The southeastern most state of the United States, Florida is certainly a place that offers magical adventures all year round. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is one of the largest states in America, and is a perfect amalgamation of varied cultures and ethnicities. Here are some of the most exciting things you can see and do on your trip to Florida.
1. Everglades National Park
The largest subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S., Everglades is the second largest national park in the country, covering 1.5 million acres of swamp and marshy land and is home to many threatened animal species such as American crocodiles, deer, turtles, egrets, Florida panthers, river otters, manatees, among others. The area is made up of wide and shallow river flowing from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. There are many outdoor activities to choose from, such as boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and wildlife spotting boat trips.
2. Kennedy Space Centre
Enjoy an out-of-the-world experience with a visit to Kennedy Space Centre that is devoted to all things NASA. This 140,000 acre complex has been used as a launch pad for man crucial space shuttle launches since 1968. Have a look at some of the greatest engineering marvels where spacecrafts are not only launched, but built as well. The bus tours available offers exploring the large facility, including a visit to the Launch Center or Launch Pad 39-A. Stroll through the US Astronaut Hall of Fame that honors all the acclaimed astronauts, take a simulated shuttle flight, visit the Rocket Garden, and explore the displays at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
3. South Beach, Miami
Famously known as SoBe, South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach comprises of beautiful places, beautiful weather and beautiful people. The place typically attracts the youth as the night life is buzzing, with its trendy, quirky and hottest club scenes. Besides, you can spend the entire day on a lounger sipping margaritas, or meander through historic art galleries, chic boutiques, or Oceanside fine dining. There is also fishing, tennis, golf and cycling for those who love outdoor activities.
4. Salvador Dali Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum, located in St. Petersburg, is dedicated to the aberrant Spanish painter with the same name, enthralling all his art fans worldwide. The museum is built in a unique complex building designed to match the creativity of the artist. The odd looking building has a curving glass that appears to wrap around a box like structure that makes the erection stand apart. The museum showcases fascinating collection of Dali’s work and his art pieces throughout his career. It shows a complete outline of his developing years as an artist, and hence is a great attraction for everyone, piquing interest in even those who have little knowledge in art and sculpture.
5. Fort Lauderdale
Also known as the Venice of America (because of its vast canal system), boats and yachts are part of Lauderdale lifestyle with more than 50,000 locals owning private yachts. There is a lot to do in the city, which has been famous for its rowdy, party scenes in the past. The city boasts gorgeous beaches, round the year sunshine and almost perfect weather, making it a perfect place for boating and swimming. With shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, gondola rides through the canals, the historic riverfront, and waterfront entertainment center lined up with fine dining restaurants, top jewelry and clothes boutiques and museums showcasing arts and culture, you can’t go wrong with this place.
6. Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
A 335 acre 19th century African-themed animal park, Busch Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Tampa area, offering visitors a chance to get up, close and personal with an array of exciting animal species. One can go on animal safaris to see all kind of exotic animals such as lemurs, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, kangaroos, etc. as they roam through their natural habitat. Besides, the park also includes a humungous adventure island that includes roller coasters, water slides and other exiting rides, giving you that adrenaline push. In addition, there is a bird garden, beer tastings and the ‘Stairway to Stars’, which is apparently an escalator that takes the guests to the roof of the brewery.
7. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
Rightly said as the happiest place on Earth, Walt Disney World in Orlando is undoubtedly Florida’s more famous attraction, loved by kids, youth and adults alike. Spread across 47 square miles, the resort comprises of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and two water parks, namely, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. With nearly 60, 000 cast members performing every day, interactive rides, magical attractions, animal adventures, shopping, and dining, the magic is everywhere and sure to be etched in memories forever.
8. Universal Studios
Disappear into the magical land of amusement park which is based on your favorite movies. Universal Studio Orlando is home to two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, a resort and three hotels, world class shopping and more than 50 restaurants. There are rides, activities and attractions to entertain all age groups. With live shows performed with finesse, thrilling adventure rides, multi-cuisine restaurants, and entertaining music you cannot have enough of this place, leaving you wanting for more. Plan in advance and buy multiday tickets online to yield major savings.
9. St Augustine
Famously called ‘Ancient City’, St Augustine District is one of the oldest colonization in its Florida. Therefore, it is a great place to explore the rich history and architecture with places such as Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry in the country, Ft. Matanzas National Monument, the Hotel Ponce de Leon, and, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. St Augustine also houses St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park - home to more than twenty species of crocodiles along with other reptiles, birds and mammals collection.
10. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove offers you an experience exciting animal encounters in an impressive tropical atmosphere. The activities include swimming with dolphins, snorkel through saltwater reef with manta ray, and play close with otters and other marine critters, all at one place. Pristine white beaches, tropical reefs, rocky lagoons, winding rivers and waterfalls make for a picturesque surrounding.
11. Legoland
An exciting treat for all Lego aficionados, Legoland Theme Park in Winter Haven is second largest after the one in Windsor, UK, spread across 145 acres of land. Designed for children for all age groups, the park consists of more than 45 rides, attractions, live shows, restaurants, shops, a water park, and a botanical garden. Additionally, there is a Lego hotel within the premises that has rooms with medieval, pirate and wizard Lego themes.
12. Daytona 500
Daytona 500 is a 500 mile (805 km) legendary race held every year at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach drawing huge crowd annually. This Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is widely considered as one of the most important and prestigious race on NASCAR calendar. This race, held in February, also marks the beginning of racing season. The speedway was built in 1959 to move the racing off the beach. Prior to building the speedway, the auto racing were held on the sand of Daytona Beach.
13. Bok Tower Gardens
A national historic landmark, contemplative garden and bird sanctuary situated north of Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens, also known as Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower is one of the greatest and most acclaimed works of renowned landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted Jr. The garden is home to 126 species of birds along with threatened gopher tortoise and endangered eastern indigo snake. The garden encompasses Iron Mountain that is one of highest points in Florida. The carillon tower built atop this 295-foot hill is a 205-foot neo gothic and art deco singing tower. Within the tower, is a 60-bell carillon that plays every day between 1 and 3 pm.
14. Gatorland
Spread across 110 acre, this theme park and wildlife preserve is located between Orlando and Kissimmee on South Orange Blossom Trail. Famously called “Alligator Capital of the World”, Gatorland offers family fun with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a free flight aviary, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, petting zoo, reptile shows, nature walk, Florida panthers, swamp walk, gator gully splash pad, gift shop and educational programs. It symbolizes enormous emptiness that you will treasure when you leave the big cities behind, exploring scarcely populated regions of Florida.
15. Epcot
This theme park owned and operated by Walt Disney takes you around the globe, into the outer space, under the ocean, and beyond - wherever your imagination takes you. Spread across 300 acres, this park celebrates human achievement in different domains, particularly technological innovation and international culture. A permanent world’s fair, Epcot Park is segregated into two divisions – Future World that is made up of eight pavilions, and World Showcase, having its theme related to eleven world nations. The park is represented Spaceship Earth, the spherical icon erected right at the entrance.
16. SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando consists of a theme park and marine zoological park. The aquatic world comes alive when you immerse yourself in the SeaWorld magic. The water based adventure rides gives an adrenaline rush like none other. All the activities and rides are inspired by marine life, be it climbing on a Manta ride, experiencing the power and rush of killer whales, going on a 3D voyage with sea turtles, et al. It is a full family holiday experience where laughter, merriment and education are in abundance.
17. National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum, located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum, featuring more than 150 beautifully restored aircrafts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. The oldest naval air station, NAS Pensacola was established in 1914 and serves as the home base for world renowned Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. The aircrafts are exhibited inside the museum’s 350,000 square feet area and also spread outside on its 37 acre grounds. The exhibits in the museum, including vintage uniforms and historic documents, offer a closer look at the events that shaped the country’s history.
18. Overseas Highway
Infamously known as “The Highway that Goes to Sea”, the U.S. Highway 1 connects Florida Keys with the main land, and stretches 127.5 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, starting from Key Largo, Islamadora, Marathon, Lower Keys and finally on to Key West. This novel wonder acts as a ‘magical carpet’ for mainland Florida’s visitors to access a number of coral and limestone islets through Florida Keys. Originally a railroad that was built in 1912, but destroyed in a major hurricane in 1935, this highway was opened in 1938, with a bridge almost seven miles long, featured in much-acclaimed movies such as 2 Fast 2 Furious, True Lies and Mission Impossible III.
19. Florida Keys
This coral cay archipelago stretches 126 miles south towards Cuba, making it a perfect holiday spot. It includes key destinations like Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key, Marathon, and the most famous Key West. Activities are packed for visitors of all ages and interest, one can choose to indulge in adventure activities or just relax and enjoy the gorgeous view. Go on a snorkeling trip to come face to face with a multitude of fish, visit local art galleries and museums, shop gifts from little boutique shops, and feast on fresh seafood. It is an ideal place to unwind and make the most of your island time.
20. Amelia Islands
A short drive from Jacksonville, Amelia Islands is the southernmost tip of the Sea Island, and has a serene world charm of its own. The island is home to famous Fernandina Beach, a quaint village with about 50 blocks of historic buildings, six golf courses, wonderful eateries and exclusive B&Bs. The island boasts of golden sand, guided horseback rides along the shore, and glimpses of Dolphins and Ospreys. Amelia Islands State Park nearby protects more than 200 acres of untouched wilderness. A perfect spot for recreation, historical exploration, surfing, fishing, or just relax and watch the world go by.
21. Flamingo Gardens
Encompassing some of the last natural jungle growth in South Florida, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and a mesmerizing place to visit. Spread across 60 acres, this botanical garden showcase more than 3000 species of unique and exotic tropical, subtropical and native plants. The Arborteum of Flamingo Gardens consists of some of the largest trees in the state, as tall as 102 feet. The park also consists of free-flight aviary, river otter and bobcat habitats, a crocodile lagoon, and wetlands. There is a small museum in the premises, along with several cafes and souvenir shops.
22. Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles to the west of Florida Keys, in a prime location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, lays the beautiful reef islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Since it is not accessible by car, the best means to explore this natural beauty is via boat or seaplane. One of the prominent landmarks of the park is Fort Jefforson, an impressive complex built by the US Government in the 1800s (initially a naval station to combat piracy in the Caribbean). The park is named ‘Las Tortugas’ after the cluster sea turtles found there.
23. Lion Country Safari
Founded in 1967, this drive-through safari park claims to be the first ‘cageless zoo’ in America. Located near West Palm Beach, the park consists of over 1000 animals and allows you to watch the wild animals in their natural habitat. Besides, the park offers animal feeding experiences, some rides, water spray ground, food and shopping to make it a wholesome experience.
24. Sunken Gardens
This four acre of botanical paradise in the heart of St. Petersburg is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region, and is 100 years old. This garden consists of over 50,000 tropical plants, comprising of more than 500 species, in addition to flamingos and other exotic birds. Cascading waterfalls, meandering tracks, beautiful demonstration gardens from various areas such as Japanese garden, butterfly garden, cactus garden, etc. are worth exploring.
25. The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is publicly operated, large scale 250,000 square feet aquarium in Tampa. There are about 20,000 marine animals and plants in the aquarium, from river otters to sharks. The two acre outdoor water play area is perfect setup for kids to cool off that has a rainforest themed play area. The aquarium also showcases entertaining and educational shows having some underwater fun. The bravehearts can touch stingrays and sharks at Stingray Beach. It also comprises a two storey pirate ship from which one can blast water cannons and battle with friends. Additionally, there is a 500,000 gallon Coral reef exhibit that encompasses about 2,000 coral reef residents inclusive of Sea Turtle, Sand Tiger Sharks and Moray Eels.
