Top Cities to Visit in Florida
Below are my recommendations for the best eats and things to do across Florida's top cities. Each section focuses on the places and experiences worth checking out.
Beyond the theme parks: explore local gems, gardens, and unforgettable eats.
Eats
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Buttermilk Bakery - Artisanal pastries and seasonal baked goods
Se7en Bites - Southern comfort food with modern touches
Briarpatch Restaurant (Nearby) - Creative brunch and American favorites
Fresh Kitchen - Build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients
The Ravenous Pig - Chef-driven gastropub with elevated comfort dishes
Reyes Mezcaleria - Mexican cuisine with bold, traditional flavors
Kres Chophouse - Classic steakhouse in a historic downtown space
Christner's - Upscale steak and seafood with traditional service
Bull & Bear - Refined fine dining with seasonal menus
Prato - Modern Italian cooking and handmade pastas
Christini's Ristorante Italiano - Traditional Italian fine dining
Victoria & Albert's - Orlando’s most renowned luxury dining experience
Capa - Spanish-inspired cuisine with panoramic views
Things to Do
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Universal Studios - Immersive rides, shows, and movie-themed attractions
Islands of Adventure - Thrill rides and themed worlds for all ages
Volcano Bay - Tropical-style water park with slides and relaxation areas
SeaWorld - Marine life exhibits, shows, and family-friendly rides
Funny Bone Comedy Club - Live stand-up comedy from touring performers
Harry P. Leu Gardens - Botanical gardens with scenic walking paths
Disney Springs - Shopping, dining, and entertainment district
Drew Thomas Magic - Intimate live magic and illusion performances
Aquatica - Water park with slides and animal encounters
Cirque du Soleil - Acrobatic live shows with theatrical storytelling
Central Florida Zoo - Wildlife exhibits and outdoor family experiences
PopStroke - Modern mini golf with creative course designs
City Walk - Entertainment complex with attractions and dining
WonderWorks - Interactive science exhibits and hands-on activities
Orlando Magic NBA Game - Live professional basketball at Kia Center
Lake Eola Park - Downtown park with walking paths and lake views
Mathers Social Gathering - Historic venue with live music and social events
A vibrant city known for diverse attractions and standout dining.
Eats
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Psomi - Mediterranean bakery and café with fresh, seasonal dishes
Elevage - Refined American dining with locally inspired flavors
Fresh Kitchen - Build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients
Naked Farmer - Farm-to-table comfort food with clean ingredients
True Food Kitchen - Seasonal, wellness-forward dishes made from whole foods
Bern's Steak House - Iconic steakhouse known for classic fine dining
Ponte - Contemporary Italian cuisine with an upscale feel
Olivia - Modern Italian dishes inspired by family-style cooking
Ash - Live-fire cooking with bold, seasonal flavors
On Swann - Neighborhood restaurant with elevated American fare
Rooster & the Till - Creative small plates with a chef-driven focus
Mise en Place - Upscale dining with globally inspired cuisine
Koya - Japanese-inspired dishes with a minimalist approach
Kosen - Intimate omakase-style Japanese dining
Rocca - Italian cuisine with handmade pastas and seasonal menus
Restaurant BT - Contemporary fine dining with a chef-led menu
Things to Do
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Lightning NHL Game - Live professional hockey at Amalie Arena
Busch Gardens - Thrill rides, animal habitats, and live shows
ZooTampa at Lowry Park - Family-friendly zoo with immersive wildlife exhibits
Adventure Island - Water park with slides and wave pools
Florida Aquarium - Marine life exhibits and interactive experiences
Hard Rock Casino - Large entertainment complex with live events
Buccaneers NFL Game - Live professional football at Raymond James Stadium
Hillsborough River State Park - Nature trails, river views, and outdoor recreation
Top Golf - Interactive golf games and casual group activities
Dave & Buster's - Arcade games and family-friendly entertainment
Tampa Riverwalk - Scenic waterfront path through downtown Tampa
Lettuce Lake Park - Boardwalk trails and wildlife viewing areas
A blend of global flavors, nightlife, culture, and iconic beaches.
Eats
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Cafe Bastille - French café serving pastries, breakfast, and classic dishes
Zak the Baker - Artisan bakery known for fresh breads and pastries
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop - Classic Cuban sandwiches and local favorites
Sanguich - Elevated Cuban sandwiches with traditional flavors
Avo Miami - Plant-forward dishes focused on fresh ingredients
NU Real Food - Organic meals, smoothies, and health-focused options
Naked Farmer - Farm-to-table comfort food with clean ingredients
True Food Kitchen - Seasonal, wellness-inspired dishes made from whole foods
Yard Bird Table & Bar - Southern-inspired comfort food and classics
Cote - Modern Korean steakhouse with a refined approach
MILA - Upscale dining blending Mediterranean and Asian flavors
Bourbon Steak - Contemporary steakhouse with a polished atmosphere
Bellillo - Handmade pasta and traditional Italian dishes
Klaw - Seafood-focused fine dining with coastal influences
Versailles - Iconic Cuban restaurant and bakery
Orilla Bar & Grill - South American-inspired grilled dishes
Joe's Stone Crab - Legendary seafood restaurant known for stone crab
Things to Do
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Wynwood Walls - Outdoor street art museum featuring large-scale murals
Zoo Miami - Open-air zoo with wildlife exhibits and walking paths
Perez Art Museum - Modern and contemporary art in a waterfront setting
Oleta River State Park - Scenic park with trails, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens - Historic estate with formal gardens and waterfront views
South Beach - Iconic beach known for white sand and ocean views
Kaseya Center - Large arena hosting concerts and major events
Miami Design District - Upscale shopping area with art and architecture
Adrienne Arsht Center - Performing arts venue for theater, ballet, and concerts
Ocean Drive - Historic street lined with Art Deco architecture
Arcade Odyssey - Classic and modern arcade games for all ages
Miami Improv (Nearby) - Live stand-up comedy from touring performers
Hard Rock Stadium - Major stadium hosting sports and large events
Red Phone Booth - Speakeasy-style venue with a vintage atmosphere
North Beach - Quieter beach area with open shoreline
Club Space - Late-night music venue focused on electronic performances
LIV Nightclub - High-energy music venue with large-scale productions
Fairchild Botanic Garden (Nearby) - Botanical garden featuring rare plants and walking paths
A city know for its arts, dining, and relaxed coastal feel.
Eats
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Beso - Spanish-inspired dishes with bold, seasonal flavors
Fork and Hen - Comfort-focused American fare with a scratch-made approach
Green Zebra Cafe - Health-forward café offering organic bowls and smoothies
Indigenous - Locally sourced fine dining with a seasonal menu
Naked Farmer - Farm-to-table comfort food with clean ingredients
Michael's on East - Long-standing fine dining restaurant with classic dishes
Selva Grill - Latin-inspired cuisine with vibrant flavors
Kojo - Japanese-inspired dining with a modern presentation
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse offering classic prime cuts
Roessler's Restaurant - European-influenced fine dining with a traditional feel
Ophelia's on the Bay - Waterfront dining with coastal-inspired cuisine
La Violetta - Authentic Italian cooking with regional specialties
Napule Restaurant - Neapolitan-style pizza and classic Italian dishes
Adeline - Seasonal American cuisine in an intimate setting
1592 Wood Fired Kitchen - Wood-fired dishes using locally sourced ingredients
Boca - Contemporary American fare with a market-style menu
Le Mans Kitchen - French-inspired cuisine with classic preparations
Sage - Elevated dining with rooftop views and seasonal menus
Things to Do
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The Ringling Museum of Art - Art museum and historic estate with expansive grounds
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Waterfront botanical gardens featuring tropical plants
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - Marine science exhibits focused on ocean life
Ca' d'Zan Museum - Historic Venetian-style mansion on Sarasota Bay
Siesta Beach - White-sand beach known for calm waters
Myakka River State Park - Large state park with trails, wildlife, and river views
Big Cat Habitat - Wildlife sanctuary featuring rescued animals
St. Armands Circle - Walkable shopping and dining district near the beach
Arcade Monsters - Retro and modern arcade games in a casual setting
Bayfront Park - Waterfront park with walking paths and city views
Nathan Benderson Park - Scenic park centered around a large rowing lake
Ted Sperling Park - Coastal park with mangroves and kayak access
McCurdy's Comedy Theatre - Live stand-up comedy in an intimate venue
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall - Performing arts venue hosting touring productions
Sarasota Art Museum - Contemporary art exhibitions in a historic space
Suncoast Fishing Adventures - Guided inshore fishing trips along the coast
Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters - Deep-sea fishing experiences in the Gulf
Historic streets, local culture, and a mix of classic and modern dining.
Eats
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Sunday - Elevated Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern approach
La Nouvelle Bistro - French bistro dishes with classic preparations
Llama Restaurant - Peruvian-inspired cuisine with bold, balanced flavors
The Floridian - Locally sourced comfort food with regional influences
Collage - Intimate fine dining featuring seasonal ingredients
Michael's St. Augustine - Upscale dining with a refined, classic menu
Alms + Fare - Scratch-made sandwiches and casual comfort fare
Rustica Earth Sea and Fire - Wood-fired dishes with locally inspired ingredients
Asado Life - Argentine-style grilling with traditional techniques
Ice Plant Bar - Historic setting serving thoughtfully prepared dishes
River & fort - Contemporary coastal cuisine with waterfront views
PK's Roosevelt Room - Casual American fare in a relaxed setting
Things to Do
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Castillo de San Marcos Monument - Historic 17th-century fort overlooking Matanzas Bay
Lightner Museum - Gilded Age museum housed in a former grand hotel
Anastasia State Park - Coastal park with beaches, trails, and wildlife
Medieval Torture Museum - Historical exhibits focused on medieval justice practices
St. Augustine Amphitheatre - Outdoor venue hosting concerts and live performances
St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum - Historic lighthouse with maritime exhibits and views
St. George Street - Pedestrian street lined with shops and historic sites
Alligator Farm Zoological Park - Wildlife park featuring reptiles and conservation exhibits
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Park - Historic park exploring the city’s early Spanish roots
Sarbez! - Casual eatery known for grilled sandwiches and games
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Nearby) - Formal gardens and unique coquina rock shoreline
A quieter coastal city known for its beaches, sunsets, and strong food scene.
Eats
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Lavender Cafe & Bistro - French-inspired café serving breakfast and light lunches
MonKeyBuntz Monkey Bread Factory - Fresh-baked monkey bread and sweet treats
Hyde N Chic Restaurant - Modern American cuisine with seasonal ingredients
Nosh on Naples Bay - Contemporary American dishes with waterfront views
D'Amico's The Continental - Upscale steak and seafood with a refined menu
Osteria Tulia - Rustic Italian cooking inspired by regional traditions
The Local - Creative American cuisine focused on fresh ingredients
The Grill - Classic American fare in an elegant setting
Unidos Restaurant - Latin American flavors blending multiple regional cuisines
Sails Restaurant - Mediterranean-inspired fine dining with coastal influences
Campiello - Italian cuisine featuring wood-fired dishes and pastas
Bleu Provence - French bistro cuisine with classic preparations
Things to Do
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Naples Beach - Wide sandy beach known for sunsets and calm waters
Naples Botanical Garden - Tropical gardens showcasing plants from around the world
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Boardwalk trails through protected wetlands and wildlife habitats
Naples Zoo - Family-friendly zoo with interactive animal exhibits
Naples Pier - Historic pier offering gulf views and dolphin sightings
Lowdermilk Park - Beachfront park with picnic areas and shoreline access
Clam Pass Park - Coastal preserve with boardwalks and beach access
Fifth Avenue South - Walkable district with shops, galleries, and dining
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park - Natural beach park with swimming and wildlife viewing
Revs Institute - Automotive museum featuring historically significant vehicles
Wedding Beach (8th Ave S) - Popular beachfront spot for ceremonies and sunsets
Third Street South - Historic shopping area with galleries and cafés
The Baker Museum - Art museum featuring rotating exhibitions and collections
Off the Hook Comedy Club - Live stand-up comedy from touring performers
Coral Cay Adventure Golf - Outdoor miniature golf with landscaped courses
A lively downtown paired with beachside charm and great local dining.
Eats
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Rose's Daughter - Modern Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients
Brule Bistro - French-inspired bistro with classic preparations
Guaca Go Delray Beach - Fresh Mexican dishes with build-your-own options
Ripe Delray - Creative American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina - Contemporary steakhouse with an upscale dining experience
Tramonti - Traditional Italian dishes inspired by regional cooking
Cut 432 - Modern steakhouse known for prime cuts
Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza - New Haven–style pizza with coal-fired crusts
Le Sorelle Restaurant - Authentic Italian comfort dishes and classics
Avalon Beach House - Coastal-inspired menu with relaxed beachfront dining
City Oyster & Sushi Bar - Seafood-focused menu with sushi and raw bar options
The Grove - Refined American dining with a polished atmosphere
Akira Back - Modern Japanese cuisine with global influences
Taki Omakase - Intimate omakase dining focused on seasonal fish
Things to Do
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Atlantic Dunes Park - Scenic coastal park with walking paths and ocean views
Silverball Retro Arcade - Vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games
Wakodahatchee Wetlands - Boardwalk trails through wetlands filled with birdlife
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens - Japanese gardens, cultural exhibits, and tranquil walking paths
Delray Beach Downtown - Walkable downtown with shops, galleries, and public spaces
Atlantic Avenue - Main thoroughfare lined with dining, shopping, and local culture
Delray Municipal Beach - Public beach with wide shoreline and calm waters
Arts Garage - Intimate venue featuring live music and performing arts
Gulfstream Park - Peaceful waterfront park with walking paths
Pineapple Grove Arts District - Arts district known for murals, galleries, and studios
Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square - Contemporary art exhibitions in a historic schoolhouse
Known for its food scene, beaches, and laid-back places to explore.
Eats
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Cafe Bastille - French café classics with pastries and brunch favorites
Burlock Coast - Coastal dining focused on fresh seafood and seasonal dishes
Daniel's - Contemporary American cuisine in an upscale setting
Catch & Cut - Modern steak and seafood restaurant
Steak 954 - High-end steakhouse known for premium cuts
Blue Moon Fish Co. - Waterfront seafood restaurant featuring local catches
Lobster Bar Sea Grille - Classic seafood preparations with a refined feel
Bellagamba's Fine Italian Restaurant - Traditional Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients
Eddie V's Prime Seafood - Upscale seafood and steak with an elegant dining experience
Boatyard - Marina-side dining with seafood-forward menus
Room 901 - Intimate fine dining with creative, seasonal menus
Things to Do
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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park - Coastal state park with trails, lagoons, and shaded picnic areas
Las Olas Beach - Popular beach with wide shoreline and ocean access
Las Olas Boulevard - Walkable boulevard with shops, galleries, and dining
Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Major performing arts venue hosting concerts and shows
Snyder Park - Large urban park with trails, open fields, and nature areas
Xtreme Action Park - Indoor entertainment complex with go-karts and arcade attractions
Fort Lauderdale Beach - Scenic beachfront with walking paths and ocean views
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale - Riverfront promenade connecting parks, museums, and downtown
Butterfly World (Nearby) - Botanical park featuring butterfly habitats and tropical gardens
Arts, beaches, and a growing lineup of local restaurants.
Eats
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Craft Kafe - Gluten-free café offering baked goods and breakfast options
Valhalla Bakery - Plant-based bakery known for pastries and desserts
Mazzaro's Italian Market - Italian market featuring sandwiches, pastries, and specialty foods
The Violet Stone - Casual spot known for steak hoagies and pizza
Naked Farmer - Seasonal bowls made with locally sourced ingredients
Fresh Kitchen - Build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients
Elliot Aster - Creative, chef-driven cuisine with seasonal menus
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant - Spanish-inspired tapas and shared plates
Il Ritorno - Modern Italian cuisine with handcrafted pastas
Fortu - Contemporary Asian-inspired dishes with a modern approach
Olivia - Italian kitchen focused on fresh pasta and simple preparations
Urban Stillhouse - Elevated American dining with a rustic-industrial feel
Sol Bistro - Health-forward Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients
Rococo Steak - Classic steakhouse featuring premium cuts and seafood
Allelo - Mediterranean dishes influenced by Middle Eastern flavors
1200° Chophouse - Steakhouse known for high-temperature cooking techniques
Brick & Mortar - Chef-driven American cuisine with rotating seasonal menus
Things to Do
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Dali Museum - World-renowned collection of Salvador Dalí’s works
Sunken Gardens - Historic botanical garden with tropical plants and pathways
Imagine Museum - Contemporary glass art exhibitions from global artists
Sawgrass Lake Park - Boardwalk trails through wetlands and native wildlife habitats
Tampa Bay Rays MLB Game - Catch a professional baseball game at Tropicana Field
Top Golf - Interactive golf games and casual entertainment
Zubrick Magic Theatre - Live magic performances in an intimate theater setting
A city centered around its famous beach, with casual spots and easygoing things to do.
Eats
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Caretta on the Gulf - Upscale coastal dining focused on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients
Valentino Ristorante Italiano - Traditional Italian cuisine with classic preparations
Bascom's Chop House - Classic steakhouse known for prime cuts and traditional service
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - Old-Florida seafood restaurant with longstanding local roots
Mandalay Prime Steakhouse - Steakhouse featuring premium cuts in an elevated setting
Ocean Seven - Contemporary American dining with oceanfront views
Things to Do
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Clearwater Beach - White-sand beach known for calm waters and wide shoreline
Pier 60 - Fishing pier and public gathering spot with nightly sunset events
Shepherd's - Beachfront destination with live entertainment and ocean views
Congo River Golf - Outdoor miniature golf course with tropical theming
Clearwater Aquarium - Marine life rescue center and educational exhibits
Sand Key Park - Coastal park with beach access and nature trails
Ruth Eckerd Hall - Performing arts venue hosting concerts and touring shows
Coachman Park - Waterfront park with walking paths and open event spaces
Moccasin Lake Nature Park - Nature preserve with trails and native wildlife habitats