20 Essential Things To Do In Florida

This world-renowned theme park offers an unparalleled mix of excitement and wonder which makes it a top destination. The park is divided into uniquely themed islands each brimming with immersive attractions.

From the magical world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Hogsmeade, where guests can sip Butterbeer and ride the exhilarating Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, to the heart-pounding roller coasters like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure.

With its cutting-edge rides, captivating shows, and interactive experiences, Universal's Islands of Adventure is one of the best things to do and see in Florida.

One of the best fun things to do in Florida is to visit Magic Kingdom Park which captures the magic and imagination of Disney. Here, you can explore six enchanting lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

Each area offers unique attractions, including classic rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the enchanting Cinderella Castle at the park's heart. With character meet-and-greets, spectacular parades, and nightly fireworks displays, Magic Kingdom provides a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, Clearwater Beach is a paradise for sunbathers and water enthusiasts. People can enjoy a variety of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to jet-skiing and parasailing.

The beach is lined with vibrant shops, restaurants, and bars, which makes it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the scenic surroundings. Pier 60 offers nightly sunset celebrations with street performers, local artisans, and live music.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is an essential stop for visitors in Florida. Located in the heart of Key West, this lush, tropical paradise houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies from around the world, fluttering freely in a carefully maintained, climate-controlled habitat.

Alongside the butterflies, visitors can admire a variety of exotic birds, colorful flowering plants, and cascading waterfalls which creates a captivating and immersive experience. The conservatory also features educational exhibits and a gallery showing stunning butterfly-themed art.

Hence, ideal for nature lovers and families, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory provides a magical and memorable experience.

Enjoying the beauty of Hollywood Beach is a must-do when visiting Florida. Nestled between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach offers a pristine, two-and-a-half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile-long pedestrian promenade, adds to the charm with its array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing stunning ocean views and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Whether biking, jogging, or taking a stroll, the Broadwalk offers a scenic and engaging way to experience the coastal beauty. 

Frequent live music events and outdoor activities further enhance the vibrant, family-friendly environment which makes Hollywood Beach an essential destination for capturing the perfect Floridian beach experience.

Located in Orlando, this all-inclusive day resort provides a unique opportunity to interact with marine life in a serene, tropical setting. Guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and hand-feed exotic birds in a lush aviary.

The resort's tranquil rivers, pristine beaches, and lazy river create a peaceful environment perfect for unwinding. Discovery Cove also includes unlimited access to freshly prepared meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Therefore, with its combination of intimate wildlife encounters and luxurious amenities, Discovery Cove stands out as a must-visit destination.

Located on Merritt Island, this iconic site serves as a gateway to understanding NASA's past, present, and future missions. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and interactive displays that detail the history of human spaceflight.

The complex also features astronaut encounters, where guests can meet and hear firsthand accounts from those who have ventured beyond Earth. Moreover, highlights include experiencing the Shuttle Launch Experience, an exhilarating simulation of a space shuttle launch, and viewing the awe-inspiring Rocket Garden, home to an impressive collection of historic rockets.

With educational programs, IMAX films, and the opportunity to witness a live rocket launch, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an immersive, educational, and inspiring journey into the final frontier.

Located along the waterfront of Biscayne Bay, this vibrant open-air shopping and entertainment complex offers a dynamic mix of retail shops, eclectic dining options, and live entertainment.

The marketplace's setting provides stunning views of the marina, where visitors can enjoy boat tours, including sightseeing cruises and party boats that show Miami's beautiful skyline and celebrity homes. With its lively atmosphere, Bayside Marketplace features street performers, local artisans, and a variety of events which creates a festive ambiance that captures the essence of Miami's diverse culture.

Experiencing Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is a fun activities to do in Florida. This unique theme park combines the magic of Disney with the wonders of the natural world.

Spread over 580 acres, it offers a captivating blend of thrilling attractions, exotic animals, and immersive environments. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Pandora-The World of Avatar, where you can fly on a banshee and walk through bioluminescent forests, and the Expedition Everest roller coaster, which offers a thrilling journey through the Himalayas.

The park is also home to Kilimanjaro Safaris, an expansive safari ride that takes you through the African savanna to see animals like elephants, lions, and giraffes in naturalistic settings. With its rich storytelling, impressive landscapes, and dedication to conservation, Disney's Animal Kingdom provides a unique and unforgettable adventure for visitors.

Busch Gardens combines thrilling rides with an immersive animal experience. Adrenaline seekers can enjoy world-class roller coasters like Sheikra and Cheetah Hunt, while families can explore themed areas such as Jungala and Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

Beyond rides, Busch Gardens is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including majestic African animals in the Serengeti Plain safari and close encounters with lemurs and sloths in the Animal Care Center. Live shows, educational presentations, and seasonal events add to the park's appeal, ensuring a memorable and entertaining day for all ages.

Visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is an essential things to do in Florida. This beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial-style residence offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's most iconic writers.

Built in 1851 and now a National Historic Landmark, the home is where Hemingway lived and wrote some of his most famous works during the 1930s. Here, you can tour the lush gardens, the writer's studio, and the charming interior filled with Hemingway's artifacts and furnishings. 

Further, the museum is also famous for its population of six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway's pets. Walking through this literary landmark, you can feel the creative spirit and history that makes it a unique and enriching destination.

Walking through Lincoln Road is an essential experience when exploring Florida. Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Lincoln Road is a bustling pedestrian mall renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse shopping options, and eclectic dining scene.

This iconic street spans several blocks and is lined with trendy boutiques, art galleries showing local and international artists, and chic cafes perfect for people-watching. As you stroll along Lincoln Road, you'll encounter unique architectural designs, outdoor seating areas, and lush greenery which creates a dynamic urban oasis amidst the bustling city.

This historic mansion, built in 1886 by famed hat maker John B. Stetson, is a masterpiece of Gilded Age craftsmanship and design. Guided tours take visitors through lavishly decorated rooms adorned with intricate woodwork, Tiffany glass, and ornate furnishings, showing the opulence of the era.

The mansion's gardens are equally impressive, featuring lush landscaping and tranquil spaces that complement its grandeur. The Stetson Mansion offers a unique glimpse into Florida's rich history and is a must-visit destination for those interested in art, architecture, and the legacy of one of America's most iconic entrepreneurs.

This gallery shows the stunning glass art creations of Duncan McClellan and other renowned artists. The gallery's spacious interior and outdoor sculpture garden provide an immersive environment to admire and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and creativity of glass artistry.

Here, you can explore a diverse range of glass sculptures, vessels, and installations that blend traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, demonstrations, and special events that offer insight into the artistic process and highlight the cultural richness of glass art.

Built-in the 1920s by Conrad Schuck, this architectural marvel is renowned for its eccentric design and mysterious allure. Often described as a "house like no other," Wonder House features a fascinating blend of architectural styles, including Moorish, Gothic, and Art Deco influences, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful stained glass windows.

Visitors can embark on guided tours to marvel at the house's unconventional layout, secret passages, and innovative design elements, including its unique octagonal shape and unconventional building materials. The Wonder House offers a glimpse into the creativity and ingenuity of its builder and remains a captivating destination.

Crystal River is renowned for its large population of West Indian manatees, which seek refuge in its warm waters during the cooler months. Visitors can embark on guided boat tours or rent kayaks to explore the park's tranquil springs and waterways, where encounters with these gentle giants are common.

Observing manatees in their natural habitat offers a unique opportunity to appreciate their peaceful demeanor and learn about efforts to protect these endangered marine mammals. Crystal River Preserve State Park not only shows Florida's stunning natural beauty but also fosters a deep connection with its diverse wildlife.

Appreciating the beauty of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a quintessential experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Florida. Located in Key Largo, this state park is renowned for its vibrant underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.

The park features the first undersea park in the United States, which offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours to explore its stunning coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine creatures. Moreover, visitors can marvel at the intricate coral formations and encounter species like parrotfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Beyond its aquatic wonders, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park also boasts mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks, and sandy beaches which provide a serene setting for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Stretching for miles along the Atlantic coastline, Ocean Drive is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and stunning ocean views. Whether day or night, the drive offers a captivating blend of historic charm and modern glamour, with pastel-colored buildings, stylish hotels, and trendy restaurants lining the street.

During the day, visitors can relax on the iconic South Beach, known for its soft sands and clear waters, or explore nearby attractions such as the Versace Mansion and Lummus Park. As the sun sets, Ocean Drive transforms into a bustling hub of activity, with lively bars and clubs that pulse with energy and music.

Located in West Palm Beach, this remarkable sanctuary offers an up-close and personal encounter with an array of exotic animals in a safe and educational environment. Here, guided tours provide an intimate look at over 200 animals, including tigers, lions, lemurs, and various reptiles and birds, many of which have been rescued and rehabilitated.

The knowledgeable staff shares fascinating insights into the lives and behaviors of these creatures, as well as the sanctuary's conservation efforts. People can also appreciate the dedication to animal welfare and the sanctuary's role in protecting endangered species. This unforgettable experience not only thrills with the sights and sounds of wildlife but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal conservation.

Known for its nightly Sunset Celebration, Mallory Square offers a vibrant, festive atmosphere as locals and tourists gather to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.

As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the Gulf of Mexico, the square comes alive with street performers, musicians, artisans, and food vendors. Further, jugglers, magicians, and acrobats entertain the crowds which adds to the enchanting ambiance. The stunning sunset, with its vivid hues of orange, pink, and purple, provides a perfect backdrop to the festivities.