Think you need to cross the Atlantic to find romantic canals, ancient architecture, or breathtaking beaches? Think again. Florida might be famous for its theme parks and party beaches, but it’s also home to a treasure trove of stunning spots that rival some of Europe’s most beloved destinations. From quaint villages to crystal-clear springs, these Florida gems will make you wonder why you ever bothered checking Skyscanner for Rome flights in the first place.
Here are 15 spots in Florida that’ll have you rethinking that European holiday:
1. St. Augustine – Florida’s Own Old World Escape
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. and oozes European charm. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and the imposing Castillo de San Marcos give this town a vibe straight out of southern Spain. Stroll through the historic district, sip wine in a hidden courtyard, and feel transported to Seville without the jet lag.
2. Venice – Yes, It Has Canals
No need to fly to Italy to float through canals. The city of Venice, Florida, has its own charming waterways—plus a downtown full of Mediterranean-style architecture, boutique shopping, and waterfront dining. There’s even a beach nearby famous for fossilized shark teeth.
3. Mount Dora – A Quaint Lakeside Gem
Mount Dora is the kind of place that feels like a British lakeside village mashed up with a touch of French countryside. Rolling hills (yes, in Florida!), antique shops, charming inns, and a lake view that could rival Lake Geneva make this Central Florida town a serene alternative to the Cotswolds.
4. Coral Gables – Mediterranean Glamour Meets Miami Heat
With its tree-lined boulevards, fountains, and terracotta-roofed mansions, Coral Gables looks like it was plucked from the hills of Tuscany. The Venetian Pool—an actual historic pool built from a coral rock quarry—is a must-see that feels more Amalfi Coast than South Florida.
5. Apalachicola – Rustic Fishing Village with European Soul
Located in Florida’s sleepy Panhandle, Apalachicola is a quiet coastal town with oyster bars, antebellum buildings, and a calm, old-world vibe. It feels like the southern Italian coast—just with more shrimp boats and fewer tourists.
6. Bok Tower Gardens – A Dutch-Inspired Dreamscape
Set atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower Gardens blends lush subtropical landscaping with a stunning 205-foot neo-Gothic and Art Deco singing tower that feels like it belongs in the Netherlands. The bell carillon plays music daily, echoing through perfectly manicured gardens. Bring a book, a blanket, and pretend you’re in a European palace park.
7. Tarpon Springs – Greek Island Energy
Founded by Greek sponge divers in the early 1900s, Tarpon Springs is full of whitewashed buildings, Orthodox churches, and tavernas serving moussaka and baklava. The Sponge Docks and lively waterfront are basically Santorini with more Florida sunshine and fewer donkeys.
8. Sanibel Island – Coastal Calm With a Mediterranean Feel
Sanibel Island’s gentle pace, bike-friendly paths, and dazzling white sand beaches give it that tranquil, off-the-grid vibe you’d find on a small Greek isle. Hunt for seashells, kayak the mangroves, and forget all about that overpriced Mykonos hotel.
9. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – A Slice of Italy in Miami
This opulent Gilded Age mansion is surrounded by lush European-style gardens and overlooks Biscayne Bay. With its grand staircases, fountains, and sculptures, it’s basically Florida’s own Villa d’Este. Perfect for fans of Lake Como style luxury—minus George Clooney (sadly).
10. Key West – A Bohemian Blend of Caribbean and Old Europe
Sure, Key West is famous for sunsets and Hemingway, but parts of it feel like a colonial European port. Colorful conch-style houses, narrow streets, French cafés, and strong Cuban coffee all give this southernmost island a Euro-Carib fusion that’s deliciously intoxicating.
11. Winter Park – Art, Cafés, and Canal Cruises
Located just north of Orlando, Winter Park is often overlooked—but it’s one of the state’s prettiest hidden gems. There’s a chain of lakes connected by canals (hello, Venice-lite!), a vibrant arts scene, and a walkable downtown packed with boutiques, galleries, and sidewalk cafés. Très chic.
12. Anna Maria Island – A Laid-Back Slice of Coastal Perfection
This barrier island has a timeless charm that feels more Mediterranean coast than modern Florida. No high-rises, no chain restaurants—just pastel cottages, turquoise waters, and beach cafés serving grilled fish and wine. You could easily imagine you’re on the coast of Portugal.
13. The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg – Surrealist Spain, Florida-Style
Housed in a striking glass structure, the Dali Museum offers one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Europe. The architecture and art are both wildly surreal, evoking the magic of Barcelona’s modernist movement. Gaudí fans will feel right at home.
14. Cedar Key – Old World Vibes with a Wild Side
Tiny and remote, Cedar Key is all weathered wood, salty breezes, and sleepy streets. It feels like a Cornish fishing village, especially if you catch the morning fog rolling in. Enjoy fresh clams, quirky shops, and sunsets that rival any coastal view in Europe.
15. The Ringling in Sarasota – Baroque Beauty with a Circus Twist
John and Mable Ringling’s opulent estate is home to an Italian-style palace (Ca’ d’Zan), a baroque art museum, and lush rose gardens. It’s like a Floridian Versailles with a splash of circus history thrown in. Art lovers, rejoice.
So… Why Not Florida?
Europe will always be there, with its castles, cathedrals, and coastlines. But Florida? Florida has its own brand of magic—one that’s surprisingly steeped in history, beauty, and culture. Whether you’re craving canal-side walks, Mediterranean-style architecture, or rustic seaside charm, the Sunshine State can deliver—all with no passport required and a lot more sunscreen.
These 15 spots prove you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere truly special.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.