Best Cities in Florida for Tourists

Most of us, especially if we live in the eastern half of the country, have either visited Florida or plan to at some point.  Though generally  associated as the land  of palm trees and beaches (which is true to  some extent), it is actually quite diverse.  The cities often visited by tourists all have different vibes.  What are you looking for?  Let’s take a look at several Florida cities.

Tampa – Located on the gulf coast of Florida, Tampa is the third most populous city in the state.  It feels like exactly what it is- a large sunbelt city with all the amenities one would expect.  There are upscale restaurants (Pretalina, which features Mediterranean cuisine, is rumored to be good) as well as other notable diversions.  Yes, there is Busch Gardens which is nice for a family trip but you might also want to see the Florida Aquarium or Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park which features Florida specific species such as manatees and Florida panthers.  The best time to visit Tampa is in the winter or spring, when both the heat and humidity are lower.

Miami – Do you love  Miami?  It may well be the city that pops immediately to mind when Florida is mentioned. It is a singular experience and is intensely loved by those looking for exciting nightlife. Many consider Miami as one of the top party destinations in the country and it certainly has a wide variety of bars and clubs.  If you have an interest in Caribbean and Latin American culture so much the better! You can see (and feel!) the impact of these cultures on nearly everything from music to cuisine.  The beaches here are actually quieter than those in other Florida locations.  Peak season in Miami is winter and spring which, not surprisingly, also has the highest prices.  If you don’t mind the heat and humidity, go in summer for less

Jacksonville – The largest city in Florida and located on the Atlantic coast in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville actually has quite good weather!  Yes, the summers are as hot and humid as the rest of the south but the remaining seasons are enjoyable- with spring and fall in the 70’s and winter hovering around 60.  The city has good white-sand beaches and in fact has the largest shoreline in the US.  It also has the largest urban park system of all fifty states.  This emphasis on parks leads to an abundance of outdoor activities, including lots of hiking and biking trails as well picnicking.  You should also check out the various art museums which focus on a variety of cultures:  American, European and African American.

Two other great cities are Orlando and Key West which I have written about separately. Check them out!