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.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
May 13, 2026Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Kids Stay Free Promotion
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has a new — and unbeatable — sale for family travelers. This summer, Bahia Principe Explore launched a special offer where the first child stays free at Explore brand all-inclusive properties across the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
May 13, 2026Your 3-Day Central Pennsylvania Road Trip Guide
Explore the great state of Pennsylvania on your next family trip with this suggested three-day itinerary.
Destinations / North America
May 13, 202610 Reasons to Go to Québec City This Summer
The only walled city north of Mexico, Old Québec City is more than a living museum; it’s a vibrant lively place for family travelers to visit and, for kids, it can seem like a mini vacation in Europe. The architecture is distinctly Old World, and French is the predominant language. But, don’t worry, most people also speak at least some English.
Hotels
May 12, 20267 Hotels for Summer Travel with Kids
Plan kid-focused summer travel with a stay at one of these properties catering toward young guests.
Multigenerational
May 12, 20263 Destinations for Skip-Generation Travel
Summer is on its way and that means many parents are looking for creative ways to keep kids entertained while keeping up busy work schedules. Grandparents are often a great solution — parents can send the kids off on a trip with someone they trust, and both kids and grandparents get to have fun together. Finding the right trip to keep each generation entertained and happy can be a bit tricky, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best destinations in the country to do just that.
ShareThis