Things to do

Florida’s beaches and theme parks are a huge draw, but there are so many other things to do in Florida!

Much of Florida’s beauty and magic is found off the beaten path, away from beaches and theme parks.

Here are some ideas of things to do, and ways to experience Florida in a deeper way

  • Wander through small southern towns and explore large cities
  • Roadtrip the Florida Keys via the Overseas Highway
  • Visit the iconic Florida Everglades
  • Explore Florida’s beautiful freshwater springs
  • Experience Florida’s diverse international cultures
  • Observe Florida’s impressive wildlife
  • Explore Florida’s vast waterways
  • Visit a sandbar or island
  • Go scuba diving or free diving in crystal clear water
  • Take an aerial tour via helicopter or small airplane
  • Attend a festival, concert or event
  • Enjoy Florida’s world-class shopping
  • Hike or bike through Florida’s trails
  • Visit a historic site
  • Enjoy lively night life!
  • Sample traditional Florida foods
  • Visit a museum or botanical garden
  • Tour one of the many lighthouses in Florida
Florida stone crab

Stone Crabbing

Stone crabbing in Florida is a way of life! Stone crabs in Florida are a local delicacy, and are one of the most popular seafoods in Florida. They have delicious meat, which is tender and sweet.  Stone Crab Season The stone crab season in Florida is from October 15th until May 1st, although it can…

Sand Castle Competition Sanding Ovations in Florida

Sand Sculpting

Sand sculpture competitions in Florida are amazing, and are worth visiting! The Basics of Sand Sculpting There are a number of sand sculpting events in Florida, spread around the state. They are usually in the fall, winter and spring. Most of the festivals last for 1-2 weeks, and have festivals around the events. Activities and…

Scuba diving the Christ of the Abyss statue dive site in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Scuba Diving in Florida

Florida’s scuba diving sites are incredible, and diverse: Note: Never dive beyond your skills, training or ability level. Exercise extreme caution and appropriate safety measures at all times. Many people have died in Florida’s dive sites – the danger is real, and should never be underestimated. Some freshwater dive sites in Florida are accessible and…

A dive boat from the National Park Service, scuba diving in Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida

National Parks in Florida

There are three major national parks in Florida, along with eight other parks which are administered by the U.S. National Park Service. The three major national parks in Florida are: Besides the three national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates eight other parks in Florida, giving Florida 11 national parks in total.  Other…

Morikami Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida

Morikami Japanese Garden

Morikami Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Delray Beach. The gardens are a peaceful escape and a cultural treasure – they are about more than just plants.  Morikami Gardens is a monument to Japanese culture, spread across 16 acres. As you wander around the property, you’ll find two museum buildings that…

disappearing island florida, near new smyrna beach and the ponce inlet

Disappearing Island

Disappearing Island is a large, popular sandbar in Florida’s Ponce Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach. Why is it called Disappearing Island? Disappearing Island got its name because it “disappears” at high tide, and is only visible during low tides. During high tide, the Disappearing Island sandbar is submerged underwater.  The water level and depth varies…

Florida cruise ship

Cruises from Florida

Cruises from Florida depart from the six major cruise ports in Florida.  All of Florida’s major cruise ports are on the east coast, except for the Port of Tampa Bay which is on the western Gulf of Mexico coast. Map of Cruise Ports in Florida List of Cruise Ports in Florida Port Name and Website…

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida is world-class! There are thousands of miles of coastline and waterways in Florida – lakes, rivers, fresh water, salt water, brackish tidal zones, inland, coastal, offshore and everything in between. The entire state is filled with fishing spots and a huge variety of conditions and places to catch fish. Because fishing in Florida…

dog friendly beach in florida

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state.  Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs.  Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…

Blue Hole Spring inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida

The Best Springs in Florida

Beaches and theme parks get a lot of tourist attention, but if you ask me, Florida’s springs are the best part of our state. They are absolutely beautiful and I love exploring them. Here are some of my favorite springs in Florida. Florida Spring Maps and Guides Florida’s springs are located throughout the state. There…

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River

Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast.  Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida.  The small city…

Everglades National Park Entrance in Florida

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of the most unique parks in the U.S. It’s one of only three national parks in Florida, and one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Everglades National Park is home to incredible wildlife, including: American alligator American crocodile Florida Panther Florida manatees And countless others Over one million…

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is a popular spring in central Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs was once privately owned, but the spring became a Florida state park in 2008. Weeki Wachee Springs is located near Orlando and Tampa, making it a popular destination for many visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs is most famous for mermaid shows, its spring-fed…