Things to Do in Florida (Beyond Theme Parks)
Theme parks are magnificent. But Florida offers far more than rollercoasters and character meet-and-greets. Here's what else to do with your time in the Sunshine State.
Water Activities
Snorkelling and Diving
Florida has the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, running along the Keys. But snorkelling opportunities exist up and down both coasts:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) — The premier snorkelling destination. Glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers
- Looe Key (Lower Keys) — Stunning spur-and-groove reef formation
- Fort Lauderdale — Artificial reefs close to shore
- Crystal River — Snorkel with manatees (November-March, guided tours only)
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Florida's calm waters and extensive waterways make it paddling paradise:
- Everglades mangrove tunnels — Surreal, silent, unforgettable
- Florida Springs — Crystal-clear spring-fed rivers (Wekiva, Ichetucknee, Rainbow River)
- Coastal inlets — Explore behind barrier islands on both coasts
- Bioluminescent kayaking — On certain dark nights (especially summer), plankton in the Indian River Lagoon glow blue when disturbed. Night kayak tours are magical
Fishing
Florida is one of the world's great fishing destinations:
- Deep-sea charters — Available from every coastal town. Target marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi
- Inshore fishing — Tarpon, snook, redfish in the bays and estuaries
- Pier fishing — Most coastal piers allow fishing (sometimes rod rental available). Good for families
- Bass fishing — Florida's freshwater lakes hold record-breaking largemouth bass
You need a Florida fishing licence (available online, short-term tourist licences available). Many charter captains include the licence in the trip cost.
Airboat Tours
The quintessential Everglades experience (covered in detail in our Everglades guide). Also available:
- The Kissimmee area (near Orlando)
- The St. Johns River (near Jacksonville)
- Various locations along the Tamiami Trail (US-41)
Nature and Wildlife
Florida Springs
Florida has over 700 natural springs — more than any other state. Many are open for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking in crystal-clear, 22°C water year-round:
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park — Float down the spring-fed river on an inner tube. Heavenly on a hot day
- Rainbow Springs State Park — Gorgeous spring-fed swimming area
- Blue Spring State Park — Manatee viewing November-March (swimming is open other months)
- Wekiwa Springs State Park — Near Orlando. Crystal-clear swimming hole plus kayaking
Manatee Viewing
The West Indian manatee is Florida's gentlest resident:
- Crystal River — The only place in the US where you can legally swim with wild manatees (guided tours, November-March)
- Blue Spring State Park — Manatees gather in warm spring water during cooler months. Viewing from boardwalks
- TECO Manatee Viewing Center (Tampa) — Free viewing November-April at a power plant discharge where warm water attracts dozens of manatees
Birdwatching
Florida is a globally important birdwatching destination:
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island) — Incredible wading bird populations
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary — Old-growth cypress forest with wood stork colony
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge — Adjacent to Kennedy Space Center. 500+ bird species recorded
- Everglades — 360+ species (see our Everglades guide)
Shopping
Outlet Malls
Florida outlet malls offer significant savings over UK prices, especially on American brands:
- Orlando International Premium Outlets — The flagship. Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Kate Spade
- Sawgrass Mills (Fort Lauderdale) — One of the largest outlet malls in the US
- Ellenton Premium Outlets (near Tampa) — Popular with Tampa Bay visitors
Tax Considerations
Florida has no state income tax and a relatively low sales tax (6-7.5%). Clothing and other goods are significantly cheaper than the UK. The strong dollar may offset some savings, but American brands (Nike, Levi's, etc.) are noticeably cheaper in the US.
UK Customs Allowance
UK residents returning from the US can bring back goods up to a certain value without paying duty. Check current HMRC limits before your trip. Keep receipts.
Sporting Events
NFL (American Football)
Three NFL teams call Florida home:
- Miami Dolphins — Hard Rock Stadium. Season September-January
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Raymond James Stadium (Tom Brady put them on the map for UK audiences)
- Jacksonville Jaguars — TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars play multiple games in London annually, so many UK fans follow them
MLB (Baseball)
Florida hosts Spring Training (February-March) for many Major League teams — the Grapefruit League. Small, intimate stadiums, warm weather, and a relaxed atmosphere. Regular season: Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays play April-September.
NBA (Basketball)
- Miami Heat — Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena). LeBron James made them globally famous
- Orlando Magic — Kia Center
NHL (Ice Hockey)
- Tampa Bay Lightning — Amalie Arena. Recent Stanley Cup champions
- Florida Panthers — Amerant Bank Arena (Fort Lauderdale area). 2024 Stanley Cup champions
Tickets
US sporting tickets are available through official team websites and authorised resellers. Prices vary enormously. Spring Training baseball and regular-season games offer the best value. NFL and big-game tickets are expensive.
Golf
Florida has more golf courses than any US state — over 1,300. Options range from resort courses open to visitors to exclusive clubs:
- Walt Disney World courses — Multiple resort courses open to all visitors
- TPC Sawgrass (Jacksonville) — Home of The Players Championship. The famous island-green 17th hole
- Streamsong Resort (Central Florida) — Three acclaimed courses in a former phosphate mine landscape
- Dozens of public/resort courses at accessible price points throughout the state
Green fees range from $30 (municipal courses) to $300+ (premium resort courses). Many offer twilight rates after 2pm.
Kennedy Space Center
On the east coast near Titusville (about 45 minutes from Orlando). The visitor complex includes:
- Space Shuttle Atlantis (the actual spacecraft) — stunning up close
- Saturn V rocket (in a massive building)
- Launch pad tours
- Astronaut encounter experiences
- If timing allows, watching a live SpaceX or NASA launch from the visitor centre or nearby viewing areas
Book in advance — popular days sell out.
Uniquely Florida Experiences
Swim in a Natural Spring
Unlike anything in the UK. Crystal-clear, 22°C water welling up from underground. Several state parks offer swimming access.
Watch a Rocket Launch
SpaceX launches regularly from Cape Canaveral. NASA also launches from Kennedy Space Center. Free public viewing areas exist along the coast near Titusville.
See Bioluminescence
On dark, warm nights (usually summer), disturbed plankton in certain Florida waters glow an electric blue. Night kayak tours in the Indian River Lagoon and Merritt Island area offer this experience.
Drive the Overseas Highway
Even if you don't stay in the Keys, driving the 113-mile highway from Key Largo to Key West is one of America's great road trips.
floriday.uk is an independent travel guide. Activity availability, prices, and schedules may vary. Always verify before booking.