Florida’s beaches and theme parks are a huge draw, but there are so many other things to do in Florida!
Much of Florida’s beauty and magic is found off the beaten path, away from beaches and theme parks.
Here are some ideas of things to do, and ways to experience Florida in a deeper way
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida. The state park has so much to offer: a historic Cape Florida lighthouse, beautiful beaches, amazing location near Miami, history and more. For all of these reasons and more, the state park is one of the best things to do…
Peanut Island is a small island in Florida’s Lake Worth Lagoon. It’s located in a beautiful area, between Riviera Beach, Singer Island and Palm Beach. Continue Reading: The Best Things to do in Palm Beach Peanut Island is a county park, and is open to the public. Admission is free, although there is a cost…
Hot springs in Florida are thermally heated by hot rock, deep underground. Deep channels of underground water in Florida’s aquifer receive heat from the Earth’s core.
Stone crabbing in Florida is a way of life! Stone crabs in Florida are a local delicacy, and are one of the most popular seafoods in Florida. They have delicious meat, which is tender and sweet. Stone Crab Season The stone crab season in Florida is from October 15th until May 1st, although it can…
Sand sculpture competitions in Florida are amazing, and are worth visiting! The Basics of Sand Sculpting There are a number of sand sculpting events in Florida, spread around the state. They are usually in the fall, winter and spring. Most of the festivals last for 1-2 weeks, and have festivals around the events. Activities and…
Florida’s scuba diving sites are incredible, and diverse: Note: Never dive beyond your skills, training or ability level. Exercise extreme caution and appropriate safety measures at all times. Many people have died in Florida’s dive sites – the danger is real, and should never be underestimated. Some freshwater dive sites in Florida are accessible and…
The Florida Aquarium is one of my favorite aquariums in Florida! It has amazing marine life and marine life, with a huge variety of exhibits. It is actually interesting and fun for both kids and adults. What to Expect and Things to See The aquarium is very large. Depending on how long you linger and…
There are three major national parks in Florida, along with eight other parks which are administered by the U.S. National Park Service. The three major national parks in Florida are: Besides the three national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates eight other parks in Florida, giving Florida 11 national parks in total. Other…
Morikami Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Delray Beach. The gardens are a peaceful escape and a cultural treasure – they are about more than just plants. Morikami Gardens is a monument to Japanese culture, spread across 16 acres. As you wander around the property, you’ll find two museum buildings that…
Disappearing Island is a large, popular sandbar in Florida’s Ponce Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach. Why is it called Disappearing Island? Disappearing Island got its name because it “disappears” at high tide, and is only visible during low tides. During high tide, the Disappearing Island sandbar is submerged underwater. The water level and depth varies…
Cruises from Florida depart from the six major cruise ports in Florida. All of Florida’s major cruise ports are on the east coast, except for the Port of Tampa Bay which is on the western Gulf of Mexico coast. Map of Cruise Ports in Florida List of Cruise Ports in Florida Port Name and Website…
Fishing in Florida is world-class! There are thousands of miles of coastline and waterways in Florida – lakes, rivers, fresh water, salt water, brackish tidal zones, inland, coastal, offshore and everything in between. The entire state is filled with fishing spots and a huge variety of conditions and places to catch fish. Because fishing in Florida…
Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state. Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs. Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…
Beaches and theme parks get a lot of tourist attention, but if you ask me, Florida’s springs are the best part of our state. They are absolutely beautiful and I love exploring them. Here are some of my favorite springs in Florida. Florida Spring Maps and Guides Florida’s springs are located throughout the state. There…
West Palm Beach is one of my favorite places in Florida. The region is beautiful and there are a bunch of fun things to do. Here are our favorite things to do in West Palm Beach and nearby. Clematis Street Clematis Street is one of the best places to visit – it’s basically the heart…
There are many types of U-pick farms in Florida, but strawberries are one of the most popular. U-pick farms are surprisingly fun and they’re a thing to do for families with kids. Strawberry picking can also be a fun date idea! Some farms are really charming and cute, although some fields are basically just drab,…
The Tampa Manatee Viewing Center is one of the best places to see manatees in Florida. The manatee center is located at the Big Bend Power Plant, also known as the TECO Power Plant, in Apollo Beach, Florida. During cold weather, the TECO power plant attracts countless manatees, and many other forms of wildlife. Wildlife…
Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast. Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida. The small city…
Everglades National Park is one of the most unique parks in the U.S. It’s one of only three national parks in Florida, and one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Everglades National Park is home to incredible wildlife, including: American alligator American crocodile Florida Panther Florida manatees And countless others Over one million…
For most people there two best time periods to visit Florida: During these times the weather is ideal. Temperatures are usually warm enough for most activities, but the weather is not too hot or humid. But, everybody’s situation is different. The best time for your situation will depend on several factors, including: The Best Time…