2 Of America’s Best Vacation Destinations Are In Florida: Report

Miami is one of the best places to visit in the United States, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The publication released a list of the best vacation destinations in the country on Tuesday and Miami wasn’t the only Florida destination on the list.

Along with Miami, U.S. News named Sanibel Island as one of the best places to visit in America. Yellowstone National Park ranked as the No. 1 spot to visit in the U.S. and the top national park in the U.S. News rankings.

Miami ranked No. 17 on U.S. News’ list of best places to visit. Sanibel Island ranked No. 19 on best places to visit and No. 8 on best small towns to visit. Other Florida towns also ranked on the best small towns to visit: Destin (ranked No. 12); St. Augustine (No. 15); St. Augustine (No. 15) and Naples (No. 17).

U.S. News says this about Miami: "Take a number of diverse cultures, add a strong dose of the arts and a splash of ocean water, and you have Miami. Looking at the fantastic art museums and the blossoming gastronomical scene, you might find it hard to believe that just a century ago, this colorful Floridian city was covered in swampland. Once developers rushed into the area, one of the most popular tourist destinations and spectacular city skylines in the country was born. Today, with South Beach before you and the Everglades behind you, you can walk through the bustling streets past historical homes with Spanish words and Caribbean music floating into your ears."

U.S. News gives this description of Sanibel Island: "This secluded Fort Myers offshoot is considered even more low-key, quiet and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, and that's saying a lot. Casual is the order of the day on Sanibel Island; a shabby chic vibe permeates the Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants and shops; seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundant seashells have become this island's (and its smaller sister, Captiva's) claim to fame. You'll find plenty of beachcombers practicing the "Sanibel stoop" — what locals call shelling — on any lengthy stretch of sand. Plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay; that is, if the mood strikes you. The residents of laid-back Sanibel wouldn't have it any other way."

U.S. News also ranked the best places to visit in Florida and St. Petersburg ranked at the top. The other places that followed St. Pete were: Miami Beach, Orlando/Walt Disney World, Sarasota, Key West, St. Augustine, Sanibel Island, Destin and Jacksonville.

U.S. News gives this description of St. Pete: "Holding the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, St. Petersburg is appropriately nicknamed "The Sunshine City." The city provides visitors with a unique blend of traditional beach getaway and urban flavor. The white, sandy beaches offer views of spectacular sunsets and the 7 miles of waterfront parks invite travelers to enjoy a host of activities, including hiking, camping and kayaking. An ongoing creative renaissance also promises an extensive cultural experience, whether it's through the world-class Dalí Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. And every year, more than 1,000 events are held in the city — everything from St. Anthony's Triathlon to Ribfest, a celebration of barbecued ribs and touring bands.

See U.S. News’ full range of vacation rankings here.

Image via Shutterstock