works by the famous Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali outside of Europe. The museum's striking architecture and extensive collection of Dali's art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more, offer visitors an immersive and thought-provoking journey into the artist's creative genius. The museum's galleries feature a diverse array of Dali's works, providing insight into his iconic melting clocks, enigmatic dreamscapes, and boundless imagination. Visitors can also explore special exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive experiences that offer a deeper understanding of Dali's life and artistic vision. The Salvador Dali Museum is a captivating destination for art enthusiasts and curious minds, providing an extraordinary opportunity to explore the fascinating world of surrealist art.
The Ringling
The Ringling is a renowned Florida landmark located in Sarasota, Florida. It is home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The sprawling estate encompasses the museum, the historic Ca' d'Zan mansion, the Circus Museum, and the Bayfront Gardens, offering visitors a diverse cultural and historical experience. The museum showcases many European paintings, contemporary art, and Asian, American, and Cypriot antiquities. The magnificent Ca' d'Zan mansion, once the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling, exhibits their opulent lifestyle and houses an impressive collection of art and decor. Additionally, the Circus Museum celebrates the legacy of the Ringling family's circus empire, featuring artifacts, wagons, and interactive displays. With its eclectic blend of art, history, and stunning architecture, The Ringling is a captivating destination highlighting the vibrant cultural heritage of Florida.
Coral Castle
Coral Castle, located in
Homestead, Florida, is a fascinating and enigmatic attraction known for its unique limestone structures and the story behind their creation. Built single-handedly by the eccentric
Edward Leedskalnin in the early 20th century, the castle's megalithic stones are a marvel of engineering and artistic achievement. The site is shrouded in mystery. Leedskalnin claimed to have single-handedly carved and moved the enormous stones using a secret technique. Visitors to Coral Castle can explore the intricately carved rock formations, including a massive stone gate, sculptures, and other intriguing structures while pondering the many theories and legends surrounding the construction of this remarkable site. Coral Castle offers a thought-provoking and awe-inspiring experience for anyone interested in history, engineering, or the unexplained.
Coral Castle Walk
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, is a historic landmark and literary treasure dedicated to the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway. The museum, set in the grand Spanish Colonial-style house where Hemingway lived and wrote during the 1930s, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the author's life and legacy. The property is famous for its lush gardens, Spanish colonial architecture, and the presence of the descendants of Hemingway's polydactyl (six-toed) cats, said to be descended from the author's original pets. The museum houses a remarkable collection of Hemingway's personal belongings, memorabilia, and first editions of his works, providing a comprehensive insight into the author's literary genius and adventurous spirit. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-visit destination for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone intrigued by the life and work of this iconic American writer.
Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park, located in the Florida Panhandle near Marianna, offers visitors the opportunity to explore a unique underground world of stunning rock formations and caverns. The park's limestone caverns display a variety of otherworldly formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies, which have been formed over thousands of years. Guided tours take visitors through the caverns, providing educational insights into the geology and natural history of the formations. Above ground, the park features hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a scenic campground, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Florida Caverns State Park offers a fascinating and memorable experience for visitors of all ages, allowing them to discover the hidden beauty beneath the surface of the Sunshine State.
Multicolored rock formations in the caves at Florida Caverns State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, in Key Largo, Florida, is the United States' first undersea park. The park is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, clear blue waters, and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park's underwater wonders through guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours to experience the captivating beauty of the coral formations and encounter a myriad of marine species. Additionally, the park offers glass-bottom boat tours for those who prefer to admire the underwater world from above. Above water, visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking, all while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park provides an unforgettable opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Florida's underwater ecosystems, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an aquatic adventure.
Queen Angelfish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Key Largo, Florida
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| Queen Angelfish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Key Largo, Florida |
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a stunning 83-acre garden in Coral Gables, Florida. It is renowned for its extensive collection of rare tropical plants, including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. The garden offers visitors a serene and immersive experience, with beautiful walking paths, lakes, and unique displays such as the Wings of the Tropics, a conservatory housing hundreds of vibrant butterflies. The garden also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and education, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and botany lovers.
Waterlily in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Gatorland
Gatorland, located in Orlando, Florida, is a one-of-a-kind attraction that offers an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and an array of other animals, including birds, panthers, and snakes. Visitors can enjoy thrilling wildlife shows, including the famous Gator Jumparoo, where alligators leap out of the water to catch food, showcasing these reptiles' incredible agility and power. The park also features up-close encounters, allowing guests to hold baby alligators and interact with other fascinating creatures. Additionally, Gatorland offers unique experiences, such as the Screamin' Gator Zip Line, providing a bird's-eye view of the park and its inhabitants. With its blend of entertainment and conservation, Gatorland promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Florida.
From Disney's magical world to the Everglades' natural wonders, Florida's landmarks offer something for everyone. Whether you're seeking thrills at theme parks, exploring rich cultural heritage, or connecting with nature, Florida's landmarks will create lasting memories for your summer vacation.
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| Best Florida Landmarks to Visit This Summer |
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