People travel from areas all over the country to fulfill their dreams of experiencing these iconic locations and we’re lucky enough to be just a few short hours away. Yes, they’re tourist attractions, but they draw people from all over the country for a good reason. Here’s a list of some of Florida’s most iconic locales, places you should make it your duty to visit sooner than later.
Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven
For kids (and kids at heart) Legoland is a place where imagination comes to life. You can get a huge hug from Emmet, the hero in “The Lego Movie,” cool off at the waterpark, take a spin on over 50 rides, see shows and much more.
Kennedy Space Center
The 140,000-acre NASA launch complex offers many things to do. There’s an astronaut hall of fame, exclusive memorabilia, numerous exhibits and displays, a 3D IMAX theater, Shuttle Launch Experience, and cool rocket garden where you can view the many historic rockets that put Americans in space. Several tours are available at the facility, including the popular KSC Bus tour.
Universal Studios in Orlando
Universal Orlando isn’t just a theme park and resort, it’s also a legitimate working film and TV production facility. It’s also one of the only places of its kind where you can literally immerse yourself in the world of some of your favorite TV and movie characters. There are two awesome theme parks onsite, along with a nearby waterpark, and plenty of events and shows take place daily. When you go you can have breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, ride the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 3D rollercoaster, watch shows from acts like the Blue Man Group and much more.
Daytona 500
If you’re a motorsports fan, you have to visit the Daytona International Speedway. Every year, racers take part in the 500-mile-long Daytona 500 and it’s considered one of the most important races in the Cup series. Several tours of the facility are available, ranging from 30-minute to 3-hour tours.
Busch Gardens in Tampa
Animal lovers have no excuse not to take a trip to Tampa to visit Busch Gardens. With fun rollercoaster rides, shows and other entertainment, it’s not your typical zoo. The African theme park gives visitors a chance to go on safari and enjoy amusements one wouldn’t normally find at park reserves.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West
Take a day trip out to the reef islands that compose Dry Tortugas National Park. Along with getting to check out Fort Jefferson, a fortress built in the 1800s by the U.S. government, you can spend the day snorkeling or hanging out at the beautiful beachfronts around the reefs.
Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
We had to include a spot for art lovers. Salvador Dali is among the most famous and popular artists of any generation and you can see his work in person at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. The facility’s permanent collection includes many videos, photographs, prints, drawings and paintings from Dali, as well as exhibits featuring work from other known artists.
Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine
The oldest European settlement in America is located right here in Florida. The fort was designed by Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza during a time when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire. Built in the late 1600s, the national monument was constructed with 14-foot thick walls to reduce its vulnerability to attack, while the diamond-shaped ramparts located at each corner of the structure were included to help enhance firepower.
Everglades National Park
If you’re the outdoors type, you’ll find beauty in the Everglades. From camping and birdwatching to airboating and hiking, there are plenty of activities to take part in that’ll give you the opportunity to view the area’s unique landscape and experience its thriving ecosystem. The park also includes a wildlife refuge on its western edge, where numerous endangered animals are able to live in a safe haven.
Walt Disney World in Orlando
We couldn’t leave Walt Disney World off the list, so here it is at No. 10. A magical place for both kids and adults, Walt Disney World offers a chance for you to meet and interact with all of your favorite Disney characters in the park’s fairy-tale setting. One of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions is the Magic Kingdom, but there are three additional theme parks in addition to it, as well as two waterparks and several shows and events which take place daily.
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