They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing! Florida is best known for its tropical weather, gorgeous beaches, resorts, and major theme parks. Florida is located at the very bottom of the United States and is highly influenced by a blend of Caribbean, Latin, and American southern cultures.
When these cultures come together in perfect harmony, you can be sure the food is explosive. Did you know that the word Barbeque, or BBQ as we call it, comes from the Spanish word Barbacoa, used by native Caribbean Islanders?
That’s why the Cubano, a Cuban-style sandwich made with southern slow-roasted pork, is a Florida staple. You’ll find familiar dishes like fresh ceviche and shrimp and grits, but with a Caribbean flare for spice you can enjoy.
Get in touch with Florida’s nature by visiting some of its botanical gardens, or hop on an airboat tour through Everglades National Park to visit the Alligators and Crocodiles. Florida’s year-round sunny weather makes it a popular winter destination.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Florida with ResortPass.
1. Visit the Beaches
Florida is a peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The most sought-after beaches in Florida are in Miami, the Florida Keys, and Clearwater. Each city has a distinctive vibe that makes for a unique experience.
Miami
South Beach and Palm Beach of South Florida offer white sand beaches and high-end resorts like The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club, where the theme is tiki.
The Savoy Hotel is a highly rated site located on the trendy Ocean Drive just steps away from Miami Beach. Here, you can lay poolside on a shaded chaise lounge chair with a complimentary book rental from the Lobby Library and sip signature cocktails from the Sand Bar.
If lounging in the sand is more your style, this resort is saving a beach chair and umbrella with your name on it in their VIP section. Miami is loaded with boutiques, cafes, and expansive golf courses to fill your day, and nearby is Biscayne Bay, where you’ll find boat and water sports rentals for your pleasure.
The Keys
The Florida Keys are a string of islands off the Florida coast, but the arguably four most favored islands are Key West, Siesta Key, Key Largo, and Key Islamorada.
Plan a day trip to The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, where a complimentary beer or hand-crafted beverage waits to greet you. This resort has a modern design with white tented day beds and rows of wooden loungers so you can easily find a spot by the pool.
Take a cat nap in one of the hammocks, get active with a workout in the fitness center, or head to the water for full-service marina activities for additional fees. One of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of the Keys is to take a boat out or dive in to swim with the marine life on a snorkeling experience you can share with the whole family.
Clearwater
In Florida’s Tampa Bay area is Clearwater Beach, one of America’s best beaches for its ultra-soft sands and crystal clear waters. Clearwater’s Gulf Coast beaches are ideal for clear-bottom kayaking and jet skiing adventures.
On land, you can pay a visit to the rescued Sea turtles and fish at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium year-round. Just a two-hour drive away is Crystal River State Park for fishing and spotting hatching sea turtles.
You can’t miss the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa along Clearwater’s coast because of its flamingo pink color and striped blue awnings. The breathtaking ocean view from the rooftop heated pool is a definite must-see.
Take advantage of the poolside service to try a piña colada and mouthwatering fish tacos. Reserve a cabana or poolside suite, and you’ll never want to leave. You can enjoy the amenities of a hotel room, plush sofa seating, a private bathroom, and a smart TV without ever booking a room.
Other amenities at this resort include a towel service, a fitness center, and exclusive beach access. Plus, discounts on bicycle rentals and spa services. What more do you need? You’ll receive the royal treatment at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort.
2. Check Out the Theme Parks and Water Parks
America’s biggest theme parks are located in the city of Orlando in central Florida. People from all over the world come to the theme park capital of the world to visit these family-friendly attractions. So, lace up your walking shoes because you won’t want to miss a single piece of childhood nostalgia.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is the largest theme park in the world, comprised of four parks and two water parks accessible to each other by monorail. Explore Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom and take a trip around the world at EPCOT.
Then, head to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for a magical, fun-filled day in the sun. Jam is packed with six swimming pools, including four lap pools where you’ll be splashing for hours.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, choose from three on-site restaurants to dine in. For more outdoor fun out of the pool, get a game going on the outdoor ping pong table, sand volleyball courts, and beachside playground. Reserve a grotto or cabana for an even more elevated daycation.
Universal Orlando Resort
Have an interactive experience with your favorite Hollywood films at Universal Orlando Resort. Brave some of the most thrilling movie-themed roller coasters. For a behind-the-scenes look at a functioning studio, go on a guided tour through decorated backlots.
Less than 20 minutes away from Univeral is the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Waterpark thrill awaits at this resort with epic twisting waterslides and a winding lazy river.
The kids will have a blast playing video games or doing arts and crafts at the JW Activity Studio while adults fall into deep tranquility in the hot springs. After a long day of lounging poolside, the most delicious burgers and handspun shakes await at Knife Burger.
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando is an animal-based theme park focusing on marine life. Encounter manatee and polar bear habitats and walk through the shark aquarium.
SeaWorld is famous for its exciting live shows. Catch exciting performances from trained whales and dolphins, and if you feel like getting splashed, be sure to grab a seat in the splash zone.
Renaissance Orlando At SeaWorld is a top-rated waterpark resort within walking distance of the park. The whole family will make long-lasting memories playing on the kid’s splash pad and heated waterslide pool. At this resort, the loungers are first come, first serve, and drinks from the Palms Pool Bar just keep on coming.
For more of Florida’s must-see attractions, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center, located less than an hour away from Orlando.
3. Get a Day Pass to Top-Rated Resorts
Florida’s buzzing cities are sprawling with top-rated resorts whose world-class service is waiting to welcome you. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Florida’s top resorts are an escape from the city where you can kick back and relax.
Tampa
Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Rays, Tampa is lively with sports fans, Cuban delicacies, and plenty of art museums showcasing the city’s history. A main attraction in Tampa is Busch Gardens, an African-themed animal park with roller coasters and weekend fireworks.
You can easily make a day trip across the Howard Franklin Bridge to St. Petersburg to uncover its vibrant art scene. Stroll through art galleries and live music venues to take in the St. Pete’s culture.
In the Historic District of Tampa is Hotel Haya, a charming boutique hotel for you to stop and recharge. The poolside bar Flora Fina serves up a fusion of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian bites that are to die for.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the biggest city with the most bordered beaches in the US. This city is rich with American history and traditional Southern cooking. Travel back in time to the historic Civil War sites, and less than an hour away in St. Augustine, there are more castles and ancient architecture to unearth.
A trip to Jacksonville isn’t complete with a beach day. Visit Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront for an oceanfront view and private beach access. Sink into a whirlpool grotto or heated lagoon pool to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Visit Florida With ResortPass
The list of activities to do in Florida is endless. The diverse culture, fusion cuisine, and gorgeous beaches make Florida a vacation hot spot.
Treat yourself to a tropical getaway in any of Florida’s hotel resorts with ResortPass. Browse through select Florida cities to find the one that meets your standards. ResortPass works with your schedule to make your bookings stress-free.
Download the ResortPass App to see all the Florida has to offer.
