best things to do in florida
Florida, known as the Sunshine State, is a popular tourist destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Florida:
Theme Parks and Attractions:
- Walt Disney World (Orlando) – a must-visit for any Disney fan, with four theme parks, two water parks, and plenty of resorts and amenities.
- Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando) – home to two theme parks, a water park, and several on-site hotels.
- SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando) – a marine-life theme park with roller coasters, shows, and animal exhibits.
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Cape Canaveral) – a great place to learn about space exploration and see real rockets and spacecraft.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa) – an African-themed animal park with thrill rides and live performances.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities:
- Miami Beach (Miami) – a vibrant and iconic beach with clear waters, white sand, and art deco architecture.
- Clearwater Beach (Clearwater) – a family-friendly beach with calm waters and plenty of amenities.
- Key West (Key West) – a charming island with beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Everglades National Park (Homestead) – a unique ecosystem with alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
- Sanibel Island (Sanibel) – famous for its shell-filled beaches and wildlife refuge.
Cities and Culture:
- Miami (Miami) – a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, including Little Havana, Wynwood, and the Design District.
- St. Augustine (St. Augustine) – the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, with historic architecture and landmarks.
- Key West (Key West) – a charming island with a rich literary and artistic history, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
- Tampa (Tampa) – a city with a rich cultural scene, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Aquarium.
- Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale) – a city with a beautiful beach and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Food and Drink:
- Try a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana (Miami) – a classic dish with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Sample fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant (various locations) – Florida is famous for its seafood, including stone crab claws, conch fritters, and grilled fish.
- Visit a citrus farm (various locations) – Florida is the second-largest producer of citrus fruits in the world, and visiting a farm is a great way to learn about the industry.
- Take a brewery tour (various locations) – Florida has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering tours and tastings.
- Enjoy a Key lime pie in Key West (Key West) – a classic dessert made with Key lime juice, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Sports and Adventure:
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Florida Keys (various locations) – the Keys offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country, with numerous coral reefs and shipwrecks.
- Take an airboat tour of the Everglades (various locations) – a unique way to explore the Everglades and see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico (various locations) – Florida is famous for its fishing, with numerous species of fish and plenty of charter boats available.
- Attend a sports game (various locations) – Florida is home to numerous professional sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Orlando Magic.
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding in the mangroves (various locations) – a great way to explore the state’s natural beauty and see wildlife up close.
These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Florida. Whether you’re interested in theme parks, beaches, culture, food, or adventure, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.