The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Florida

If you were to close your eyes and think of Florida, you’d probably be bombarded with a feast of color: pink flamingoes, pastel-colored houses, bright orange cocktails, green forests, and light blue water. Even on rainy days when the sun is nowhere to be seen, Floridians flaunt lively colors in our homes, clothes, and even food. We're not people who’ll ever be convinced that gray is a good color. If you want to see the full spectrum of the rainbow, head to these four beautiful destinations that could be considered the most colorful places in Florida.

1. Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District

It seems illogical today, but there was once a time when Miami wanted to tear down this historic district. Thankfully, activists realized that the main problem was that the Art Deco structures were painted in bland colors like brown, beige, and gray. A group of aficionados set out to return them to their original pastel hues to show the city their potential. The plan worked, and now people come from all over the world to see these buildings in their joyful glory. To truly live the magic, book a room at one of the district’s renowned hotels. The Betsy and Park Central South Beach are excellent choices. Even if you’re staying somewhere else, stop by the Betsy to experience its incredibly fun weekly jazz nights.

2. Key West

Capturing the magic of old Florida, Duval Street is the heart of Key West. Walk around and gawk at the historic buildings painted in blush pink, lime green, sandy yellow, and powder blue. Many of these were once houses that have now turned into restaurants, bars, and hotels. To me, La Concha perfectly showcases traditional Florida Keys architecture. The hotel’s pretty-in-pink exterior and 100-year-old architecture are simply dreamy. The Hemingway Home and Museum is another great landmark to visit for color and history. And don’t miss out on the underrated yet gorgeous Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens, which displays an array of vividly-colored plants, flowers, and butterflies.

3. The Great Florida Reef

If you’re already doing the scenic road trip to Key West, you should prioritize witnessing the kaleidoscope hiding underneath the surface of the ocean in the Keys. The Florida Reef is the third-largest in the entire world, and is home to around 500 marine species. This vibrant underwater world is, without a doubt, one of the most colorful places to visit in Florida. When you snorkel or dive here, you’ll have the chance to see parrotfish, angelfish, dolphins, sea turtles, and so much more. To join in the fun, book one of the daily reef tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. 

4. Naples

I won’t pretend that all of Naples is a color fest. The city has its share of beige apartment complexes and strip malls. But places like the historic Tin City and the upscale 5th Avenue South represent the spirit of Florida’s famed radiance. You’ll also get plenty of color just by heading to the water, as the stunning Gulf Coast tends to sparkle with a green-blue hue that calls you right into the sea. This coast is famous for its magnificent sunsets that paint the sky in different tones of red, orange, and sometimes even purple. 

What Makes Florida So Colorful

Florida might just be the country’s most colorful state. Our year-round sunshine provides bright skies that make every color pop. Our mild, tropical weather and proximity to the Caribbean have also given us a cultural appreciation for what other states would call flamboyant colors. We’ll never give up our hot pinks, highlighter yellows, or emergency oranges.

Tips for Visiting and Photographing Colorful Spots in Florida

If you’re looking to take pretty pictures of colorful Florida spots, all you have to do is step outside. Whether you’re in Tampa’s historic Ybor City or deep within the Everglades, you’ll always be surrounded by rich colors. But be mindful of the timing. Although a midday sun makes everything look good to your eyes, it threatens pictures with overexposure. Plan to shoot early in the morning or late afternoon for soft light that the camera will be able to capture perfectly.

Feeling inspired by these colorful places in Florida? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.