Things To Do In Florida

Florida has so much to explore and experience! Below is just a selection of things to do in Florida.

Stetson Mansion

Built in 1886 by John B. Stetson, the designer of the iconic Stetson cowboy hat, as a winter getaway for himself and his family, the Stetson Mansion was Florida’s first luxury home, and is still the largest 19th-century house in the state. Today it is a private residence which has been lovingly restored to its former glory, echoing the grandeur of Victorian high society, and it’s easy to imagine yourself in times past while exploring its rooms and corridors.

Take a guided tour of the home, its lovely grounds and outbuildings (including a Polynesian-style former schoolhouse, now a Zen guesthouse) and enjoy the unique architectural features, including intricate parquet wood flooring, original leaded glass windows, individually designed bedrooms and bathrooms and a tower balcony.

Tortugas National Park

Situated 70 miles to the west of Key West, at the furthest edge of the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses 100 square miles of open water and the seven small islands known as the Dry Tortugas. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the islands are home to a huge selection of birds, marine life and coral reefs, making this a brilliant location for hiking, boating and snorkelling.

Drop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the history and ecology of the park, including the many shipwrecks surrounding it, and be sure to take the time to tour Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century coastal fortification that was built to defend important shopping routes in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to their remote location and lack of facilities, you’ll have to plan your visit to the Dry Tortugas carefully – but if you love history, nature and adventure, it’s well worth the effort!

St. Augustine Distillery

Working in collaboration with local farmers who produce the raw ingredients used in their spirits, the St. Augustine Distillery specialises in creating small-batch craft vodka, gin, bourbon and rum. These distinctive spirits have been lovingly blended and distilled using locally grown wheat, sugar cane, citrus and corn, which gives them their distinctive Florida flavour.

Set in a renovated historic ice manufacturing plant dating from 1907, the distillery welcomes visitors to tour the facilities and see the spirits being made, learning about the science and process behind distilling and getting a chance to taste the finished products. Tours are free and depart every half hour, and there’s also a shop where you can purchase both souvenirs and bottles of spirits.

Lovers Key State Park

For much of its history, the island known as Lovers Key was only accessible by boat – which is why young lovers took advantage of the solitude, giving the island its name. Now the romantic key is one of four islands that make up the Lovers Key State Park, and is a wonderful place to take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, or simply to soak up the peaceful natural surroundings.

Swim, canoe or kayak along two miles of sandy beach, hike or bike along the nature trails, have a picnic or enjoy some fishing or shelling. The islands are home to a vast array of wildlife, including manatees, bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, spoonbills and rabbits, so keep your camera at hand for some great photo ops.

Orlando Balloon Rides

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Florida countryside with Orlando Balloon Rides, one of the country’s most respected hot air balloon operators. Step aboard one of their massive hot air balloons, each 11 stories high and capable of carrying 24 passengers, and set off on a sunrise flight over orange groves, ancient swamps and forests – you’ll even get an aerial peek at some of the area’s popular theme parks!

Each flight is around an hour in length, depending on wind speeds and weather conditions, and offers unparalleled photo opportunities. With highly experienced, FAA certified pilots, you’re in safe hands – and they’ll make sure you don’t miss any points of interest on the ground below. Once you’re back on the ground, enjoy a champagne toast to celebrate this unforgettable experience.

Airboat Rides at Sawgrass Recreation Park

Explore the beautiful Florida Everglades on an exciting airboat tour at the Sawgrass Recreation Park, and learn all the secrets of this fascinating ecosystem. Skim lightly across the sparkling waters and keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, rare birds and other inhabitants of this untouched wilderness. 30-minute airboat tours are available throughout the day, or embark on a 60-minute night-time tour to see another side of this lush waterscape. Your airboat tour ticket also includes entry to the reptile, glades and exotic wildlife exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park, where you’ll get a look at panthers, snakes, tortoises, potbellied pigs, peacocks and even a 1000-pound alligator named Cannibal.

Cayo Costa Island State Park

The Cayo Costa Island State Park is accessible only by ferry or private boat, but offers an enticing range of activities for those who do make the trip. This tranquil island off Florida’s gulf coast has long been an important location for fishing; today, it is still a popular destination for recreational fishermen, as well as cyclists, hikers, snorkelers, scuba divers, picnickers and more.

Visit the interpretive exhibits at the Ranger Station for an introduction to the local flora and fauna, then walk or bike along the scenic trails before going for a swim or hunting for shells along the endless beachfront – keep an eye out for porpoises, manatees and a host of endangered shorebirds. There are also basic camping, picnic and campfire facilities on the island for those who would like to prolong their stay.

Florida’s Springs

Florida is renowned for its numerous freshwater springs, which are the result of the porous limestone deposits found close to the surface throughout the state. These springs create thriving ecosystems that are home to a rich diversity of living creatures, from alligators and manatees to deer, herons, catfish, otters and turtles. As a result, most springs are protected parks and offer a spectrum of activities, ranging from swimming, snorkelling and even scuba and cave diving, hiking, photography, camping and picnicking.

Some of Florida’s larger springs have become popular for certain activities, such as kayaking at Rainbow Springs or Ichetucknee Springs, or glass bottom boat rides at Silver Springs, while Blue Springs and Homosassa Springs are well-known wintering sites for endangered manatees. Check out the complete list of Florida’s springs to find one that suits your interests.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Explore the beautiful Florida Everglades on an exciting airboat tour at the Sawgrass Recreation Park, and learn all the secrets of this fascinating ecosystem. Skim lightly across the sparkling waters and keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, rare birds and other inhabitants of this untouched wilderness. 30-minute airboat tours are available throughout the day, or embark on a 60-minute night-time tour to see another side of this lush waterscape.

Your airboat tour ticket also includes entry to the reptile, glades and exotic wildlife exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park, where you’ll get a look at panthers, snakes, tortoises, potbellied pigs, peacocks and even a 1000-pound alligator named Cannibal.

Want to plan a trip to Florida? Browse our offers online or chat to our experts today!