South Florida is a popular vacation destination because of its year-round warm temperatures, white sandy beaches, and thriving cities. Along with North and Central Florida, South Florida is one of the most iconic regions of Florida. South Florida includes areas such as Miami, the Florida Keys, and Fort Myers. With numerous beaches situated along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this unique part of Florida is perfect for a sunny, carefree getaway. Find South Florida vacation rentals, and book a stay today. Here are the most scenic areas in South Florida.
1. Jupiter
On the east coast of Florida sits the town of Jupiter with its easy access to white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Blowing Rocks Preserve for a day of hiking and exploring this unusual Anastasia limestone outcropping. Take in a little culture with a visit to the Hibel Museum of Art, and then learn a little about local history with a tour of the Jupiter Inlet Light, a lighthouse that dates back to the 1860s, and stop at the attached museum.
2. West Palm Beach
Along the Atlantic Ocean and including part of a barrier island, West Palm Beach has vacation rentals that include oceanfront condos, family homes in quiet neighborhoods, and houses along the sound. Take the kids to see the animals at the Palm Beach Zoo of if a rainy day comes or visit the sea animals at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium with its aquatic life and hands-on science exhibits, including a planetarium. Spend the day on the beach, splashing in the waves, kayaking on the ocean, and burying your kids in the sand.
3. Boynton Beach
Travel south down Interstate 95 until you reach the town of Boynton Beach with its beaches along the local barrier island. At Boynton Harbor Marina, rent a boat for a day out on the water or select a jet ski to zoom along the waves. Enjoy some hiking and explore some eco-tourism at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge close to the Everglades. Head into the downtown area for a little retail therapy and scope out the local art galleries.
4. Delray Beach
The town of Delray Beach offers beautiful weather and tons of family activities to keep your group engaged. Take in the splendor of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens to learn more about the Asian culture, and then stop by the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square at an old school building. Explore the unique ecosystem of marshland at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands with its almost mile long boardwalk that makes it easy for your family to navigate the landscape.
5. Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, you and your family can find something for everyone to enjoy. Making its way through the center of town is Las Olas Boulevard with its exciting shops and art galleries that end at the beach for some surfing. Take in a movie at the IMAX theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science and enjoy some of the science exhibits. Tour the interior and gardens of the Bonnet House to step back into the 1920s when this house was first built.
6. Miami
Miami is one of the hottest vacation spots in South Florida and even in the entire state. While away the day on the beach down at South Beach, and then get dressed up for an evening out at South Beach’s exciting club scene. On Watson Island, experience some unusual animals in a tropical setting at Jungle Island, and afterward, stop by Miami Children’s Museum to learn more about the world around you and play on the included cruise ship. Stop by for a tour of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to learn more about the history of the area.
7. Key West
As the last of the connected Florida Keys, Key West is about a far as you can go in South Florida. This main town on Key West offers shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a happening bar scene. This town was once home to the American writer, Ernest Hemingway. Take a tour of the writer’s home, and keep a look out for one of the cats with six toes. If you’re dive-certified, enjoy an afternoon of scuba diving just off the coast.
8. Naples
Nestled on Florida’s west coast, Naples offers you the chance to stay in a condo on the Gulf of Mexico with its calm and warm waters. Take the kids to the Naples Zoo to watch an alligator feeds and kick back on a boat ride to see some monkeys. Wander along the trails through the 160-acre Naples Botanical Garden, and stay for one of the family education programs to learn more about the flora and fauna.
9. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a Florida hot spot vacation destination with vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes as well as budget limits. On a rainy day, take the kids to the Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium for some fun and learning. Your kids will love touching the animals and putting their hands in the touch tank. Hire a kayak or canoe to tour the Estero Bay Preserve State Park with its winding water paths.