Of all the 50 United States of America, Florida is inarguably one of the best places to live or at least visit once in your life. If you live in the US or are planning to take a vacation there, you have more than enough reasons to include The Sunshine State in your list of places to vacation in.
Ranking number 4 in the list of America’s most populated states, there are plenty of wonderful things to see, do, and experience in Florida. If statistics from 2018 are anything to go by, the state boasts more than 126 million tourists each year, and for a good reason (a multitude of reasons actually!).
For starters, the state boasts excellent weather throughout the year, with most of its days sunny and with warm temperatures. From the fantastic sandy beaches to the spectacular theme parks, numerous natural sites, rich culture, fantastic shopping opportunities, and unique nightlife, you will never run out of things to see and do while in Florida. The entire experience on your Florida Vacation will be determined by where you choose to stay and what you choose to see and do.
But let’s face it; it is not unusual to be a bit confused when bombarded with a lot of options to choose from. It is human nature. If you are like many people who fell in love with the Sunshine State and created a bucket list of things to do and seen there, you are in for a treat just by reading this. Here are some amazing things to add to your Florida bucket list as soon as now.
1. Party At Key West
In a town with year-round sunshine, an endless sandy coastline, and unending parties in town, you must not leave without having had a wild night out in Florida. You will love how mother hen freely roams across the island with her chicks behind. The chicken saga has been in existence for decades. You can be sure not to miss it when you get there. The exciting bit about this place is that sunset is celebrated every night at Mallory Square. Do people in your town mark this gift of nature? You can be sure that when you visit this place, you will wake up tired.
2. Get A Nice Rental By The Beach
As you may or may not know, there are over 660 miles of beaches in Florida. Apart from Key West Mentioned above, other popular beaches include Boca Raton, Key Largo, Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola, Naples, Panama City, Vero, Destin, and Navarre Beach, just to name a few. But there’s one thing you should know.
If you are a beach lover, the best way to get the most out of your Florida vacation experience is to get a beach rental. But then again, this means booking in advance because most of these beaches are packed to capacity during peak seasons, sometimes even all-year-round. If you plan to spend your vacation in Northwest Florida Navarre Beach, you could use the Navarre Beach Rentals guide online. Check it out in advance so you can pick the best accommodation for your needs. Some factors that matter when choosing a beach resort or accommodation may include:
- Size and type of rental
- Features and amenities
- Location
- What is included in the package?
- Price of rental
3. Drink a Mojito by the Beach
While you are out and about making merry, do not forget to look after your immune system. Boost it with some vitamin C. Do not underestimate the power of the mint leaves and lime juice. It may give you a shield from all the viral infections that may be around you as you fulfill your bucket list. And since you will be having bitings from time to time, it will give you healthy digestion.
4. Swim With the Manatees
Manatees like to live around constant water temperatures and freshwaters. That is why you will find them in the waters of Florida from April to October and then move to the Florida springs, where the water temperatures are a bit favorable for them to survive. While around the springs, you may choose to go for a swim tour or kayaking. When you come across these sea cows, please do not touch them. Just admire them from a distance and don’t forget to capture the moments because Florida has too much life.
5. Try the Cuban Sandwich Restaurants
Florida is also home to authentic Cuban sandwiches. Cuban sandwiches may have the same look and ingredients as the ordinary sandwich, but there is a subtle difference that will leave you begging for more. So, if you plan to travel to Florida, make sure you are loaded with enough pocket change for these cheap bites. The oozing melted cheese will make you go head over heels for this snack. You can choose from pork, turkey, ham, and Genoa salami.
6. Catch a Fish
Whatever desires you have for fishing, you will find a spot for them in Florida. You can choose to fish from a chartered boat or piper. Water bodies are both fresh and salty. Whatever water experience you have with fish, you will find it in your dream destination. For those specifically looking to explore the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers fishing charters offer a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of fish species in both shallow and deep waters. It's an ideal way to ensure a memorable fishing adventure without the hassle of navigating the waters on your own. Nonetheless, you will need a fishing license.
7. Go Camping
Florida has a long history when it comes to camping, so you can be sure that you have a wide range of options along with hunting opportunities. There are wildlife refuges where you can hold overnight slumber parties in the presence of lions, wolves, and tigers. Partying in the wild and along rivers should be among the memories you should make when you come to Florida. You have a huge variety of camping options, so you have to find the state park that fits your interests. It is also in Florida where you will find Prairie Preserve- The only state park and the first place to be certified by the International Dark-Sky Association.
8. Attend a Beach Wedding
Sounds fun, right? You may not be invited, but you will be the real definition of a gatecrasher. We have attended countless church weddings, and some for those who decided to break the monotony and did it the garden way. In Florida, things are different! When you get there, make sure you experience the beach wedding. At the Atlantic Ocean's shores, the clear waters, colorful coral reefs, sugar-white sand beaches, and various oceanfront venues, you can never miss a beach wedding happening in one among the many ideal destinations.
9. Go Antiquing
If you are a lover of antiques, fill your wallet with enough notes, wear comfortable shoes, grab a shopping basket, and start moving, you have various shops to visit, and wow. The variety of vintage antiques will make you fall in love with art. The colorful paintings with beach artwork on them will make you feel like you are at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The good thing is these pieces of art retail at a lower price, giving you the chance to grab a work of art on every section you come across. Be sure to get an art gallery souvenir for your best friend before you leave Florida.
10. Explore Some Theme Parks
Whatever you do, don’t leave Florida without visiting Orlando. Besides being home to the world’s famous Disney World, there are lots of other theme parks to marvel at. It’s mainly a great place to visit with kids and family.
11. Attend a Fruit Festival
Whatever time of the year you decide to visit Florida, there is always a fruit and vegetable festival near you. The festival aims to grow Florida because all the fruits are grown, sourced, and picked from Florida farmers. The festival is not only about eating fruits; you will learn and taste new fruits and ask all sorts of questions you have. Be ready for a raw, vegan, and all-fruit kind of meal here. The dressings of oil, nuts, and seeds will leave you asking for recipes to make the salads when you get back home.
12. Visit Kennedy Space Center
Want to learn more about space? If so, you’ll feel fantastic visiting Cape Canaveral, Florida. Opened in the 1960s, the Kennedy Space Center is known for launching various space exploration operations, including Skylab and Apollo. Open for tours, the KSC was the first space station in America, and it still launches rockets to date.
13. Shop at Farmers Market
Every day is market day in Florida, so you can be sure that you will get fresh farm produce at the market. There are various foods you will get from the market; you will definitely be spoilt for choice. If you do not have time to go to the market, there are online platforms that have partnered with FedEx to ensure that your order is delivered to your doorstep no matter your location. You can be sure to get your favorite fruit in your basket on delivery, which does not exceed two days.
Florida is full of fun and marvel. No matter the kind of vacationer you are, you will find many things that suit your tastes and preferences. The above are just a few of the many amazing things you may want to include in your bucket list as far as Florida is concerned.
