Florida

Florida is our current home state, so we have quite a bit to cover, starting with a little introduction for each of our home states.

Amelia Island is right around the corner from Jacksonville, so we make our way up there for a little extra fun every once in a while.

The everglades is pretty far south of us, yet it was totally worth the road-trip to see such a magnificent place.

When we first moved down to Florida in 2019, we got a Universal annual pass, so here is a little bit of our time spent there.

Of course, Disney is right around the corner, and we actually had a family trip there at the end of 2018 just before we moved down.

This is one of our favorite concert venues in JAX. In November 2022, we had the pleasure of seeing Maverick City there. It was a great way to kick-off our holiday season.

The Blue Angels typically put on a free show in JAX every October, and this is a view of one of those shows from 2019.

Jacksonville and St. Augustine offer some beautiful Christmas lights as seen here.

We also had the pleasure of seeing the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in JAX back in December 2021, which can be seen here.

And our pre-Covid road-trip to Key West and South Beach, Miami was unforgettable.

The next video is from one of Jacksonville’s concert venues to see NeedToBreathe.

In September 2024, we had a second celebration trip for Andre’s 50th birthday where we saw the sunrise and sunset during the same day on both of Florida’s coasts.

In November 2024, we watched UGA’s nail-biting victory against UF.

Florida is a diverse and beautiful state with many attractions and destinations to suit different tastes and preferences. Here is a list of some of our favorite spots. Please feel free to share new ideas with us using our contact form here. 

• Cocoa Beach: A popular surfing destination on the Atlantic coast, Cocoa Beach is home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop and the Cocoa Beach Pier. You can also visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center or enjoy the wildlife at the Brevard Zoo.

• Key West: The southernmost point in the continental U.S., Key West is known for its laid-back atmosphere, colorful architecture, and rich history. You can explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, or the lively Duval Street.

• Amelia Island: A charming island off the northeast coast of Florida, Amelia Island offers a relaxing beach getaway with old-world charm. You can stroll through the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach, visit the Fort Clinch State Park, or take a horseback ride on the beach.

• St. Augustine: The oldest European settlement in the U.S., St. Augustine is a historic and cultural treasure. You can visit the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, or the Lightner Museum. You can also enjoy the scenic views from the St. Augustine Lighthouse or the Bridge of Lions.

• Gainesville: The home of the University of Florida, Gainesville is a vibrant and youthful city with a lot of culture and nature. You can visit the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, or the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. You can also explore the nearby natural springs, such as Ginnie Springs or Ichetucknee Springs.

• Daytona Beach: A famous destination for motorsports enthusiasts, Daytona Beach hosts the Daytona 500 and other racing events at the Daytona International Speedway. You can also enjoy the wide and sandy beach, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, or the Daytona Lagoon water park.

• Naples: An elegant and romantic city on the Gulf coast, Naples is known for its luxury and relaxation. You can enjoy the gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches, the incredible golf courses, or the high-end shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Naples Zoo, the Naples Botanical Garden, or the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

• Jacksonville: The largest city in Florida, Jacksonville has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. You can visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, or the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. You can also enjoy the beaches, the parks, or the nightlife.

• Tallahassee: The capital of Florida, Tallahassee is a city with a lot of history and culture. You can visit the Florida State Capitol, the Museum of Florida History, or the Mission San Luis de Apalachee. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Maclay Gardens, the Wakulla Springs, or the Apalachicola National Forest.

• Everglades National Park: The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder. You can see a variety of wildlife, such as alligators, crocodiles, manatees, flamingos, and panthers. You can also take an airboat tour, a kayak trip, or a hiking trail.

• Panama City Beach: A popular spring break destination on the Gulf coast, Panama City Beach is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand. You can enjoy the beach, the Pier Park, or the Shipwreck Island water park. You can also visit the St. Andrews State Park, the Gulf World Marine Park, or the Shell Island.

• West Palm Beach: A sophisticated and stylish city on the Atlantic coast, West Palm Beach is known for its art and culture. You can visit the Norton Museum of Art, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or the Palm Beach Zoo. You can also enjoy the Clematis Street, the CityPlace, or the Palm Beach Outlets.

• Pensacola: A historic and scenic city on the Panhandle, Pensacola is known for its naval and aviation heritage. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or the Historic Pensacola Village. You can also enjoy the Pensacola Beach, the Fort Pickens, or the Blue Angels air show.

• Clearwater: A sunny and family-friendly city on the Gulf coast, Clearwater is known for its beautiful beach and marine life. You can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the home of Winter the dolphin, the Pier 60, or the Clearwater Beach Marina. You can also take a boat tour, a fishing trip, or a sunset cruise.

• Sarasota: A cultural and artistic city on the Gulf coast, Sarasota is known for its museums and gardens. You can visit the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, or the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You can also enjoy the Siesta Key Beach, the St. Armands Circle, or the Sarasota Opera.

• Fort Lauderdale: A lively and cosmopolitan city on the Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale is known for its canals and waterways. You can take a water taxi, a river cruise, or a gondola ride. You can also visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, the Museum of Discovery and Science, or the Las Olas Boulevard.

• Destin: A charming and picturesque city on the Panhandle, Destin is known for its emerald-green water and fine sand. You can enjoy the beach, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, or the Big Kahuna’s water park. You can also visit the Henderson Beach State Park, the Destin History and Fishing Museum, or the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

• Tampa: A dynamic and diverse city on the Gulf coast, Tampa is known for its attractions and entertainment. You can visit the Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, or the Lowry Park Zoo. You can also enjoy the Ybor City, the Tampa Riverwalk, or the Tampa Bay History Center.

• Miami: A vibrant and multicultural city on the Atlantic coast, Miami is known for its nightlife and beaches. You can visit the South Beach, the Art Deco District, or the Ocean Drive. You can also enjoy the Little Havana, the Wynwood Walls, or the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

• Orlando: The theme park capital of the world, Orlando is known for its fun and excitement. You can visit the Walt Disney World, the Universal Orlando Resort, or the SeaWorld Orlando. You can also enjoy the International Drive, the Orlando Eye, or the Orlando Science Center.

I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Florida!

Check out our recommendations on Trip Advisor to help plan your next trip or to book a tour. You can also use Yelp and Open Table for more ideas as well as restaurant reservations. More photos from our visit are posted on Instagram and Facebook.