12 of Florida’s biggest tourist attractions

You’ve probably heard all about Florida’s tourist + leisure scene, but have you ever experienced it for yourself? Tourism is the state’s leading industry with a 2017 economic impact of $85.9 billion, supporting 1.5 million jobs, and welcoming 127 million visitors in 2018.

So put your car keys in the ignition, folks. We’re supplying the directions to 12 of Florida’s biggest tourist attractions.

West Bound

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Cheetah Hunt | Video by @unleashed_coasters

It’s kind of like the jack of all trades. Busch Gardens has the state’s tallest launch coaster, 200+ animals, live entertainment, and events throughout the year. #ProTip: Go on the most popular rides, like Cheetah Hunt and SheiKra, either first thing in the morning or when the park is about to close in order to have the shortest wait possible.

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium hosts 300 events a year + has 14,000 animals in their facility – from lemurs and live otters to rays and sharks. Make sure the kids bring their bathing suits to play in the Splash Pad.

And if you’re spending more than one day in Tampa Bay, consider getting a CityPASS. This ticket allows you to save 50% or more off admission to the aquarium plus Busch Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the Museum of Science & Industry or Chihuly Collection.

East Bound

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

This is the place for those ages 2-12. For those feeling young at heart, join your little ones on an adventure of 50+ rides and LEGO character interactions. If you get carried away playing, there’s nothing to worry about. The fun will continue at these accommodations.

Walt Disney World

It would be a shame to not mention the most magical place on earth. There are unlimited ticket options for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Save your time, and get the Disney World mobile app. It’ll help track ride wait times + the fastest routes to your next destination. This is the place that got me (Jessica here 👋) through grad school.

SeaWorld Orlando

For those days that call for cooling off in the Florida heat, ride Manta, get soaked on Infinity Falls, sip on a craft beer from Brew Club, and watch Pets Ahoy with dogs, cats, ducks, doves + potbellied pigs.

Universal Studios

Have you gone on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Or seen The Secret Life of Pets float in Universal’s Superstar Parade? Plan out our day with this interactive map. And if you want a change of scenery, take a stroll through Universal CityWalk. This free hotspot is perfect for an evening of shopping, dining, and live entertainment. #ProTip: You’re missing out if you don’t buy a dessert from the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

Kennedy Space Center

Aka Florida’s gateway to space. Their exhibits include liftoff at the Shuttle Launch Experience, an astronaut training with high-tech simulators, touching a Moon rock, and more. Their Visitor Complex is organized into Mission Zones by chronological order so that you can journey through time + space NASA’s way. (P.S. They open at 9 a.m. every day but their closing time varies by the season.)

North Bound

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway hosts the iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race dating back to 1959. For a little facts + figures, the Speedway has ~101,500 seats, 40 escalators, 17 elevators, 60 luxury suites, and three concourse levels that span the nearly mile-long frontstretch. If you’re not able to come out to the annual race, there are more events and tours available throughout the year.

Castillo de San Marcos

This is the only surviving 17th century military construction and oldest masonry fortress in the U.S. It is 20.5 acres and includes a reconstructed section of the walled defense line surrounding the city of St. Augustine incorporating the original city gate. The Castillo is one of only two fortifications in the world built out of a semi-rare form of limestone called coquina (the other is Fort Matanzas National Monument 14 miles south). The walk-in park usually takes about an hour to two to walk through.

Naval Aviation Museum

As the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum, it features 150+ restored aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps + Coast Guard Aviation. And as an added bonus, admission is free to the ~350,000 sq. ft. exhibit space. We’re personally excited about the Apollo 11 VR attraction (experiencing vibrations and shaking while traveling to the moon) + MaxFlight 360 Simulators.

South Bound

Everglades National Park

The Everglades stretch across 1.5 million acres of land and can be accessed from Miami, Everglades City, and Homestead. When there, take a walk on the Anhinga Trail to spot turtles + herons, climb atop Shark Valley’s 65 ft. observation tower, kayak and see a crocodile, manatee, or dolphin, explore the pinelands by bike, paddle amongst the mangroves on Nine-Mile Pond, and more.

Take note that the Everglades has two distinct seasons: Dry season (November to March) and wet season (April to November). #ProTip: Plan a trip during the dry season because the warm winter attracts the largest variety of wading birds + their predators. Wet season offers fewer programs with lots and lots of bugs. Eww, gross.

Dry Tortugas National Park

When traveling by land isn’t extreme enough. The remote Dry Tortugas National Park is located ~70 miles west of Key West on open water with seven islands. Accessible only by boat, seaplane, or ferry, the park is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th century masonry forts, which is open for tours. This park offers above water exploring like geocaching, paddlesports, and wildlife viewing, as well as below water exploring like diving and snorkeling.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)