Sunshine State
Epic sunrise and sunsets over beautiful beaches
World class resorts and fresh seafood
Get To Know Florida
When the weather outside is frightful, we start dreaming of trading gloomy skies for vibrant sunsets. Taking a vacation doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you consider that bus travel is one of the most economic and efficient ways to wake up to a brand new view. Let’s take a look at some of Florida’s finest attractions that will make you want to book your bus ticket ASAP!
Beautiful beaches, an endless summer, and so many incredible things to do. Florida is an amazing vacation destination for everyone because of the rich cultural offerings, beautiful nature, and a plethora of activities. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or with friends, a bus trip to Florida is an exciting option for everyone.
There's no shortage of things to do in Florida.
A Top Tier Travel Destination
Florida is the southernmost state in the continental U.S. and it’s also the only tropical one, which is what makes it a dream getaway when cold weather strikes. The state has beautiful beaches along coasts that face the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic. Inland, it’s dotted with rivers, springs, wetlands, and lakes.
Despite its world-class vacation attractions, Florida is a surprisingly affordable place to visit, especially if you skip the pricey plane ticket. There are places to see, places to stay, and things to do that match every budget.
Must See List
- The Dali Museum
- Devil’s Den Spring
- NASA Kennedy Space Station
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Studios
- Busch Gardens
- Bike Week in Daytona
- Daytona International Speedway
- Ginnie Springs
- Fantasy Fest
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest
- Ringling Museum
- Bok Towers
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Castillo De San Marcos in Saint Augustine
- Manatee Springs
Top Cities To Visit in Florida
Jacksonville
Starting in Northern Florida, Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida and also the largest city by area in the United States. With a massive city to explore once you hop off your bus, where should you begin?
If the main reason that you chose Florida for your bus trip is to see sun and sand, your first stop should be Atlantic Beach. Perfect for walking, hiking, biking and surfing, the miles of coastline are also suitable for pulling out your towel for a seaside nap.
Looking to take a walk on the wild side? The Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Jacksonville’s most visited attractions. The sanctuary provides a home to endangered or injured cats such as lions, tigers, pumas, leopards and lynx, while also allowing the public a chance to see these magnificent cats in action. Grab a ticket for the night feeding and see over 600 pounds of meat devoured in mere minutes.
Speaking of feeding, you’ll need to keep your belly full as well! Stop by Gators BBQ for a taste of slow-cooked perfection. No, alligator isn’t actually on the menu, but a wide variety of smoked brisket, chicken, turkey and ribs, along with sides such as collard greens, fried pickles, and homemade mac and cheese will have you acting like the wild cats you just saw fed!
Miami
If you are looking for a city filled with a vibrant music, art, fashion and food scene, your bus trip to Miami will take you to the right place.
Colorful art deco buildings dot Miami Beach, which are easy to explore on foot as you tour the city. You can join an official guided walk tour or grab a brochure from the art deco welcome center and meander on your own. If you’re looking to view contemporary art, the Perez Art Museum of Miami hosts a large collection of 20th and 21st century artists from Miami and all across the globe.
Miami’s close proximity to Cuba means that this southern neighbor’s influence is seen in a myriad of ways. Cuban food is a must-have while visiting Miami, and you can’t go wrong at La Carreta, a homestyle Cuban restaurant where you’ll be served food as it was made in grandma’s kitchen. Their ropa vieja, with succulent shredded beef and mojo sauce, is as good as anywhere you’d find on the island.
Orlando
If you want to have a magical experience, you’re headed in the right direction when your bus unloads in Orlando. Home to Walt Disney World, this city has loads of attractions to choose from, even if choose not to visit the magic kingdom.
You could easily spend several days inside Universal Studios, one of Orlando’s largest attractions, but fans flock from all over the world to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Walk through the street of London and Diagon Alley that were painstakingly recreated to resemble scenes from the movies as you sip your very first butterbeer for a magical experience sure to bring out the kid in you!
Florida is known for its fresh seafood, and it doesn’t get any fresher than Lee and Ricks Oyster Bar in Orlando. Peel and eat shrimp, raw or steamed oysters, clams, snow crab, and fresh seafood dinners, all served in a restaurant that boasts a 50-foot shucking bar. You know you’re in a temple of seafood when the restaurant has been designed for the maximum amount of oyster shucking possible!
Fort Lauderdale
Welcome to “The Venice of America” right on Florida’s lovely beach-strewn Atlantic Coast. Naturally, the main attraction here is the water, whether it’s the fabled shoreline or the extensive network of canals that give it its nickname. If you’re not swimming, snorkeling or fishing, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore and unwind in. And it doesn't have to be “Spring Break” to enjoy the city’s many restaurants, pubs, and clubs – there’s plenty of fun to be had. Those seeking a more laid-back scene have plenty of museums, shopping on the famous Las Olas Boulevard and even riverboats!
A Brief History of Florida
The written history of Florida begins in the 1500s when the state was home to many Native American groups, including the Apalachee, the Calusa, and the Tequesta. When Spanish explorer Ponce de León arrived on Florida’s shores in 1513, he named it “Land of Flowers,” or “Florida.”
Florida has always been a place where different cultures mingle, from European and Native American to Caribbean and African. Despite their struggles through the centuries, today these diverse groups have all come together in Florida, creating a rich and unique culture.
Best Time To Visit Florida
You can visit Florida any time of year and find blue skies, warm temperatures, and shimmering water. But keep in mind that when you head this far south, summertime is hot and humid (the 90s and up!). Florida is also in the hurricane belt, so it’s wise to watch the weather forecast between May and November.
Top Reasons To Visit Florida
People come from around the world to vacation in Florida. Nature lovers can explore marshes, beaches, pine forests, and wetlands. Kids can visit some of the world’s most famous amusement parks. Club-goers can dance the night away at a South Beach club while creative types can check out the fashion in Miami or the art scene in the quirky Keys. And for foodies? Between the fresh produce, the cool mix of cultural influences, and the seafood, there’s always something delicious to taste.
Northern Florida Highlights
The northern portion of the state is a great place to go to find beautiful beaches, green pine forests, and other hidden spots for complete solitude. You can visit the state capital, Tallahassee, check out a college town, like Gainesville, explore the local history, enjoy the attractions of a big city, like Jacksonville, or just while away the days on some of the state’s prettiest beaches.
The gulf beaches offer small fishing villages with a rural vibe as well as five-star resorts with everything you need for a spring break party. The Atlantic beaches have waves big enough for surfing and the intercoastal waterway that provides some of the best charter fishing and recreational boating adventures.
Recently, St. Augustine has become even more famous for being the oldest city in the United States. Walk around the huge Spanish fort on the waterfront or enjoy one of the history, ghosts, and pirate adventure tours in the historic district. The Alligator Farm has trails, museums, and ziplines in the trees over the gator farm. The St. Augustine Amphitheater host all to the top-rated music concerts. People love the historic look of the town combined with the college town vibe.
Central Florida Highlights
When most people think of Central Florida, the first thing that comes to mind is Walt Disney World in Orlando. But, as any theme park enthusiast will tell you, Central Florida’s got a ton of other amazing parks to brag about. Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando are massive theme parks in Central Florida along with Aquatica Park, Legoland, Discovery Cove, and Gatorland. Don’t forget Bush Gardens in Tampa and the Tampa Bay Aquarium for family fun.
Sports fans have many options in Central Florida. For baseball enthusiasts, many Major League Baseball teams set up spring training in Central Florida, which makes it a great place to see all-stars up close. Basketball fans will enjoy watching the Orlando Magic play other top NBA teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep the football fans happy with tailgating parties and high scoring games.
Daytona, Tampa, and St. Petersburg are all high-energy cities just like Orlando but many people come to enjoy the beautiful natural springs and lakes all around the region. Before you venture out into nature, read up on the safety tips. Don’t jump into any Florida lake unless you know it’s safe. Florida isn’t famous for its alligators for nothing! When you wade out into the crystal clear gulf beach waters, be sure to shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on stingrays. If you bump into a stingray they will get out of your way but if you step on one, they will return fire with a barb in your foot or leg and your day at the beach will be spent with your foot soaking in hot water to relieve the pain. Don’t be scared, just following the safety rules will keep you having fun in the sun all day.
Southern Florida Highlights
The southernmost part of Florida, where the state meets the Caribbean, is a wonderland of opportunity for visitors of all kinds. You can lounge on a glorious beach, search the sky for amazing birds, visit sophisticated art galleries, hideaway on a remote island, or dig into some of the most delicious Latin and Caribbean food in the country.
Naples offers some gorgeous living options along the pristine gulf coast. Take an airboat ride in the everglades to see all of the native wildlife at its best. Miami on the Atlantic side of Florida offers all the best things from city life combined with beachfront views and Latin flavors.
Key West is famous for the small tropical island vibe and boat life amenities. If you have an open mind and like artistic expression, you may like Key West during Fantasy fest when travelers from all over the world come to celebrate fantasy characters in a carnival atmosphere.