Florida cities have been favorite family vacation destinations for generations. The state’s sandy beaches and warm winter climate draw visitors year after year. And there is also a theme park where kids can be kids.
Each city has something unique to offer visitors, from old-fashioned Florida charm to big-city excitement. In this article, we’ll show you the best Florida cities to take your kids on a family vacation they’ll never forget.
Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World
No family vacation in Florida is complete without mentioning Orlando. It’s home to some of Florida’s premier theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Legoland. International Drive is a walkable hub of hotels, attractions and restaurants. Kissimmee is a short drive away and there are many other things to do.
Orlando is a great place to bring kids, but it’s also a great place for parents to enjoy alone. Romantic Orlando Vacation.
When you’ve had enough of theme parks, head to the Winter Gardens for a relaxing bike ride on the West Orange Trail or take a boat tour of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Afterwards, stop by Plant Street Market or East End Market for a delicious meal. Both are great places to find local Florida food and food for adults, with plenty of options for kids too.
Additionally, Orlando International Airport is one of the 10 busiest airports in the world, with many cheap flights available year-round.
St. Augustine: Ancient City
St. Augustine is America’s oldest European city and one of Florida’s most charming locations.
St. Augustine has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy with the kids. Most are in the walkable historic district or a short ride on the Old Town Trolley. Kids will love the Potter’s Wax Museum, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoo, and the original Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Children will remain children, but parents can still find some things Romantic Activities in St. Augustine for little children to enjoy. For example, take a tasting tour with Whetstone Chocolates, where you can enjoy a sample or two and learn how chocolate is made.
Some tours are more than just St. Augustine’s Chocolates. On this tour, you’ll walk through the historic district and enjoy tastings of the finest chocolates and other sweet treats.
Black Raven Adventures also offers a sunset sail through the harbor. Little ones will go crazy for pirate ships, but you will love watching the amazing Florida sunsets.
Daytona Beach: The World’s Most Famous Beach
The whole family will love the Main Street Pier in Daytona Beach. It’s part carnival, part beach vacation, and pure fun. Delicious food, street performances and endless activities like classic arcade games and thrill rides will fill your day. Summer weekend nights are filled with live music and fireworks at Daytona His Beach Band Shell.
Just south of Daytona Beach is Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center, a must-see for space enthusiasts of all ages. Explore interactive exhibits, catch an IMAX movie, and experience a rocket launch from the adjacent visitor center. During your stay, visit the original Long John Surf his shop in Cocoa Beach, Florida’s unofficial surfing capital.
Key West: Southernmost
Key West is Florida’s southernmost tropical paradise. A great place for water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing.
Older children will love the laid-back island atmosphere, with chickens and iguanas roaming the streets.they can Biking around Key West Take in the sights and visit the six-toed cat at the Hemingway Home and Museum.
Little ones will love the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Key West Shipwreck Museum. It’s like visiting a Caribbean island without getting on a plane. Nothing beats the sunset at Mallory Square.
Fort Lauderdale: The Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated, family-friendly city known as the Venice of America because of its 300 miles of canals. Without the hustle and bustle of Miami, you have South Florida’s famous crystal clear water.
Stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, shop along Las Olas Boulevard and take a water taxi through scenic canals and intercoastal waterways.
Children will be enthralled by experiences at the Museum of Discovery Science, Funderdome and the recently renovated Flamingo Gardens. Visit Her World of Butterfly, the largest butterfly park on Earth and the first butterfly park in the Western Hemisphere.
Adventurous kids will have a great time exploring Everglades National Park on an airboat or watching an alligator show at Gatorland. Scuba girlfriend snorkeling on the SS Copenhagen wreck. This is an underwater museum that has been popular with divers for decades, but the shallow waters are also great for snorkelers.
To experience the change, book a night at the fort to watch baby sea turtles hatch. Lauderdale Beach. See how Sea Turtle Oversight Protection has saved over 400,000 baby sea turtles over the past decade. Florida’s southeastern coast has some of the most productive sea turtle nesting beaches in the world, thanks to naturalists and conservation efforts.
Sarasota: Circus City
Sarasota is a stunning Gulf Coast beach perfect for families seeking cultural attractions along with an appreciation for the environment.
At the Mote Marine Research Institute & Aquarium, kids can get up close and personal with aquatic life while learning about marine conservation. Visit The Ringling for an unforgettable educational experience, including an art museum and a circus museum.
The Ringling Brothers, Barnum Circus and Bailey Circus have all wintered here, hence the nickname Circus City.
A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota has some great beaches. South Lido Key Beach Park and Siesta Key are laid-back beaches with some of the finest sands in the world. If you’re looking for something unusual, head a little further down the coast to Venice Beach and look for shark teeth on the pier.
Tampa: Lightning Capital of the World
Located on the west coast of Florida, across from Orlando, Tampa offers many exciting family activities. At the Florida Aquarium, he has over 14,000 aquatic animals and interactive exhibits such as swimming with sharks. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has top-notch thrill rides and an African-themed animal park. Adventure Island is a fun water park where you can escape the heat. Meanwhile, see unique wildlife up close at the Lowry Park Zoo.
Across the bay from Tampa are the beach communities of St. Pete and Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is known for its white sand beaches and warm, calm waters. He is widely known as one of America’s best beach cities.
St. Pete Beach is home to the Salvador Dali Museum and offers more beach activities than you can imagine, including banana boats and jet skis. You can also expand your international cultural knowledge in St. Petersburg by experiencing Scottish heritage in Dunedin or learning about your Greek roots in Tarpon Springs.
Panama City Beach: the most beautiful beaches in the world
Panama City Beach is a Florida Panhandle town with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. St. Andrews State Park has more than five miles of white sand beaches and he is one of Florida’s most popular campgrounds. You can snorkel, dive off the pier or catch the waves on the pier. It is also the departure point for the Shell Island Ferry to the beautiful dunes of Shell Island.
In town, you’ll find dog-friendly beaches at Pier Park and boat trips to St. Andrews Bay, home to the world’s largest population of bottlenose dolphins. You can also tour the cypress wetlands and mangroves of the back bay by airboat, and see native wildlife such as crocodiles up close.
Pensacola: City of Five Flags
Pensacola is a city in the northwest corner of Florida. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and military history. This is the home of the National Naval Base and the Blue Angels.
The Blue Angels, the official aerobics team of the United States Navy, hold two shows each year in Pensacola and more than 40 practice sessions during the summer.
Pensacola also has great diving spots. Oriskany, also known as ‘Might-O’, was an Essex-class aircraft carrier that was sunk but is now the centerpiece of the world’s largest artificial reef. Depth and currents are difficult for beginners, so you should have enough experience before diving.
Pensacola Beach is located on a barrier island that runs parallel to the city. The beach is great for swimming and has a long promenade with many restaurants. For more secluded areas, try Fort Pickens National Park, with its white-sand beaches, campgrounds and historic forts.
Final thoughts on the best Florida cities to bring kids
Here are nine of the best Florida cities to take the kids on your next family vacation. Each location offers unique delights for different interests for young and old travelers alike. Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Sunshine State.
This article was created by geek wealth.
We’re Jen and Ed Coleman, and together. Coleman Concierge. Our goal is to inspire you to go outside, expand your world and seek adventure, even in your own backyard.
We deeply believe in the transformative power of travel. Our tagline is “Great Adventures for Ordinary People”. Because we believe you don’t have to be super rich, super healthy, or have anything special to have a great adventure. Expanding your comfort zone and trying new things can greatly benefit both your health and well-being.
