Admit it: when you think of Florida, you automatically think of
Miami. Who could blame you? Known for its party-centric energy and paradisical beaches, Miami truly is one of the stand-out cities in the US. Then again, what about Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City too? All located in Florida, these are cities you ought to check out as well. Especially around summer time. Once the temperature rises to an all-time high, you'll find that these places are just as great of a destination as Miami. You might even end up liking them more than the world-famous city instead!
Orlando
After Miami, Orlando is probably the second-most famous city in Florida. Known as the theme park capital of the world, this is where you'll find Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and more. Those alone are enough to make Orlando a must-visit, no matter the season. But of course, it's always better to go here around summertime. Since these parks are family-friendly, they're perfect for when you and the kids go on summer vacation. Imagine how much fun you and your family will have going on all the rides, playing all the games, meeting characters from your favorite
Disney films, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kissimmee
You probably haven't heard of Kissimmee before, have you? Located south of Orlando, it's a fairly quiet area. It has everything you'd expect a city to have, but compared to its neighbors, it's admittedly basic. So why is it on this list of the best Florida cities to visit in summer, then? Two things. Firstly, the city is
near the famous theme parks in Orlando, making it the perfect place for families to find accommodations when they don't want to book rooms in these parks' respective hotels and resorts. Secondly, lots of
luxury homes in Kissimmee are all great vacation rentals with private pools, game rooms, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Destin
Destin is yet another of Flordia's lesser-known cities but it's in no way inferior to the more famous metropolises. After all, it's located along the state's famous Emerald Coast, so you can expect some white sandy beaches when you go here in summer! Not only that, but Destin has other attractions on offer as well. Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park, for example, is great for a water-filled family day. Though it's not exactly Disney World, you can still have a ton of fun here nonetheless. The Henderson State Park, on the other hand, is famous for its cycling trails.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tampa
Can't get enough of Florida's sunshine? Then you'll definitely love going to Tampa too. This city is just as famous for its beautiful beaches and exquisite coasts, some of which serve as the
best place to watch the sunset. If you went here for a summer getaway with your special someone, rest assured that every sunset will feel like the most romantic part of your trip. Moreover, Tampa is also popular because of how affordable it is. Compared to Miami and Orlando, you don't have to spend a lot to have a good time here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jacksonville
Any thrill-seeker would do well to visit Jacksonville, Florida in summer at least once in their lives. Why? Because the city has tons of
nature-bound attractions. Beyond its urban metropolis, Jacksonville offers a treasure trove of nature reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Of course, the museums, shopping districts, and botanical gardens in the city proper are still pretty stellar too. Those who prefer more urban attractions will like them a lot. But for the thrill-seekers who want to have a memorable adventure this summer, Jacksonville won't disappoint you either!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pensacola
What makes a great summer destination isn't always the beaches and open parks. Those are great, sure, but if the city has more to offer, then it's still a great place to travel to. Take Pensacola, for example. Since it's in the 'Sunshine State,' you can bet the weather here is warm and sunny all year round. And the coasts here can rival even the most famous
beaches in Miami too. But they're not the only reasons why Pensacola is a great summer destination. The history that this city is also worth learning about. Through its many museums, galleries, and other attractions, you can better understand Pensacola's colorful and complex heritage.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
St. Augustine
As the country's oldest city, history is also St. Augustine's main draw. Think centuries-old monuments and old-world quarters that look straight out of a historic epic. If you want to see what the US was like back when it was still a new country, you couldn't have picked a better place. And though you may think that adult history buffs are the only ones who will enjoy St. Augustine, it's still a family-friendly destination too. There's still the beach, after all. And considering which state the city is in, you can bet that the little ones will enjoy the coasts here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Panama City
Known as “Florida’s Forgotten Coast,” you'll ironically never get your time in Panama City, Florida! Despite its name, this city is nowhere near the likes of Panama in terms of culture and society. The place is as American as a slice of apple pie! Its diverse population has many Spanish-speaking residents, but for the most part, people speak English here. And as for what to expect, Panama City is known for its incredible beaches. Though you can argue that all the Florida cities on this list are known for their coasts, this one takes the cake! The shorelines here are out of this world!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Amelia Island
And finally, there's Amelia Island! Though there's no doubt that these Florida cities are truly great summer destinations, many of them have a lot of hustle and bustle. That's all well and good for the most part, but for travelers seeking to relax in the summertime, they'd prefer a more quiet destination. Fortunately, there's still Amelia Island. Though this place has its own fair share of urban areas, it's largely rural and residential. You'll have no trouble escaping the rest of the world when you travel to the more remote parts of the city.
Source: Flickr.com/ Corey Seeman
If you're looking for a destination for your summer getaway, consider any of these Florida cities. With their beautiful coasts and other great attractions, you'll definitely enjoy your time in any of these places!
