Choose from 156 Fun Things to Do in Florida
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Practical Info
Lowry Park Zoo
Practical Info
Sunken Gardens
Practical Info
Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World is a must-see for families with kids and theme park enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
- Choose single-day tickets, multi-day park admission, or Park Hopper tickets.
- Head to Cinderella Castle for a classic photo op.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to do a fair amount of walking.
- Rain is a common occurrence in Florida, so be sure to bring a rain poncho or small fold-up umbrella.
Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort is a must-see for families with kids and thrill seekers.
- Choose between single-day and multi-day tickets with access to one or both resort parks.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Florida sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk a significant amount.
- Single and double strollers are available for rent at both park entrances.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure park is a must-see for adrenaline junkies.
- Choose single- or multi-day tickets for just Islands of Adventure or all three Universal Resort parks.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—there’s a reason it’s called the Sunshine State.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.
- Single and double strollers are available for rent at the entrance to the park.
- Nearly all major attractions have height restrictions, so the park may not be ideal for young kids.
Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Studios Florida is a must-see for families with kids and movie buffs.
- Choose single- or multi-day tickets for just Universal Studios Florida or all three Universal Resort parks.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.
- Single and double strollers are available for rent at the entrance to Universal Studios Florida.
St Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Practical Info
International Drive
- International Drive is perfect for exploring when you need a day away from the theme parks.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection for walking between shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- ATMs are located all along I-Drive in hotels, grocery stores, and shopping areas.
Little Havana
The Basics
The neighborhood’s colorful spirit unfolds on Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s bustling main street, reminiscent of Cuba. On this block between SW 15th and 17th avenues, the Miami Arts District contains a string of studios and galleries that showcase some of the best Latin American art in the country. Nearby, travelers will find the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library, which enshrines the crew of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, and on the two blocks at SW 13th Street, south of Calle Ocho, are monuments of Cuban patriots and freedom fighters. Many tour options combine a visit to Little Havana with tours of other popular spots in Miami and the surrounding area: South Beach and its art deco architecture, Miami Beach, the Everglades, Coconut Grove, or the art galleries in nearby Wynwood.
- If you’re not prepared to sweat through the Miami summer heat, book a bus tour or a private tour with air-conditioned transportation included.
- Walking tours and bike tours are the easiest ways to see the area.
- Half-day Little Havana tours take in the neighborhood’s sights, while full-day options also visit other Miami highlights.
How To Get to Little Havana
The Miami River separates Little Havana from downtown Miami on the northeast border. Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the neighborhood’s epicenter, running between NW 22nd Avenue and SW 10th Avenue. You can get to Little Havana via the Metromover train or by bus. If you’re coming by car, take I-95 to NW 7th Street.
When to Get There
Daily life is always pulsating to the beat of Cuban music in Little Havana. A daytime visit lets travelers see the neighborhood’s charming, banal side; the nightlife that erupts after dark is worth a visit in itself.
What to Eat in Little Havana
One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food, and Cuban culture in Miami’s Little Havana is no exception. On a Little Havana food tour, you can taste Cuban specialties such as guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream while learning about Cuban traditions, history, and culinary practices from a local tour guide.
Stranahan House
- This is a must for history buffs, as it tells the story of the evolution of present-day Fort Lauderdale and Florida.
- There is an on-site gift shop stocked with unique souvenirs.
- The Stranahan House is wheelchair accessible.
Whetstone Chocolate Factory
Practical Info
Washington Avenue
Start your exploration of Washington Avenue at the Temple Emanu-El, a synagogue noted for its marble design and Byzantine and Moorish architecture. Continue taking in beauty at South Pointe Park, one of Miami Beach’s most scenic stretches. The park features 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of waterfront green space, a paved jogging path, and views of Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
No stroll down Washington Avenue would be complete without some retail therapy, especially as it’s here as well as the parallel Collins Avenue where you’ll find designer brands like Armani, Barneys New York, True Religion, Diesel and Dash. Washington Avenue is also home to Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian-only promenade with attractions and stores. Some other noteworthy shops to check out along Washington Avenue in Miami include Belinda's Designs Courture, which sells whimsical dresses reminiscent of classic bygone eras; Boutique 12, known for its high-fashion clothing; and Luna Designs, selling globally-inspired attire.
For those who like to party, Washington Avenue is where you’ll find Miami’s hottest nightclubs, some of which include Cameo, Mansion and Love Hate. These venues are where people go to see and be seen, with DJs spinning energetic beats all night. If you want a fun night out void of pretension, Automatic Slims offers cheap drinks, dance music and a more relaxed vibe than most of South Beach’s trendy establishments. Don’t leave Washington Avenue without grabbing a bite to eat, as it’s lined with restaurants serving all types of cuisine, like French at Otentic; Peruvian at Chalan On the Beach; Mexican at Oh! Mexico; and Italian at Escopazzo.
Sawgrass Mills Mall
Practical Info
Vizcaya Palace Museum and Gardens
Miami is often called the Magic City, and if it truly is, this opulent Italian Renaissance-style villa, the housing equivalent to a Fabergé egg, is its most fairy-tale residence. Built for industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Palace brims with 15th to 19th century furniture, tapestries, paintings and decorative arts.
The poetic seaside grounds, which front Biscayne Bay, are full of splendid gardens (including a secret garden), beautiful fountains, sculptures, elegant pools, a charming Florentine gazebo, canals running everywhere and lots of trails. The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style.
Nearly 200,000 people visit Vizcaya each year including some of the world's leading dignitaries such as President Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth of England and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. In 1994, the historic Summit of the Americas was held at Vizcaya with President Clinton and the 34 leaders of the Western Hemisphere.
Practical Info
The Vizcaya Palace Museum & Gardens is located in Coconut Grove, just south of downtown Miami and the Rickenbacker Causeway. Nearby attractions include Barnacle State Historic Park and the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium. Coconut Grove, itself, is worth a visit for shopping on Cocowalk & Streets of Mayfair or just taking in the mellow vibe of the neighborhood.
Universal CityWalk
Practical Info
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Practical Info
St Augustine Old Jail
Don't let the friendly pink stucco exterior fool you. Although this building might look like an old-fashioned luxury resort, it actually is home to one of the most feared places in all of St. Augustine- the St. John's County Jail. Known today simply as "Old Jail," the building now offers tours for you to see how some of Florida's toughest fugitives lived while locked away. Built in 1891, the jail housed prisoners until 1953, when it was opened to the public for tours.
Your tour will be led by the local deputy, a costumed actor who relays some of the jail's storied history. This is your opportunity to climb into a maximum security cell, see the sheriff's house next door, or look at old weapons used in the early 20th century. You can even see the gallows in the backyard where prisoners were executed. At the end of the tour, try and outwit the deputies and escape from Old Jail!
Old Jail is located in downtown St. Augustine.
Intracoastal Waterway
The Basics
- The waterway offers activity options for every type of traveler, from families to the adventurous solo explorer.
- Book tickets for higher-end tours in advance, as limited-passenger options fill up more quickly than less exclusive tours.
- Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection and dress for sunshine and ocean breezes.
- Waterside restaurants are generally casual, but travelers should dress to impress at the fine dining establishments.
Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway functions as the city's artery; it's impossible to miss. Aside from organized boat tours and sightseeing tours near the water, you can take a hop-on, hop-off water taxi through the city's canals and access 15 popular stops, including Seville Street Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, the Stranahan House, Bahia Mar Marina, and the Hilton Marina/Convention Center.
When to Get There