This season, expand your knowledge of and affinity for the state by adding these 10 destinations to your travel bucket list. 

St. Augustine, Florida

Spring is the perfect time to experience the natural wonders that the beautiful state of Florida has to offer—from native flora and fauna to oceanside landscapes. The culture of each local destination is unique, although within a day’s drive, and each city’s arts and society alongside nature provide educational and exciting experiences for the whole family.

With pleasant climate, vacation time and nearby destinations right around the corner, any planning is simplified so the primary focus can be on relaxation, sightseeing and creating memories to last a lifetime.

South Florida

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s coastline is brimming with luxury and glamour due to its upscale stores, restaurants and hotels—but categorical of a must-visit destination, it is also filled with history and vibrant nature with its tropical rainforest climate. From museums like the Stonewall National Museum and Archives, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, to beaches, state parks and the Riverwalk, there is no shortage of compelling and educational activities. Some upcoming events this spring include the Tortuga Music Festival with headliners Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Keith Urban in April, and the Fort Lauderdale Air Show in May.

The Keys

The archipelago has a climate more closely aligned with that of the Caribbean than the rest of the state, which is why it is referred to as a tropical paradise. This signifies a home to plants and animals that do not exist elsewhere in the United States, such as Key deer, mangrove buckeye butterflies, loggerhead sea turtles and more. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden not only provides an ecosystem of native plants, birds and butterflies to interact with, but is also dedicated to conservation—particularly through its involvement in the Cactus Barren Project. Many events are held at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden year-round, and GardenFest 2025 will take place on March 8, which allows visitors to view and purchase native tropical plants alongside vendors, food, earth-based crafts, a children’s science corner and more.

Boca Raton

It’s fitting that Wicked star Ariana Grande is famously a Boca Raton native, as visiting this city feels like being transported to a land full of magic—take, for example, the multitude of zoos and animal encounters that are home to lions, tigers and bears; or the lush, green landscape alongside the water, speckled with lights and tropical towns. The epitome of luxury beach living and culture, Boca Raton’s vibrancy can be attributed to elements such as the local Mediterranean Revival architecture and a focus on the arts. In late February to early March, the city will host its annual “Festival of the Arts Boca” that spotlights music, film, performance and visual art, literature and more.

Palm Beach

It is said that Palm Beach has a characteristic small-town charm, and the serene, picturesque atmosphere is a major reason why. It’s the perfect place for a retreat, and it was even selected by John F. Kennedy as his “Winter White House” location. Of course, the town’s presidential history didn’t end there. After all, Palm Beach is definitively a “getaway.” As one of the golfing destinations preferable to professional golfers, there is so much history to learn about up close. Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers coastal-style luxury suites to decompress after a busy day out, or to experience adventures without leaving the condo. A short distance from the world’s third largest barrier reef, the property is eco-friendly and works to protect the local sea turtle population—many of which can be found on the shores of the resort and within each suite’s decor.

North Florida 

Gainesville

Categorically a college town, Gainesville is also majorly known for its contribution to art and music history. Notable for its rock scene, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers originated in Gainesville, and Stephen Stills, as well as Don Felder and Bernie Leadon of The Eagles, grew up there. The city’s major arts festivals attract artists and art enthusiasts from around the region: the Downtown Festival & Art Show and The Fest musical festival in autumn, and the Spring Arts Festival this April 12-13. This is a great destination to explore arts and culture, but it also has an undeniable natural allure with parks, trails and preserves with activities such as bird watching, tubing, hiking and biking—to name just a few.

Palm Coast

Those seeking a getaway filled with activities that are anything but passive will rejoice at the dynamic recreation for which Palm Coast is known. Including over 70 miles of canals in addition to the bordering Atlantic Ocean, visitors and residents frequently partake in water activities and sports, like fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing, water tours and more. To accompany those adrenaline-packed pastimes, the city is also known for its idyllic golf courses located at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The resort additionally offers activities including a waterslide, racquet sports programs, bike rentals and an arcade to ensure a complete elimination of boredom for all ages.

St. Augustine

There is quite a bit of history to explore in St. Augustine, considering that it is the oldest city in America and spans 459 years. From the oldest wax museum to a zoo known for being the only place in the world to exhibit all 23 recognized crocodile species, there truly is something for every niche interest. The Lightner Museum fits harmoniously into the local culture, with extraordinary collections, immersive exhibits and special events, currently including “Crystal Floyd: Kindred Spirits,” “Riding High: Vintage Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection,” and “The Hague School: The Second Golden Age of Dutch Painting” alongside its permanent Gilded Age collection.

Gulf Coast 

Clearwater 

It’s clear to anyone who has visited why Clearwater Beach is frequently ranked the No.1 beach in the South—and in America—with its powdery sand, warm water from the Gulf of Mexico and exquisite sunsets. The iconic Pier 60 is a lively setting filled with music, top-notch views, artisan vendors and performers. Coming up this April, Pier 60 will host its annual Sugar Sand Festival, a sand-sculpting event with unfathomable creations, fireworks, music, food and other festivities.

Naples

Naples is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts seeking a tropical retreat in which they can watch, play and learn. The home of two semi-pro soccer teams and the Tiburón Golf Club, which hosts the CME Group Tour Championship, the city has a unique assortment of sporting events that additionally includes swamp buggy races that are exclusive to the region, as they were invented there. There’s time to catch the 2025 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships during April and May, as a spectator or even as a competitor.

Sarasota

An astonishing number of artistic venues of all varieties occupy the city of Sarasota, or “Circus City,” named for its vast Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey history. These venues include, but are not limited to: The Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Opera House, the Sarasota Orchestra, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, The Jazz Club of Sarasota and The Circus Arts Conservatory. These venues have presented past performances from renowned musicians such as Elvis Presley and Gregg Allman—who was a former Sarasota resident. However, experiences are not limited to the past, as the city is famous for annual arts festivals like the upcoming Sarasota Film Festival in April and the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest in May.