Florida has more than its fair share of attractions and from professional sports to beaches, sweeping national parks to thrilling theme parks, there are activities to suit any desire. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Sunshine State is probably best known for its water-based pursuits, and indeed the industry is thriving. Here are some of the top activities that Florida has to offer, in and around the waves…
Dive into a waterpark
With year-round high temperatures, it’s no wonder that Florida has more water parks than any other state in the U.S. One of the most unique is Disney’s Blizzard Beach, located in Lake Buena Vista. Bizarrely, this water park was designed to look just like a ski resort and the top attraction here is the Summit Plummet, where a 120 ft drop has you reaching a speed upwards of 60 miles an hour. Being an “abandoned” ski resort, they even have a chair lift that takes you to the top of the mountain. Whilst it’s a Disney theme park, this is definitely geared towards the thrillseekers in your family, so prepare yourself accordingly.
- Disney’s Blizzard BeachPeter E. Lee / Foter / CC BY-NC
Visit an aquarium
Florida has a rich diversity when it comes to its marine life, and this is on show at the many aquariums throughout the state. The Seaquarium in Miami is one of the most popular marine life attractions, not least because the tv show, Flipper was filmed here, and they’ve duly kept the namesake alive by having a show in Flipper’s honor. Taking place at the aptly named Flipper Lagoon, dolphins dance and spin in the water to the audience’s delight. Besides dolphins, this aquarium is home to the world’s oldest captive orca, Lolita, who puts on shows with rock music blaring in the background! There are exhibits galore, with sharks, crocodiles, and manatees being just a few of the things you see there. Though the attraction’s entry fees match its popularity, if you book ahead online, you’ll find plenty of Miami Seaquarium coupons and discounts to be had.
- Seaquarium Miamisapienssolutions / Foter / CC BY
Check out the Everglades
The Florida everglades are a unique landscape in found in the southern part of the state. Consisting of 1.5 million acres of wetlands, it’s home to all manner of rare, exotic, and endangered wildlife. What better way to explore this strange ecosystem than on an airboat. You’ll glide through the water while learning about the native animals and their environment. It’s not uncommon to see alligators swim right up next to you! There are many tours that take you on private trips, and it really is a once in a lifetime experience.
- EvergladesCaptain Kimo / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Catch a marlin
Ask any fisherman: there’s no better feeling in the world than when that fishing line goes taut and you reel in a big one. Even if you aren’t a natural fisherman, give it a shot in the Florida Keys, where more saltwater records have been established than any other fishing destination in the world. Depending on which part of the keys you go to, you can charter a boat for some marlin fishing, or wade along in waste deep water where bonefish and snook await your dangling bait. No matter where you go, you’ll have your own fish tale to bring back home.
- Florida Keys.craig / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
