Aerial view of northern Key West, Florida including Mallory Square and a cruise liner — Courtesy: Deatonphotos/Shutterstock
Florida is a popular travel destination all year round because of its subtropical temperature and plenty of sunshine, but many states see a decline in visitation during their colder winter months. With a 1.8 percent rise from 2023, the Sunshine State saw an astounding 34.6 million tourists in 2024, once again breaking previous records. Travelers from all over the nation and the world are still drawn to Florida in 2025 by its beaches, parks, historic sites, and festivals. There is something exciting for everyone in Florida, whether they are traveling there for its world-renowned beaches and coastal culture or for its family-friendly activities and attractions.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables is a charming city that has been preserved in time and is located a few miles southwest of downtown Miami. The idyllic town is well-known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, which was popular in the Roaring Twenties, and its lush tropical surroundings. Famous buildings like the Biltmore Hotel resort and Coral Gables City Hall, which were constructed in the late 1920s, are examples of this extravagance. Attractions like the Venetian Pool are a fantastic alternative if lodging at the resort is out of your price range. With grottos, waterfalls, and 820,000 gallons of crystal-clear water, this historic pool with a Mediterranean flair was first finished in 1924 and is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2025 following repairs.
Additionally, Coral Gables offers other family-friendly cooling spots, such as the Matheson Hammock Park & Marina. Situated on a peninsula with a view of Biscayne Bay, the park’s famous atoll pool is filled with tides. Although the marina’s round beach is suitable for all ages, families with kids particularly like and feel safe using the pool because of its placid, protected waters. Next door is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which is a must-see for anybody visiting Coral Gables. The 83-acre park is well-known for both its yearly celebration of Orchids in Bloom and its amazing collection of rare tropical plants. Over 150,000 orchids can be explored at the two-day festival, which will take place in March 2025 this year.
Islamorada
The Florida Keys village of Islamorada, which is made up of six islands, is referred to be the “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World.” However, there are lots of other family-friendly attractions to enjoy here in 2025 if fishing isn’t your thing. First up is Islamorada’s 33rd Annual Island Fest, which will take place in Founders Park on April 5 and 6. Live music, 100 inventive merchants, and oddball events like the “What Floats Your Boat?” DIY boat competition are all promised at the free festival.
Founders Park is a lovely 45-acre area with access to the ocean, a swimming pool, and a children’s splash pad for the rest of 2025. The town of islands also serves as a starting point for accessing more expansive outdoor areas, such as Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. Whether swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking its blue waters, the Lignumvitae Key provides a more private tropical getaway because it is only accessible by boat or kayak. Indian Key Historic State Park, another Islamorada shoreline that can only be accessed by kayak, may likewise appeal to introverted paddlers. The little island was originally used as a base of operations for shipwreck salvagers in the 1800s. Today, the park is a small piece of paradise for hikers, swimmers, and sun worshippers.
Key West
Key West, another Florida Keys haven renowned for its beaches, parks, and coastal culture, is located about two hours northeast of Islamorada. The pristine waters and gentle waves of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park’s shoreline draw tourists from all over the nation, and it’s a well-liked location for fishing and snorkeling. Make sure to go during the renowned Florida Keys Seafood Festival if you intend to visit Key West for its seafood and seaside cuisine. On February 15 and 16, Truman Waterfront Park will host this year’s festival, which will have the finest seafood available, a ton of local merchants, and live entertainment.
Due to the enormous number of Cubans that came to Key West in the 1860s, the southernmost island in the Keys is notable for its Caribbean influence. Through the town’s famous pastel buildings and genuine eateries like Cuban Coffee Queen Waterfront, tourists may get a tiny taste of Cuba without ever leaving American soil. On the other hand, the town’s Spanish Colonial heritage is reflected in attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Its Spanish influence is evident even though the old residence of renowned novelist Ernest Hemingway was constructed in 1851, long after Juan Ponce de León had first visited Key West in 1521.
St. Augustine
Another historic town with plenty to see and do in 2025 is St. Augustine. The town’s coastlines have been a subject of mystery since its foundation in 1565. The 42 miles of beaches in the St. Augustine area today are equally intriguing due to their gentle sands and gentle waves. Notable beaches include St. Augustine Beach, which has a more traditional coastal feel, and Anastasia State Park, which offers a more pristine beach experience. Because of its pier, splash park, and seafood eateries like Beachcomber St. Augustine, the second is preferred. The town will also conduct its annual St. Augustine Lions fish Festival on March 29 and 30, 2025, if you’re interested in local fish.
The Old Town Trolley Tour is one of the greatest methods to visit and discover more about St. Augustine’s historic side. If you would rather explore alone, St. Augustine’s historic sites, such as the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and the Alcazar Hotel, are located in its walkable downtown. To fully understand the rich history of St. Augustine, it is worthwhile to see attractions outside of downtown, such as the Castillo de San Marcos. The oldest masonry fort in the United States is this 17th-century building on Matanzas Bay.
Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce is a charming seaside town on Florida’s Treasure Coast that is perfect for tourists looking for less congested beaches. Despite being largely recognized as a fishing village, its reputation benefits tourists who want to avoid the crowds and tourist traps of Florida’s major beach cities. Even the town’s larger beaches at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park are not too crowded, and local coastlines like Blind Creek Beach are ideal for a relaxed day in the sand. The park’s half-mile beach is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and fishing, and also features an observation tower with expansive views of the Indian River Lagoon.
For those who enjoy seafood and don’t mind crowds, the Treasure Coast town presents the Fort Pierce Oyster Festival annually. The event, which will feature live entertainment, artisans, and a ton of top-notch coastal cuisine, will be held on the waterfront in downtown Fort Pierce in 2025. However, there are plenty of more subdued sights to explore, such as Jetty Park, the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, and the St. Lucie County Aquarium, if you would rather visit Fort Pierce during its slower season.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach, a renowned Treasure Coast town known as the “Hamptons of Florida,” is located about thirty minutes north of Fort Pierce. There is plenty of shore to enjoy with 26 miles of immaculate shoreline, spanning from South Beach Park to Sexton Plaza Beach. However, Vero Beach offers much more than just beaches. The McKee Botanical Garden is a beautiful complement to any schedule for a respite from the sand. While people of all ages can appreciate the varied floral exhibits in the main garden, children can explore the fanciful Children’s Garden. Exciting pop-up exhibits, such as Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!, will also be on display at the park from January 24 to May 4, 2025. More than 40 Lego creations constructed from 800,000 pieces will be on display.
Vero Beach has enough to offer adult tourists who enjoy art and culture. In addition to the town’s many artistic festivals and events, year-round attractions include the Vero Beach Opera, Riverside Theater, and Vero Beach Museum of Art. The town’s 44th Annual Art in the Park will be held at Humiston Park over multiple Sundays from January through April, and the Very Beach Blues Festival will feature live music on February 15 and 16, 2025.
Miramar Beach
Another location featuring thrilling attractions for visitors of all ages is Miramar Beach, which is located on Florida’s northwest coast. Its main shore on Scenic Gulf Drive is the main attraction, as is the case with most beach communities in Florida. Families with young swimmers love this place because of its shallow, clean waters and gentle slope. In order to guarantee that everyone may enjoy the sun and sand, the beach is also ADA accessible, providing beach wheelchairs and accessible parking.
At the Silver Sands Premium Outlets, dining and shopping are well-liked activities if you need a respite from the sun. In addition to a free kid’s play area, the mall has more than 100 retailers, including a Disney Store and a Sea & Sand Jewelry store. However, the Sun, Sand, and Soul Festival is a great option if you want to spend your time admiring the town’s immaculate quartz coastlines. This all-ages event, which will take place at the Seascape Resort from May 1 to May 3, 2025, will feature live music and a ton of beach activities like paddle boarding and golf.
Plant City
Although many people believe that Plant City’s name comes from its agricultural heritage and verdant environs, the town was named in honor of American industrialist Henry B. Plant. Despite this, many people visit Plant City for its renowned Florida Strawberry Festival, which has made it associated with its green name in many ways. Thousands of people attend this delicious event each year in Plant City, which is known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.” The town will celebrate the harvest with parades, top-billed acts, and an abundance of strawberry-themed foods from February 27 to March 9, 2025.
Make sure to visit Plant City’s other natural attractions, such as Edward Medard Conservation Park, whether you’re there for the celebrations or to see what else the town has to offer. The park’s main attraction is the 700-acre reservoir, which is open for boating, fishing, and kayaking. An observation tower offers sweeping views of the lake, and its 3-mile multipurpose walk is particularly well-liked. Similar elements may be found elsewhere in the town at Plant City’s McIntosh Preserve, which has 2.2 miles of wildlife trails that highlight Florida’s wild side and a 30-foot observation tower.
Concluding remarks
Florida shines as a haven from daily stressors, whether visitors are coming from out of state, overseas, or from other parts of the Sunshine State. It can be intimidating to plan a trip, but remember to take it slow and enjoy the journey, whether that means visiting the centuries-old sites of St. Augustine, relaxing on the island sands of Islamorada, or taking the whole family to Plant City’s renowned Strawberry Festival. Whatever your definition of relaxation is, Florida is the ideal destination in 2025 for you to relax and have fun.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.