It can oftentimes become overwhelming when exploring a new state to even know where to begin. This is where we come in. We wanted to create the ultimate Florida bucket list for anyone looking to visit the state for the very first time. But also, this bucket list can also be useful for residents who want to adventure through their beloved state, enjoying those attractions that they may now have even known existed! Check out some of the best of the best that Florida has to offer both visitors and residents alike.
- Key West
Flickr/Evangello Gonzalez While it might sound like a cliche, Key West really does have something for everyone. It’s scenic, historic, funky, fun, and charming all rolled into one.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Key West, FL
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
Flickr/Marcus Calderon Florida lays claim to quite a few of the best beaches on the planet, but for the sake of not making this list 500 places long, we chose the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Bright green waters and snow-white sands as far as the eye can see.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Okaloosa, FL
- Florida Caverns State Park
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft Air-filled caves are not very common here in the flattest state in the country. Most of our caves can only be explored underwater, and the Florida Caverns are the only air-filled caves in Florida that offer tours for visitors. If you haven’t been to this state park in the Panhandle, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
- Florida Reef
Jerry Reid, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr/eutrophication&hypoxia Did you know that Florida is home to the world’s third-largest coral reef? Visit Biscayne National Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to explore its otherworldly beauty.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Florida
- Everglades National Park
Flickr/Rick Schwartz An oldie but a goodie, the Everglades consists of more than a million acres of the biological diversity and natural beauty that Florida was famous for long before its theme parks and vacation spots.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Florida
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Flickr/Jorge Elias This European-inspired estate was the winter property of agricultural industrialist John Deering. Today, it is a museum full of art and antiques, as well as a National Historic Landmark. But visitors love it just as much for its 10 acres of beautiful gardens on the Biscayne Bay.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
- St. Augustine
Flickr/Scott Smith You can’t die in Florida without having ever visited the country’s oldest city (as well as one of its coolest). Enjoy the history, architecture, ad charm that this old city offers.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: St. Augustine, Florida
- Torreya State Park
Flickr/johnandmary.F Although all of our state parks deserve your attention, Torreya is a real gem. This scene probably looks unusual for Florida, and that’s because it was taken from a 150-foot high bluff. This park in Northwestern Florida is also home to the very rare tree for which it is named. This is about as magical as it gets.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321
- Bok Tower Gardens
Flickr/Ricardo Mangual Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida is right out of a fairy tale. The 205-foot tower is not only a work of art, it holds some of the world’s finest carillon bells. The surrounding gardens are lush and romantic. It’s definitely in the running for the best place to propose in Florida.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Flickr/stu This museum is actually a 55-room Beaux-Arts-style mansion, built by oil tycoon and Florida-lover Henry Flagler. This jaw-dropping historic home is full of stunning artwork and antique furniture you probably don’t get to see much.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Myakka River State Park
Flickr/Walter A local favorite, this park near Sarasota has a river and two lakes, so water-related opportunities are plentiful. It’s home to many diverse environments and has something for everyone.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
- The Ancient Spanish Monastery
Flickr/Brook Ward How does a 12th-century Spanish monastery end up in Florida? Well, it was purchased in the 1920s by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, whose plans of moving it to California were sidetracked by shipping complications. It ended up in storage for decades until it was purchased again in the ’60s and moved piece by piece to North Miami Beach. Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
- Ocala National Forest
Flickr/Jaine This underrated park in Central Florida has some of the most picturesque springs and trails in the whole state. Don’t overlook this lovely park because of its relatively small size.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Ocala, Florida
- Stuart
Flickr/Mitch Kloorfain This small town on Florida’s Treasure Coast was recently named one of Esquire Magazine’s 50 Coolest Small Towns in America. Visitors will adore this town for its world-class fishing and the historic downtown area.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Stuart, Florida
- Coral Castle
Flickr/lancearoundorlando Coral Castle is a monolithic structure made to look like a castle, complete with huge furniture and sculptures. It was constructed using tons of coral-formed limestone. The weird thing is that how it was built remains a mystery to this day. Its creator claimed to have sourced, moved and carved all of the giant stones by himself.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
- Venetian Pool
Flickr/socialBedia This is not the backyard pool you grew up with. This is not even like the ridiculous pool you saw at that fancy hotel that one time. This is the country’s largest freshwater swimming pool and the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the ’20s in a coral rock quarry in the style of Venice, Italy. It’ is truly a swimming experience unlike any other.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 2701 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortuga
Flickr/Evangello Gonzalez This unfinished island fort sits about 70 miles west of Key West, so you can visit both on the same trip. The masonry plus the beauty of its natural surroundings is touched with a haunting quality you won’t soon forget.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Key West, FL
- Spook Hill, Lake Wales
Flickr/Richard Elzey Whether you believe it’s the haunted site of an epic battle or just some kind of illusion, you’ll agree Spook Hill is a weird spot. If you put your car in neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will appear to roll uphill.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Lake Wales, FL 33853
- The Dali Museum
Flickr/Matthew Paulson Fans of the surreal will fall head over heels for this unique museum. It houses the largest Dali collection outside of Europe. Enjoy spectacular exhibits for a day filled with culture and art.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Flickr/oliver.dodd This state park is not just a hidden gem but a crown jewel, with gorgeous formal gardens and shorelines decorated with coquina formations, not to mention the incredible live oaks.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
- Disney World
Flickr/Christian Lambert Of course, if you’re writing about the ultimate Florida bucket list, you can’t leave off the Magic Kingdom. Even if you’re 99 years old, this place can make you feel young again.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Orlando, FL
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Flickr/Alícia Roselló Gené Florida is probably the only state with mermaids on its payroll. But the mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee aren’t just cool, they’re an enchanting display of Florida’s natural (and supernatural) charm.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
- Solomon’s Castle
Flickr/Sam Howzit Incredibly, this more modern-looking castle was also built by a single individual. This one, however, was made by an artist and houses tons of his unique, and sometimes hilarious, artwork. Rumor has it he also built an excellent restaurant here in the shape of a ship.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865
- Rainbow Springs State Park
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife This park in Dunnellon has been drawing visitors for decades with its crystal blue waters. It’s nearly impossible to find natural waterfalls in Florida, but the man-made ones at this park are a lovely substitute.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
www.wikipedia.org Visitors to this museum in Delray Beach learn about Japanese culture in a serene setting, through art, tea ceremonies, food, and classes. The festivals at this museum are especially amazing.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
What’s on your ultimate Florida bucket list? Are there any other mind-blowing places that you think deserve a spot on our list? Please share your comments with us below!
Flickr/Evangello Gonzalez
While it might sound like a cliche, Key West really does have something for everyone. It’s scenic, historic, funky, fun, and charming all rolled into one.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Key West, FL
Flickr/Marcus Calderon
Florida lays claim to quite a few of the best beaches on the planet, but for the sake of not making this list 500 places long, we chose the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Bright green waters and snow-white sands as far as the eye can see.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Okaloosa, FL
Flickr/Scott Shawcroft
Air-filled caves are not very common here in the flattest state in the country. Most of our caves can only be explored underwater, and the Florida Caverns are the only air-filled caves in Florida that offer tours for visitors. If you haven’t been to this state park in the Panhandle, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
Jerry Reid, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr/eutrophication&hypoxia
Did you know that Florida is home to the world’s third-largest coral reef? Visit Biscayne National Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to explore its otherworldly beauty.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Florida
Flickr/Rick Schwartz
An oldie but a goodie, the Everglades consists of more than a million acres of the biological diversity and natural beauty that Florida was famous for long before its theme parks and vacation spots.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Florida
Flickr/Jorge Elias
This European-inspired estate was the winter property of agricultural industrialist John Deering. Today, it is a museum full of art and antiques, as well as a National Historic Landmark. But visitors love it just as much for its 10 acres of beautiful gardens on the Biscayne Bay.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Flickr/Scott Smith
You can’t die in Florida without having ever visited the country’s oldest city (as well as one of its coolest). Enjoy the history, architecture, ad charm that this old city offers.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: St. Augustine, Florida
Flickr/johnandmary.F
Although all of our state parks deserve your attention, Torreya is a real gem. This scene probably looks unusual for Florida, and that’s because it was taken from a 150-foot high bluff. This park in Northwestern Florida is also home to the very rare tree for which it is named. This is about as magical as it gets.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321
Flickr/Ricardo Mangual
Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida is right out of a fairy tale. The 205-foot tower is not only a work of art, it holds some of the world’s finest carillon bells. The surrounding gardens are lush and romantic. It’s definitely in the running for the best place to propose in Florida.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Flickr/stu
This museum is actually a 55-room Beaux-Arts-style mansion, built by oil tycoon and Florida-lover Henry Flagler. This jaw-dropping historic home is full of stunning artwork and antique furniture you probably don’t get to see much.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Flickr/Walter
A local favorite, this park near Sarasota has a river and two lakes, so water-related opportunities are plentiful. It’s home to many diverse environments and has something for everyone.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
Flickr/Brook Ward
How does a 12th-century Spanish monastery end up in Florida? Well, it was purchased in the 1920s by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, whose plans of moving it to California were sidetracked by shipping complications. It ended up in storage for decades until it was purchased again in the ’60s and moved piece by piece to North Miami Beach. Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Flickr/Jaine
This underrated park in Central Florida has some of the most picturesque springs and trails in the whole state. Don’t overlook this lovely park because of its relatively small size.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Ocala, Florida
Flickr/Mitch Kloorfain
This small town on Florida’s Treasure Coast was recently named one of Esquire Magazine’s 50 Coolest Small Towns in America. Visitors will adore this town for its world-class fishing and the historic downtown area.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Stuart, Florida
Flickr/lancearoundorlando
Coral Castle is a monolithic structure made to look like a castle, complete with huge furniture and sculptures. It was constructed using tons of coral-formed limestone. The weird thing is that how it was built remains a mystery to this day. Its creator claimed to have sourced, moved and carved all of the giant stones by himself.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
Flickr/socialBedia
This is not the backyard pool you grew up with. This is not even like the ridiculous pool you saw at that fancy hotel that one time. This is the country’s largest freshwater swimming pool and the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in the ’20s in a coral rock quarry in the style of Venice, Italy. It’ is truly a swimming experience unlike any other.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 2701 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134
This unfinished island fort sits about 70 miles west of Key West, so you can visit both on the same trip. The masonry plus the beauty of its natural surroundings is touched with a haunting quality you won’t soon forget.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Key West, FL
Flickr/Richard Elzey
Whether you believe it’s the haunted site of an epic battle or just some kind of illusion, you’ll agree Spook Hill is a weird spot. If you put your car in neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will appear to roll uphill.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Lake Wales, FL 33853
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Fans of the surreal will fall head over heels for this unique museum. It houses the largest Dali collection outside of Europe. Enjoy spectacular exhibits for a day filled with culture and art.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Flickr/oliver.dodd
This state park is not just a hidden gem but a crown jewel, with gorgeous formal gardens and shorelines decorated with coquina formations, not to mention the incredible live oaks.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Flickr/Christian Lambert
Of course, if you’re writing about the ultimate Florida bucket list, you can’t leave off the Magic Kingdom. Even if you’re 99 years old, this place can make you feel young again.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: Orlando, FL
Flickr/Alícia Roselló Gené
Florida is probably the only state with mermaids on its payroll. But the mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee aren’t just cool, they’re an enchanting display of Florida’s natural (and supernatural) charm.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Flickr/Sam Howzit
Incredibly, this more modern-looking castle was also built by a single individual. This one, however, was made by an artist and houses tons of his unique, and sometimes hilarious, artwork. Rumor has it he also built an excellent restaurant here in the shape of a ship.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
This park in Dunnellon has been drawing visitors for decades with its crystal blue waters. It’s nearly impossible to find natural waterfalls in Florida, but the man-made ones at this park are a lovely substitute.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Visitors to this museum in Delray Beach learn about Japanese culture in a serene setting, through art, tea ceremonies, food, and classes. The festivals at this museum are especially amazing.
Click here for more information about this Florida attraction.
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, USAAddress: Florida Caverns State Park, Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL, USAAddress: 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USAAddress: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, USAAddress: St. Augustine, FL, USAAddress: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USAAddress: Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USAAddress: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480, USAAddress: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, USAAddress: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USAAddress: Ocala, FL, USAAddress: Stuart, FL, USAAddress: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, USAAddress: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USAAddress: Key West, FL 33040, USAAddress: Lake Wales, FL, USAAddress: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USAAddress: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137, USAAddress: Orlando, FL, USAAddress: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606, USAAddress: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USAAddress: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USAAddress: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ultimate Florida Bucket List August 24, 2020 Marisa Roman What is the most popular attraction in Florida? It just goes without saying that one of the premier places to visit in Florida is Disney World. Drawing millions of visitors every year, this is hands-down the most popular attraction in Florida. What are the most well known parks in Florida? If you’re curious about the best things to do in Florida, start with some of the state parks. Perhaps the most well-known park in the entire state is the Florida Everglades. This gigantic national park encompasses 1.5-million acres and is quite the adventure. What is the oldest city in Florida? Life in Florida can be beautiful, plus it’s riddled with history. Just take a look at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the state. St. Augustine is a real beauty—wandering through the old city streets. Visit St. Augustine during the holidays for a real treat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ultimate Florida Bucket List
August 24, 2020
Marisa Roman
What is the most popular attraction in Florida? It just goes without saying that one of the premier places to visit in Florida is Disney World. Drawing millions of visitors every year, this is hands-down the most popular attraction in Florida. What are the most well known parks in Florida? If you’re curious about the best things to do in Florida, start with some of the state parks. Perhaps the most well-known park in the entire state is the Florida Everglades. This gigantic national park encompasses 1.5-million acres and is quite the adventure. What is the oldest city in Florida? Life in Florida can be beautiful, plus it’s riddled with history. Just take a look at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the state. St. Augustine is a real beauty—wandering through the old city streets. Visit St. Augustine during the holidays for a real treat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It just goes without saying that one of the premier places to visit in Florida is Disney World. Drawing millions of visitors every year, this is hands-down the most popular attraction in Florida.
What are the most well known parks in Florida?
If you’re curious about the best things to do in Florida, start with some of the state parks. Perhaps the most well-known park in the entire state is the Florida Everglades. This gigantic national park encompasses 1.5-million acres and is quite the adventure.
What is the oldest city in Florida?
Life in Florida can be beautiful, plus it’s riddled with history. Just take a look at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the state. St. Augustine is a real beauty—wandering through the old city streets. Visit St. Augustine during the holidays for a real treat.
