10 of the best things to do in Florida
Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is famous for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and natural beauty. Since the twentieth century, tourism has been Florida’s main industry, attracting millions of visitors each year. In this comprehensive blog post explore the top 10 best things to do in Florida.
Here are some must-visit attractions in Florida:
1. Everglades National Park
Visited by over a million people annually, the Everglades National Park is the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi River. This park is a sanctuary for thirty-six endangered species, including the American Crocodile, Florida Panther, and West Indian Manatee. Activities include:
- Biking
- Camping
- Bird watching
- Kayaking
Hiking tours offer a firsthand experience of the wilderness.
2. Daytona International Speedway
Built by NASCAR founder William “Bill” France, Sr., and home to the famous Daytona 500, the Daytona International Speedway is one of NASCAR’s most renowned race tracks. Other races like the USCC, AMA Superbike, Motocross, SCAA, and USCC are also hosted here. The Daytona Rising project improved fan experiences with:
- Larger, more comfortable seating
- Redesigned entrances
3. Gatorland
Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is a 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preservation center. The park features:
- Thousands of alligators and crocodiles
- A breeding pit
- A petting zoo
- Reptile shows
- Swamp walks
- Educational programs
Gatorland also rescues nuisance alligators that would otherwise be killed.
4. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is renowned for its 4 km long white sandy beaches. Located west of the Intracoastal Waterway near Clearwater, Florida, it also features residential and resort areas on the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the USA, with the Sandpearl Resort being one of the top coastal resorts in the country.
5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Situated in Universal Orlando Resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features two theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando Studio. Islands of Adventure includes Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a recreation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogsmeade offers restaurants and gift shops themed on the books and movies.
6. Dali Museum
Art lovers will enjoy the Salvador Dali Museum, which houses the largest and most complete collection of Dali’s work outside of Europe. Located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, the museum is set in a stunning building on the waterfront and serves as a great starting point for exploring the city.
7. Exploring the Coral Reef in the Florida Keys
North America’s only living coral reef is in the crystal-clear waters of Key West, Florida Keys. This pristine reef features unique tropical species not found anywhere else. Snorkelling is the best way to explore the reef up close. Many companies offer:
- Guided tours
- Catamaran trips
- Food and drinks
This makes it a perfect afternoon activity.
8. Kennedy Space Center
Located near the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s flagship facility for payload and launching systems. It has been the primary center for human space flight since 1968, housing famous programs like Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle. The visitor complex offers public tours of the KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
9. Walt Disney World Resort
Located near Orlando and Kissimmee in Bay Lake, Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is the crown jewel of Disney’s global empire. It is the world’s most visited holiday resort, with over 50 million visitors annually. Opened on October 1, 1971, it features:
- Four theme parks
- 27 themed hotels
- Four golf courses
- Two water parks
- A camping resort
- A shopping district
10. Miami Beach Art Deco District
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is a visual feast of pastel-coloured buildings with unique architectural features. The district is home to over 800 historic buildings, making it one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and design of these iconic structures.