4 Exciting Places in Florida Everyone Will Be Talking About This Year

It’s always a good time to visit Florida. Our beautiful state offers so much to do, see and taste that the problem is usually deciding where to go. I’d normally tell people that they'll have a great time no matter which part of the state they end up visiting, but this year, you'll want to plan ahead for some pretty big happenings. The Sunshine State will celebrate anniversaries, debut Hollywood-esque new attractions, and host one of the world's most important sports events. 

Consider these four exciting places to visit this year in Florida. If any of them speak to your heart, go ahead and book right now, as hotels might fill up sooner than usual. You could even make this your year to experience different corners of the state and see some of its biggest treasures.

1. Venice

Founded on July 1, 1926, Venice, Florida, will be turning 100! This underrated, up-and-coming town located within Sarasota County is not holding back on the celebration. These will include special dinners, temporary exhibitions at the Venice Museum, parades, car shows, communal block parties, and lectures. Beyond these events, Venice’s gorgeous powdery beaches are always a good reason to visit. When you’re not celebrating, look for prehistoric shark teeth hidden in the sand, walk around historic downtown, and enjoy the sun on a long bike ride along the city’s pleasant trails. 

2. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach has a strong reputation as a spring break city, which sometimes keeps people away. True Floridians know, however, that this small city of just over 18,000 people is also a great place to connect to nature. In 2026, St. Andrews State Park will turn 75, so it’s an ideal time to get your camping tent and spend a night listening to the ocean while looking at the night sky. Divers will also want to get their gear ready. The city has a new artificial reef dive site whose main attraction is the now-sunken prop ship used as the Black Pearl in some Pirates of the Caribbean films. You won’t find any ghost pirates (I think), but you’ll get to see cannons, a plank, and even a treasure chest. 

3. New Smyrna Beach

Though a somewhat small city, New Smyrna Beach has some of the Central East Coast's most interesting cultural events. If you’re into art, you’ll want to visit this city at the beginning of 2026. From January 23 to 25, Riverside Park will host the 50th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, in which over 250 artists will display their work and offer workshops. Those who can’t make it should plan to attend the free 64th annual NSB Art Fiesta, held just a month later (on February 21 and 22). The New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival is another great event that will bring people into the city on the weekend of May 29. Beyond these cool events, you can spend time at the beach, join a fun kayaking tour or take a class at the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery.

4. Miami

While I’ve tried to focus more on small towns that don’t always get as much attention as big cities, it would be impossible to talk about 2026 Florida events without including Miami. The Magic City is, after all, one of the hosts of the FIFA World Cup. Fans can get tickets for seven matches. But if they're not at the stadium, they can participate in the 23-day FIFA Fan Festival Miami at Bayfront Park. Besides live broadcasts for 88 matches, there will be concerts, interactive games, and delicious food. When you’re not screaming in support of your favored team, enjoy cool things to do in Miami like an amazing food tour of Little Havana or an afternoon at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. A visit to the beach is, of course, also unmissable.