10 Things to Do in Florida
Florida is a diverse and exciting state with a wide range of activities and attractions. Here are 10 things to do in Florida:
1. Visit the Theme Parks
Florida is home to a number of world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These theme parks offer a variety of rides, attractions, and shows that are sure to keep visitors entertained.
- Walt Disney World: Located in Orlando, Walt Disney World is a must-visit for families. The park is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, as well as two water parks and numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Universal Studios: Also located in Orlando, Universal Studios is home to two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The parks feature rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, The Simpsons, and more.
- SeaWorld: Located in Orlando and San Diego, SeaWorld is a marine-themed park that features rides, shows, and animal encounters.
- Busch Gardens: Located in Tampa, Busch Gardens is a combination theme park and zoo that features thrill rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
- LEGOLAND: Located in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND is a theme park designed for families with children aged 2-12. The park features rides, shows, and interactive exhibits all made out of LEGO bricks.
2. Explore the beaches
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with a wide range of options to choose from. From the wide stretches of white sand in Miami Beach to the secluded beaches of the Florida Keys, there is a beach for every type of traveller. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, with crystal clear water and fine, white sand. Some popular beaches in Florida include Miami Beach; Clearwater Beach; Fort Lauderdale Beach; Siesta Key Beach & Daytona Beach.
List of The Best Beaches in Miami
3. Visit the Everglades
The Everglades is a vast and unique wetland ecosystem located in southern Florida. Visitors can explore the Everglades by boat, airboat, or hiking, and may have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and panthers.
There are several ways to explore the Everglades:
- Take a guided tour: Many companies offer guided tours of the Everglades, either by boat or by airboat. These tours can take you to different parts of the park and provide a more in-depth look at the plants and animals that call the Everglades home.
- Go on a hiking or biking trail: The Everglades has several hiking and biking trails that allow you to explore the park on your own. These trails range in difficulty and length, so you can choose one that is suitable for your fitness level.
- Visit an education centre: The Everglades has several education centres that offer exhibits and interactive displays about the park’s history and environment. These centres are a great place to learn more about the Everglades and their importance.
Before visiting the Everglades, be sure to check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. It is also important to follow all local regulations and guidelines to protect the park and its wildlife.
4. Take a road trip down Highway 1
Highway 1 is a scenic road that runs down the length of Florida, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, visitors can stop at a variety of attractions, including historic lighthouses, small towns, and state parks.
Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is a scenic road that runs from Key Largo to Key West in southern Florida. The highway is about 113 miles long and takes about 3.5 hours to drive without stops.
The Overseas Highway is known for its breathtaking views of the ocean and its many bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges in the world. Along the way, you’ll pass through several small towns and key communities, each with its own unique character and charm.
There are many things to see and do along the Overseas Highway, including visiting the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkelling or diving in the Keys’ crystal clear waters, and visiting the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States in Key West.
If you’re planning a road trip down the Overseas Highway, be sure to plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time to stop and enjoy the sights and attractions along the way. It is also a good idea to bring a map and be prepared for unexpected delays, such as construction or traffic.
5. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
Located on the east coast of Florida. Kennedy Space Center is one of the best-known and most-visited space centres in the world, and it has played a pivotal role in the United States space program. The centre was established in the 1950s and was named after President John F. Kennedy, who played a key role in the expansion of the U.S. space program.
6. Visit the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is a chain of islands located off the southern tip of Florida. The Keys are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the Keys, including snorkelling, fishing, and exploring the island’s unique history.
The Keys are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and laid-back lifestyle. There are many things to see and do in the Keys, including:
- Visit Key West: Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental United States and is known for its vibrant nightlife and history. Key West is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Key West Lighthouse.
- Go fishing: The Keys are known for their excellent fishing, with a wide variety of species, including tarpon, bonefish, and permit. You can hire a guide or rent a boat to go fishing on your own.
- Go snorkelling or diving: The Keys are home to a variety of coral reefs and shipwrecks, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
- Visit a state park: The Keys are home to several state parks, including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is the first undersea park in the United States, and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, which is a sanctuary for injured birds.
- Explore local culture: The Keys have a unique culture that is influenced by the Caribbean, with a mix of flavors and traditions. You can experience this culture by visiting local art galleries, trying local seafood, and listening to live music.
7. Explore Florida’s natural wonders
Florida is home to a number of beautiful natural areas, including the Everglades, the Ocala National Forest, and the Apalachicola National Forest. These areas offer a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
- Visit a state park: Florida has more than 170 state parks, each offering a unique experience. Some popular state parks in Florida include Myakka River State Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife and features hiking and biking trails, and Everglades National Park, which is a unique and important ecosystem.
- Go hiking or biking: Florida has many trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, including the Florida Trail, which is a 1,300-mile trail that runs through the state.
- Go birdwatching: Florida is home to a wide variety of birds, including flamingos, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles. There are many birding trails and hotspots throughout the state, including the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
- Go paddling: Florida has many waterways that are perfect for paddling, including rivers, springs, and the ocean. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at many locations throughout the state.
- Visit a beach: Florida has more than 663 miles of coastline, and its beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. Whether you want to relax on the sand, surf the waves, or explore the coast, Florida has a beach for you.
8. Go golfing
Florida is home to a number of world-class golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers. From the lush greens of the Palm Beach area to the challenging courses of the Florida Panhandle, there is a golf course for every level of player.
Here are a few suggestions for golfing in Florida:
- PGA National Resort & Spa: Located in Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National Resort & Spa is home to five championship golf courses, including the famous Champion Course, which has hosted the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic.
- Innisbrook Resort: Located in Palm Harbor, Innisbrook Resort is home to four championship golf courses, including the Copperhead Course, which has hosted the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.
- TPC Sawgrass: Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, TPC Sawgrass is home to the famous Players Stadium Course, which has hosted the PGA Tour’s Players Championship.
- Streamsong Resort: Located in Streamsong, Streamsong Resort is home to three championship golf courses, including the Red Course, which was designed by Tom Doak.
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes: Located in Orlando, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes is home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman.
No matter which course you choose, be sure to follow local regulations and guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.
9. Visit Florida’s cultural attractions
Florida is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and cultural centres that offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history and diverse culture. Some of the top cultural attractions in Florida include the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville.
10. Explore Florida with a Boat Tour.
Florida is indeed home to a number of waterways, including rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean, which provide ample opportunity for boat tours and other water-based activities. There are many different boat tour options available in Florida, depending on your interests and the type of experience you are looking for. Some popular boat tour options in Florida include:
- Sightseeing boat tours: These tours typically take visitors on a leisurely cruise along Florida’s waterways, offering breathtaking views of the state’s natural beauty and wildlife. Some sightseeing boat tours also include narration or commentary from a guide, providing information about the local area and its history.
- Wildlife boat tours: Florida is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, fish, and other animals. Wildlife boat tours provide an opportunity to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat.
- Fishing boat tours: Florida is a popular destination for fishing, and there are many boat tour operators that offer guided fishing trips in the state’s waterways. These tours typically include all the necessary equipment and instruction, making them a great option for both experienced anglers and those new to the sport.
- Sunset boat tours: Many boat tour operators offer sunset cruises, which provide a beautiful and relaxing way to end the day. These tours typically take place in the late afternoon or early evening and offer stunning views of the sunset over Florida’s waterways.