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Florida’s Best City Skylines

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There’s something magical about a city skyline, especially at night. The twinkling city lights and the silhouette of skyscrapers against the sky create a wonderful sight that’s unique to every city. And Florida’s city skylines add something special: Many of our biggest cities are flanked by water, creating a reflection that adds to the visual drama.

For lovers of dramatic cityscapes, here are the top Florida Skylines — and the best locations for photography or just enjoying the view:

Jacksonville’s skyline looms dramatically over the St. Johns River. The tallest building, at 617 feet, is the Bank of America tower. Together the city has 21 buildings that exceed 230 feet. One of the best places to enjoy the view is from the vicinity of Friendship Park with its delightful dancing fountains. Other nearby options include the Museum of Science and History, the Doubletree Hotel, and the River City Brewing Company. A quick water taxi ride crosses the river to Jacksonville Landing. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

Jacksonville Downtown Skyline

Miami Florida Skyline

Miami, Florida Skyline

Miami takes the prize for Florida’s most spectacular skyline. With hundreds of multi-story buildings and 8 of the 10 tallest buildings in the State of Florida. The tallest is the Four Seasons Hotel at 789 feet tall, which was built in 2003.

Some of the best bets for photography include the Port of Miami, directly across from downtown; Watson Island behind the Children’s Museum; the west end of the Venetian Causeway; the north side of Rickenbacker Causeway near the Rusty Pelican or Marine Stadium. (Or get out and take a boat tour on Biscayne Bay!) Photo: Floridastock / iStock

Tampa Skyline at Dusk
When the sun sets behind the Tampa Skyline, it’s a glorious site. Crowned by the 42-story 100 North building (formerly Regions Bank), a total of 18 buildings in downtown Tampa rise above 250 feet. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

Tampa, Florida Skyline

Fort Lauderdale Downtown
The tallest building in Fort Lauderdale is the 452-foot, 42-floor Los Olas River House. One of the best views in the evening is from the fountain at Bubier Park on Los Olas Boulevard along the Riverwalk. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

Fort Lauderdale Skyline

Orlando Skyline from Lake Eola
The relatively diminutive Orlando skyline tops only 441 feet with the 30-floor SunTrust Center. Together, the city has only 15 buildings in the city that top 230 feet. But this relatively small skyline is spectacular when viewed from Lake Eola Park. A mile-long walking path surrounds the lake, with views of the skyline, the colorful fountain, and a flock of swans. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

Orlando, Florida Skyline

Tampa Skyline from Davis Island
There are several great vantage points to enjoy the view including: Ballast Point Park in South Tampa; any of the waterfront restaurants on Harbour Island; The Tampa Riverwalk near Bayshore Blvd. Greenway; or even Tampa General Hospital on Davis Island. Photo: Michael Warren / iStock

Tampa Skyline

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  1. I came here from a Hacker News article on the Dixie Hwy and stumbled on this article. You might want to take another look at the Saint Petersburg skyline which has been growing spectacularly of late. With miles of parks along the waterfront, it makes for some beautiful skyline views. It may be Tamps’s younger sibling, but it is commonly considered to be the more attractive one.

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