Craving sun, sand, nightlife, and tropical escapes? Head to South Florida! From the sparkling beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the laid-back Keys and wildlife-rich Everglades, South Florida offers diverse experiences with year-round sunshine. Whether you're dancing in a Miami club, kayaking in mangroves, or feasting on Cuban cuisine, South Florida blends energy, culture, and nature like nowhere else.
South Florida Highlights:
- For Beach Lovers: Soak up the sun in Miami Beach – Swim, people-watch, and stroll Art Deco streets along Ocean Drive.
- For Nature Fans: Explore Everglades National Park – Spot gators, birds, and rare ecosystems on airboat tours or boardwalk hikes.
- For Island Vibes: Drive the Overseas Highway to Key West – Enjoy a scenic tropical road trip with stunning ocean views.
- For Art & Culture: Visit Wynwood Walls (Miami) – World-renowned street art district filled with murals, galleries, and cool cafés.
- For Divers: Discover coral reefs in the Florida Keys – Snorkel or dive the vibrant underwater world of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
When I like to visit South Florida
The best time to visit South Florida is in the winter and spring (December–April) when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is low. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with afternoon storms, but great for beach lovers. Fall is quieter but still warm—keep in mind hurricane season runs June to November.
My tips for getting to South Florida
- By Air: Major airports include Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), and Key West International (EYW).
- By Car: I-95 and US-1 are key routes connecting cities and the Keys. The Overseas Highway (US-1 south of Miami) offers one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
- By Train: Brightline high-speed rail connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
Where I like to stay in South Florida
- For Beachfront Luxury: The Breakers (Palm Beach) – A historic five-star resort with ocean views and opulent amenities.
- For Urban Cool: EAST Miami – Sleek hotel in Brickell City Centre with rooftop bars and modern flair.
- For Island Escapes: The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – Boutique hotel in Old Town Key West with pools and marina views.
Best Things to Do in South Florida
1. Naples Botanical Garden
"Walk through lush tropical gardens featuring rare plants and vibrant landscapes."
The Naples Botanical Garden aims to present and conserve a space for its visitors to experience plants native to the tropics. It consists of 170 acres of beautifully cultivated land and contains within its grounds over one thousand distinct species of plants. The gardens are separated into seven sections, each of which represents a particular ecosystem.
Do this: Tours of the Naples Botanical Gardens are offered year round.
Good to know: The space is fully accessible for guests in wheelchairs. It is recommended that guests wear appropriate clothing for the weather and also bring a bottle of water with them.
Where to find it: Naples Botanical Gardens, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112, Phone: 239-643-7275
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
"Explore sandy beaches, bike on scenic trails, and visit a historic lighthouse."
At Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, visitors can swim, play, and go boating on the Atlantic. The beach at Bill Baggs is rated one of the top ten beaches in America, and with over a mile of picturesque, sandy beachfront, it's not difficult to see why. The Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the oldest of its kind in the region.
Why is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park worth visiting? Built in 1825, it provides a stately and distinctive sight for visitors, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the park and beach.
Pro tip: Guided tours of the lighthouse and the connected cottage for the lighthouse keeper are usually offered daily.
Where to find it: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 South Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, Phone: 305-361-5811
3. The Baker Museum, South Florida
If you think like me:
"See contemporary art exhibits and cultural masterpieces in a stunning architectural space."
The Baker Museum, part of the Artis--Naples center for the performing and visual arts, is located in a gorgeous, 30,000 ft. space with a glass-dome conservatory. Inside the Baker Museum, guests will find 15 galleries that host travelling exhibitions as well as permanent collections.
Why is The Baker Museum worth visiting? With an emphasis on modern art and contemporary art, the Baker Museum is one of the most prevalent fine arts museums in the region, with pieces by artists such as Albert Paley and Dale Chihuly.
Local travel tip: Free tours of the museum are offered to the public on certain days.
Address: The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108, Phone: 239-597-1111
4. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
"Discover native wildlife and explore the wonders of the universe in the planetarium."
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a park, museum, planetarium, and so much more. Located on 105 acres in Fort Meyers, the Calusa Nature Center offers various exciting activities and exhibits for its visitors to learn about the natural history of Southern Florida.
Is it kid friendly? Kids can see some of the center's resident animals, including skunks, raccoons, and the inhabitants of the Butterfly and Audubon Aviaries, which feature birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and owls.
Good to know: In the museum, guests can learn about native Florida wildlife and then take to one of the three nature trails at the center to see some with their own eyes.
3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905, Phone: 239-275-3435
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
My top 5:
"Visit the historic homes and botanical gardens of two American innovators."
In the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, visitors will find museums and gardens on the grounds of the adjacent historical homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visitors can tour the homes of both of these illustrious inventors, wander the botanic gardens on the museum's 20-acre property, or visit the Estates Museum to learn about two of the most influential men in American history.
Good to know: Visitors will learn about their lives, inventions, and influences with fascinating and interactive galleries, displays, and exhibits.
Pro tip: The site is also home to the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, and the stunning botanic gardens that both influenced Edison in his research.
2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901, Phone: 239-334-7419
6. IMAG History & Science Center
I recommend:
"Explore interactive exhibits on science, history, and marine life, perfect for kids."
At the Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium, kids can experience science and marine life in a way unlike any other. The establishment is located in Fort Myers, and admission to the Imaginarium grants access to over 60 hands-on exhibits like the Touch Tank.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids can see and touch sea life like stingrays, the Dino Dig fossil lab, and the Animal Lab, which includes everything from ball pythons and alligators to prairie dogs and Mexican axolotls.
Why is it worth visiting? The Imaginarium's exhibits are fun and educational. The museum also offers educational programs and shows where kids can meet and learn about live animals or explore their creativity and engineering skills.
Address: IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916, Phone: 239-243-0043
7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
"Go snorkeling or kayaking in the first underwater park in the U.S."
While its sparkling blue ocean views and swaying palm trees are beautiful, the real draw at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park lies under the surface of the ocean. The bounds of Pennekamp Park stretch for three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and with a glass-bottom boat tour, visitors can look into reefs teeming with fish and other wildlife from the comfort of a dry boat.
Local travel tip: For a closer look at the water, the park also offers canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving.
What's nearby? Back on dry land, visitors are welcome to enjoy the park's beaches, trails, and picnic areas.
102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5), Key Largo, FL 33037, P.O. Box 1560, Phone: 305-451-6300
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Jungle Island
Among my top 10:
"See exotic animals and experience thrilling adventure courses in a tropical setting."
Visitors to Jungle Island will get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals and tropical plants. This interactive zoological experience offers live shows where guests can learn and even have their photo taken with tigers, primates, or birds of prey.
Is Jungle Island family-friendly? While playing with lemurs or hanging with some two-toed sloths, guests will learn about the habitats and conservation efforts surrounding some of the earth's most unique creatures.
Pro tip: Jungle Island offers different entry packages that include shows, animal interactions, tours, and special programs.
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132, Phone: 305-400-7000
9. MDC Museum of Art and Design
"Discover contemporary art and design exhibitions in a historic landmark."
The MDC Museum of Art and Design is located right in downtown Miami in the National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower. The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) is the permanent home to over 1900 works of art across all mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, film, and many more.
Why is the MDC Museum of Art and Design worth visiting? At the Museum of Art and Design, visitors will see works by famous artists as well as those by rising artists and student artists. They will also find works that have significant influence in the world of contemporary art.
Local travel tip: On the third Saturday of every month, the museum hosts a children's program called GOGO MOAD!, which is located in various settings around the city of Miami.
Address: MDC Museum of Art and Design, 600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, Phone: 305-237-7700
10. Miami Children's Museum
"Visit hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity and learning for young explorers."
At the Miami Children's Museum, every exhibit is designed with a specific learning goal in mind. From the Construction Zone to the Ocean Odyssey to the Music Makers Studio, kids will love the wide variety of exhibits that promote not only learning, but also play.
Good to know: The museum was created in conjunction with real school curriculums, and its mission is to take the lessons that kids learn in classrooms and turn them into real, lasting experiences.
Is it family-friendly? Kids of all ages will love the museum and the many layers of learning and fun that it offers.
Address: Miami Children's Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132, Phone: 305-373-5437
Where to Eat in South Florida
- For Cuban Flavors: Versailles (Miami) – The go-to spot in Little Havana for ropa vieja, café cubano, and people-watching.
- For Seafood: Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami Beach) – A legendary eatery serving fresh stone crab and key lime pie (seasonal).
- For Island Cuisine: Blue Heaven (Key West) – Eclectic outdoor dining with Caribbean-style dishes and live chickens roaming.
If You Are Interested in Local Events:
- For Art Enthusiasts: Art Basel Miami Beach (December) – One of the world's biggest contemporary art fairs with exhibitions, installations, and parties.
- For Foodies: South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February) – Celebrity chefs, tastings, and beachfront cooking demos.
- For Music Fans: Ultra Music Festival (March) – A world-renowned EDM festival drawing top DJs and massive crowds to downtown Miami.
Day Trip Itineraries Within South Florida:
- For Nature: Big Cypress National Preserve (1–1.5 hrs from Miami) – A wilder extension of the Everglades with boardwalks and paddling trails.
- For Culture: Coral Gables – Mediterranean-style architecture, upscale shops, and the stunning Venetian Pool.
- For History & Snorkeling: Dry Tortugas National Park (ferry or seaplane from Key West) – Remote islands with a Civil War-era fort and crystal-clear waters.
- For Relaxation: Delray Beach – A walkable beach town with galleries, cafés, and beautiful oceanfront.
- For Wildlife: Flamingo Gardens (Davie) – Botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary with flamingos, panthers, and alligators.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What attractions can visitors explore in Southern Florida?
- Visitors to Southern Florida will delight in the exploration of its beachfront parks, its museums, and its beautiful botanic gardens.
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What activities can families enjoy in Southern Florida?
- Families can swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium or go snorkeling at the first undersea park in the US as they explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
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What types of museums can be found in Southern Florida?
- Southern Florida's museums offer a world of information about art, science, nature, and the fascinating history of the region.
Map:
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