What to See in Florida

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Of the twenty or so American sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Florida has one:

Everglades National Park ★★★★ (1979)
This vast swamp at the tip of Florida is world-famous for its natural environment, which you can explore on foot or by airboat.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Amelia Island ★★
This small island off Jacksonville is one of the most upscale tourist spots on the coast, with its beaches, restaurants, luxury boutiques, and art galleries.

Cape Canaveral ★
The location is internationally known for its rocket launch site, which can be partially visited.

Castillo de San Marcos ★
This is the oldest (Spanish) fort built in the United States. It is located in St. Augustine and is a designated historic monument, just like Fort Matanzas nearby.

Clearwater ★
Beautiful beaches for this city on Florida’s west coast, also home to the Church of Scientology.

Daytona Beach ★
On the oceanfront, it's the mecca of motorsports in the USA.

Florida Keys ★★★★
1,700 small islands and islets at the tip of Florida. Beautiful landscapes and especially renowned for beaches, diving, and other water activities.

Fort Lauderdale ★★
Known as the "Venice of America" thanks to its canals, the city is a major boating hub and boasts several beaches.

Fort Matanzas ★
This is a former Spanish fort from the mid-18th century, located south of St. Augustine. It is a designated historic monument, much like the nearby Castillo de San Marcos.

Jacksonville ★
At over 2,200 km², it is the largest municipality in the United States (excluding Alaska). Yet it is far from the most touristy.

Miami ★★★
The largest city in the southeastern USA. A crossroads of the United States and Latin Caribbean against a backdrop of beaches.

Naples ★
At the southwestern tip of Florida, beaches and especially the proximity to Everglades National Park.

Orlando ★★★
Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios—Orlando is first and foremost the world capital of theme parks.

Panama City Beach ★★
A popular destination known for its beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. It's also a major Florida hotspot for Spring Break.

Pensacola ★
A small historic center and beaches where you can dive offshore.

Sarasota ★★
A pleasant coastal and cultural city on the southwest coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Beaches, art galleries and museums, shops, and a lively atmosphere.

St. Augustine ★★
This was the first permanent European settlement in North America. Many historical remnants from the era can still be seen here.

St. Petersburg ★★
Near Tampa, the city is known for its artistic scene, including museums such as the one dedicated to Salvador Dalí.

Tallahassee ★
It's the capital of Florida. It isn't necessarily the most tourist-friendly.

Tampa ★★
A lively city with quite beautiful architecture and several beaches.

West Palm Beach ★★
This is actually the combination of West Palm Beach and its island, Palm Beach. The area offers beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, beaches, and opportunities for diving or other water activities.

Natural Heritage

Canaveral National Seashore ★
A small coastal park adjacent to Cape Canaveral, home to many birds and turtles. Hiking and canoeing are possible here.

Apalachicola National Forest ★★
Lakes, beaches, and hiking, cycling, or horseback riding opportunities in this vast forest in western Florida.

Gulf Islands National Seashore ★★
Shared between Mississippi and Florida, these small islands off the coast are known for their beaches and the remains of several 19th-century forts.

Biscayne National Park ★★
This is the largest marine park in the United States. It includes Biscayne Bay, a renowned site for diving, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Everglades National Park ★★★★
This vast swamp at the tip of Florida is world-famous for its natural environment, which you can explore on foot or by airboat.