Florida is the most visited state in the US, and for good reason. The sunshine state boasts a warm, tropical climate year-round. And it’s surrounded by more miles of coastline than any other state in the lower 48.
When the winter hits the rest of the country, and the snow starts falling with the temperatures, Americans flood into Florida. While everyone else is freezing at home, those who travel to Florida get to spend time outside in the sun, enjoying the beach, and exploring all that this great state has to offer.
Do you still need some convincing? Keep reading below to learn why you should plan a trip to Florida this year.
1. Warm Comfortable Climate Year Round
The most popular reason to visit Florida is the weather. It rarely dips below 50 degrees here, and usually stays above 70 for most of the year, making it nice and comfortable.
You can spend your time outdoors almost daily. The only time you might not want to be outside in Florida is the summer, when the heat and humidity spike, and the afternoon rain showers are a daily occurrence.
But from October to April, you can enjoy the best weather in the US.
2. Gorgeous Beaches Everywhere
Florida is surrounded by beautiful beaches on three sides of the state. It has more miles of coastline than California. And quite honestly, the beaches in Florida are much more enjoyable than most of California’s beaches.
Wherever you go in Florida, you are never far from a scenic beach. At almost all of these beaches, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming year-round, snorkeling, shelling, wildlife watching, fishing, paddle boarding, and more.
Don’t forget to plan a photoshoot when visiting these beautiful beaches. You’ll want to capture the memories of your vacation and hold onto them forever. A photographer like Jaeger Haus Photography specializes in beach photo shoots for families and couples here in the sunshine state.
3. Experience Unique Wildlife
Florida has wildlife that most of the country has never seen. And some species that many Americans don’t even know exist.
The Florida Manatee is one such creature. These fascinating and incredibly adorable creatures live in the water and migrate throughout the year based on water temperature.
They spend a lot of time out in the Gulf of Mexico but retreat to the inland rivers and springs when the temperatures drop. Here in the rivers and springs, you can often find manatees while you’re paddling or swimming.
Another creature you might encounter in the wild is the alligator. Actually, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter one as they are plentiful in Florida’s freshwater rivers and lakes. Luckily, they’ll leave you alone, but they sure are cool to see in person.
4. Endless Fishing
If you like to fish, then Florida will become your favorite state. It’s the sport fishing capital of the world, after all.
With so many miles of coastline, saltwater fishing opportunities are overly abundant. And you don’t even need a boat. In-shore waters are plentiful, where you can walk along the shore or put in a kayak to fish without going into deeper water.
Most of these saltwater fish are delicious, too, if you want to put some dinner on the table.
And if you really like to fish, bass fishing in Florida is quite famous.
5. A Place for History Buffs
Not too outdoorsy? Maybe history is your thing. In that case, Florida is a great destination for you as well. One of the world’s great explorers, and one of the first Europeans to ever set foot in North America, was Hernando de Soto. He entered the US through Florida, where He embarked on a great journey throughout the southeastern United States.
There is so much history in Florida dating back to de Soto, as well as major events like the Civil War. There are forts dating back hundreds of years, historic lighthouses that are still standing, and architectural masterpieces designed by famous architects from a hundred years ago.
Make sure to stop at De Soto National Monument in Bradenton, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and the Key West Lighthouse to start.
6. So Many Outdoor Activities
Spending time in Florida is all about spending time in the great outdoors. And there’s so much more than beaches and fishing.
Florida is a great state for cycling. There are so many trail systems across the state, making it a wonderful place to ride for miles and miles on end, without having to share the road with vehicles.
And even though Florida is the flattest state in the US, it’s home to incredible hiking trails. You might not have to climb any mountains, but you will see some incredible sights on the Florida National Scenic Trail, or while hiking around Myakka River State Park.
7. Entertainment Galore
Florida isn’t just about the outdoors and nature. This state is also home to some of the greatest and most lively cities in the nation. In particular, we’re talking about Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay.
These are culture and entertainment hubs with countless ways to spend time in the city. Miami is known for its nightclub scene, as well as its restaurant scene. It’s also one of the most popular places to host conventions and trade shows, especially in the winter.
Miami is also a dream for sports lovers, with an NBA team, MLB team, NFL team, and MLS team. There’s so much going on in Miami all the time, that it’s Florida’s city that never sleeps.
See You in Florida
There’s a reason that most Americans visit Florida over every other state; it’s just awesome here. It’s warm, it’s sunny, it’s green, and it’s beautiful. There’s so much to do at all times of the year, but it’s especially enjoyable in the winter when the rest of the country is frozen over.
Are you ready to book your next trip? Then head to our blog where you’ll find even more travel tips and inspiring articles like this one.
