Most people travel to Florida for the state’s beaches and sunshine-filled days and who can blame them? But let’s not forget about the cities found throughout the Sunshine State, each of which has its own merit that warrants a visit.
Tallahassee, Florida © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Let’s start in the state capital, Tallahassee. Though it is smaller than its city counterparts throughout the state, not only is Tallahassee the capital city, but it’s home to Florida State University, too. Aside from its government and university buildings, plenty of outdoor activities are within close proximity to the city, including hiking, paddling, mountain biking and even horseback riding.
Travel east on I-10 from Tallahassee and you will run right into Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city at more than two times that of second in line, Miami. Within the city you will find historic neighborhoods, a vibrant street art scene and plenty of dining and nightlife options to keep you going well into the night. Outside of its urban core, Jacksonville features 22 miles of beaches and an extensive park system for everyone to enjoy.
About 350 miles south of Jacksonville is Miami, known for its iconic South Beach and Little Havana neighborhoods, among other things. Miami is a city where everyone is welcome, from those who want to be seen in the scene, to families who play on the sand, to art enthusiasts who tour the city’s myriad museums, to sports fans who are in town to see their favorite teams play. During a visit to Miami, it is easy to go beyond the expected.
Hippo at Busch Gardens in Tampa © Mindauga Dulinska | Dreamstime.com
On Florida’s west coast sits Tampa, the third-largest city in the Sunshine State. The city’s downtown district is evolving, complementing its already established areas such as historic Ybor City. The two-plus-mile Riverwalk runs along the Hillsborough River, which winds through downtown, and is terrific for walking, bicycling or running — with sightseeing along the way.
Across Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is another of Florida’s cities that takes advantage of the natural body of water and sits right on the bay. Once downtown, walk to the various shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. After all, downtown St. Pete is easy to get around, so why not take advantage of the warm weather?
Known for its theme parks, Orlando is much more than thrill rides and cooling splashes. Take some time to explore the neighborhoods, such as Winter Park, College Park and Thornton Park. If you are hungry, go over to Mills 50, just outside of downtown, for the best Vietnamese cuisine in the city.
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