So when researching for vacation spots, how many times have you come across Florida? If I were to take a guess, 7/10 times? Florida has so much to offer to people of all age groups, whether you are looking for a beach getaway, taking the kids to Disney World, have some good food or party like a rockstar. I have compiled a list of the top 10 things you won’t want to miss out during your trip to Florida! Read for all the fun things to do in Florida.
SKYDIVING:
Lets start with something different! Does the thought of jumping out of a plane flying 14,000 ft above ground excite you? If you said yes, then head over to the city of Zephryhills. Located in Pasco county, it is a suburb of the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area. The Skydive City is where all the action happens. If you are not quiet ready to take the jump, you can always get a similar experience with indoor skydiving. iFly in Orlando gives you the most realistic experience. Definitely add it to your fun things to do in Florida list.
NASA:
Continuing with our new found love for the sky, head down to Cape Canaveral and you can spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center. In addition to learning about spacecrafts, you might even get to watch a real rocket launch! Book your visit to the Space Center here.
DAYTONA 500- DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY:
Once you have explored the space, lets fulfill your need for speed with a visit to Daytona International Speedway! Zoom..Zoom… There is a 500 mile long annual race held, Daytona 500, regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar. Or you can schedule a tour and learn more about the history of racing. Oh by the way, you are just a few minutes away from Daytona beach!
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- Miami
MIAMI:
Party time! Woohoo! Miami is definitely known for its extravagant nightlife, however, Miami has so much more to offer! Firstly, the food options are endless! With a wide diversity in culture, it is natural for a city to have different cuisines. And then there is the Wynwood Art district. The way each artist has transformed that area into an art district is simply mind blowing. Every wall portrays a story, an unknown dream. It is a must visit!
Click here to get your theme park tickets.
THEME PARKS:
DisneyWorld, Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove, the list goes on and on. Conveniently located in Central Florida’s backyard, there are many options to choose from. From meeting your favorite Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to tasting food and wine from around the world at Epcot, you and the family have plenty of things to do. If you are a thrill seeker, don’t forget about the roller coasters at Universal Studios. You can also watch live gator feedings and zip line over them at Gatorland. I am not that brave yet! But if you do go, be sure to let me know below!
Click here to shop my summer vacation essentials
SHOPPING:
If you are looking for souvenirs to take back with you, International drive has many stores that sell them. If the moto of your life is ‘shop till you drop’, the Premium Outlets will do the trick for you. And if you are still not done, one of the best mall in the region will certainly do it, the Mall of Millenia.
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- Miami
WHERE TO EAT:
Now I don’t know about you guys, but all this shopping and theme park hoping is making me hungry! Here are my top 7 recommendations:
Wynwood Cafe
Columbia Restaurant
The Capital Grile
Zuma
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants
Aashirwad Indian Restaurant
BEACHES:
I know you have been wondering when I was going to bring then up. Florida is known worldwide for its beautiful coastline. National Geographic named Bowman’s beach in Sanibel Island as one of the best in the world! No matter where you are in the state, you are not too far a beach. Some of my favorite ones are South Beach Miami, Clearwater Beach, and Honeymoon Island.
GAYLORD PALMS ICE:
Lets chill for a minute. Gaylord Palm Resort hosts an annual ice sculpture exhibition during the holiday season. The sculptures are hand carved out of thousands of tons of ice by skilled artisans all the way from China. Parkas are provided to ensure you stay warm as you explore the one of a kind ice exhibition. And as you end your tour, you can also dine at one of the restaurants in the resort or just check out the Everglades themed indoor atrium.
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- Castillo de San Marcos
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- Castillo de San Marcos
ST. AUGUSTINE:
Last but not least, the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine. Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, this city houses the famous Castillo de San Marcos fort and stunning St. Augustine beach.
There you have it folks, my favorite fun things to do in Florida. Having lived in Florida for over decade, I definitely enjoy every bit of it and highly recommend you visit it!
Do you have an upcoming trip planned to Florida? Or have you been there? I would love to hear back from you!
” You don’t need magic to disappear. All you need is a destination”
SAVE ME- FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA
I have been to Florida many times already and I like going there just because it is literally summer all year round. One thing I hate is hurricanes during the summer. This is why I avoid going there during summer time.
Very exciting and so much to do! I’ve been to Florida, Disney etc but never Miami! Can’t wait to check it out!
Such a Beautiful place, I really want to visit now.
Looks like there is a lot to do in Florida! I’ve only been once as a child, maybe I need to go back.
I’ve always wanted to visit and these photos are making it hard for me to resist!
I’ve lived in Florida for 10 years, and I’ll have to admit I’ve never been to St. Augustine. I’ve never been skydiving. And I haven’t been to all the beaches. In fact, I’m not a Floridian at all. It’s way too hot and I’m so ready to move. However, Sanibel Island is the perfect beach. The Daytona Race Track is so worth the price. And Miami is definitely party ready.
I Have an upcoming trip! well actually a permanent trip , i’m moving to tampa next year cant wait to do all these fun activites you have on the list ! 🙂
this all looks like so much fun! I’ve never been skydiving – maybe one day I’ll get the guts!
Awesome post ? Love the guide of Florida that you have provided! I have been to Florida several times. But cannot wait to go back! My favorite places are the Keys and Disney world!
Haven’t been to Florida, although I have a friend who has. Would be awesome to go to NASA!
Those ice sculptures look amazing! I have been to an ice bar before which was really cool and these scuplures look similar.
I spent a couple of years living in Florida and I miss it all the time. There’s so much to do there, and even the theme parks are fantastic for adults. Though most of my time was spent in the Orlando area, I got to do a bit of exploring and love all of these places.
I loved reading your post. You’re so right, Florida is full of interesting things to do! I need to add skydiving to my list!!
I would love to visit the space center! How cool!
Didn’t know there was so much to see/do! I visited Miami couple years back for a music festival hence only familiarized myself with the party scene. Would definitely love to be back to check out some of these amazing suggestions (Wynwood Art district especially) you’ve recommended!!!
Awesome post..I have never been To Florida, I hope to go soon, missing out on so many cool things. it ‘s sooo far from me…opposite end of the country…Im in Seattle.
Im from Australia but have family in Florida so has always been on my bucket list. Im amazed how much there is to do.
Nice little guide around Florida! I’ve lived in Florida most of my life and have lived in Orlando and South Florida for many years! You listed some great places and things to do. Wynwood in Miami is a must! Millennia mall and the Premium Outlets are two of my favorites in the state for shopping!
Wow!!! The place looks serene n beautiful,, Florida is going straight to my bucketlist of places to visit
I’d love to visit Florida one day! I definitely want to try skydiving.
Wow! the pictures are beautiful.
I’d love to go to Florida one day, but as a student (UK) I just don’t have the time. fingers crossed I can go one day in the future
I’m going to Florida in January and now I want to go skydiving!
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Awesome! Have fun there. Are you going to a specific city or just around the state?
Florida is SUCH a great state! So many cool places to visit and great food. I tried to convince my husband to let us move to Miami lol.
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Man! Miami is so fun! I loved it when I was there. All the different food options are to die for!
Love Florida! I visit at least once a year, and will be back in the Orlando area in January. Have yet to make it to the Kennedy Space Center, though. Will have to add that to my list!
Florida resident here ^_^ I absolutely love every inch of Florida! each region has their own charm, and I think you hit every point on what makes this state so special!
I like Florida but have only been once and that was on my honeymoon in 1996 so I’m sure it’s changed a lot since then. I love how you gave such detail about what to do, where to play, where to eat…and Maggiano’s is by far my favorite Italian eatery. Thanks for sharing. Great post!
I’ve done all these things in Florida minus the skydiving…love the Sunshine state!
This post is so helpful! Would definitely keep this in mind when visiting Florida. 🙂
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Thanks Marie! Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome skydiving shot! Never thought of doing that in Florida!
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It was an amazing experience, scary but did it. Haha!
The world is a beautiful and interesting place. I hope to visit places like this soon
I hope to visit these places soon. The world is a beautiful place.
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Thank you!
It is nice to travel through the eyes of a globe trotter.. And nice pics I must say…
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Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it.
Love all your pictures! Especially that last one! Been to Florida a handful of times – flown twice and driven once. Been to a few different parts, Miami is definitely a highlight! Never actually been to Disney while I’m there, people always say its good but I’m not an amusement park person myself. Love to just eat good food in the area, and of course you have to visit the beach!
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Oh that’s awesome Nicholas. I am glad you enjoyed visiting. Definitely recommend International drive in Orlando, its got some new restaurants.
We just visited Florida in May. It was my third time. I enjoy the theme parts, but I loved my visit to St. Augustine many years ago. I think there’s so much to see besides the parks.
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Ah! Yes, you are so right, the parks are great but there is so much more to do. I love all the beaches.
Amazing read! Such exciting activities and lovely photos too!
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Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Wowww! Amazing! I never knew there are great places here to visit!
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I lived there for over 10’years, loved it!
Skydiving pic is so attractive
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Thanks!
I have always wanted to visit Florida and this makes me want to visit even more!!
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You are going to love it! It’s sunny most of the time but rains a lot too, if that makes sense ha!
wow wow verry good places i loved it you’re verry lucky http://www.fooday.info
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Thanks! Great recipes by the way, makes me hungry!
Loved the skydiving guide and the photo of you doing it
Love this post!
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Thank you! It’s a wonderful experience.
We visited a few places in Florida. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West. Each had its own character with Miami and Key West being our top places.
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That’s awesome! I haven’t fully explored Key West yet, will probably go back next year.