Walt Disney World is one of the top things to do in Florida

The Sunshine State has so much to offer. From sugar-white sand beaches to state parks to theme parks, there is no shortage of entertainment in Florida.

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, resorts and spas on Florida’s sand beaches will cater to you. For the adventurer, an exploration into the Everglades is the perfect endeavor. Below is a list of 10 activities and must-see places on your trip to The Sunshine State.  

Fort Myers is a family-friendly beach in Florida
Fort Myers is a family-friendly beach in Florida
  1. Relax on the Beautiful Sand Beaches of Florida 

Florida’s beaches are the biggest draw for visitors. The beaches have soft, white sand and uncrowded.  The light-blue waters of Clearwater, Pensacola, Destin, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay or Fort Lauderdale whisk you away into a relaxing state, making them better than any other beaches in Florida. 

Pandora - The World of the Avatar is the newest addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by David Roark
Pandora – The World of the Avatar is the newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo by David Roark
  1. Take a Ride at Florida’s Many Theme Parks 

While Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure (home of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) are at the forefront of popular amusement parks in Orlando, Florida, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, is equally as exciting for people of all ages. Not only are there rollercoasters to get your adrenaline pumping, visitors can see giraffes and take safari animal tours. Florida is also home to water park attractions including Sea World’s Discovery Cove, which invites visitors to swim with dolphins. 

  1. Take a Tour of NASA Kennedy Space Center

The NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island offers an opportunity for the world to see where astronauts have been launched into space. Other attractions such as animal feedings and lion safari tours make this the whole package of a trip.

The Florida Keys are home to Everglades National Park.
Key Largo is home to Everglades National Park, which is rich in wildlife. Flickr/dconvertini
  1. Explore the Everglades

Deep in the swamps of Florida lies Everglades National Park, home to gators, snakes and much more. While these are creatures people typically try to avoid, the Everglades has been transformed into a place where tours, kayaking and airboat rides have made it possible to enjoy them in their natural habitats. 

  1. Go Shopping in Miami

Miami is located in South Florida and is home to celebrities and a place where Lamborghinis race up and down the streets. This means that shopping here is a high-end designer lover’s favorite place on earth. Miami’s South Beach, with its Art Deco district, is filled with a vibrant and exciting nightlife and Miami Beach has the best people-watching opportunities.

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys - Ibis Beach Resort in Key West
Rooms have their own private beach and hammock at Ibis Beach Resort in Key West, Florida. Photo by Janna Graber
  1.  Visit Key West and the Florida Keys for Sand and Sea  

Key West is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs and the best snorkeling Florida has to offer. It’s also where famous author Ernest Hemingwaylived,   and tours of his home are conducted daily. The most well-known street in Key West is Duval Street with endless bars, including Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunt, Sloppy Joe’s. 

  1. Watch a Race at the Daytona International Speedway

Featured in many popular movies, the Daytona International Speedway is a stimulating experience that lives up to its name. The Daytona 500 is one of the most anticipated events in all of Daytona.

Swimming with manatees in Citrus County, Florida
Swimming with manatees in Citrus County, Florida
  1. Support Manatees at Manatee Springs 

Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, provides visitors an opportunity to spend a day with manatees, which are the cuddliest creatures of the sea that you can imagine. An 800-foot-long boardwalk to peek at the gentle giants, as well as 8.5 miles of nature trails, allow for a full day of nature-loving. 

  1. Have a Laugh at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Yes, straight from your childhood lives the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Orlando, Florida. As kooky as it sounds, Ripley’s is far from your typical art museum, housing the strangest and most unheard-of exhibits you can think of. Take a break from your serious list of activities and enjoy the unknown. 

Fort Jefferson can be seen in the distance from the beach at Loggerhead Key.
Exploring the Dry Tortugas by kayak is for the adventurous traveler. Photo by Mish Fetting
  1. Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most stunning places you will visit in all of Florida. Accessible only by ferry from Key West, just getting there is an experience all on its own. Upon arrival, travelers will find a long list of potential ventures, from watching sea turtles,  snorkeling and camping to exploring Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort on Garden Key.

 

Angela Cavallari
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