Things to do in Florida

Florida is known for its great theme parks, and many vacations are spent entirely in Orlando. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Florida has so many attractions that it would take a lifetime to enjoy them all. Besides the major parks in Orlando and Sea-World, there are many other attractions that deserve your attention such as Cypress Gardens, Silver Springs, etc.

The zoological parks and aquariums in Florida are fantastic. There are great botanical gardens and museums.

If your taste runs to recreation – Wow!!

Deep-sea fishing in the Gulf

Almost every city along the Gulf coast has charter fishing available.

Swimming and sun-bathing

Florida is one big beach! Take your pick. Some like the Atlantic coast with the surf. Others prefer the more sedate and laid back Gulf Coast with fabulous sunsets, and miles of white sand.

Boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, water skis

Rentals are plentiful, but best along the gulf-coast or on the many lakes, rivers and bays. Almost any lake or any town along the Gulf Coast or the Florida Keys has boat rentals. Some Atlantic Cities have rentals, but to put in a boat you need an inter-coastal waterway or bay. You can’t easily launch a boat through the surf, and in many places trying to do so would be illegal.

Golf

Florida has hundreds of great courses. Try one of Golf Digest’s picks of the best.

Florida has many great state parks. Myakka State Park near Sarasota is known for alligator viewing, a canopy skywalk that takes you 70 feet above the ground with a view for miles across Florida, and many miles of hiking and horseback trails. The Corkscrew Sanctuary near Naples is an Audubon wildlife preserve with easy boardwalk trails, or visit the nearby Great Cypress Swamp. Bring your cameras and binoculars. There are over 1000 places to visit in Florida including forests, animal sanctuaries, sinkholes, National Seashores, geology sites – everything for the lover of nature.

The Everglades, the Everglades - what more can I say. Alligators, Native Americans, millions of birds, saw grass, air-boat rides. Prices are reasonable for experiences you will never forget. At night you may see a Florida Panther, or a fifteen foot Burmese Python crossing the road!

Are you a sports fan? Seminoles, Gators, Buccaneers, Dolphins, - If you like sports, then you will love Florida! For you baseball fans: Major League Spring Training locations! (Rumor has it that the Rangers are coming back to Port Charlotte.)

Florida keys. Have you ever wanted to drive across an ocean? Here is your chance. Take the drive to Key West – or a tour bus. At Key West, visit Hemingway’s haunts, enjoy the various tourist attractions, ride the conch train, swim, sunbathe and watch the sunset from the beach while enjoying a tall, cool, tropical beverage.

There are a number of cattle ranches and horse farms in central Florida that have tours. Yes, Florida has cowboys. Florida also has many good riding facilities and trails.

Or do you just enjoy site seeing? Then perhaps trips like the following are for you.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Take the boat ride to this fortress – a great piece of American History.

Shell or shark teeth collecting.

Sanibel Island for shells. Venice beach for shark teeth.

Kennedy Space Center

Skyway bridge over Tampa Bay.

What a view for only $1.00! Stop at the rest area and enjoy the view. The north area has a Coast Guard monument.

Historic sites

Florida has some of the oldest homes in America, dating back to the Spanish occupation.

Festivals

There is always some type of festival going on, especially during the winter months.

After all of the fun, you will be hungry and Florida has something for everyone.

Boiled peanuts

Get off the beaten path and you will find stands along the road selling boiled peanuts. Try them at least once. Boiled peanuts were eaten by Civil War soldiers who called them goober peas.

Seafood

Forget hamburgers. Florida is known for great seafood restaurants. Avoid the chains and look for family-owned restaurants, especially along the gulf. Best - Gulf Shrimp, Grouper, Mahi-Mahi, blue crab and Stone Crab. Forget Tilapia. Lobster and King Crab are OK, but you can get those anywhere.

Ethnic food

Wow! Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean food are in abundance.

Steak House chains

Florida has the usual assortment – but Sam Seltzer’s is a Florida chain with great steak and an excellent wine selection.

We hope you enjoy your trip to Florida!