Must Do Things in Florida
Florida is a state known for its beautiful beaches, exciting cities, and rich history. With its warm climate, diverse wildlife, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that many people dream of visiting or moving to the Sunshine State. However, with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the must-do things to experience all that Florida has to offer:
Top Destinations
Before we dive into the must-do activities, let’s start with some of the top destinations to visit in Florida:
- Orlando: Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Whether you’re a fan of thrill rides, live shows, or animal exhibits, Orlando has something for everyone.
- Miami Beach: Located on the southeastern coast, Miami Beach is famous for its white sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the Art Deco District, shop along Ocean Drive, and grab a Cuban sandwich at Joe’s Stone Crab.
- Key West: Located at the southernmost tip of Florida, Key West is a charming island with a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, take a sunset sail, and enjoy the local seafood.
- St. Augustine: America’s oldest city is a must-visit destination for history buffs and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, explore the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and enjoy the city’s colonial architecture.
Outdoor Activities
Florida is home to an incredible variety of outdoor activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking and biking. Here are some of the must-do outdoor activities to experience in the state:
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world of Florida’s coral reefs and marine life. Visit the Florida Keys, Clearwater Beach, and the Bahamas to discover the state’s incredible marine biodiversity.
- Hiking and Biking: With over 130,000 square miles of protected land, Florida offers endless opportunities for hiking and biking. Visit the Florida Trail, a 1,200-mile network of hiking and biking trails, or explore the scenic back roads of the countryside.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the state’s many lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Visit the Caladesi Island State Park, a barrier island located off the coast of Clearwater Beach.
- Fishing: With over 1,000 miles of coastline, Florida offers endless opportunities for fishing. Try your luck at keyhole fishing, which involves using a 10-foot length of fishing line to target species like tarpon and sharks.
Beach Activities
Florida’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and there’s no better way to experience them than by participating in some of the state’s many beach activities. Here are some of the must-do beach activities to experience in Florida:
- Surfing: Florida’s beaches are perfect for surfing, with gentle waves and warm water making it ideal for all levels of surfers. Visit the Daytona Beach Pier, the famous surfing spot in Daytona Beach.
- Beachcombing: Take a leisurely walk along the beach and see what interesting items the ocean has washed up. Look for seashells, sea glass, and other treasures.
- Swimming: With over 1,000 miles of coastline, Florida’s beaches offer plenty of opportunities for swimming. Visit the Gulf of Mexico, where the water is warm and crystal clear.
- Sunbathing: With over 1,000 days of sunshine per year, Florida’s beaches are the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Find a comfortable spot, relax, and enjoy the view.
Cultural Experiences
Florida is a state with a rich cultural heritage, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting some of its many museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the must-do cultural experiences to experience in Florida:
- Walt Disney World: While Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, Walt Disney World is a must-visit destination for families and fans of Disney. With four theme parks, two water parks, and over 30 on-site hotels, there’s something for everyone.
- Museum of Art in Miami: Located in the heart of Miami, the Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the state. With a collection of over 10,000 works of art, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibitions and activities.
- Key West History: Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, which offers a glimpse into the life and times of the famous author. Take a tour of the house, visit the grounds, and explore the museum.
- National Museum of Funeral History: Located in St. Augustine, the National Museum of Funeral History is a fascinating museum that offers a unique look at the history of death and funerals.
Food and Drink
Florida is known for its fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and sweet treats. Here are some of the must-do food and drink experiences to experience in the state:
- Seafood: With its extensive coastline, Florida offers endless opportunities for fresh seafood. Visit the Key West Lobster Company, the Florida Seafood Company, and the Daytona Beach Seafood Market to try some of the state’s freshest catches.
- Cocktails: Florida is famous for its mixologists, and the state offers a wide range of craft cocktails. Visit the Harry’s Bar in Key West, the New England Steakhouse in Orlando, and the Cobalt in Miami for some of the state’s best drinks.
- Key Lime Pie: Florida is the birthplace of the iconic Key lime pie, which is a must-try dessert at any Florida restaurant. Visit the Key West Fish House, the Miami Beach EDITION, and the Gainesville Farmers’ Market for some of the state’s best Key lime pies.
- Cigar Rolling: Florida is famous for its cigar production, and a visit to a cigar rolling factory is a must-do experience. Visit the Icon Tobacco Company in Atlanta, the Montecito Cigar Factory in Key West, and the Tampa Cigar Factory for some of the state’s best cigars.
Music and Entertainment
Florida is a state with a thriving music and entertainment scene, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending some of the state’s many concerts, festivals, and events. Here are some of the must-do music and entertainment experiences to experience in Florida:
- South Beach Music Festival: Located in Miami, the South Beach Music Festival is one of the state’s most popular music events. With a lineup of top DJs and bands, the festival offers a fun and lively atmosphere.
- Key West Songwriters Festival: Located in Key West, the Key West Songwriters Festival is a celebration of music and songwriting. With a lineup of top songwriters and performers, the festival offers a unique and intimate music experience.
- Orlando Zoo Boo: Located in Orlando, the Orlando Zoo Boo is a festive event that celebrates Halloween with a zoo-wide party. With live music, costume contests, and trick-or-treating, the zoo is the perfect place to get into the Halloween spirit.
- Florida Keys Jazz Festival: Located in Key West, the Florida Keys Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music with a lineup of top jazz musicians. With a focus on the history and culture of jazz, the festival offers a unique and educational music experience.
Other Must-Do Activities
Florida offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Here are some of the must-do activities to experience in the state:
- Mangrove Swamp Tours: Located in the Everglades, mangrove swamp tours offer a unique and immersive experience of the state’s unique ecosystem.
- Kayak Trips: Florida offers endless opportunities for kayak trips, with guided tours and rentals available for all skill levels.
- Visit a Florida State Park: With over 40 state parks, Florida offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Tall Hill Forest Preserve, and the Cape Florida State Park for some of the state’s best natural beauty.
- Experience the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Located in Orlando, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of food and wine with a lineup of top chefs and food stations. With a focus on international cuisine and wine, the festival offers a unique and immersive experience.
In conclusion, Florida is a state with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich history, Florida is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Sunshine State. By following the tips and activities outlined in this article, you’ll be able to experience some of the must-do things in Florida and create unforgettable memories.