However, even South Florida alone is vast, so you might want some specific coordinates for events, venues, and sites of interest.
Well, you’re in luck, as there is plenty to do in this area. Whether it is the Baker Museum, the Maimi Seaquarium, Miami Beach or Lion Country Safari, there’ll be something that every member of your family can tick off.
So where are the most amazing places to go in South Florida (see also “Amazing Places To Eat In Fort Lauderdale“)? How much will it cost to visit these places? Where can you go that will educate the kids? Where can you go to entertain the adults?
Well, we have a list of some of the best venues and events that you can find in South Florida. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out!
Why Go To South Florida?
This area is considered a tropical climate, with plenty of sun and some of the most famous cities in the world, including Hollywood, Miami, Delray Beach, and Deerfield Beach.
This is the part of the country that is the closest to Cuba and there is a large Cuban-American community that can be found in Miami. This also is reflected in the cuisine, which is a fusion of American and Latin foods.
The main reason why a lot of people visit this state is because of the weather and the amazing beaches.
Miami Beach is one of the most famous beaches in America, being part of the Gold Coast, which is so called for the lavish lifestyle and architecture of the people who live there.
So, what if you are paying a visit to South Florida? What are the best hotspots for culture, art, nature or just plain amusement?
Well, we have distilled the Florida attractions to some of our very favorites, so check out our amazing list of things to do in South Florida (see also “Best Hotels In Panama City Florida“).
If you want somewhere to stroll through some of the most unique flora in the world, then you should head down to Naples Botanical Gardens just 4 miles away from downtown Maples. This is the ideal place where you and your significant other can take a romantic stroll.
There are around 1000 plant species that you can savor in this garden environment, which is great if you are looking to spot a plant or three. There are 9 tropical gardens overall, each one distinct and giving you a thirst for more.
Build around a lighthouse that dates back to 1825, this state park is a great place to visit with all the family. This comes with an amazing beach that is clean and kept in pristine condition. You can grab your bike and cycle from one end of the park to the other.
If you do like a little bit of history, then you can treat yourself to a guided tour of the lighthouse as you are shown some of the more outstanding historical sights.
You can also go fishing and kayaking, so whether you like your vacation meditative or more rambunctious, there’ll be something here for you.
If you are a culture vulture and you are a fan of modern art, then the Baker Museum should be your first port of call.
This features exhibitions by artists that you might never have seen before, so make sure you pay your ticket price and witness something truly innovative.
This features plenty of local artists and one of the museum’s most important missions is providing support for the South Florida artistic community. However, they do also house exhibitions by more famous painters like Magritte and Rodin.
Watching dolphins cavorting in the wild is a magical experience, but it is not an experience that you can easily pay for. This is why places like Miami Seaquarium are amazing, allowing you to swim with the dolphins closely supervised by an expert (see also “Amazing Things To Do In South Beach Miami“).
This also has an educational component, as it will teach you how to look after sea creatures great and small.
It also has a reef that is teeming with life, which is also something that you might not see in the real world. Miami Seaquarium is a fun day out for the whole family.
If your Instagram account is just as important as your holiday itself, then you’ll want to visit something scenic.
Well, it doesn’t get more picturesque than the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This has fountains, hedge mazes, and endless gardens that you’ll be happy to get lost in for hours.
This place also hosts many events, including stories for children during the evening and a green space that visitors can enjoy and learn the history of.
If you want to wow your significant other with a romantic day away, then you can’t go far wrong with this spectacular location.
If you like to stroll along the shorefront with the shimmering sea on one side and the winking multicolored lights of the city on the other, then get yourself down to South Beach. You might want to keep an eye out for celebrities here, as there are plenty that you can spot.
There is also a lot of wonderful art deco architecture that you can savor, as well as some of the cleanest beaches on this side of the Gold Coast.
If you want to get active, then we would suggest that you visit Haulover Park for its great fishing and cycling zones.
Safaris are amazing places to visit if you want to get near climate-controlled nature and the Lion Country Safari is one of the best safaris to embark upon. There are 600 acres of land for you to explore in your own vehicle.
There are plenty of animals that you can see and, in some cases, touch with your own hands.
You can stroke zebras and giraffes as you slowly drive by them and, if you have a keen enough eye, you can see cheetahs prowling around the grasslands. This is a great place to take children that want to learn about nature.
If you want somewhere you can leave the kids to splash around safely while you relax on the sun lounger, then Sun Splash Water Park is the place to go. With plenty of slides and rides, you can be sure there will be plenty to entertain them from the morning until the evening.
One of the main attractions for the braver kids will be the 5-story high water slide. But even if you have a kid that isn’t so adventurous, there are plenty of mini slides and water guns that they can play with.
If you want to tire out your children, then take them for a long walk across this 14-acre water haven.
Abundant with crocodiles, bald eagles, and hawks, the Calusa Nature Center is perfect for the nature-loving family.
You will see sights here that you will not see anywhere else in the country. You can tour the wetlands to see some of the world’s most dangerous reptiles from a safe distance or you can watch beautiful exotic butterflies float from leaf to leaf.
There is also something for teenagers who might have a limited attention span, with a few space exhibitions and laser shows. Because you can look at the stars if you get tired of the creatures of the Earth.
When it comes to sheer variety, there is nothing better than this venue.
If you like delving underneath the ocean’s surface as well as savoring the sand on the surface, then take a trip to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This place has boats with glass bottoms that will allow you to safely survey the life thriving in the water.
But if you don’t mind getting wet, then you can also don a snorkel and a wetsuit and go looking for yourself. There are plenty of treasures that you can explore in this state park, you just need the time and energy to do so.
Now if you want something truly breathtaking and a unique piece of architecture that you simply can’t find anywhere else, then you should visit this national park.
This place has some of the whitest sandy beaches that you have ever seen as well as a giant half-built fortress on the coast.
Conclusion
We hope that our list of some of the best sights and spectacles of South Florida has given you the urge to visit this wonderful section of the state. Whether it is educational, entertaining or just sheer wonderment, South Florida has it all.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
