Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Florida

Florida, the southeasternmost state in the United States, is certainly a vibrant destination. It ranks among the largest states in the U.S., characterized by a diverse tapestry of ethnicities and cultures. Positioned between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is renowned for its amusement parks, boasting an impressive selection of zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and various family-friendly attractions unmatched by any other state within the United States.

Florida also presents an extensive array of museums, art galleries, restaurants of numerous varieties, and historical landmarks for visitors to explore. However, amidst its many human-made marvels, Florida is equally a spectacular haven for nature enthusiasts. The extensive subtropical wilderness of the Everglades and the numerous barrier reefs serve as ideal locations for wildlife aficionados. The wetlands offer a rare opportunity to encounter wild alligators, while the various beaches provide a chance to witness nesting sea turtles. Below is a diverse list of the best things to do in Florida:

1. Everglades National Park

Established in 1947, Everglades National Park became a protected site after environmentalists effectively advocated for its recognition, making it the second largest national park in the United States, surpassed only by Yellowstone.

Covering 1.5 million acres of subtropical marshes and swamps, the river originating from Lake Okeechobee fosters an ideal environment for various wildlife species, including otters, turtles, crocodiles, and even panthers. The wet ecosystem within the park is particularly suited for wildlife observation via boat tours.

2. Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World stands out as the most visited tourist destination in Florida.

This expansive amusement park offers an enchanting glimpse of the Disney magic cherished globally.

Walt Disney World caters to both adults and children, providing a diverse range of experiences.

Exciting rides, such as the iconic Space Mountain, ensure adults remain engaged, while children have opportunities to meet their favorite Disney characters.

The complimentary Fastpass Plus system allows visitors to avoid queues for select attractions, enabling selections to be made up to 30 days in advance.

3. Universal Studios

Located in Orlando, Universal Studios functions as both an active film and television studio and a leading amusement park in the United States.

Commonly recognized as Universal Orlando, the park provides an array of rides and attractions inspired by Universal’s film releases.

In addition to diverse ride options suitable for varying thrill-seekers, the park features extensive live entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences.

4. Kennedy Space Centre

The Kennedy Space Centre encompasses 140,000 acres, having been the launch site for many pivotal space shuttle missions throughout American history.

Visitors can utilize a bus service to navigate the expansive complex and explore a range of exhibits and displays at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Centre.

This site remains a significant facility within the U.S., and tickets are available for select rocket launches.

5. Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens is one of the most frequented attractions in the Tampa region, offering visitors an up-close experience with a wide variety of exotic species.

The park is also renowned for its thrilling rides, including SheiKra, a floorless roller coaster featuring a 200-foot vertical drop.

6. Miami Beach

Miami Beach is situated on an island connected to mainland Florida by several bridges, representing a quintessential destination for any visitor to Miami.

The beach is well-known for its stunning golden sand and art deco architecture lining the coast.

A lengthy array of restaurants and hotels runs along Ocean Drive, enhancing its popularity among visitors.

7. Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by boat, most visitors reach the Dry Tortugas from Key West.

This national park features the impressive Fort Jefferson, a structure built in the 1800s by the U.S. Government.

The stunning reef islands located within the park make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and enjoying beach time.

9. Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 race is iconic, widely recognized as one of the most prestigious events in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The race takes place at Daytona National Speedway, signaling the commencement of the racing season each February.

Historically, races were held on the sand of Daytona Beach prior to the establishment of the Speedway in 1959.

10. Duval Street in Key West

Renowned for its Caribbean charm and beautifully restored historic buildings, Duval Street is situated at the terminus of the Key West island chain.

A simple stroll down the street is complimentary and offers a pleasurable and memorable experience.

The area is alive with activity from the many restaurants and bars lining the street, complemented by an array of intriguing shops.

11. Salvador Dali Museum

Located in St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum is housed within a building resembling a glass orb partially emerging from a box.

The museum showcases a captivating collection of Dali’s artwork and insights into his life, making it an intriguing destination for all, even those without a particular interest in art or sculpture.

12. St Augustine’s Historic District

St. Augustine’s Historic District is among the oldest settlements in Florida, providing an excellent opportunity to view impressive architecture and intriguing historical sites.

This district hosts the oldest masonry fort in North America, Castillo de San Marcos, as well as the 19th-century Flagler College.

Built in the 17th century, the fort is well-preserved, and for those uninterested in history, there are remarkably beautiful coastal views available.

13. International Drive

This 11-mile stretch, commonly referred to as I-Drive (Orlando), serves as the primary tourist avenue in the city.

Along this corridor, visitors will discover numerous attractions, including restaurants, bars, live entertainment, shopping venues, golf courses, helicopter tours, and even a wax museum.

The offerings along International Drive are so varied that there is undoubtedly something for every visitor.

14. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Set within the historic estate of affluent businessman James Deering, the Vizcaya Museum houses over 2,500 art pieces along with ten acres of meticulously maintained gardens.

The museum welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year and has historically served as a diplomatic venue, hosting figures such as the King of Spain and the Queen of Great Britain.

Despite the significant volume of annual visitors, the villa and gardens maintain many of their original features.

15. Coral Castle

This stone sculpture, created by Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951, is a remarkable testament to individual craftsmanship.

Leedskalnin single-handedly carved and maneuvered over 1,100 tons of stone under the cover of darkness.

The construction methods remain a source of speculation and analysis among both scientists and architects.

The castle is open to the public daily, and the intrigue surrounding its origins makes it well worth a visit.

16. Museum of Science and Discovery

Situated in Fort Lauderdale, this museum stands as one of the largest in Florida and attracts the highest number of visitors annually in the state. The museum features exhibitions relevant to Florida, including topics such as hurricane phenomena and information pertaining to the Everglades National Park.

Visitors can also try their hand at flight simulation with nine cockpit simulators, providing an interactive experience.

17. The Southernmost Point Buoy

This concrete buoy located in Key West signifies the southernmost point within the continental United States.

Though modest in design, it affords excellent opportunities for photography and scenic views of the ocean.

The monument also indicates that Cuba lies 90 miles from this point.

18. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is part of a chain of barrier islands along the U.S. east coast, collectively known as the Sea Islands. This island spans approximately 4 miles at its widest point and stretches 13 miles in length.

While easily accessible, Amelia Island is unforgettable, recognized as one of the top 25 islands worldwide due to its natural beauty.

A plethora of outdoor activities, wellness spas, fine dining options, and accommodations complement its 13 miles of pristine beaches.

19. Fort Pickens

This hexagonal military fort located on Pensacola Bay is the largest of four forts constructed to protect the bay and its naval yard.

It remains unique as the only fort in the Southern United States that was not overtaken by Confederate forces during the Civil War.

The fort was actively used until 1947 and is now fully accessible to the public, with scheduled tours available throughout the year.

All four forts can be explored, and the Gulf Islands National Park offers ample camping opportunities.

20. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

For those seeking a unique activity in Florida, this 83-acre garden provides a serene escape from the bustling city life of Miami.

Established in 1936 by Robert H. Montgomery, the gardens feature a diverse collection of flora and fauna, including a recent exhibit dedicated to the rare butterflies of Central and South America.

The garden also hosts educational programs for visitors of all ages and various art exhibitions throughout the year.

21. Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida, the second largest Legoland theme park in the world, is situated in Winter Haven, Florida, second only to Windsor in the UK.

Spanning an impressive 145 acres, the park is a paradise for Lego enthusiasts, featuring over 50 Lego-themed rides alongside numerous shows and attractions.

A Lego hotel, featuring rooms designed in pirate, medieval, and wizard themes, also resides on-site.

22. Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove in Orlando presents visitors with the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with manta rays, and even walk along the “sea” floor to interact closely with various marine life.

This park offers an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to witness these creatures from an extraordinary vantage point.

In addition to the aquatic attractions, a large freshwater lagoon enables guests to observe a family of otters and feed tropical birds.

23. Gatorland

Not all amusement parks in Florida are centered around colossal thrill rides and extravagant laser and fireworks displays.

Gatorland provides excitement in a more natural context, showcasing hundreds of crocodiles and alligators.

This park emphasizes a back-to-basics approach with feeding demonstrations emphasizing audience involvement, distinguishing it from other amusement parks.

Gatorland’s straightforward charm offers an engaging alternative to typical amusement parks while maintaining an economical entry fee.

24. Wekiwa Springs State Park

This expansive 7,000-acre state park is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Orlando.

Paddling down the Wekiwa River and taking a refreshing plunge into the icy waters provides a delightful reprieve on a hot Florida day.

Riverside camping is available with advance reservations recommended.

Additionally, the park offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, as well as guided tours lasting about three hours.

25. WonderWorks

This distinctive upside-down building in Orlando draws considerable attention. Inside, it merges elements of a children’s museum, amusement arcade, and theme park.

Exciting attractions include the opportunity to experience a hurricane simulator, lie on a bed of nails, and fend off alien invaders.

This uniquely engaging “museum” is located on International Drive and, while primarily targeted towards children, adults will also find ample entertainment and enjoyment.