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Best things to do in Florida
With natural beauty and historical charm, there’s lots more to discover in Florida beyond its iconic theme parks.
From kayak tours around bioluminescent waters to trips to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, there’s so much to do in Florida. And – as we’ll reveal later – it’s not all go-go-go. The Sunshine State’s nature parks and beaches are perfect for days with nothing but relaxation on the agenda. Sounds good? Keep reading to check out our must-sees and dos, then get them added to your Florida itinerary…
Once you’ve taken a look, check out our best Florida deals.
Once you’ve taken a look, check out our best Florida deals.
See the beauty of bioluminescence on a kayak tour
There’s something in the water in Florida – and this one’s for couples and families. Found in just a handful of countries worldwide, bioluminescence – a blue-green light produced by plankton, fish and fireflies – is one of those ‘see it to believe it’ experiences.
Take a dusk drive down to Indian River Lagoon and join a nighttime kayak tour. Holding bragging rights as America’s most biologically diverse estuary, this is the perfect spot for a neon night. As you glide along the water, each paddle wave reveals a glowing wake, illuminating everything from seagrasses to large lagoon residents like manatees and dolphins – magic, right?
Want a blockbuster bioluminescence showing? Book your kayak tour between mid-May and early October – the warm water and humid nights make the perfect conditions.
Check out more on-water experiences in Florida.
Take a dusk drive down to Indian River Lagoon and join a nighttime kayak tour. Holding bragging rights as America’s most biologically diverse estuary, this is the perfect spot for a neon night. As you glide along the water, each paddle wave reveals a glowing wake, illuminating everything from seagrasses to large lagoon residents like manatees and dolphins – magic, right?
Want a blockbuster bioluminescence showing? Book your kayak tour between mid-May and early October – the warm water and humid nights make the perfect conditions.
Check out more on-water experiences in Florida.
Countdown to take-off at The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Looking for the best things to do in Florida with kids? Coming right up…
Space travel might be off the cards (at least for now) but experiencing the rush of rocket launches is still up for grabs when you visit one of Florida’s top attractions – the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Located a day trip distance from central Florida – you’ll be on the road for about an hour – the Space Coast has something for adventurers of all ages.
Fancy training like Neil Armstrong? Here you can. Grab a seat on Space Shuttle Atlantis® and try your hand at docking an orbiter at the International Space Station. Top it off with a talk from a real astronaut and find out what it’s like to live and work amongst the stars.
Stroll through the Rocket Garden, aptly named the home of America’s pioneering spacecraft. Each rocket towering above the trail has a unique place in space history – including the first rocket to escape gravity on Earth in 1959.
Psst! Want to snap the perfect selfie? Look out for a Rocket Garden Representative – they’ve got all the tips and tricks for an Insta-worthy shot.
Get your tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Space travel might be off the cards (at least for now) but experiencing the rush of rocket launches is still up for grabs when you visit one of Florida’s top attractions – the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Located a day trip distance from central Florida – you’ll be on the road for about an hour – the Space Coast has something for adventurers of all ages.
Fancy training like Neil Armstrong? Here you can. Grab a seat on Space Shuttle Atlantis® and try your hand at docking an orbiter at the International Space Station. Top it off with a talk from a real astronaut and find out what it’s like to live and work amongst the stars.
Stroll through the Rocket Garden, aptly named the home of America’s pioneering spacecraft. Each rocket towering above the trail has a unique place in space history – including the first rocket to escape gravity on Earth in 1959.
Psst! Want to snap the perfect selfie? Look out for a Rocket Garden Representative – they’ve got all the tips and tricks for an Insta-worthy shot.
Get your tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Dip a toe in Clearwater
Breeze into chilled-out mode at one of Florida’s best – Clearwater Beach. With a huge stretch of soft sand to lay your towel on and warm blue waters when you fancy a dip, it’s easy to see why sunseekers flock year-round.
Head to the marina and join a snorkelling tour to get up close to coral reefs, or rent a jet-ski and make your own waves across the turquoise Clearwater Bay. Looking for free things to do in Florida? Cap off a beach day at Pier 60 – the perfect spot to see sorbet skies at sunset, soundtracked by nightly performances from local musicians.
Find out more about the best things to do at Clearwater Beach.
Head to the marina and join a snorkelling tour to get up close to coral reefs, or rent a jet-ski and make your own waves across the turquoise Clearwater Bay. Looking for free things to do in Florida? Cap off a beach day at Pier 60 – the perfect spot to see sorbet skies at sunset, soundtracked by nightly performances from local musicians.
Find out more about the best things to do at Clearwater Beach.
Find your forte at Fort De Soto Park
Gracing Florida’s sandy shoreline, Fort De Soto Park is one of The Sunshine State’s best-kept secrets, and it’s just under an hour’s drive from Tampa Bay territory – south of St. Pete Beach. Named after Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto, this former military fort of five interconnected islands oozes historical charm – from its old and echoey firing galleries to its not-so-secret bunkers.
It’s not all about the history, though. Stretch your legs along the seven miles of paved trails, or kick back in a kayak and glide along the mangrove-lined waters, where you’ll come across wild turtles, wading birds and manatees. The beaches here also merge into Clearwater to the north, forming one huge 28-mile stretch.
Keen to explore more? Hop on a ferry from Fort De Soto Park’s fishing pier to Egmont Key, and you won’t be disappointed. A world away from the Florida mainland – nobody lives on this secluded island – the sunken ruins and calm, clear waters are a snorkeller’s paradise.
Get more info on our St Pete Beach holidays.
It’s not all about the history, though. Stretch your legs along the seven miles of paved trails, or kick back in a kayak and glide along the mangrove-lined waters, where you’ll come across wild turtles, wading birds and manatees. The beaches here also merge into Clearwater to the north, forming one huge 28-mile stretch.
Keen to explore more? Hop on a ferry from Fort De Soto Park’s fishing pier to Egmont Key, and you won’t be disappointed. A world away from the Florida mainland – nobody lives on this secluded island – the sunken ruins and calm, clear waters are a snorkeller’s paradise.
Get more info on our St Pete Beach holidays.
Spy alligators on an airboat tour of the Everglades
The Everglades is Florida stripped back, so it’s the perfect place to get back to nature. Home to wetlands, swamps, lakes, rivers and grassland, this 1.5-million-acre preserve sits pretty on Florida’s southern tip.
Airboat tours are the best way to get around – they’re quieter than traditional boats, so as not to disturb any lurking gators. You can skim along the grassy water, on the lookout for the wild alligators, turtles and birds that call this untouched wilderness home.
Book your Everglades National Park experience.
Airboat tours are the best way to get around – they’re quieter than traditional boats, so as not to disturb any lurking gators. You can skim along the grassy water, on the lookout for the wild alligators, turtles and birds that call this untouched wilderness home.
Book your Everglades National Park experience.
Kick back with a picnic at Kissimmee Lakefront Park
No biggie, but we think we’ve found the perfect picnic spot. Kissimmee Lakefront Park’s gardens wrap around Lake Tohopekaliga, where you can relax with a selection of sodas and snacks while soaking up views of the lake. If you’re wondering what to pack, hot dogs are a staple in picnic baskets here, but if you ask us, nothing beats a fresh sarnie.
Fancy your chances at fishing? Head to Big Toho Marina where you can hop on board a boat for a spot of bass fishing – the lake’s one of the best places in the States for it. And, if you’ve got a tot with extra energy in tow, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of playgrounds where they can let off some steam. There’s a splash pad to help keep them cool on hot days, too.
Check out more things to do in Kissimmee.
Fancy your chances at fishing? Head to Big Toho Marina where you can hop on board a boat for a spot of bass fishing – the lake’s one of the best places in the States for it. And, if you’ve got a tot with extra energy in tow, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of playgrounds where they can let off some steam. There’s a splash pad to help keep them cool on hot days, too.
Check out more things to do in Kissimmee.
Fill up in the BBQ capital, Polk County
Pulled pork that melts in your mouth, deliciously juicy smoked brisket and fresh, locally grown produce are just a few of the treats you can tuck in to in Polk County. This spot packs in some real gems when it comes to food. Think southern specialities like barbeque and family-run fruit farms like U-pick, where you can pick your own fresh fruit. In between plate pitstops, there’s plenty to do. We’re talking wildlife safaris where you can see Watusi cattle and Haflinger horses or more exotic animals like Zebras and wildebeest. Plus, cruises along the Chain of Lakes – a series of 19 interconnected lakes surrounding roughly 6,000 acres and even Detroit Tigers Spring Training games to watch. Got tots in tow? Take a trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort or visit everyone’s favourite pink preschooler, Peppa Pig at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
Tempted to book an adventure across the pond?
Take a look at all our Florida holidays. Plus, read the top five things to do on Florida’s Space Coast and all about the best beaches in Florida.
For more on Florida, check out our Florida planning hub.
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Author: Laura Wilkinson and Carla Fabian
Last updated: 15.05.2025