26 Exciting Things to Do in Florida in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Florida is the ultimate playground for adventure seekers, foodies, history buffs, and, of course, vacationers. In 2026, I’m reflecting on all the incredible experiences that await in the Sunshine State. From relaxing on world-famous beaches to indulging in international cuisine, Florida truly has something for everyone. I've personally curated this list of the top 26 things to do in Florida in 2026, from the best hikes in Florida to those annual festivals in Florida that really make the state a destination. Ready to dive in?

1. Experience Deerfield Beach

The southeast region of Florida is home to Deerfield Beach. It is located in the north of Fort Lauderdale and is a part of Broward County. The city is renowned for its lively community and stunning beaches, and both visitors and residents can enjoy the sun and surf at this popular location. Depending on traffic, the trip usually takes an hour.

But wait, my Florida friends laugh at me when I tell them I've never attended the Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach. I may have missed the boat in 2025 on attending the festival with its jousting tournaments, live performances, and comedic acts, alongside more than 100 artisan vendors selling handmade crafts, clothing, and food. Still, it's never too early to plan for 2026. Plus, I can still pencil in a trip to Deerfield Beach, checking out places like Quiet Waters Park or the award-winning beachfront.

2. Hike Vista View Park in Davie, Florida

Vista View Park is a hidden hiking trail and park in Davie, Florida, worth adding in 2026. This man-made hilltop is one of the highest points in South Florida and offers epic views! Bring a picnic lunch, too, and take a break on a bench once you reach the top. When it comes to nature escapes in Florida, Vista View Park is supremely underrated and absolutely magical.

The hilltop of this park is well-liked by horseback riders, competitive cyclists, paragliders, picnickers, and fireworks spectators. This Park is ideal – the panorama from the cooking area and terrace is irresistible.

3. Gulf-Front Corner Unit, Santa Rosa Airbnb

I don't know about you, but I need a little R&R in 2026. So, I'm itching to find an Airbnb rental that'll allow me to wake up to the sounds of the waves and fall asleep to beautiful sunsets. This Gulf-front corner unit in Santa Rosa Beach looks like the ultimate getaway – it's just a stone's throw from the water!

4. Visit Fort Myers, Florida

If I had to choose a city in Florida to visit in 2026, it would be none other than Fort Myers. This underrated city has so much to offer, especially since rebuilding after two devastating hurricanes. From beaches, untamed rivers, pristine nature preserves, arts and culture, and an abundance of shopping and dining, there are many options to explore. Make sure to stop by the Wonder Gardens while you're there!

5. Visit Everglades National Park

It's been a while since I visited Everglades National Park, and I'm itching to hit some of its famous biking and hiking trails. I'll likely add this one to my January/February to-do list since the temperatures will be lower than usual. When visiting, you can explore the Park by airboat, kayak, walking trail, or car.

6. Eat at Wicked Bread Co., Plantation, Florida

Dining at Wicked Bread Co. in Plantation is a treat for your taste buds, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Known for its freshly baked artisan cinnamon bread, this cozy eatery offers a menu packed with mouthwatering pastries. Just one visit here, and you'll be hooked.

7. Daytona International Speedway, Magic of Lights

Every holiday season, Daytona International Speedway transforms into a festive wonderland with the Magic of Lights. From November to January, guests can enjoy a dazzling drive-through experience featuring over one million lights. Open daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the journey takes you behind the scenes in the most magical holiday way.

8. Climb to the Top of a Lighthouse

Climbing to the top of a Florida lighthouse is a bucket-list-worthy experience, especially the Hillsboro Lighthouse. Sign up for a lighthouse tour, and you'll take a boat ride to and from the lighthouse, plus the chance to climb all 167 steps to the top.

9. Celebrate at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa

Join the excitement of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, an annual celebration on the last Saturday in January filled with swashbuckling fun! This lively event brings the city to life with a colorful pirate invasion, a festive parade, live music, and plenty of food and drinks. Perfect for all ages, Gasparilla is a unique blend of history, revelry, and community spirit.

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a fake attack by a group of pirates known as Ye Mystic Krewe, draws nearly 300,000 people to Tampa each year. The pirates' plan is straightforward – they storm the coast, seize the city's key, and march down Bayshore Boulevard.

10. Stay at the Shangri-La Springs Hotel, Bonita Springs

On 8.5 acres of lush land in the heart of Bonita Springs, Florida, Shangri-La Springs is a historic gem that dates back to 1921. This charming retreat offers a blend of old-world elegance and natural beauty, making it a serene oasis amid Florida’s vibrant Gulf Coast. Plus, did I mention there's an on-site spa?

With carefully chosen amenities, such as a farm-to-table restaurant serving meals from their on-site garden and a lively schedule of community events, this peaceful haven offers an intimate lodging experience. Also, Shangri-La Springs is the perfect location for destination weddings, getaways, and business meetings, offering a choice of indoor and outdoor venues.

11. Kayak through Silver Glen Springs

With its shimmering blue waters, sunshine above, and millions of gallons of fresh spring water flowing naturally underground, Silver Glen Springs is the epitome of a perfect natural swimming hole. When Floridians and visitors alike seek a refreshing spot to cool off on a warm afternoon, this iconic location is often the first recommendation.

12. Spend the Nights In a Helicopter, Brooksville Airbnb

Adding a unique and totally unusual Airbnb in Florida to my bucket list is a no-brainer. Situated in the quiet Withlacoochee State Forest near the Croom Motorcycle Area outside Brooksville, Florida, "Chinook" offers a one-of-a-kind retreat on a 5-acre compound. This getaway features a repurposed Chinook CH-47D helicopter, transformed into a luxurious lodging experience like no other in the world.

13. Discover Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring, Williston

Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring is a natural gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s ancient past. This unique underground spring, surrounded by limestone rock, is part of a prehistoric cave system that dates back over 30 million years. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in its crystal-clear waters. Just make sure to reserve your spot first!

14. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Orlando

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, held annually during springtime in Orlando, is a renowned celebration of nature and creativity. Visitors are treated to breathtaking floral displays, expertly designed gardens, and stunning topiaries of beloved Disney characters scattered throughout the park. This makes for one of the best day trips in Florida and a fun weekend away. If you missed the 2025 event, then consider making plans for 2026!

15. Marvel at the Dali Museum, St. Petersburg

This one has been on my to-do list for a while now. Home to the largest collection of works by renowned artist Salvador Dalí outside of Spain, the museum’s striking architecture and expansive collection showcase Dalí’s imaginative genius. Visitors can admire iconic pieces like "The Persistence of Memory" as well as lesser-known works, sketches, and sculptures.

16. Visit Flamingo Gardens, Davie

Is it cliché to say that my favorite bird is a flamingo? Typical, maybe. But flamingos are some of the most majestic and underrated birds on earth, and there is one place in South Florida that has so many to enjoy! Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a lush 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that offers an incredible experience for all ages.

17. Hike John Chesnut Loop, Palm Harbor

Adding some light hikes to my 2025 list almost ensures I'll knock them out. The John Chesnut Loop in Palm Harbor offers a peaceful hike through Florida's rich natural landscapes and is 2.5 miles long. It’s an accessible, family-friendly trail that lets visitors experience the beauty of Florida’s diverse ecosystems. Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike!

18. Dine at a Florida Michelin-Awarded Restaurant

Florida has quite a few Michelin-recognized restaurants, and I'm on the hunt to try at least one in 2026. One that has caught my eye is Papa Llama in Orlando. Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Maria Ruiz serve up modern Peruvian cuisine featuring vibrant ingredients and a touch of sophistication. Their family-style menu offers an approachable and affordable way to experience their authentic, flavorful cooking. Check out the Papa Llama menu here!

19. Harvest Scallops in St. Joseph Bay

Scallop season in St. Joseph Bay runs at the end of the summer and allows guests to hunt for their very own scallops! Gulf Coast beaches are considered some of the finest shelling beaches in North America, and Gulf County has long been popular with those who enjoy nature at its best.

20. Catch a Gulfside Sunset

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but unless you live on the west coast of Florida, sunsets can be a bit lackluster. So it's worth the drive to head to the Gulf at least once this year to snag one of the best sunsets in the state. Make a weekend trip out of it and knock some others off this list, too!

21. Stay at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa Autograph Collection, St. Augustine

It's hard not to want to visit St. Augustine every year. But with accommodations like this, who can say no? The Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., is a luxurious historic gem dating back to 1888, offering a romantic atmosphere and a prime location near top attractions. Within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and sites like Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the hotel also provides easy access to St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach.

22. Paradox Museum Miami

Step into the Paradox Museum in Miami, where fun meets mind-bending discovery! Explore over 70 immersive exhibits that challenge reality, from a Zero-Gravity Room to impossible spaces where you can shrink, vanish, or stand upside down—all perfect for unforgettable selfies. Join the 1.5 million visitors worldwide who’ve experienced this unique blend of education and entertainment!

23. Horseback ride on the beach at Amelia Island

Amelia Island offers a special experience with its scenic horseback rides along the beach. Gallop or trot along miles of shallow shoreline, taking in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This easy-going ride is a perfect way to connect with nature while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.

24. Go underground at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is home to the only dry caves open to the public in Florida, offering a fascinating underground adventure. Take a guided tour through the park’s stunning limestone caves, where you'll discover intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating geological formations.

25. Take a Florida Fall Foliage Day Trip

A Florida fall foliage day trip offers a unique opportunity to experience the state's vibrant autumn colors, especially in areas like the Ocala National Forest and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. While Florida may not have the traditional fall foliage of the North, its changing leaves and diverse landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing getaway.

26. Paddleboard or Kayak in Weeki Wachee Springs

Many people may mistake Weeki Wachee Springs as a destination for for mermaid shows. But guess what, that's not true! During my visit, I realized there is more to do here. For instance, you can go kayaking and spot turtles, glide along the crystal-clear spring waters, or even go fishing. It is a serene, hidden gem offering a peaceful environment, perfect if you don't prefer crowded, noisy places.

Ready to tackle some of the best things to do in Florida in 2026? Share this list with your favorite travel buddy and start planning. To better organize your must-see destinations and map out your stops for these Florida adventures, consider using our Itinerary Planner. Also, please share your thoughts about these 26 destinations in 2026 by completing this nomination form.