The Sunshine State, as it is colloquially known, certainly lives up to its moniker. Every year, millions of people flock to Florida's cities to enjoy everything they have to offer. The best cities in Florida have everything you could want in a vacation destination, including beautiful beaches, raucous nightlife, and vibrant cultural scenes.

Whether for spring break, a trip to Disney World, or simply to soak up the rays, Florida is the place to visit.

1. Orlando

Every year, millions of visitors flock to the city for the magical theme parks that surround it, making it Florida's most popular tourist destination. While Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are unquestionably the main draws, Orlando itself is worth spending time in and is far more relaxing than the plethora of parks. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens and parks that give way to tree-lined avenues.

There are also several excellent museums and restaurants to visit. There is a vibrant performing arts scene, massive shopping malls, and if you still have energy after a day at the theme parks, there are a few good spots with raucous nightlife.

2. Miami

Miami is an enticing and attractive city that is a fun and festive place to visit, with its palm-tree-lined beaches and plethora of lovely art deco buildings. It has the largest Hispanic population in the United States, thanks to its sunny climate. It is possible that this is why Miami has such a vibrant cultural scene, as evidenced by its fantastic museums displaying cutting-edge art and design.

There are some world-class restaurants to discover among the iconic buildings with their pastel tones. What’s more, Miami has a plethora of beautiful natural areas to explore; you can be swimming with manatees one minute, then wandering through Oleta River National Park, or relaxing on the beach the next.

3. Tampa

Tampa, a sprawling city, has a lot to offer. The banks of the Hillsborough River, which runs into Tampa Bay, are a lovely spot to stop by at times scenic and at others a bustling city. Enclaves of trees sprout up among the modern architecture, making for a lovely view and a pleasant walk.

It is a great family destination with many interesting museums, as well as a zoo, an aquarium, and some theme parks. There are also many restaurants to choose from.

4. Clearwater

Clearwater, located near Tampa, is a slightly drab city that appears to be stuck in the past due to its dated downtown area. It is now the headquarters of the Church of Scientology. As a result, many visitors rush to Clearwater Beach, which is located across a bay on a barrier island.

There are many beautiful beaches and peaceful parks here, as well as a variety of watersports. Clearwater, as the home of Hooters, is also a moderately popular spring break destination for college students.

5. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, once a popular spring break destination for college students, now attracts a slightly different crowd who come to enjoy its jazz concerts and cocktail bars. It's a lively place with a lot going on, and there are still some fantastic bars and clubs for revelers to enjoy.

The city's coastal area is lovely, with beautiful beaches and peaceful meandering waterways, as well as excellent restaurants. The busy port is always bustling with cruise ships transporting tourists to the Caribbean and beyond.

6. Sarasota

Sarasota has a vibrant cultural and arts scene, with numerous interesting and educational museums throughout the city, some of which pay homage to the prominent circus that was once based here. Located on Florida's southwest coast, the city has many great restaurants and shopping malls to attract visitors, as well as some beautiful beaches, with Siesta Bay Beach being one of the best in the state.

7. Pensacola

Pensacola has a southern charm and delightful laid-back vibe due to its proximity to Alabama, making it a welcoming place to visit. The city is in the panhandle, surrounded by water, and there is a heavy military presence due to the various bases.

There are some interesting historical sights to see around town, which has been ruled by five different nations at various points in history. The majority of visitors, however, come for the fantastic beaches, delectable seafood, and inexpensive bars, with Pensacola being a popular spring break destination.

8. St. Petersburg

This city, located at the tip of the Tampa Bay peninsula, was once known solely as a popular spring break destination, but its image has changed dramatically in recent years. There are now some lovely street art murals all over town, and the historic center is a lively and trendy place.

There are boutique shops and galleries, as well as farmer's markets and atmospheric restaurants. St. Petersburg's vibrant cultural scene and beautiful beaches, as well as its fantastic Dali museum, make it well worth a visit.