27 Top Things to Do in Florida (That Aren't Disney World)

When making plans a Florida holiday, Walt Disney World and white sand seashores is also the primary issues that are evoked. However there may be so a lot more to look and do within the Sunshine State. You can to find gorgeous herbal wonders with crystal-clear waters fed by way of springs, culturally wealthy towns, ancient sights paying homage to Previous Florida, thrilling fairs and occasions, spectacular museums, and amusement parks that would not have a mouse answerable for the thrill.

In case you are on the lookout for new puts to consult with and a laugh issues to do for adults – or all the kin – take a look at those best issues to do around the state on your subsequent Florida holiday.

The Kennedy Area Heart options 5 Challenge Zones overlaying 144,000 acres with sights, interactive reveals and three-D simulators about all issues house exploration and the historical past of humanity’s adventure into house. Probably the most splendid tactics to discover this expansive complicated is with an 11-hour small-group VIP enjoy. Guided by way of an area skilled, you’ll be able to be handled to a behind-the-scenes excursion by way of bus highlighting the enduring sights, transportation to and out of your resort, and different perks. Vacationers rave concerning the middle and remark that you just would not have to be an area fanatic to benefit from the consult with. For a thrill of a life-time, plan your go back and forth round one of the crucial scheduled launches to look house exploration come to existence sooner than your eyes.

Referred to as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” Tarpon Springs has a wealthy Greek heritage and a novel historical past. The saltwater fishing village is splendid recognized for its herbal sea sponges, which have been harvested by way of divers from the Gulf of Mexico starting within the past due Eighteen Eighties. Greater than 500 Greek divers with 50 boats labored within the trade by way of 1905. Whilst on the town, consult with the unique sponge docks alongside the Anclote River and grasp a conventional Greek lunch at one of the crucial eating places at the docks, corresponding to Mykonos. For dessert, Hellas Bakery & Eating place gives a tempting collection of Greek pastries like baklava, kataifi and kourabiedes. And take into account to take house a neighborhood sponge as a memento out of your consult with because the trade nonetheless exists nowadays in Tarpon Springs.

The historical glass-bottom boat excursions at the Silver River in central Florida have attracted vacationers because the 1870s. Guests come to look the crystal-clear waters fed by way of springs, native marine existence, and Spanish and Local American artifacts. You can even catch a glimpse of previous Hollywood underwater film props on the park. There are two excursion choices: a 30-minute boat journey that operates all over the day, one year a 12 months, or a 90-minute tour to be had Friday via Monday. Contemporary tourgoers loved the boat journey and Silver Springs State Park, announcing that it is a nice selection for a neighborhood Florida enjoy.

Wynwood Partitions is an acclaimed boulevard artwork museum and concrete revitalization venture positioned within the Wynwood community of Miami. The set up opened in 2009 and is constantly evolving, with 35,000 sq. toes of partitions and greater than 100 featured artists from 21 nations. Discover the open-air museum’s work of art, boulevard artwork galleries, sculptures and retail retail outlets by yourself with a basic admission price ticket. Guests benefit from the artwork shows and are inspired by way of the standard of the reveals, with some announcing they make go back journeys each and every time they are in Miami. After spending time on the Wynwood Partitions and close by Museum of Graffiti – two of the highest museums in Miami – take a look at one of the most native eateries, bars, boutiques and occasions in the community.

Located simply north of Orlando, Iciness Park feels worlds clear of the bustling town. Take a stroll alongside the tree-lined Park Street district with its standard eating places and boutiques. You can additionally to find two spectacular museums on the town: the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Artwork and Rollins Museum of Artwork. There are greater than 70 parks for out of doors journey – and be sure that to not leave out the Iciness Park Scenic Boat Excursion. The hourlong narrated tour traverses 3 lakes within the Iciness Park Chain of Lakes, providing alternatives to look native natural world and perspectives of the spectacular estates constructed alongside the coastline.

The Ringling is an excellent museum complicated in Sarasota showcasing the legacy of famend circus proprietor and artwork collector John Ringling and his spouse, Mable. The Ringling was once named the reliable State Artwork Museum of Florida in 1980 and indexed at the Nationwide Sign in of Ancient Puts in 1982. Plan a whole day to look the in depth choice of artwork on the museum and to consult with Ca’ d’Zan, the Mediterranean Revival mansion that was once the iciness place of dwelling of the Ringlings. Kids of every age will pleasure within the interactive reveals on the Circus Museum. You’ll additionally walk the pretty Bayfront Gardens and consult with the Ancient Asolo Theater, Training Heart, Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion and extra. Vacationers name it a must-see when in Sarasota and rave concerning the museum, paintings, grounds and total enjoy.

In case you are a thrill-seeker on the lookout for heart-pumping rides and nonstop leisure out of doors of Orlando, then plan a go back and forth to Busch Gardens. Curler coaster lovers can have a lot of thrilling twists, drops and high-speed turns on the park, particularly at the new Serengeti Flyer. The 135-foot-tall coaster is billed because the tallest and quickest journey of its sort on the planet. For the fewer adventurous, head to the 65-acre Serengeti Undeniable for an open-air off-road excursion. The 30-minute journey gives up-close safari encounters with African natural world together with zebras, giraffes, rhinos and antelopes. There also are a lot of actions at this Tampa appeal to stay youngsters busy with rides, excursions and actions designed for more youthful youngsters. Contemporary vacationers like the concept that of the theme park with the safari excursions and remark that the grounds are nicely maintained.

This 8-mile-long barrier island of Siesta Secret is well-known for its powdery white sand seashores and glowing turquoise waters alongside the Gulf of Mexico. Guests to the seaside name it one of the crucial prettiest seashores within the U.S., announcing additionally they benefit from the extremely comfortable quartz sand that does not get too scorching – even within the Florida solar. Whilst at the island, take a journey at the complimentary Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for an summary of the world. Then, head over to Ocean Side road in Siesta Key Village to take a look at the native buying groceries, eating and leisure scene.

Referred to as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” Crystal River is positioned on Kings Bay. The bay’s crystal-clear waters are fed 600 million gallons of clean water day by day by way of greater than 70 springs. In the event you consult with within the iciness, you’ll be able to see as many as 500 to one,000 manatees playing the cool spring-fed waters, while about 100 manatees are living there in the summertime. For a one-of-a-kind enjoy, e-book a manatee excursion with Crystal River Watersports, the place you’ll be able to swim and snorkel with this sort of mild giants. The corporate additionally gives scalloping tours the place you’ll be able to hunt on your dinner and a novel likelihood to check out out mermaid classes for every age.

Located about 80 miles southwest of Jacksonville in Fortress White, this just about 2,700-acre state park is considered a haven for natural world, together with beavers, softshell turtles, picket geese, limpkins and different species. You can additionally to find 8 main springs that shape the 6-mile-long Ichetucknee River, together with one that is a Nationwide Herbal Landmark. Vacationers rave concerning the herbal good looks and their reviews on the park. Apart from walks alongside the 3 nature trails and geo-seeking, actions right here come with canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming or tubing at the pristine river. The state park may be a part of the Nice Florida Birding Path.

Alligators are one in all Florida’s maximum infamous citizens, and this tutorial park is likely one of the best issues to do in Orlando with youngsters. Whether or not you are fascinated about or terrified of those predators, you’ll be able to see greater than 2,000 American alligators of every age and sizes (together with 14-foot giants) – at a distance – at “The Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland. There are many different exciting issues to do on the 110-acre natural world keep and theme park, together with the 1,200-foot-high Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and a Stompin’ Gator Off-Highway Journey within the swamp on a monster automobile. In the event you dare, reserve a place for the behind-the-scenes excursion all over Journey Hour, the place you’ll be able to be up shut and private with (or even ready to feed) masses of hungry alligators. Reviewers say they loved the displays, actions and seeing the entire gators, and a few even wanted that they had deliberate to spend extra time on the keep and park.

Castillo de San Marcos was once constructed by way of Spanish colonists within the past due 1600s to protect their agreement of Florida and the Atlantic business course. The well-preserved construction is the oldest masonry fortification within the continental U.S., and it was once designated as a countrywide monument in 1924 by way of President Calvin Coolidge. You can to find park rangers and volunteers in duration get dressed stationed all over the castle to respond to questions whilst you discover by yourself. They’re going to additionally elaborate at the reviews of colonists that lived on the castle masses of years in the past. Musket and cannon demonstrations happen at scheduled instances on maximum weekends. Make sure you obtain the reliable Castillo park app for a self-guided excursion and different knowledge that can assist you take advantage of your consult with.

This 45,225-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion – located on Biscayne Bay within the Coconut Grove space of Miami – is house to an excellent choice of paintings, sculptures and invaluable antiques. Retired millionaire and bachelor James Deering started construction the valuables in 1914 however died in 1925, only some years after it was once finished, leaving the mansion to the kids of his half-brother and sister. The kin taken care of the house and assets and labored to make it out there to the general public. Vizcaya opened as a museum in 1953. As of late, guests can excursion 34 adorned rooms (out of 54 rooms general) of The Major Area, overlaying roughly 38,000 sq. toes. They are able to additionally walk throughout the Eu-inspired gardens which can be thought to be one of the most maximum elaborately designed gardens within the U.S. Vacationers reward the house and gardens and say the complimentary audio excursion covers numerous fascinating details about the kin.

Everglades Nationwide Park is the biggest subtropical desolate tract within the U.S. and is regarded as a global treasure. The park has the honour of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Website online, an World Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of World Significance – and it is safe beneath the Cartagena Treaty. The Nationwide Park Carrier recommends visiting within the dry season, between November and April. The iciness months additionally come up with the money for optimum alternatives to look natural world, together with endangered and uncommon species just like the Florida panther, manatee and American crocodile. For the finest enjoy, take a ranger-guided excursion or match, an airboat excursion by way of one of the crucial authorized operators, or a guided excursion by way of kayak or canoe. There also are excursion choices for anglers and photographers in addition to eco-tours.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a novel nonprofit marine rescue middle and one of the crucial best aquariums within the U.S. The power engages in analysis, schooling, rehabilitation and free up systems. Two liked dolphins at Clearwater even garnered the eye of filmmakers: “Dolphin Story” and “Dolphin Story 2” proportion the emotional tales of Iciness and Hope. Rather then dolphins, guests will to find rescued sea turtles, stingrays, river otters, nurse sharks and extra marine existence right here. You can be informed extra about ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts or even meet one of the most rescued animals. Reviewers say the power is lovely and the personnel is devoted and an expert. The aquarium additionally gives reveals and animal care reviews the place you’ll be able to meet one of the most citizens. To peer the native marine existence of their herbal habitat, e-book one of the crucial aquarium’s guided eco-boat excursions on Clearwater Bay.

A go back and forth to Daytona World Speedway is a must-do for NASCAR fans when visiting Florida. The speedway gives an hourlong speedway excursion and a 2.5-hour VIP excursion. The VIP enjoy is to be had as soon as an afternoon on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays and comprises an unique consult with to the NASCAR Archives & Analysis Heart and Press Field. You’ll additionally plan to wait one of the crucial races on the speedway, together with the best-known match, the Daytona 500. Guests say it is an unbelievable enjoy to move out at the monitor, and lots of rave concerning the high quality of the excursions and the museum.

The historical past of this assets dates again to 1922, when two land builders bought an 80-acre tract to develop citrus. Then again, after some attention, they made up our minds to not disturb the land’s herbal good looks and as an alternative employed a panorama architect from the prestigious company of Frederick Regulation Olmstead to design the gardens. By way of the Forties, greater than 100,000 vacationers had been visiting McKee Jungle Gardens each and every 12 months to look the spectacular choice of waterlilies, orchids, and different decorative and unique vegetation from around the globe.

As of late, visitors can wander throughout the now 18-acre jungle that is indexed at the Nationwide Sign in of Ancient Puts. The gardens also are thought to be a preservation venture of nationwide importance by way of the Lawn Conservancy. In case you have youngsters in tow in your consult with, do not leave out the Kids’s Lawn right here. Vacationers benefit from the serenity of the gardens and remark that it is a gorgeous position for images.

The World Equestrian Heart is the biggest equestrian complicated within the U.S., with state of the art indoor and out of doors amenities that host many equestrian occasions and different leisure actions all over the 12 months. Dog fanatics can attend dog occasions, for instance, such because the nationwide forte canine displays. You can additionally to find are living tune on the Yellow Pony Pub & Lawn, Meals Truck Fridays and Grand Prix Eating Studies. In case you are on the lookout for a marriage venue, you’ll be able to get married within the on-site chapel after which have the reception in a ravishing atmosphere beneath the majestic oak timber within the lawn. For a longer consult with to enjoy the entire middle has to supply, plan to stick a couple of days at The Equestrian Resort, a luxurious lodge at the grounds.

Located alongside the glowing emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Islands Nationwide Seaside comprises coastal areas in each Florida and Mississippi. There are six spaces in Florida to discover: Fortress Barrancas, Fortress Pickens, Naval Are living Oaks, Okaloosa, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa. Historical past buffs will respect the fortifications, reveals and customer facilities on the two castle spaces. At Naval Are living Oaks, you’ll be able to hike 7-plus miles of trails after which have a picnic alongside the bay. Seaside fanatics will experience spending the day at Perdido Key, thought to be some of the gorgeous seashores within the U.S. You’ll even pass backcountry tenting by way of boat at Perdido Key. And after the solar is going down, glance up on the sky as this nationwide seaside is a superb position for stargazing.

Be aware: Fortress Barrancas was once closed to the general public on the time of newsletter. It’s anticipated to reopen for visitation in summer season 2023. Seek the advice of the National Park Service for more info.

The mythical writer Ernest M. Hemingway first visited Key West in April 1928. All through this go back and forth to the Florida Keys, he completed his novel “A Farewell to Palms.” He and his 2nd spouse, Pauline, fell in love with the island, and after two seasons Pauline’s uncle purchased a house for them on Whitehead Side road. The Spanish Colonial house, in-built 1851, was once in disrepair when it was once bought and went via an important recovery venture within the Thirties. As of late, Hemingway’s house is a Nationwide Ancient Landmark. Lots of Hemingway’s non-public artifacts stay in the home. Consistent with tourgoers, you’ll be able to even see moderately a couple of six-toed cats wandering the valuables, similar to the six-toed tomcat that belonged to Hemingway. Guided 20- to 30-minute excursions are to be had day by day.

South Seaside is one in all 3 neighborhoods positioned at the 9-mile-long barrier island of Miami Seaside. The world runs between South Pointe Park north to twenty third Side road alongside the Atlantic Ocean and is splendid recognized for its colourful artwork deco constructions lining famed Ocean Force. You will not wish to leave out Lincoln Highway, a well-liked mile-long pedestrian space with boutiques, eating places and boulevard performers. South Seaside may be house to The Wolfsonian: This museum properties some of the in depth American college artwork collections of ornamental arts, design and propaganda items from 1850 to 1950. Ahead of leaving the town, head to Lummus Park, a beachfront park the place you’ll be able to have one of the most splendid people-watching in South Seaside.

Situated roughly 15 miles south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs takes visitors again to Previous Florida and offers them alternatives to glimpse deer, alligators, manatees and turtles. The 6,000-acre natural world sanctuary has hundreds of years of historical past and boasts one of the crucial global’s inner most and biggest freshwater springs plus an historic cypress swamp. This atmosphere was once the very best backdrop for filming “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure” (1941) and “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954). Take the 45- to 55-minute ranger-led glass-bottom boat excursion at the Wakulla River for implausible wildlife-viewing alternatives. The spring-fed water is remarkably clean, which helped a mastodon skeleton be came upon inside its depths. The traditional fossil is now on show on the Museum of Florida Historical past in Tallahassee.

Grasp a seat and tip again a chilly one on the oldest steadily running bar within the state: the Palace Saloon. Situated on Centre Side road in downtown Fernandina Seaside on Amelia Island, the historical construction was once firstly designed as a haberdashery in 1878. When it was once bought in 1903, the brand new proprietor enlisted the help of his buddy – the founding father of Anheuser-Busch, Adolphus Bush – to create an upscale “gentleman’s established order.” The bar was once so unique that it even attracted the rich Carnegie and Rockefeller households who vacationed on close by Cumberland Island, Georgia, all over that point. Native lore claims the Palace Saloon was once the closing bar to near in Florida all over Prohibition and that it survived by way of promoting particular wines, ice cream, Texaco fuel, 3% near-beer and cigars. As of late, the internal keeps a lot of its unique allure, despite the fact that the clientele has modified. When on the town, forestall by way of the saloon’s new out of doors house, The Shipyard, and order a well-known Pirates Punch.

The Dalí Museum highlights the existence and paintings of the cutting edge artist Salvador Dalí. The design of the construction, by way of architect Yann Weymouth of HOK, is the very best advent to the eccentric items of artwork within. Referred to as the Enigma, the 18-inch hurricane-proof glass sections create a 75-foot-tall geodesic bubble within the middle of the construction such as the only at his museum in Spain. Guests can view the everlasting collections at The Dalí, which come with prints, artwork, gadgets, pictures and works on paper. You can additionally to find rotating reveals from different artists, particular occasions and categories. Reviewers remark that the outside is as a lot a murals because the collections within and say it is higher to consult with when further reveals are on show and you’ll be able to spend extra time on the museum. After your consult with, have dinner and watch the sundown at one of the crucial eating places on St. Pete Pier.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses 70 nautical miles, and it was once the primary undersea park within the U.S. You’ll take a glass-bottom boat excursion to view the coral reefs and marine existence from above, although scuba divers and snorkelers would possibly desire a nearer take a look at the underwater habitats which can be a part of the Florida Keys ecosystem. Along with colourful sponges and other species of fish, you might also see crabs, lobsters, dolphins, sea turtles and manatees. If you wish to consult with the well-known 9-foot-tall bronze statue referred to as Christ of the Abyss positioned off the coast, you’ll be able to want to take a ship excursion with an organization like Silent World Dive Heart in Key Largo. For a longer keep to experience extra water-based actions like kayaking and canoeing, plan to camp in a single day within the park.

This two-month-long match includes a huge pirate competition, named for the (most probably fictitious) pirate José Gaspar of native legend. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest has been exciting attendees since its inception in 1904. The swashbuckling a laugh kicks off on the finish of January with the third-largest parade within the nation. The 4.5-mile course options masses of elaborate floats with treasures to pillage, all led by way of the captain of Ye Mystic Krewe and his pirates. Gasparilla Season additionally options an out of doors tune competition, a youngsters’s parade adopted by way of a fireworks show, a movie fest, an arts fest and a lot more. Even school soccer groups and their buccaneer lovers get in at the parley all over the Gasparilla Bowl in December. In case you are in a position for a yo-ho-ho just right time, deliver your hearties and scallywags to Tampa Bay all over Gasparilla Season. Aargh.

Lion Nation Safari is a 320-acre family-friendly appeal in a rural a part of Palm Seaside County about 20 miles from West Palm Seaside. The drive-thru idea opened in 1967 as one of the crucial first cageless zoos within the U.S., with free-roaming lions and different animals providing a large recreation enjoy with reference to house. The year-round tropical local weather in Florida is perfect for the massive herds of animals originating from six continents, together with lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, rhinos and chimpanzees. The safari may be eager about conservation efforts and breeding systems for threatened species.

You can to find seven major habitats throughout 4 miles of the safari. There may be additionally a 55-acre journey park with rides, a petting zoo and animal encounters, a water park, paddleboats, and different sights. You’ll even take an escorted VIP excursion with knowledgeable information that incorporates two up-close reviews with one of the most animals. Vacationers say they experience getting with reference to the animals, that it is value a consult with and a good way to spend a day.

Gwen Pratesi is an avid commute adventurer and culinary explorer who has coated the Southeast and coastal and central areas of Florida since 2009. She is a resident of Amelia Island, Florida. She regularly visits different portions of the state to discover the lesser-known spaces and distinctive locations that many vacationers leave out when visiting Orlando. She writes concerning the commute and culinary industries, that specialize in cruises, for main publications, together with U.S. Information & World Document.