10 Places That Should Be On Your Florida Travel Bucket List

There's no doubt that the state of Florida is always top of mind when it comes to traveling in the U.S., and perhaps even more so with the amount of pent-up demand created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The beauty of the state, of course, is that it's a peninsula so the amazing beaches - the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Gulf of Mexico on the other - are always enticing.

But there's more as well, and if you're thinking about going for a visit here are 10 places that should be on your Florida Bucket List.

(In no particular order)

It's been years since the Space Shuttle program was shuttered, but this is still an active military base and there are always rockets launching to take satellites into orbit or to drop supplies at the International Space Station. In addition, the tour of the facility is fascinating as it covers the history of the American space program.

Key West is as far south as you can go in the United States. This is an old, eclectic town fancied by Ernest Hemingway in his prime. The gathering of locals and tourists alike to watch the sunset every night is magnificent. And let's not forget, if you're up for it the drive down over the ocean from Miami through all of the Keys is amazing.

Situated at the bottom of the state in between the two coasts, The Everglades is actually a national park. This is a different world in Florida altogether. Airboats zip through what are known as rivers of grass, and if you don't spot an alligator or crocodile then you just aren't paying attention.

Talk about a different world. Also located smack dab in the middle of the state but far more northern than The Everglades, Ocala is the hometown of Florida's horse racing industry. To see these thoroughbreds in such a green, lush environment you might think you were in Kentucky. But, yes, this is Florida too.

If there's one place to go to people watch, this is it. Everybody loves coming to South Beach to see it all, from the sublime to the outrageous. But this is also where to come if you want to party like a rock star at its numerous clubs and boutique hotels. Oh, and the shopping is to die for.

You can't come within a reasonable distance of Orlando and not spend at least a day at Walt Disney World. After all, this IS the happiest place on earth. Best thing about it is, it's timeless. Disney World brings a smile to the face whether you're 8 or 88.

If you have more time, Orlando is the place to be. There's Universal. There's SeaWorld. Some 45 minutes to the west there's Busch Gardens in Tampa. And 45 minutes south in Winter Haven, there's LegoLand. The theme park attractions here are simply unparalleled.

Yes, Miami has Calle Ocho and the biggest population of Cuban-Americans in the country. But Ybor City in Tampa is one of the country's all-time great neighborhoods. With a heavy Cuban influence, you can smell the Cuban cigars and the great food. At night, the clubs pulse with music and dancing.

Want to see how the other half lives? Or, in reality, how the 1 percent lives? Take a drive through Palm Beach or take a tour boat ride up the Atlantic coast and see the incredible houses that are right on the water.

This just might be the most beautiful beach in Florida. Water that is clear, turquoise and blue. Beaches filled with sea shells. Native wildlife at the nearby Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If you're looking to relax, this part of Florida is just outstanding.