Florida. Globally, it is known as the home of Disney World and (to a certain group) it is also seen as the retirement state of the USA. In 2024 and seemingly going in to 2025, it is one of the most visited spots in the US for tourists and it is seen as one area to go to if you love the sun and fun! So, if you are planning a get-away this year to the US, and want to know which parts of the Sunshine State attract the most tourism and why, everything you need is right here!
Orlando
Is it a surprise that Orlando was the most-visited city in Florida? It hosts four theme parks, the main one being Disney World and is also home to luxurious resorts, where tourists can stay. Indeed, one of the most popular resorts is located a mere twenty minutes away from Disney World, so if you are planning a trip to this magical location, check out Westgate’s current deals.
Anyway, the theme park capital of the world attracted over one million tourists in 2024, making it a consistent top-five destination for tourism in the USA. If you are visiting Orlando, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and wear a big hat: the sun can be brutal!
Anyway, the theme park capital of the world attracted over one million tourists in 2024, making it a consistent top-five destination for tourism in the USA. If you are visiting Orlando, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and wear a big hat: the sun can be brutal!
Miami
Also attracting over one million tourists last year, Miami is the Magic City which has no chance of dropping in popularity any time soon. Indeed, it was estimated by the NTTO that thirty percent of all people travelling to the US from overseas were heading for Miami. Why? Well, there is the gorgeous sunshine, the famous Miami beach, and of course, over eight hundred parks. It is also located on a natural barrier reef, meaning activities like scuba diving for tourists are immensely common. So, for fans of water sports, nightlife, and shopping, Miami is a must-visit spot in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale
OK, so dropping from over a million tourists to half a million in 2024, Fort Lauderdale is still one of the most-visited spots in Florida. Why? It attracts a different kind of tourist than both Miami and Orlando, with the age of the average person who visits here being older and wanting more relaxation from their vacation. The shops are more eclectic, the beaches are more relaxing and there are even water taxis. Indeed, the reliance on waterparks and water taxis (as well as the chilled atmosphere) have earned Fort Lauderdale the title of the “American Venice”:a perfect spot for a relaxing stay, or even a second honeymoon!
Tampa
This metro attracts over a quarter of a million tourists each year and, much like Fort Lauderdale, it has a more relaxed/sophisticated vibe than you would likely get in Orlando. The city has an array of museums to check out, such as the Tampa Museum of Art, the Salvador Dali Museum, and of course, the always-popular Museum of Science and Industry.
So, if you love a vacation where you can learn and take in the sun at the same time, Tampa is the city for you in Florida!