Florida is one of the largest states in the U.S., home to a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities. What makes this place one of the most visited tourist destinations is the perfect balance of adventure and unique places. From parks to historical sites, there is not a single dull moment in Florida. At the same time, it would be unfair if you were to visit some of the most spectacular places. To help you with that, we have brought together a list comprising of 20 great things to do in Florida so that you make the most of your trip. Let’s begin.
Best Things To Do in Florida
1. Visit the Devil’s Den
The Devil’s Den is one of the most prehistoric sites in Florida and is literally a hidden underground gem. This should be on your bucket list as this place is as photogenic as it can get. The Devil’s Den spring is 120 feet in diameter, 54 feet in depth, and averages 72 degrees around the year.
You can bring some scuba gear along and take a dive to explore the underworld. Additionally, if you are looking for some overnight adventure, you can even rent a cabin as well. Not only that, but the spring also has charcoal grills, pavilions, and huge cabanas, etc. to keep it interesting and entertaining.
2. Go For Ginnie Springs
Visiting Ginnie Springs is one of the best things to do with family in florida. It is located near High Springs and the Santa Fe River. If you are visiting Florida in the summers, visiting this place is surely going to keep you cool and entertained.
The spring features limestone bottoms and accessible caverns and you can grab kayaks, paddleboards, and more to float around the springs. Additionally, you can also rent scuba gear or set up a camp by the wooded acres. Known for its crystal clear water, this is certainly amongst those things you don’t want to miss.
3. Take a Look at the Ringling Museum
Visiting and taking a look at the Ringing Museum is undoubtedly amongst the cool things to do in florida. This museum is located in Sarasota and comes with a huge variety of different exhibits to explore. Perhaps the best thing about the Ringling Museum is that you can spend hours here without getting bored.
From the John and Marble Ringling Museum of art, displaying antiques and modern works to the Circus Museum at the Ringling, which is an interactive American circus museum, this is one of the best places to be around the year. Keep in mind that the museum is a massive 66 acres. Therefore, make sure you spend your time wisely.
4. Bok Towers
Florida is known and popular for its beautiful views and nature on summer days. So, it only makes sense that you do not underestimate the beauty of local parks and sanctuaries and give them a visit as well. For instance, you should visit Bok Towers. Located in Lake Wales, it is a contemplative garden and bird sanctuary.
Believe it or not, the area is 250 acres with flowers, trees, plants, and art, leaving you breathless. Furthermore, you can hike the Pine Ridge Trail and take a look at the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with carillon bells.
5. Disney
Florida without Disney is not a trip worth having. If you are traveling with your family, visiting Disney is going to be one of the best things to do in Florida with toddlers. This place provides a fair contribution to the overall popularity of Florida. Infact, tourists from around the world specifically visit Florida to explore the Disney world.
There are four parks- Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Each offers a different variety of themes and rides. You can meet with the characters, indulge in food, and watch live shows. You are guaranteed to have fun here.
6. Universal Studios
Universal Studios is often seen as the direct competitor of Disney but it is a treat for Marvel and Harry Potter fans. Irrespective of you being a fan or not, you should visit both studios and explore the interesting world of fiction, fantasy, and storytelling.
The studio includes three parks: Universal, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can explore the Wizarding world, which is split between two parks, using the Hogwarts Express.
And finally, if you are a movie fan, you can explore all types of classic films, which represent years of history and love for cinema.
7. Dome Houses in Florida
The Dome Houses are located near Cape Romano. While visiting Florida, this is one of the most unique things you will come across. These Dome Houses are only accessible via water. Apart from that, their offshore location catches the attention of many as the homes are surrounded by water while sitting on stilts.
These homes were built in the 80s and are now abandoned. They were once built on the firm beach, which eventually faded away. So, now it is a perfect destination for a little wildlife experience and tall tales.
8. Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is one of ten National Aeronautics and Space Administration field centers. It is located in Merritt Island and is amongst the best things to do when visiting florida. Once you visit the space center, you can meet an actual astronaut, explore the Space Shuttle Atlantis, visit the rocket garden and go through the astronaut Hall of Fame.
Apart from the exploration factor, the space center also serves an educational purpose. It allows visitors to come close and get a hands-on view of humans in space. In addition to that, the visitors also get to learn about the upcoming expeditions.
9. Saint Petersburg Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens are located in Saint Petersburg and are perhaps the most unique gardens in Florida as there aren’t many like them in the state. Essentially, the Sunken Gardens are 4-acres of botanical gardens that are known to exist for more than a century.
If you are into horticulture, this is the place where you need to be. It is a living museum with a wide variety of plants, waterfalls, and more. Moreover, the gardens also organize special tours, horticulture programs, and events to make it more interesting.
10. Clearwater Beach
Imagine visiting Florida and not having to explore the fantastic beaches such as the Clearwater beach. If you are looking for something that is a treat for sore eyes, you need to get down to the Clearwater breach. Known for its soft, white sand and calm waters, this beach welcomes tourists and residents all year round.
The beach is not only packed with people enjoying their dives in the calm waters but also due to cafes, restaurants, and Pier 60, which is famous for night festivals. As a result, this place is always busy. Additionally, the beach also offers paddle boarding and parasailing. It is a place where you could easily lose track of time after spending hours.
11. Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is an exciting offering by Florida. The park consists of 7 islands, located along the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by coral reefs for visitors to explore. Plus, it includes many beaches that happen to be popular amongst the locals.
You can visit the famous Loggerhead Key, which is famous for sea turtles, or check out the 1875 Windjammer shipwreck. If you want more adventure, you can grab your scuba gear and get a little close to nature.
12. Castillo De San Marco in Saint Augustine
Amongst the most historical cities in Florida, Saint Augustine happens to be the most popular. Infact, it is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Today, it is a national monument, located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay.
The fort consists of Spanish stones that were installed to protect and defend against the Spanish invaders in the New World. Upon visiting, you can check out the rooms where soldiers and prisoners were housed in addition to the gun deck and weapon demonstration.
13. See a NASCAR Race at Daytona International
The Daytona beach is another exciting area to visit, with a beach on one hand and NASCAR on the other. Opened in 1959, the Daytona International Speedway is a racetrack that is home to the Daytona 500. It is unarguably one of the most historic and prestigious races in history.
If you are visiting this area without having to attend a famous event, you can participate in speedway tours and explore the world of racing.
14. Butterfly World
The Butterfly World is basically the largest butterfly park in the world, located in Coconut Creek. It is surely one of the most unique things in Florida. The year 1988 saw the opening of this facility, which houses 20,000 butterflies and is spread across 3 acres.
Not only that, but it also includes botanical gardens, a research facility, and a working butterfly farm. Recently, the park was extended to accommodate tropical birds and a lorikeet center. The owners seem to be adamant about butterfly conservation.
15. Duval Street in Key West
Duval Street is a downtown street located in Key West, Florida that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a destination full of adventure and iconic stops. There is never a dull moment visiting this street as it is home to galleries shops and bars etc.
Furthermore, you can also go on a ghost tour, run with the bulls, and visit the Hemingways house while munching on the famous Key Lime Pie.
16. Legoland
Legoland is an extremely fun destination for kids and grown-ups alike. If you plan on visiting Florida, Legoland should be amongst your top considerations. It is a family-friendly park that focuses on the construction of Lego toys.
Here, you will find everything inspired by Legos. For instance, the rides are made to resemble blocks and pieces while the park is full of famous bricks displays. Moreso, you can also stay at an awesome hotel that follows the Lego concept. This place is sure to bring the inner kid out of you.
17. Naples Botanical Garden
Then again, we are adding another beautiful garden to the list as Florida is full of exhilarating gardens and the Naples Botanical Garden happens to be one of them. It is a 170-acre paradise, which is home to plant varieties from all around the world with splendid attractions and horticultural design.
The garden welcomes over 220,000 visitors each year with halls, shops, and themed gardens catching every inch of attention.
18. The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum is named after Salvador Dali who was a renowned artist of his era. The museum is famous perhaps due to the fact that Dali himself was also quite unique in many aspects. Even though a fair percentage of his work rests in Europe but the Dali Museum in Florida houses the largest collection of Dali outside Europe.
Even if you are someone who does not follow art and exhibitions, this is something worth exploring and spending some time. You can visit the café for a cup of coffee or step inside the gift shop to bring something special for your loved ones back home.
19. Wynwood Walls
While exploring Florida, if you come across Wynwood Walls, you should spend some time admiring the fascinating street murals from artists across the globe. Today, the walls are considered a museum since many great artists have worked on the wall in graffiti and street art. Plus, you can opt for an official tour or simply explore the area by yourself.
20. Busch Gardens
Visiting Busch Gardens is one of the best things to do in Florida with family as it offers something for everyone. It is a theme park and a zoo at the same time spanning over 335-acres and is home to a wide variety of animals including elephants, hippos, otters, and more. This African theme park also features operation theatres where visitors can witness live surgeries taking place.
Apart from the animals, you can hop on the thrill rides and have a roller-coaster ride of your life.
Final Words
Florida is one of the cities that never sleeps. You can spend days exploring museums and gardens but these 20 stops will make up for everything. It is one amongst many gems in the world that perfectly balances nature and adventure. Just make sure that you do not spend your entire vacation exploring shopping malls and eateries.