Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions in Florida

07/26/2023

THE IDEAL  summer vacation 

Our list of the top three must-visit attractions in Florida will truly stun our readers. The renowned travel platform, Tripadvisor, recently crowned the winners of the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best "Things to Do" 2023 award, and quite rightly so.

Interestingly enough, only ONE single Florida attraction made it to the top ten experiences in the U.S., and surprisingly, it wasn't Disney World. Florida's truly adored attractions amongst American citizens seem to be something entirely different. Ready to discover them?

EDITOR'S NOTE: For summer travels in Florida, we recommend preparing for possible summer showers and thundrstorms; always have a Plan B in case of rain (e.g., shopping malls, museums, indoor attractions, etc.). Just as the rain can quickly come, so can the sun once the bad weather has passed.

 

1 - Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River

Swimming with the manatees (sea mammals similar to dugongs) in Crystal River seems to be one of the most cherished attractions in Florida, even ranking eighth in the top ten U.S. experiences for 2023.

Crystal River, aptly known as "The Home of the Manatee," is located in Citrus County, north of the city of Tampa. The on-site tours offer the opportunity to appreciate these majestic, amicable creatures in their natural habitat, ensuring respectful and safe interactions for both parties.

Visiting couples and families can also enjoy a variety of other attractions in the area, including amusement parks, cultural tours, food and wine-tasting activities, and more, although the manatee remains the most beloved star of the place.

2 - Little Havana Food Tour

The walking food tour in Miami's Little Havana area seems to have earned one of the top spots on Florida's must-visit attractions list. While exploring the vibrant, historic neighborhood, participants can savor Cuban coffee, local home cooking, and regional sweets.

By booking a guide, you can listen to intriguing stories about each specialty tasted, meet local artists, observe craftsmen at work, and immerse yourself in the lively scene of Domino Park. It's no surprise that this experience is considered one of the best and most cherished in the area.

3 - Stetson Mansion (De Land)

Owned by Thompson and Michael Solari, Stetson Mansion is universally regarded as one of Florida's must-visit attractions. Unfortunately, the owners recently announced that the regular historical tours will end this year (except for Christmas tours).

The structure was built in 1886 by architect John B. Stetson, the famous hatmaker, and philanthropist whose name graces the local university, and meticulously restored after being purchased by the current owners in 2005.

Visits to the historic mansion will be possible, but only on special occasions that will be regularly announced on Stetson Mansion's social media pages. The opportunity to soak in the ambiance of this historic place is priceless – stay updated for more information.