Traveling to Florida is Key
You probably know Florida for being the sunshine state, but it has way more to offer than oranges + beautiful beaches!
Check out some of our Floridian Destination Cities below where we feature what we think are the coolest cities in the hottest State!
Miami, FL
Miami, the city where swaying palms meet salsa beats, is a vibrant tapestry of sun-soaked glam and Latin flair. Nestled on the southeastern tip of the Sunshine State, Miami is a captivating blend of art-deco pastels, neon nightlife, and a perpetual beach-ready vibe. It's not just a city; it's a cultural cauldron where Cuban cafecitos fuel your morning and salsa moves fuel your nights. From the iconic South Beach, where sunbathers + bodybuilders coexist in a shared love of beach culture, to the Wynwood Walls, where street art turns every corner into a canvas, Miami is a city that invites you to salsa into its rhythm + embrace the infectious energy of the Magic City.
Fun Fact: Miami is the only major city in the US founded by a woman!
What to See:
Wynnwood Walls Street Art: Looking for the perfect background for your #instavacay post? Look no further than this bright and colorful street art! One of the unique murals is pictured above!
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Created as a private home, this beautiful structure is now used as a public museum.
Everglades National Park: Whether you’re interested in back-country camping or just a quick visit, you’ll get your fill of nature at this national park.
Little Havana + Calle Ocho: You’re sure to get your cultural fix in this Cuban hot spot!
What to Eat:
CRUST: CRUST offers specialty toppings that will satisfy any palate!
Blue Collar: Comfort food kicked up a notch and served in a 70s-style diner? What’s not to love?
The River Seafood Oyster Bar: Fresh oysters, crab and fish with plenty of local options!
What to Do:
Art Deco Historic District: This strip of Miami houses pastel architecture that will brighten up any photo!
Bayside Marketplace: If shopping is your thing, you won’t be disappointed by this outdoor market.
Miami Children’s Museum: Let the kids run free at this interactive museum; they even offer Sensory Friendly Saturdays for children with sensory processing disorders!
Heating Up in Miami
Grab the Pack Up + Go Miami, FL Destination Guide with everything you’ll want to do in the Magic City.
Key West, FL
There’s more to this city than limes! Renowned as the southernmost point in the continental US, Key West beckons as an extraordinary beachfront getaway, captivating travelers with its famed key lime pie, breathtaking sunsets, and an expansive coral reef, making this cozy 8-square-mile island feel like your ultimate tropical home.
What to See:
Southernmost Point in the continental US: Make sure you get your picture taken at this monumental location!
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Walk through rooms home to over 50 species of butterflies from around the world. Sign us up!
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: See where this famous American novelist once called home!
What to Eat:
Thirsty Mermaid: Locally sourced seafood paired with a raw bar and craft beers!
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe: No trip to Key West is complete without stopping by this long-standing, funky shop serving up the iconic Key lime pie!
Seven Fish: This restaurant serves different twists on locally caught seafood!
What to Do:
Tennessee Williams Theatre: Check out some live music or a stage performance at this venue!
Duval Street: Also known for its abundance of shops and restaurants, it’s been said that no trip to the Keys is complete without a “Duval Crawl.”
Key West Wonders
Dive into the vibrant and laid-back island vibes with our Key West Destination Guide, where every page unlocks the colorful history, sizzling cuisine, and endless adventures of this tropical paradise!
St. Petersburg, FL
Nestled along the shimmering waters of Tampa Bay, this is not your grandma's St. Pete—it's a vibrant blend of art, craft breweries, and spontaneous salsa dancing in the streets. From the iconic Dali Museum, where surrealism meets Floridian sunshine, to the funky Central Avenue filled with indie boutiques + eclectic murals, this city is like the cool kid at the beach party—stylish, laid-back, and always up for a good laugh. It should come as no surprise that St. Petersburg is known as the “Sunshine City” as it currently holds the Guinness World Record for most consecutive days of sunshine — 768 days!
What to See:
The Dali Museum: We’ve heard experiences at this museum are pretty surreal, so come see for yourself!
Sunken Garden: This botanical paradise is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.
Weedon Island Preserve: If you need to get away from the city, retreat to this nature reserve for hiking or canoe trails!
What to Eat:
Trips Diner: This restaurant should be your go-to spot for classic American breakfast or sandwiches!
Red Mesa Cantina: Grab a bite from their menu of Latin + Caribbean traditions featuring exquisite ceviches, tacos, and more!
4th Street Shrimp Store: Don’t be fooled by the name! Though you can buy clams and snow crab by the pound, they also have a full-service menu if you want to grab a table.
What to Do:
Great Explorations Children’s Museum: We want to visit this place based on pictures alone! If you’re traveling with little ones, you won’t want to miss this!
Treasure Island Beach: Looking for a relaxing day on the beach? Come enjoy the white sands of Treasure Island!
Escape to St. Petersburg
Dive into the Sunshine City's secrets with our St. Petersburg Destination Guide – where each page unveils the art, beaches, and culinary delights that make this Florida gem shine!
St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine invites you to step into a living history book where Spanish moss gently heckles passing tourists. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the US (founded in 1565!), St. Augustine is like a fine wine – it's got history, character, and sometimes a ghost story or two. Marvel at the Castillo de San Marcos, where the walls have witnessed more drama than your favorite Netflix series, and wander down St. George Street, where shopping meets time-traveling. Don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of Blackbeard in a pirate-themed bar or hear tales of ghostly encounters that rival the spookiest bedtime stories. In St. Augustine, history is served with a side of quirk, making every stroll through the centuries a memorable one.
What to See:
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum: Arrghh you ready to have fun in St. Augustine? This museum promises an authentic look at the Golden Age of Piracy!
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: Visit the oldest attraction in the United States and see the first settled American city!
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine: If you’re interested in the history of this city, be sure to stop by one of the oldest Catholic churches in the continental United States.
Anastasia State Park: Bring a tent and sleeping bag to this beach habitat because an afternoon visit might not be long enough!
What to Eat:
Maple Street Biscuit Company: This restaurant specializes in biscuit sandwiches and our mouths are already watering!
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille: Serving New Orleans-style dishes, enjoy local seafood in their outdoor, waterfront dining room.
Uptown Scratch Kitchen: A food truck that offers classic American dishes in a new way!
What to Do:
St. Augustine Distillery: If you’re interested in sipping on something a little stronger than coffee, stop by this distillery that focuses on small-batch
spirits.
St. George Street: There are no cars or bikes allowed on this strip of shops that sell everything from baked goods to seashells!
Exploring St. Augustine?
Uncover the historic tales of America's oldest city with our St. Augustine Destination Guide, guiding you through historic streets, hidden gems, and a journey back in time!
Pensacola, FL
Pensacola, FL, boasts a vibrant coastal vibe with its beautiful white sand beaches + a rich maritime history. Visitors can relax on the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico, explore the historic Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, and stroll through the charming streets of the historic downtown area. The city is also known for its naval aviation heritage, with the National Naval Aviation Museum offering an impressive collection of aircraft and exhibits. Pensacola provides a perfect mix of sun, history, and outdoor recreation for tourists looking to enjoy the Florida Gulf Coast!
What to See:
National Naval Aviation Museum: One of the most unique + engaging attractions in Pensacola, this museum is home to restored aircraft, historic artifacts, and even a flight simulator.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: For the best views in town, climb to the top of this historic lighthouse!
Pensacola Beach: All along this barrier island you'll find access points to some of the best beaches in Florida!
What to Eat:
Chrisoula's Cheesecake Shoppe: Specializing in cheesecakes in all sorts of flavors, this award-winning bakery is a local staple, and we suggest sampling their cheesecake minis!
The Garden at Palafox + Main: Not sure what you're in the mood for? Head to Pensacola’s only outdoor food hall for an eclectic mix of options.
The Fish House: Embrace being on the coast at this waterfront restaurant that loves all things seafood! They also host regular live music, which makes for a great atmosphere.
What to Do:
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours & Pontoon Boat Rentals: Get up close and personal with local wildlife on a dolphin or snorkeling boat tour! Book online.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve: Over 4000 acres of pristine natural haven where freshwater + saltwater ecosystems converge, showcasing diverse flora and fauna in a tranquil coastal setting!
Discover Pensacola, FL
Why choose between a beach town getaway and a city escape when you can have both? Pensacola blends the best of both worlds with its unique mix of coastal vibes and urban cultural attractions that you can discover with your Pensacola, FL Destination Guide.