I’ve been to Orlando more times than I can count, but Jacksonville was the Florida trip that surprised me. I loved browsing a market under a bridge, wandering around Avondale and finding some of the best cake I’ve ever eaten. That’s a very different vacation from spending a day at Disney, and I’d happily do either.

If you’re deciding where to go in Florida, start with how you want to spend your days. Here’s what I liked about Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville, plus two more spots to consider if you’d rather plan your trip around the water.

Jacksonville: Best for a Beach Day and Exploring Along the River

Jacksonville surprised me. Some of my favorite stops were along the St. Johns River, which is so wide it felt like being on the coast. I loved that we could browse a market under a bridge, spend time in a neighborhood that felt like a small town and still have the ocean nearby.

Browse the Riverside Arts Market. This market takes place under the Fuller Warren Bridge, right by the river. It brings together farmers, food vendors and local artists. I loved wandering through the stalls, partly because an overpass is just about the last place I’d expect to find a market that’s this much fun.

Go shopping in Avondale and stop for cake. The shops and restaurants along St. Johns Avenue have that small-town main street feel I love. And if you go to Biscottis, save room for dessert. The cakes there are some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

Take a walk along the Southbank Riverwalk. For a different view of the St. Johns, follow the riverwalk for views of the downtown skyline and bridges. It’s an easy way to spend some time by the water without committing to a whole afternoon.

Spend a day at Jacksonville Beach. When you want an actual ocean day, head to Jacksonville Beach for sand and surf. I’d give the beach its own day so you have time to enjoy it, then spend another day exploring the riverfront and neighborhoods.

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. If you’re traveling with kids who would rather see animals than browse another shop, make the zoo the main outing for the day. It gives families another option beyond the beach, especially on a longer stay.

Who I’d send to Jacksonville: Anyone who wants a Florida vacation with room for a beach day, a little shopping and good food. I’d start with the market and Avondale, and I’d go back for that cake alone.

Tampa: An Aquarium Worth the Trip and an Afternoon in Hyde Park

I’d heard mixed things about Tampa before we went, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I ended up really enjoying it. The aquarium was a hit with my kids, and I could happily spend an afternoon shopping and eating in Hyde Park Village.

Visit The Florida Aquarium. This is one of my favorite aquariums in the U.S. My kids had a great time, and my oldest was especially interested in what the aquarium does to protect ocean life. Its conservation work includes helping restore Florida’s coral reefs, which gives kids something to learn about beyond the animals they see during their visit.

Shop and eat in Hyde Park Village. This was one of my favorite parts of Tampa. I liked being able to poke around the shops and stop for something to eat without a whole schedule to follow. I’d save it for an afternoon when you’re ready to slow down.

Walk part of the Tampa Riverwalk. If you want to add something to your aquarium day, the Riverwalk is nearby. You can keep it simple with a walk along the water or stop at the Tampa Bay History Center to learn more about the area. I’d pick one rather than trying to squeeze in both after a long aquarium visit with kids.

Who I’d send to Tampa: Families who want a standout attraction for the kids and time for a relaxed meal or a walk by the water. I’d put the aquarium first and leave enough time for Hyde Park Village on another afternoon.

Miami: Best for a Beach Trip With Great Food and Art

I went to Miami for a work conference, but I still made time for the beach, the Rubell Museum and a couple of memorable meals. I enjoyed getting out by the ocean, but the art and the food are what made me want to go back.

Spend a day in Miami Beach. If it’s your first visit, South Beach is a good starting point. You can spend a few hours on the sand and then walk along Ocean Drive to see the Art Deco buildings. I’d give yourself time to do both instead of rushing back to the mainland for another stop.

Visit the Rubell Museum. This contemporary art museum is in Allapattah, on the mainland. It was one of the places I made time for between conference commitments, and I’m glad I did. If you’re staying at the beach, I’d plan a mainland afternoon around the museum and a meal.

Make time for the food. One of my favorite meals was at Maty’s, where I had Peruvian food from chef Valerie Chang, who won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. That meal alone made me wish I’d set aside more time to eat my way around Miami. If you’re putting together a food outing of your own, Little Havana is another neighborhood to consider. Start on Calle Ocho and leave time to stop for a Cuban coffee or a meal.

Who I’d send to Miami: Anyone who wants beach time but would get restless spending the whole vacation on the sand. I’d spend one day in Miami Beach and another exploring the mainland. And I’d put a good meal on the itinerary both days.

 

Orlando: Best for Theme Parks With a Day Away From the Crowds

I’ve been to Orlando more times than I can count. If we only had three or four days, I’d do one day at Disney World, one day at Universal and one outing away from the big theme parks. If we had a fourth day, I’d leave it open for the hotel pool. My kids are usually ready for a break by then, and so am I.

Pick one Disney park for the day. I’d choose the park that has the rides and experiences your kids are most excited about. With only one Disney day, I’d rather enjoy one park than spend part of it getting to another.

Give Universal its own day. Universal would definitely make my list, especially with older kids or Harry Potter fans. If that’s the main draw, see my guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando before choosing your tickets.

Choose Gatorland or a Wild Florida airboat ride. I’d pick Gatorland if the kids want to see alligators and you’d rather stay closer to Orlando. If the airboat ride is what sounds fun, head farther south to Wild Florida in Kenansville. I’d choose one for a short trip and save the other for next time.

Spend a day at Kennedy Space Center. This was a big hit with my kids. The visitor complex is east of Orlando, and you can see the space shuttle Atlantis and walk among full-size rockets in the Rocket Garden. If your kids are more excited about rockets than alligators, I’d pick this for your day away from the theme parks. Give it its own day so you don’t have to rush back for evening plans in Orlando.

Who I’d send to Orlando: Families whose kids are excited about the parks but would enjoy something different on the third day. We go to Disney in winter because I avoid the heat like the plague, and even then, I’m happy to trade another park day for time at the pool.

More Florida Vacation Spots to Consider

The four cities above are places I’ve visited. If you’d rather spend most of your trip by the water, these are two more options to look into.

The Florida Keys: Best for a Road Trip

The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys, so the drive is part of the vacation. You can stop in Islamorada for a meal by the water, spend time around Marathon or continue to Key West for a walk through the historic district.

I’d choose the Keys if you want a trip with several stops and time to explore along the way. If your idea of a vacation is unpacking once and walking to the same beach every morning, Siesta Key is a better fit.

Siesta Key and Sarasota: Best for a Beach-First Vacation

Choose Siesta Key if you want the beach to be the main event. Siesta Beach is known for its fine white sand, and nearby Sarasota gives you somewhere to go when you’re ready for a meal out or an afternoon away from the sand.

For a trip built around beach time, look for a place within walking distance of the beach you plan to use. If you’d rather split your time between the beach, restaurants and museums, look at Sarasota as your base.

Should You Stay in One Place or Split Your Florida Vacation?

If you have three or four days, I’d pick one base. In Orlando, that gives you time for Disney, Universal and one outing away from the parks. In Miami, you can spend one day at the beach and another exploring the mainland without changing hotels.

With a week, you have more room to combine two kinds of vacation. You could start with a few busy days in Orlando and finish with beach time on the Gulf Coast. Or, if the drive is part of what you’re looking forward to, make the Florida Keys the trip and give yourself time to stop along the way.

Which Florida Vacation Spot Would I Pick?

For a trip with my kids, Orlando is still an easy choice. But if you’ve already done the parks and want something different, I’d give Tampa or Jacksonville a look. The Florida Aquarium was a hit with my kids, and Jacksonville surprised me with how much I enjoyed a day by the river. And if you end up in Avondale, get the cake at Biscottis.