Where to Visit in Florida? Florida Tourist Statistics

The Ten Most Visited Cities in Florida (excl. Orlando)

While we have seen the theme park-laden Orlando area gets quite a number of visitors, this central Florida city is not the only place people want to visit.

Below is a chart showing the top ten most visited cities in Florida (excluding Orlando). After the chart, see our reasons why people visit these Florida towns and what they experience.

Why People Visit These Most Popular Florida Cities

Each of the cities below have unique qualities that drive tourism. Based on our observations, as residents of Florida, here are our evaluations.

• • Miami – Florida’s largest city in the southeast corner of the state. Known for beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches, upscale shopping, trendy restaurants and luxurious resorts. Cons: Traffic can be busy, areas are expensive, and beaches can be crowded.
  • Tampa – Florida’s third-largest city on the west central coast. Known for multiple attractions like Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Ybor City and just 45 minutes from one of Florida’s best beaches, Clearwater Beach. Cons: No beaches in downtown Tampa, on Tampa Bay, not the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Ft. Lauderdale – known as Florida’s original Spring Break mecca, the city is built around a beautiful east coast beach. Known for entertainment, cultural diversity and beachside affordable resorts. Cons: Traffic can be congested, not considered Florida’s Spring Break central anymore, and housing is expensive.
  • Key West – admittedly our favorite city in Florida for tourists. We travel here 3-4 times per year. Known for its tropical climates, entertainment-rich Duval Street, laid-back atmosphere and many attractions. Beautiful island views make this like a Caribbean island in the United States. Cons Key West may not be the best family-oriented location, very warm in summer and can be expensive during events and seasonal peaks.
  • Naples – one of the best locations for people who love shopping and beaches. Excellent Gulf Coast resorts for families and couples. Gateway to the Everglades and doorstep to Marco Island. Cons: can be pricey shopping, traffic can be difficult in season, seems more exclusive than it is.
  • St. Augustine – for history buffs, the best city in Florida. Many attractions and fun things to do in the Historical District. Plenty of museums, tours, horse-drawn carriages, and quaint streets. Budget-friendly hotels available. Cons: lots to do, but all history-related. Limited access to beaches, but available nearby.
  • Sarasota – one of the best Gulf coast towns for relaxation along the Gulf. Many family-friendly resorts. Superb downtown restaurants and attractions including the Ringling Museum. Cons: very busy during winter months.
  • Destin – our favorite city in the Panhandle of Florida. Known for its half-mile HarborWalk with loads of family-oriented things to do. Many white sandy beaches and resorts on the Gulf. Great place to go to avoid the heat and humidity of the summer in southern Florida. Cons: traffic can be heavy in small growing town and no nearby big airports.

    

  • Clearwater – Home to one of Florida’s best beaches, Clearwater Beach. Also, for full disclosure, our home! We think it is the best town for family vacations on the west coast of Florida. Many things to see and do. The island is walkable to everything. Cons: being so popular, it can get crowded, Resorts taking over less expensive small hotels.
  • Palm Beach – despite being in an upscale community, the Atlantic Coast beaches are accessible. Known for the many water sports available and a bustling downtown for shopping and superb restaurants. Cons: as with many southeast Florida communities, traffic can be congested. Some resorts along the coast are pricey.