USA TODAY 10Best
Best Florida Attraction: Gulf Islands National Seashore wins top honors
Best Florida Attraction (2018)
What do you imagine when you think of Florida? Is it the 825 miles of sun-kissed beaches or family-filled amusement parks? How about the art deco architecture or contemporary art scene? Or maybe it's the sprawling Everglades teeming with life or stone crab claws enjoyed al fresco by the shore. There's something for just about every visitor to love in the Sunshine State.
10Best enlisted a panel of our Florida Local Experts and travel writers to nominate their favorite state attractions, and our readers have been voting for their favorites for the past four weeks.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Florida Attraction are as follows:
- Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral
- Bahia Honda State Park - Big Pine Key
- Walt Disney World Resort - Orlando
- Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando
- St. Augustine Historic District
- Crystal River Complex - Crystal River
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Sanibel
- Clearwater Beach - Clearwater
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center
No. 10:
Space remains the final frontier and a fascination for young and old. This Titusville attraction is home to the greats of NASA’s programs, past and present. Visitors can climb into actual capsules, tour (and experience “launch”) in Space Shuttles, meet actual astronauts – all within minutes of the shimmering Atlantic beach.
Photo courtesy of ArminFlickr / Flickr
No. 9:
Whereas most of the beaches in the Florida Keys are either manmade or relatively unspectacular, the three beaches at Bahia Honda State Park win awards with their natural beauty. The largest, Sandspur Beach, in particular earns acclaim with soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and picnic pavilions. Calusa Beach is the smallest and Loggerhead Beach the most shallow with a large sandbar just offshore. All three offer snorkeling among tropical fish.
Photo courtesy of Steven Diaz / Walt Disney World
No. 8:
Walt Disney World has become synonymous with both Florida and family vacations, thanks to the resort's collection of four kid-friendly parks – the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. What the parks lack in thrills they make up for in truly magical rides and attractions that will bring out the inner child in just about everyone.
Photo courtesy of 2017 Universal Orlando Resort
No. 7:
Universal Orlando Resort comprises three of Orlando’s most popular theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the newly opened Universal’s Volcano Bay waterpark. Many of Hollywood's most iconic worlds from TV and movies come alive here, from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park to Transformers and Fast & Furious.
Photo courtesy of Floridashistoriccoast.com
No. 6:
Situated on the banks of the Matanzas River, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America was initially founded by Spanish pioneers in 1565 as a forward base for expanding further into the continent. Throughout its history St. Augustine, protected by the oldest fort in America, Castillo de San Marcos, has been raided, attacked and changed hands several times.
Photo courtesy of VisitCitrus.com
No. 5:
Visitors to Florida's Crystal River Complex have the unique opportunity of observing slow-moving Florida manatees in their natural habitats. Visitors can see these gentle giants from the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk or up close on a guided snorkeling tour.
No. 4:
Seventy miles from Key West lies beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible only by boat or seaplane. The center point of the park is Fort Jefferson, built in the nineteenth century to protect one of North America's most strategic deep water anchorages. After a short history lesson, snorkeling in azure waters, basking on secluded beaches and birdwatching along the Great Florida Birding Trail await.
Photo courtesy of Keenan Adams / USFWS
No. 3:
Although most equate the large and lovely roseate spoonbill with “Ding” Darling, serious birders come to look for the elusive mangrove cuckoo. The 4-mile Wildlife Drive and its spur trails allow nature watchers to come quite close to the cuckoos, plus the refuge’s American alligators, Florida manatees and nearly 250 species of birds. Its recreation concession offers rentals, lessons and tours by kayak, tram, boat and paddleboard.
Photo courtesy of City of Clearwater
No. 2:
The depth of this clean, sugary, talc-white strand ensures a wealth of space for beach enthusiasts as they cavort – or lie prone in the bright Florida sun – from surf to towel, contemplating active options from paddle boarding to parasailing. Of course, simply lolling about in the oft-warm, blue-green swells, scanning for dolphin pods or enjoying the epic sunsets is just as appealing. Beach bars abound, as do tony resorts, but the vibe here is decidedly casual, decidedly Floridian.
No. 1:
Undulating with the Panhandle’s patent dunes of talcum sands, this continuum of platinum sandscape feels otherworldly and primitive. It stretches from Perdido Key on the state’s westernmost waterfront and continues at Pensacola Beach’s Fort Pickens National Park and the Santa Rosa Area – the most secluded.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Aimee Heckel, Charles McCool (McCoolTravel.com), Claudia Miller (KeysClaudia.com), Skye Rodgers, A.D. Thompson (www.amydrewthompson.com), Chelle Koster Walton and Amy West (amywesttravel.com) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of travel in Florida.
Congratulations to all these winning attractions.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
A.D. Thompson
Amy Drew has spent nearly three decades as a... Read More
Amy Drew has spent nearly three decades as a professional writer and roughly half her life as a Floridian. The words, she has found, come easier with bare feet and rum. A roller coaster enthusiast, A.D. readily admits there is fun amid the madness of the theme parks, but has found there is magic, as well, in the outer-lying reaches of Mickey’s long shadow. She is delighted to share with you the spoils of her adopted city. Visit her colorful compendium at www.amydrewthompson.com.
A.D. Thompson
Amy Drew has spent nearly three decades as a professional writer and roughly half her life as a Floridian. The words, she has found, come easier with bare feet and rum. A roller coaster enthusiast, A.D. readily admits there is fun amid the madness of the theme parks, but has found there is magic, as well, in the outer-lying reaches of Mickey’s long shadow. She is delighted to share with you the spoils of her adopted city. Visit her colorful compendium at www.amydrewthompson.com.
Aimee Heckel
Aimee Heckel's passion for storytelling has... Read More
Aimee Heckel's passion for storytelling has brought her around the world as a journalist, writing award-winning articles. Aimee has also edited, written and contributed to more than 70 books, including her own travel guide on Colorado and many travel books for Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and more. She has earned dozens of national and state writing awards and also is a content manager and editor for REP Fitness.
Aimee Heckel
Aimee Heckel's passion for storytelling has brought her around the world as a journalist, writing award-winning articles. Aimee has also edited, written and contributed to more than 70 books, including her own travel guide on Colorado and many travel books for Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and more. She has earned dozens of national and state writing awards and also is a content manager and editor for REP Fitness.
Amy West
Jacksonville, FL based Amy West is the creator of Read More
Jacksonville, FL based Amy West is the creator of amywesttravel.com, a travel and lifestyle brand including TV show "Like Love Want Need". New Zealand, China, Malta, Germany, and Brazil all find pins on Amy’s world map amongst other exotic destinations she's visited. Amy regularly appears as a guest on several media outlets including WJXT News 4 Jax, Daytime Talk Show "The Chat", NPR Radio show “First Coast Connect”, and Jax Moms Blog. Look for Amy on "Amy West Travel the Blog" where she posts reviews on her exciting adventures.
Amy West
Jacksonville, FL based Amy West is the creator of amywesttravel.com, a travel and lifestyle brand including TV show "Like Love Want Need". New Zealand, China, Malta, Germany, and Brazil all find pins on Amy’s world map amongst other exotic destinations she's visited. Amy regularly appears as a guest on several media outlets including WJXT News 4 Jax, Daytime Talk Show "The Chat", NPR Radio show “First Coast Connect”, and Jax Moms Blog. Look for Amy on "Amy West Travel the Blog" where she posts reviews on her exciting adventures.
Charles McCool
Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the... Read More
Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the beaten path places, and amazing local food and beverages. He runs McCoolTravel.com, which was recognized as the #2 online travel brand for audience engagement. He has taught people how to be happier travelers for over 25 years and is a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Join the McCool Travel family at Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram and Twitter.
Charles McCool
Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the beaten path places, and amazing local food and beverages. He runs McCoolTravel.com, which was recognized as the #2 online travel brand for audience engagement. He has taught people how to be happier travelers for over 25 years and is a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Join the McCool Travel family at Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram and Twitter.
Chelle Koster Walton
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for... Read More
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for Caribbean Travel & Life for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes; has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.
Chelle Koster Walton
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for Caribbean Travel & Life for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes; has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.
Claudia Miller
Claudia Miller has been writing about South... Read More
Claudia Miller has been writing about South Florida for over 17 years--seven from Key Largo. A budding photographer, she can usually be found stalking a sunset. Despite being a tad uncoordinated, she tries new adventures like parasailing for the sake of her readers. Passionate about sharing the Florida Keys, she hosts the monthly #flkeys Twitter chat and was the Keys Contributor for Florida Travel + Life magazine for six years. Other publications include: Keynoter, Key Largo Visitors Guide and Time Out Guide to Miami & the Florida Keys. Join Claudia as she plays tourist in her own backyard at KeysClaudia.com.
Claudia Miller
Claudia Miller has been writing about South Florida for over 17 years--seven from Key Largo. A budding photographer, she can usually be found stalking a sunset. Despite being a tad uncoordinated, she tries new adventures like parasailing for the sake of her readers. Passionate about sharing the Florida Keys, she hosts the monthly #flkeys Twitter chat and was the Keys Contributor for Florida Travel + Life magazine for six years. Other publications include: Keynoter, Key Largo Visitors Guide and Time Out Guide to Miami & the Florida Keys. Join Claudia as she plays tourist in her own backyard at KeysClaudia.com.
Skye Rodgers
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell... Read More
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she's uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye's passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
Skye Rodgers
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she's uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye's passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
