Last Updated on March 31, 2024

Are you ready for a spectacular year of travel? If so, check out these seven trending Florida cities to visit in 2024.

From tranquil barrier islands to vibrant entertainment districts, you’re going to love these destinations.

Visit one or visit them all. Either way, you won’t be sorry!

7 Trending Florida Cities To Visit In 2024

Anna Maria Island is one of the top trending cities in Florida to visit for 2024!

1. Anna Maria Island

First on my list of Florida cities to visit is Anna Maria Island.

This seven-mile-long barrier island is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.

It’s one of the best spots in Florida for its small-town feel. I love the laid-back vibes and the fact that there are no high-rises on the sugar-white beaches.

Anna Maria Island has been called an “under the radar” location and “one of the state’s best-kept secrets.”

Why not check it out? You might find yourself among the island’s cult following.

Travelers love the wild beauty of the island’s shores.

It’s a perfect place for swimming, kayaking through mangroves, paddleboarding, learning to sail, or getting an adrenaline boost parasailing.

Roam the streets on bicycles or in a golf cart, then explore Pine Avenue’s plethora of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Check out the historic pier, and head to the water to view the sunset.

There are three different cities on Anna Maria Island, each with its own attractions and charm: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

Still not convinced? Check out these five reasons I love Anna Maria Island.

If you’re ready to put this destination on your travel itinerary, my articles on the best AMI condos and the best places to eat breakfast on the island could be helpful.

2. Jacksonville

Another underrated destination you should visit this year is Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State and was recently rated among the 50 best places to travel in the world by Travel Lemming.

Not only does Jacksonville get fewer tourists on average, but it’s also an epicenter for the arts, cultural activities, mouthwatering cuisine, and fascinating history.

This trendy and hip northeastern Florida city boasts warm temperatures year-round, Southern charm, and vibrant city life.

One of the things that makes Jacksonville so interesting is that it was ruled by Spain, Britain, and the Confederate States of America at different points in its history.

There are over 22 miles of gorgeous beaches ranging from hopping boardwalks to quiet coves.

It has the largest urban park network in the USA and delightful natural getaways like Talbot Island.

Don’t miss Jacksonville Beach for surfing, fishing, and watching the sunrise or sunset.

If you like shopping, consider visiting St. Johns Town Center.

Enjoy local cafes, then visit the innumerable restaurants, bars, antique stores, and souvenir shops.

Catch a show at the Florida Theatre, an iconic center for the performing arts that dates back to 1927.

quiet street and boardwalk in key West Florida

3. Key West

If you’re looking for a tropical destination with lots of character, Key West is the perfect choice.

This trending Florida city used to be a buccaneer’s town and is still fun, free-spirited, and unique.

Key West is located in the Florida Keys and offers up an amazing world of watery fun.

You can go scuba diving to shipwrecks and reefs, kayak among mangroves, or board a glass-bottom boat for views of the underwater world without getting your toes wet.

Snorkeling, catamaran rides, and fishing opportunities abound.

But Key West is more than its shorelines and waterways.

It’s also a top spot to meander among old-timey streets lined with Caribbean-style “conch houses” and old cigar factories.

No trip to Key West would be complete without exploring Duval Street, a popular spot for shopping, eating, and drinking.

Live music, dancing, and tasty food make it a delight to the senses. Don’t forget to eat a slice or two of zingy Key Lime Pie!

Want to learn something during your trip? Head to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum on Greene Street.

Kids and adults alike will love seeing seventeenth and sixteenth-century galleons and some of the cargo salvaged from shipwrecks.

Looking for a place to stay in Key West?

Book the 👉 The Cabana Inn Key West – Adults Exclusive

panoramic of Destin Florida buildings, bridge and boats

4. Destin

Another trending Florida city to visit is Destin, located on the Florida Panhandle between the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay.

It’s becoming one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots thanks to its combination of beautiful beaches, incredible fishing, great golf courses, wonderful museums, and shopping centers galore.

Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” so it goes without saying that if you love fishing and/or consuming seafood, you’re going to have a blast here.

Book a fishing charter for a half-day or full-day trip on the water, or simply cast a line from The Island Pier.

The boardwalk is a great place to walk, view the fishing boards bringing in the catch of the day, and indulge in eating and shopping.

It’s a bustling spot packed with shops, bars, cafes, and amazing restaurants. Discover more things to do on the boardwalk.

If you like seafood, consider getting crab legs, snapper, jumbo shrimp, broiled lobster tail, and oysters.

Another wonderful activity to enjoy in Destin is snorkeling. Check out the best snorkeling tours Destin has to offer.

Parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, and kiteboarding are other great water sports to try while you’re here.

Don’t miss a visit to the famous Crab Island sandbar, which turns into a floating city of fun at low tide.

5. Miami

When it comes to vibrant energy, quality nightlife, and stunning beaches, Miami is the place to be.

This sun-soaked city has everything you could ask for, from water and sand to art-deco architecture, a riveting history, and a food scene that will have your tastebuds begging for more.

Architecture buffs will have a blast exploring the wide array of architectural styles, including Cuban, Mediterranean, Post Modern, and Art Deco.

Even if you aren’t into architecture, the history behind the buildings is compelling.

Miami’s beaches are beautifully white and clean, often with all the amenities you could ask for.

Other attractions include the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Wynwood Walls, and the Wynwood Arts District.

Alternatively, visit the unique ecosystem of Everglades National Park for a boat tour, hike, and wildlife viewing.

Not sure what to do in Miami? If you’re on a budget, this post on free and cheap things to do in the Magic City is a great place to start.

Looking for the most booked tour in Miami?

Check out this top-rated tour in Little Havana 👉 Little Havana Food And Walking Tour In Miami

Morning in a lake in Orlando with blue skies and buildings

6. Orlando

Theme parks are Orlando’s main claim to fame–and one of the top reasons visitors flock to this trending Florida city.

There is something for every taste here.

Visit Disney World’s Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios for a magical day of fun.

Universal Studios Florida and the Islands of Adventure are perfect for adrenaline-boosting rides and TV and movie-inspired attractions.

Water parks abound in Orland as well, with Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon topping the list.

Then there’s SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and Fun Spot America Orlando.

But theme parks aren’t the only thing you can enjoy in Orlando.

The Kennedy Space Center offers riveting insight into NASA’s exploration of space from its beginnings to the present.

If you’re craving nature and greenery, visit the massive Harry P. Leu Gardens, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, or Lake Eola Park.

You can even go jet skiing on the many lakes and rivers in the area.

Shopping and delicious cuisine from around the world also make Orlando a stand-out destination.

There are numerous restaurants, clubs, shopping centers, and museums to keep you entertained.

One of my personal favorite places to visit in Orlando is Icon Park. It has a fantastic mixture of entertainment, fun, thrilling rides, and great restaurants.

The Florida Film Festival and the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival are two Orlando events you may want to hit during your visit.

white sand beach and hotels in Clearwater Beach in Florida

7. Clearwater

Last but not least, Clearwater is another amazing Florida destination you won’t want to miss this year.

I like to go in the winter because Clearwater has such great weather and beautiful sunsets.

I also tend to find excellent deals in that season to cut back on costs. But Clearwater is great in any season.

One of the things I love best in Clearwater is Pier 60, especially the Sunset Festival.

The pier comes to life every evening, transforming into a festival of food, street performers, artists selling their wares, and vendors offering unique products.

Looking for something tranquil and romantic? Watch the sunset from Pass-A-Grille Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, or Sand Key Park.

Watersports are a big draw here, as well, with everything from scuba diving and parasailing to snorkeling and paddleboarding.

You can even go on a dolphin-watching tour for a memorable encounter with these friendly marine mammals.

If you love learning, stop by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or head to the Dunedin Historical Museum for insight into the rich heritage of the region.