722 Best Sights in Florida, USA

This is one of those rides that incites instant addiction in children and immediate regret in their parents. The reasons for the former are evident: the children drive brightly colored Mark VII model cars that swerve around the four 2,260-foot tracks with much vroom-vroom-vrooming. Like real sports cars, the vehicles are equipped with rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes; unlike the real thing, these run on a track. But the track is so twisty that it's hard to keep the car on a straight course. Expect to spend a lot of time waiting your turn on the track and returning your vehicle after your lap. All this for a ride that achieves a top speed of 7 mph. For people with disabilities: To drive the cars, you must be able to steer, press the gas pedal, and transfer into the low car seat.  Skip this on a first-time visit unless it'll break your child's heart.

A reincarnation of what Disney old-timers might remember as the WEDway PeopleMover, the TTA PeopleMover gives you a nice, leisurely ride with great views of Tomorrowland, circling the Astro Orbiter and gliding through the middle of Space Mountain. Disney's version of future mass transit is smooth and noiseless, thanks to an electromagnetic linear induction motor that has no moving parts, uses little power, and emits no pollutants. For people with disabilities: You must be able to walk several steps and step on and off a moving ramp to transfer to a ride vehicle. Equipped for handheld-captioning and audio-description devices. Hop aboard to view Tomorrowland, to preview Space Mountain, if you have young children, or if you need a relaxing ride; if there's no line, this is a great nap spot for toddlers.

Directly across from Runamukka Reef is this shallow-water play area with kid-size slides, spraying fountains, singing whales, and a miniature water volcano. For people with disabilities Guests must be able to climb stairways unassisted or with help from someone in their party.

Ideal for quiet ambles, this sandy stretch is also noteworthy for a casual restaurant, the no-frills breezy Dune Deck Café, which is perched above the waterline and offers great views for an oceanfront breakfast or lunch. The beach's huge parking lot is directly adjacent to the Eau Palm Beach (meters take credit cards), and diagonally across the street is a sizable strip mall with all sorts of conveniences, including boutiques and more eateries. Note: the beach is very narrow and large rocks loom in the water. Nevertheless, these are some of the clearest waters along the Florida coastline, and they make an idyllic background for long walks and great photos. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: walking.

You know you're here if you see Palm Beach's younger generation frolicking on the sands and locals setting up chairs as the sun reflects off their gleaming white veneers. The Worth Avenue clock tower is within sight, but the gateways to the sand are actually on Chilean Avenue, Brazilian Avenue, and Gulfstream Road. It's definitely the most central and longest lifeguarded strip open to everyone and a popular choice for hotel guests from the Colony, Chesterfield, and Brazilian Court. Lifeguards are present from Brazilian Avenue down to Chilean Avenue. It's also BYOC (bring your own chair). You'll find no water-sports or food vendors here; however, casual eateries are a quick walk away. Metered spots line A1A. Amenities: lifeguards; showers. Best for: sunset; swimming.

Based on the toy-turned-film franchise that's generated billions of dollars, this high-intensity attraction has the ability to generate a lot of thrills and screams. You board your transport inside the stark industrial building that’s the headquarters of NEST (Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty). In a flash, you're in an illusory world where 60-foot screens, fast-paced action, and plenty of 3-D effects ratchet up the excitement in a battle to save the planet as the heroic Autobots (including Optimus Prime and Bumblebee) try to keep the Allspark from falling into the hands of the evil Decepticons. (Confused? Ask your kids).

The attraction spins, twirls, splashes, and drops you. You'll also have some tremendously realistic intergalactic encounters that rock and roll you through the Transformers' world. Like the movies, this ride is very loud and very wild. Unlike the movies, this isn't suitable for expectant mothers; anyone with neck, back, or heart problems; or people with a fear of heights. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to a ride vehicle.

Large, wide swaths of uncrowded sands abound, but some areas can be busy, especially on weekends. The Sunday-evening drum circle, which happens around sunset just southwest of the Bilmar, makes for some interesting people-watching, as do the many festivals occurring here each month. It's also the only beach that allows alcohol, as long as it's not contained in glass. Plus, getting here is super easy—just head west on St. Petersburg's Central Avenue, which dead-ends smack-dab in the middle of T.I. (that's what the locals call it), where the iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort sign towers over the boulevard. Hang a left at the light. There's a Publix right across the street if you're up for an impromptu picnic or don't want to pay beach-bar prices for a beer. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; solitude; sunsets.

Beautiful sand dunes and verdant grounds await at this quiet turf immediately north of the last swath of development before the drive to the Sebastian Inlet. It's a perfect place to commune with nature, or it's a good spot if you want to feel like you own the beach, as sometimes there's no one except you. Children will delight in the pirate-ship-theme playground on site, and there are plenty of picnic tables (but no grills) plus lots of shade throughout the landscaped section beside the beach. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets; showers. Best for: solitude; swimming.

A monument to all of Earth's creatures, the park's centerpiece is an imposing 14 stories high and 50 feet wide at its base. Its 100,000-plus leaves are several shades of green fabric, each carefully placed for a realistic effect. Carved into its thick trunk, gnarled roots, and soaring branches—some of which are supported by joints that allow them to sway in a strong wind—are nearly 350 intricate animal forms that include a baboon, a whale, a horse, the mighty lion, and even an ankylosaurus. At night, the tree is lit up by projections onto the vast trunk and leaves. Outside, paths tunnel underneath the roots as the fauna-encrusted trunk towers overhead.

To give you a bug's-eye view of the world, the path leads you inside the tree trunk, where you'll view the witty 3-D film adventure It's Tough to Be a Bug! Special effects spray you with "poison," zap you with a swatter, and even poke you with a stinger—all in good fun. Although the show has something for all ages, it's very loud, and some effects frighten young children (during the hornet attack, have children lean forward to avoid a "sting"). Note, too, that Disney has announced plans for this film to be replaced with a Zootopia inspired 3-D film, so check to see if this attraction is open before you go. Even if it's closed, you can spend a bit of time enjoying the carvings of the tree. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible, but, to fully experience all the special effects, guests using wheelchairs should transfer to a seat. Equipped with reflective captioning and for audio-description and assisted-listening devices. If you have a service animal, check with a host before entering the theater. Short lines make this a good choice for the afternoon.

Managed by the nonprofit Tropical Everglades Visitor Association, this pastel-pink information center with teal signage offers abundant printed material, plus tips from volunteer experts on exploring South Florida, especially Homestead, Florida City, and the Florida Keys.

Spanning Big Cypress National Preserve to the north and Everglades National Park to the south, this moderately difficult paddling trail winds through almost 10 miles of Turner River marked by cypress, sawgrass prairie, and mangrove trees. Save at least five to seven hours for a full trip. If you're in Big Cypress, you can access the trail on U.S. 41 west of Turner River Road. If you're accessing from Everglades City, enter at the NPS Gulf District Ranger Station or Chokoloskee Island. Moderate.  There are four additional paddling trails within Big Cypress.

A 14-acre beach-park that's popular with families, Turtle has 2,600 linear feet of beach frontage and is more secluded than most Gulf beaches. Though narrower than most of the region's sandy stretches, it's also much less crowded, so it doesn't feel so narrow. It's also known for abundant sea turtles and has covered picnic shelters, grills, and a volleyball court. Locals like the 40-site campground that is also open to visitors with advance reservations. Fittingly enough, this beach is near the ubermellow Turtle Beach Resort. Amenities: toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; swimming; walking.

Each year, more than 100 injured creatures are admitted to the world's first state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles. Guided 90-minute tours take you into recovery and surgical areas. In the "hospital bed" tanks, you can see recovering patients and others that are permanent residents due to their injuries. After the tour, you can feed some of the residents. Call ahead—space is limited and tours are sometimes canceled due to medical emergencies. The turtle ambulance out front makes for a memorable souvenir photo.

Head for the Sea Base area to line up for this real-time animated show starring Crush, the ancient sea turtle from Finding Nemo. Crush chats and jokes with kids so convincingly that young children, eyes wide as sand dollars, have walked up and touched the screen where Crush "swims." It's in a small theater, and there's often a wait, but it's a hit with young children as well as their parents. For people with disabilities: The theater is wheelchair accessible, and assisted-listening devices can be used. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes; arrive about 20 minutes early during busy times to guarantee a seat.

The shipwreck theme, craggy grotto rock work, waterfalls, lagoons, and magical landscape of this attraction draw you into Ariel's world long before you board a giant clamshell for a journey under the sea. While you enjoy standing in a shaded queue, you'll see starfish embedded in rocks, a sandy beach, palm trees, sea-grape plants, and other authentic seaside touches. Once inside the cavern beneath Prince Eric's Castle, you can join in an interactive game that plays out around every corner and stars Scuttle the seagull and his animated crab pals.

Through a cave portal, you enter the castle's stone hallways, where you hop aboard a clamshell ride vehicle and, thanks to cold air and light effects, feel the sensation of descending under the sea. You then float past animated and Audio-Animatronic scenes from The Little Mermaid film, including a Broadway-style "Under the Sea" number with Sebastian conducting the undersea orchestra. There are fish conga lines and ominous scenes starring villainess Ursula, but, of course, a fairy-tale ending is in store featuring the Menken-Ashman showstopper "Kiss the Girl." Most children love this ride, but some tots are afraid in the dark Ursula scene. For people with disabilities: Guests in scooters must transfer to a standard wheelchair to ride; equipped for handheld captioning and audio description.

Art galleries abound along the coast, but the most unique one has to be this sculpture garden/artificial reef, located 58 feet beneath the waves about 1 mile off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park. The seven original pieces—a deer, pineapple, octopus, skull, and some other abstract shapes—have grown to a collection of 47 works. Area operators offer private charters as well as regularly scheduled trips to the site, but you must have diving certification to dive here. Note, though, that the UMA website has fascinating descriptions and videos of the works, which are attracting sea life, a win-win for the environment and divers.

One of the most notable things about this popular beach is the series of large objects that look like yellow school buses buried in the sand. These are actually designed to stabilize the shoreline (this beach is known for rapid erosion). The structures, called T-groins, may not please the eye, but that doesn't keep locals from flocking here. Upham is a wide beach with tons of natural landscaping, and it's near Postcard Inn and the TradeWinds. There's a snack bar that slings burgers and beer at its north end. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

This was one of the first of the Upper Keys to be permanently settled. Early homesteaders were so successful at growing pineapples in the rocky soil that, at one time, the island yielded the country's largest annual crop. However, foreign competition and the hurricane of 1935 killed the industry. Today, life centers on fishing and tourism, and the island is filled with everything from bait shops and charter boats to eclectic galleries and fusion restaurants.

Don't judge a book by its cover: what's inside this very ordinary-looking building is extraordinary. Operated mostly through the efforts of an enthusiastic team of volunteers, the museum has an impressive collection of memorabilia and aircraft from World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts, as well as extensive displays of vintage military flying gear and uniforms. There are posters that were used to help identify Japanese planes, plus a Huey helicopter and the cockpit of an F-106 that you can sit in. In the north hangar a group of dedicated aviation volunteers busily restores old planes. It's an inspiring sight, and a good place to hear some war stories. In the spring the museum puts on the Tico Warbird Airshow, featuring fighter and bomber aircraft that formerly flew in combat around the world. The lobby gift shop sells real flight suits, old flight magazines, bomber jackets, books, models, and T-shirts.

If a day at the shore just doesn't seem quite complete without a piña colada and serious people-watching, then this beach is for you. Its white powdery sand often looks like a kaleidoscope, with multihued towels and umbrellas dotting the landscape in front of the nearly 3 miles of tony north Naples condos and luxe resorts. If you walk far enough—which many people do—you'll come across the architecturally stunning mega-mansions of Bay Colony perched up on the dunes. A covered public parking garage allows for easy access to this beach, which really comes alive at sunset with onlookers. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunsets; walking.

Sculpted from a rock quarry in 1923 and fed by artesian wells, this 820,000-gallon municipal pool remains quite popular because of its themed architecture—a fantasy version of a waterfront Italian village—created by Denman Fink. The pool has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases a nice collection of vintage photos depicting 1920s beauty pageants and swank soirées held long ago. Paul Whiteman played here. Johnny Weissmuller and Esther Williams swam here, and you should, too (note: children must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall). A snack bar, lockers, and showers make these historic splash grounds user friendly as well, and there's free parking across De Soto Boulevard. Call before visiting to confirm that renovations (which closed the pool in late 2022 through early 2023) are complete.

The museum's five galleries and two sculpture gardens make it the largest arts facility on the Treasure Coast. It houses varying regional, state, and national art exhibits, plus it hosts a full schedule of films, lectures, workshops, and classes.

This beach, just 2 miles north of St. Augustine, is sandwiched between the Tolomato River and the Atlantic. In the 1920s, it was home to the Grand Vilano Casino, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1937. Until recently, Vilano Beach had deteriorated into a small, somewhat run-down area, though with a laid-back, '60s, surf vibe. Now, however, it's home to stores and restaurants, the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, and other community improvements. A Hampton Inn & Suites is within a few minutes' walk. The beach has some nice breakers for surfing—skimboarding is also popular—but strong currents sometimes make it dangerous for swimming. It's also one of the few beaches on which you can still drive a car. Amenities: lifeguards (seasonal); showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.

A favorite for local surfboarding teens and the families at the nearby Disney's Vero Beach Resort, the park is nestled in a residential area at the end of Wabasso Road, about 8 miles up from the action on Ocean Drive and 8 miles below the Sebastian Inlet. Aside from regular amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and a dedicated parking lot (which really is the "park" here—there's not much green space—and it's quite small, so arrive early), the Disney crowd walks there for its lifeguards (the strip directly in front of the hotel is unguarded), and the local crowd appreciates its conveniences, like a pizzeria and a store that sells sundries, snacks, and beach supplies. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming.

A self-guided tour through a treasure trove of Walt Disney memorabilia follows his life from early boyhood, through the founding of his first studio, to Disneyland, and then to Disney World. After viewing the unique artifacts, catch a 15-minute documentary about the life of Walt Disney. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair and ECV accessible. Come in the afternoon, as this attraction is rarely busy.

If you click through the turnstile just before 9 am with young children in tow, wait at the entrance before crossing beneath the station. In a few moments, you'll hear a whistle in the distance and see the day's first steam-driven train arrive. For a great overview of the whole Magic Kingdom, step right up to the elevated platform above the Magic Kingdom's entrance for a ride into living history. Some of the locomotives date from 1928, the same year Mickey Mouse was created. Disney scouts tracked down these vintage carriers in Mexico (where they transported sugarcane in the Yucatán), brought them back, and overhauled them. They're splendid, with striped awnings, brightly painted benches, authoritative "choo-choo" sounds, and hissing plumes of steam.

The 1½-mile track runs along the perimeter of the Magic Kingdom, with much of the trip through the woods, and stops in Frontierland and Fantasyland. The four trains run at five- to seven-minute intervals. Note that you can't load bulky strollers—like those Disney rents. Go midafternoon to enjoy a leisurely circuit of the Kingdom while you rest. Since you are never forced to exit, it's a good chance for little ones to nap. For people with disabilities: You can remain in a standard wheelchair or transfer to one if you're in an ECV. Trains are equipped for handheld-captioning. The ride is a good introduction to the layout of the park; it's also great as relief for tired feet.

Originally seen at New York's 1964–65 World's Fair, this revolving theater traces the impact of technological progress on the daily lives of Americans from the turn of the 20th century into the near future. Representing each generation, an Audio-Animatronics family sings the praises of modern-day gadgets that technology has wrought. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible; equipped for assisted-listening, handheld-captioning, audio-description, and video-captioning devices. Skip this on a first-time visit unless you adore nostalgia. Also, it might close early or entirely in low season.

The latest version of Disney's first Audio-Animatronics attraction brings back the original show, Tropical Serenade. Winged hosts Jose, Fritz, Pierre, Michael, and the boys take you on a tour of the attraction while cracking lots of jokes. The original ditty "In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" is second only to "it's a small world" as the Disney song you most love to hate. Many people do hate this attraction, finding the talking birds obnoxious and the music too loud and peppy. But you can also hear old-timers singing along to "Let's All Sing Like the Birdies Sing," tweet, tweet tweet, tweet, tweet. Plus, it's a haven of cool in the summer heat. For people with disabilities: Accessible for those in standard wheelchairs; equipped for handheld-captioning, audio-description, and assisted-listening devices. Go when you need to sit down with air-conditioning.

In the shadow of Krakatau, the volcano that looms over the park, is this wide beach with chairs by the hundreds. Arrive early to claim the best spot, or upgrade by renting a premium seat that includes a sun canopy. Park yourself in a chair and do absolutely nothing, or venture into the water, where, every so often, a set of waves washes across the bay. So the choice is yours: swim and splash, or rest and relax. Or maybe a little of both. For people with disabilities: A sloped entry makes it easier for guests using wheelchairs to enter the pool unassisted or with the help from someone in their party.

Grab a canoe or kayak, or take a 40-minute guided boat tour at this lakeside park on the Intracoastal Waterway. At more than 1,500 acres, it's one of Florida's largest urban nature facilities. Extensive boardwalks traverse mangrove wetlands that shelter endangered and threatened species. At the Anne Kolb Nature Center, there's a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and a 65-foot observation tower showcases the entire park. The center's exhibit hall also has interactive displays explaining the park's delicate ecosystem.