The Best Family Vacation Spots in Florida
So, you’re taking a family trip to the beautiful state of Florida? Surely, the excitement has already begun and now you’re trying to research the best places to visit. With all of the attractions, beaches, and restaurants it may be a bit overwhelming to decide where exactly to go and what to do.
The Sunshine State has plenty to offer when it comes to fun and tourism. Today, we’re going to explore the best family vacation spots in Florida!! We’ll be breaking down each of Florida’s popular cities and what they offer, so you can decide what is best for you and your family. Let’s get started!
1. Orlando
Orlando is one of the top tourist cities in the entire state of Florida, and if you don’t live under a rock, you probably know why. This city is overextended when it comes to fun, such as offering up numerous theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Legoland, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove – talk about choices!
In addition to large theme parks that will take you days to fully explore, Orlando also has plenty of smaller activities to participate in such as mini-golf, biking, and walking trails. If you decide to visit Orlando, you can count on entertaining shows, fun rides, and meeting all kinds of characters!
It is important to note that if your family is looking for a beach vacation, you’ll have to drive about an hour and a half either east or west to get to a beach. To the east, you’ll find Cocoa or Daytona Beaches, and to the West, you can find Clearwater Beach (which may be making an appearance later on in this list – stay tuned!)
2. Tampa
This city has been growing and thriving over the past few years and has quickly become one of the top destinations in Florida. This must-visit city is – none other than Tampa! Tampa offers a little bit of fun for each member of the family, whether you’re looking for theme parks and attractions, sports, restaurants, or a quick drive to the beach – Tampa has got you covered.
Theme parks and attractions located in Tampa include Busch Gardens, Legoland, Dinosaur World, and the Florida Aquarium. All are fun-filled times for kids and adults of any age.
For the sports lover in the family, you can catch a game at almost any time of the year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, or the Tampa Bay Lightning! (Pro Tip: The Tampa Bay Rays Stadium, Tropicana Field, has an interactive water feature that allows visitors to pet live stingrays for free!)
Clearwater Beach is a short 20-minute drive from Tampa, so if you’re looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to theme parks and the beach, this destination might just be the spot for you and your family.
3. Clearwater Beach
With so much mention of this destination previously, you just knew that it had to make an appearance on the list of best family vacation spots in Florida! Clearwater Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Florida, for good reason. You’ll fall in love with its white sand and of course, clear water! (Floridians didn’t have to think too hard when they named this beach, right?)
There are many resorts on the beach in this area that offer chair and umbrella rentals, as well as activities rentals such as parasails, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. If you somehow get tired of this paradise-like beach, you have a few other options for entertainment. Try biking or walking one of the many trails, or visit Pier 60, which hosts a nightly festival with a variety of street performers and vendors.
4. Miami
When you hear “Miami,” a vision of a nightclub with loud music and fruity cocktails may pop into your head. While this is true that Miami has a fantastic adult nightlife, it also has some great options for family fun as well! Miami is full of fun museums that will pique anyone’s interest, among a few of the best are Wynwood, The Unicorn Factory, and the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Miami also has some of the best restaurants in the entire state – a few of the best are Casa Tua, Cecconi’s, Joe’s Stone Crab, and Juvia. If you’re looking to incorporate some wildlife, take a day trip to the Everglades and say “hello” to a few gators inhabiting the area! You’re also a short drive away from the sun and sand, with Miami Beach just across the bridge.
5. Destin / Miramar Beach
Destin and Miramar Beach are popular destinations, famous for their gorgeous beaches. This destination is located in the northwest portion of the state, considered part of the Panhandle. The sands are white and soft and the water is so warm and clear you might think you’re in a pool! In fact, the beaches are so beautiful that celebrities have been spotted here on many occasions – you’ll find them on 30A, a scenic highway that runs along the beach filled with homes, shops, and restaurants.
If you want to step away from the beaches, there are also a few exciting parks to visit as well, you can play a round of mini-golf or take a ride on the lazy river at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park. Or, you can have a hiking adventure at Henderson Beach State Park.
Conclusion
This list is simply scratching the surface of all the fun that Florida offers. With all of these options, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Sunshine State. Whether you’re looking for educational activities, wildlife adventures, theme parks, and attractions, or a relaxing day at a beautiful beach you could only picture in your dreams, Florida has it all. Take your pick and come enjoy! Ultimately, the top family vacation spot in Florida is up to you and your family! We hope this article has been helpful in deciding which kind of fun is right for your family’s next vacation.