The Global Epicenter: Orlando
Orlando is the tourism capital of Florida, attracting tens of millions of visitors each year, primarily drawn by its concentration of major theme parks.
- Walt Disney World Resort: The undisputed king of attractions. It encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous resorts. Magic Kingdom, home to Cinderella Castle, remains the most-visited single theme park in the world, welcoming an estimated 17.8 million visitors in 2024. The entire Walt Disney World complex drew an estimated 49.1 million visitors collectively in 2024.
- Universal Orlando Resort: A major competitor offering immersive, movie-themed experiences. The resort, which includes Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, welcomed approximately 20.6 million visitors in 2024. Universal's Islands of Adventure, home to the famed Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is consistently one of the world's top-ranked theme parks by attendance.
- Other Orlando Attractions: Beyond the major theme parks, Central Florida features other highly visited attractions like SeaWorld Orlando (estimated at about 4 million visitors in 2024), the shopping and dining district Disney Springs, and entertainment complexes like Universal CityWalk and ICON Park.
The Coastline Wonders: Beaches, Art, and History
Florida's coastal cities offer diverse charms, from historic districts to world-famous beaches and art scenes, which are highly popular activities for the state's domestic visitors.
South Florida Hubs (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties)
Miami and its neighbor, Fort Lauderdale, are the epicenters of South Florida’s vibrant, multicultural lifestyle.
- Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District: This instantly recognizable area, especially along Ocean Drive, is famous for its concentration of pastel-colored buildings from the 1920s and '30s, offering a unique blend of history and buzzing nightlife. Miami Beach itself sees tourist traffic in the tens of millions annually.
- Fort Lauderdale: Often called the "Venice of America" due to its extensive canal system, it attracts visitors looking for a sophisticated beach and shopping experience, with boating and waterfront dining being major draws.
The Gulf Coast and Historic Northeast
- Clearwater Beach: Consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., it is beloved for its soft white sand. Beach or waterfront activities were cited by 34% of domestic visitors in 2024 as their most popular activity in Florida.
- St. Augustine: As the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States, this city is a historical treasure. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a massive Spanish stone fortress, is a key draw for history and sightseeing tourists.
Nature, Science, and Island Life
These unique areas offer different appeals to visitors seeking relaxation, adventure, or education.
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Space Coast): This complex near Cape Canaveral is a top destination for science and space enthusiasts. It allows visitors to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, tour launch areas, and learn about NASA’s history and future missions.
- The Florida Keys: This chain of tropical islands offers a unique, relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Key West, the most famous island, is known for its lively Duval Street and the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy.
- Everglades National Park: This vast subtropical wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors explore its unique ecosystem via airboat tours, spotting alligators and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers.
Florida's tourism industry continues to be a massive economic engine, supporting 1.8 million jobs and generating over $134 billion in visitor spending in 2024, demonstrating its sustained global appeal.
