Florida is a beautiful state with a rich history, beautiful natural wonders, and culturally rich cities. Beyond Disney World, there are many exciting attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Amelia Island, and the Everglades. Some of the top things to do in Florida include riding an airboat in the Everglades, swimming in Devil’s Den, visiting the Kennedy Space Center, and visiting The John and Mable Ringling.
Historical tourist towns like Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, St. Augustine, and Ybor City offer unique experiences. Orlando, known for its theme parks and theme parks, offers a variety of activities beyond theme parks. Visitors can explore city parks, museums, art shows, new restaurants, Lake Eola farmer’s market, mom and pop shops, sporting events, hiking, and comedy shows. Downtown Orlando has charm, as does Winter Park, which can be accessed by rail.
Orlando also offers swan boats and cafes on Lake Eola. Historic tours, boat rides, and secluded state parks are also available. Orlando offers more than just theme parks, with beautiful scenery and various activities to try. Explore Orlando’s Science Center, Orlando Contemporary Art museum, and O-town, which offers unique museums, magic shows, and adventure golf.
Furthermore, Orlando is home to Universal Studios and Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Theme Parks. From world-famous shopping at Universal’s Citywalk to kayaking the Wekiva River, spotting gators, and soaking up the Florida sunshine, there’s something for everyone.
📹 20 Things You Must Do In Orlando, Florida – Besides Theme Parks!
If you’re looking for something to do in Orlando, Florida that isn’t a theme park, then you will find this list of the 20 best attractions …
What is Florida best known for?
Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth since the mid-20th century, with a gross state product (GSP) of $1. 647 trillion. The state is known for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm climate, and nautical recreation, drawing millions of visitors annually. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, seasonal vacationers, and migrants, hosting nine out of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U. S.
The state’s close proximity to the ocean has shaped its culture, identity, and daily life, with influences from African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted prominent American writers, celebrities, and athletes, especially in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports.
Florida’s climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south, making it the only state besides Hawaii with a tropical climate and a coral reef. It has several unique ecosystems, including Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U. S. and among the largest in the Americas. Unique wildlife includes the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, Roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee.
Paleo-Indians entered Florida at least 14, 000 years ago, and by the 16th century, major groups of people living in the state included the Apalachee of the Florida Panhandle, the Timucua of northern and central Florida, the Ais of the central Atlantic coast, and the Calusa of southwest Florida.
Is there anything fun to do in Florida?
Florida offers a variety of activities, including shopping, museums, tropical rambles, historic stops, and water sports. With over 1, 300 miles of coastline, Florida is home to sugar-sand beaches with unique personalities. The Keys, known as America’s Caribbean, have azure water surrounding the islands, while South Florida’s beaches are Latin-inspired. The Space Coast offers wide, packed sand perfect for bike riding or watching surfers and rocket launches.
Gulf Coast beaches are renowned for their sunset views, while Northwest beaches are deep and inviting. Visitors can also enjoy water sports at various lakes and tributaries, as well as camping and hiking in 20 state parks. Florida’s natural attributes attract thrill-seekers and those seeking relaxation.
Does Florida rely on tourism?
In 2022, Florida’s tourism industry generated a record $124. 9 billion, outpacing 2021 by nearly $20 billion. The 137. 4 million visitors contributed $333 million per day to the economy, with tourism-supported employment surpassed its pre-pandemic peak by 422, 000 jobs, and direct employment making up 66% of the total. Travel and tourism generated $73 billion in wages for Florida workers in 2022. Florida residents do not pay a state income tax, making it one of only eight states without a state income tax. Every household saves $1, 840 a year on state and local taxes, and communities can provide critical services like education, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental programs.
What is Florida number 1 in?
Florida has been ranked 1st in the nation for education by U. S. News and World Report, based on strong performances in higher education and K-12 metrics. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has emphasized core academic subjects and classroom excellence. The state also ranked 1st in the Parent Power Index by the Center for Education Reform, focusing on alternative pathways and educational choices for parents and students beyond traditional public schools.
How much of Florida’s revenue comes from tourism?
Florida’s tourism industry attracted a record-breaking 140. 6 million visitors in 2023, contributing $121. 5 billion to the economy and supporting 2 million jobs. VISIT FLORIDA, a state-funded tourism marketing agency, matches public funds dollar-for-dollar by actively recruiting the state’s tourism industry to invest through cooperative advertising campaigns and promotional programs. The agency works with various tourism industry businesses across the state, including Busch Gardens Tampa, Experience Kissimmee, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort.
VISIT FLORIDA facilitates participation in domestic and international travel trade and consumer shows, media missions to top global visitor markets, and operates Florida’s four Official Welcome Centers.
What is Florida most common for?
Florida, a peninsula in the Southeastern United States, is renowned for its easy accessibility, subtropical climate, and diverse attractions. Its beaches, Walt Disney World, MGM Studios, Florida Keys, Kennedy Space Center, and Everglades National Park are popular tourist destinations. The state also relies heavily on agricultural products like oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines. With 24 military bases, Florida is a major economic force, contributing to its diverse economy. The state’s easy accessibility, subtropical climate, and diverse attractions make it a popular tourist destination.
What do people go to Florida for?
Florida visitors engage in various activities, with beach or waterfront activities, shopping, and culinary/dining being the most popular. Overseas visitors primarily engage in shopping, sightseeing, and amusement and theme parks. Tourism in Florida supports 2. 0 million jobs in 2022, with visitor spending directly and indirectly supporting this. The statewide average hotel/motel occupancy rate in 2023 was 69. 1, a 2. 2-fold decrease from 2022.
What is the number one attraction in Florida?
Walt Disney World, located in Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, is the flagship of Disney’s worldwide theme park empire and the most popular tourist attraction in Florida. The park is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom, opened in 1971, is the first of the four and is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. It is similar to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and has hosted over 17 million visitors in 2012, making it the most visited theme park in the world. Despite some complaints about crowds, artifice, and unrelenting tackiness, Walt Disney World remains a popular destination for visitors seeking fun, magic, and fantasy.
What does Florida have the most of?
Florida is a top producer of oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit, sugarcane, snap beans, cucumbers, and oranges. The state has a warm climate ranging from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south, with an average temperature of 65-70 degrees in the north and 74-77 degrees in the south. Ocean and Gulf temperatures can reach into the 80s during summer, and swimming is possible year-round in South Florida. Key West, the southernmost point, is also a popular destination for visitors.
What’s so special about Florida?
Florida, with 21 million inhabitants, is one of the largest states in the country, with a diverse and vibrant landscape of people and nature. The Sunshine State is home to thousands of lakes, some of the largest cities, and serves as a cultural melting pot. Florida is the southernmost point in the USA, technically Hawaii, but geographically, it is. St. Augustine, the oldest inhabited city in the US, is located about 41 miles south of Jacksonville and was established by Spaniards in 1565. The city is home to a 17th-century fortress.
Is tourism dropping in Florida?
Florida’s tourism industry experienced a decline in 2023, with an estimated 135. 02 million tourists, down from 137. 4 million in 2022, according to Visit Florida. However, the state saw increases in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase of 131. 1 million tourists. Despite challenges like rising travel costs and inflation, Florida’s tourism sector flourished in 2023, with record air travel numbers and a significant return of international visitors.
📹 Ten great places in Florida you never knew existed
Florida has some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, but it also has some hidden gems that hardly anybody even …
I miss Disney World Animal Kingdom so much! I haven’t been there since 2011 and I would like to work for them as a Zookeeper because it is beautiful there. I could also enjoy and spend time at the Swimming pool, Roller Coasters and perusal the parade at Magic Kingdom. I additionally want to move to Orlando or Kissimmee Florida because I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid and I’m looking forward to it for the future!
I completely forgot about the Central Florida Zoo. I’ll be sure to include that on my next visit to the city. I already have plans to visit Discovery Cove, and ICON Park for the Orlando Star Flyer and the SeaLife Aquarium, but maybe I’ll have to add Tree Trek, Gatorland, and some mini golf to the list.
I moved to Florida when i was three years old. I remember when Florida was a natural environment. Sand or shell driveways, empty beaches, and small town traffic. It was great to grow up in, but I left in 2010, when it became unrecognizable. I have gone back once since for one day, and it has become twice as crowded. I could never live there again. I do miss what it was, but not what it has become.
Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park was one of my most memorable trips in Florida. My mom, sister, and I visited this place by a small seaplane with a pilot in July 1975, and it only cost 65 dollars R/T from Key West to Fort Jefferson. Exploring historic Fort Jefferson was extraordinary, and relaxing on the beach was pleasant despite the tropical warmth. We saw a shark in Dry Tortugas water. I grabbed the coconut from the palm tree in Fort Jefferson, took it home, and ate it – surprisingly good.
I’ve been to many of these places. Ft. Jeff is truly a beautiful place to visit. Back in the days I served in the Coast Guard and was assigned to a Patrol Cutter based in Key West, we often would anchor off the Fort when the wind and waves came up. We used to take our smallboat to the beach and explore the Fort. I love Payne’s Prarie. Its a neat place. I do need to take some time to visit the sinkhole in Gainesville. Another neat place to visit in Gainesville is the Butterfly enclosure on the UF campus. Also pay a visit to Micanopy in southern Alachua County about 20 minutes or so from Gainesville. Its a gem of an “Old Florida” town. They filmed several movies there, “Doc Hollywood” that starred Michael J. Fox about 30 years back now and a film adaptation of the memoir “Cross Creek” of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings who came to live in this place and wrote her famous novel “The Yearling” set in Cross Creek. I’ve visited most of the other places featured in this film as well. I prefer the more natural, historical and “old timey” out of the way places in Florida over Disney and the other theme parks.
I was born and raised in Florida, even lived in Tampa from 1971 through 1978 before I left for the Annapolis and DC areas. I never learned of Jose Marti Park while I was in Tampa despite numerous visits to Ybor City! Wonderful presentation, thank you! Going to replay the article and make a list of the seven or so places that were new to me and hope to visit on my next trip south. Avian fans who are also automobile adventurous will also enjoy exploring Loop Road, a (very) small road that hangs below US41 in the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. By the way, the Gulf Coast has many lovely unclogged beaches, but I shall keep that a personal secret.
Depends where you’re from. Floridians know about all of these (well most of us). And everyone definitely knows about the Prairie…but you have to have a lot of luck, not just a little. I live here and go hiking all the time and I rarely see them. Devil’s Milhopper is neat, I go all the time living less than 5 minutes from it, but don’t expect much. You can walk around the entire park in 5 minutes and the sinkhole is neat, but it’s a short trip. Perhaps you’ve covered Ichetucknee in another article, but that’s more deserving of a spot than Kelly.
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life, now going on 6th generation after grandparents migrated from Cuba back in the 30’s. While I’ve visited many parks in Florida, actually got married in Flamingo, Everglades National Park. I hadn’t even heard of several you noted in this article. Back to my bucket list!
The Fort Jefferson was never used as a defensive fort because by the time it was completed and manned, advancements in cannons made brick protection worthless or so it says in the literature. Its defensive use notwithstanding, I have sailed there twice and it is magnificent. The surrounding waters are beautiful if you have your own boat and like snorkeling and SCUBA diving. I saw a Goliath Grouper, formerly named a Jewfish, that was the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, hanging around one of the off island wrecks and all kinds of wondrous sea life. The fort is fascinating as well. The multiple arched corridor inside the north(?) side of the fort was used in the movie, “Romancing the Stone”.
4:40 if you are driving southbound on I-75, there is a rest stop that is home to “The Great Snake Wall”. It’s a very short trail up a brick wall that is designed to look like a Queen snake. When you get to the lookout point (the “head” of the snake), you get a great view of the Paynes Prairie. Definitely recommend stopping! I believe it’s called the Alachua County Rest Area
I’ve been to Marianna and visited Florida State Caverns on a field trip with my school in 1981. Vandals broke into the park a few weeks before we went and destroyed several cavern areas. I remember a Falling Waters state park off HWY 77 between Panama City & Chipley Florida. Was told it is closed down now but not for certain. Thanks enjoyed your presentation
We rode the street car as a fan trip and you have to get off near that park and wait for the street car to turn around. My family walked in and looked around. 😊 The bonus is being in Ybor City District in Tampa, not far from Hillsborough River State Park, the Aquarium, Bush Gardens, Museum of science and industry, never a dull moment🙂I was on the Army’s time when I visited the caves. Lake Kingsley is a perfect circle used by planes as a geographical locator.
I’ve lived in Palatka, Florida for most of my life. It is about an hour southwest of Jacksonville on the St. John’s River. We have Ravine State Gardens Park which is another sinkhole. We also have Florida’s oldest dinner, Angels, which is an old train car. It’s been in operation since the 30s, I think. It has a diner inside or you can get that classic car-hop experience and have your food brought to your car. There’s not much else to do in Palatka unless you come during the Blue Crab Festival which is always a good time.
Wow. I lived in the Tampa area for most of my life and never knew that the Jose Marty Park belonged to Cuba! Your list of 10 sites to visit is great. I have been to most of them with the exception of the caverns and the ‘boneyard’, but now I will have to put those two spots on my list of places to see. Thanks!
I’ve been to Hillsborough River rapids to take photographs since it is the only class II rapids in the state and they photograph nicely. One place you might want to visit is the beach just to the south of Marineland and to the north of Washington Oaks State Park. The beach is very rocky, covered with coquina rock which makes for a very rare beach scene in Florida.
What about Washington oaks gardens state park? I’m a native Floridian and a major beach lover and only found out about this amazing place about 9 years ago around the age of 40. It is now one of my favorite places to visit. I can never take enough pictures of all the coquina rocks that have been shaped by the water.
Most likely anyplace with the words springs in it means the water is 72 degrees and doesn’t get any warmer. In general Florida woods are dangerous because of the wild animals. It’s not just alligators its snakes and wild pigs. I wouldn’t cross the street to see the devils millhopper, it reminds you of the sink draining…a slow small spiral after you walk down (and then back up) hundreds of steps. The best place in Florida that most people don’t know about is the coral castle. The wonder house is also something to visit but it doesn’t have the grandeur it once did. The coral castle can be called America’s pyramids because no one knows how it was done. It’s a must find out history lesson because the mystery is what is so intriguing. Basically there are lei lines on the earth, a lot of people call it pseudo science but never the less all the “good” stuff is built on lei lines. Washington DC, the Vatican, Stonehedge, the heads on Easter Island, the pyramids etc. One guy built this structure and he started somewhere else and realized he had miscalculated and moved the whole thing. This area was populated at the time but no one ever saw him do anything and no one ever saw any equipment. The coral he used weighted tons and no one saw a thing. There was a rotating door (several tons) that you could move with one finger and after his death they called in all kinds of universities and no one could fix it. But don’t expect an actual castle, thats just the name.
You left out Silver Springs near Ocala, if you’re stopping at Paynes Prairie you’re not too far from it and it’s the home of the glass bottom boats and the spring that many of the old underwater movies were filmed at, “Creature From the Black Lagoon”. Also you missed Weekie Watchee springs that’s on the gulf coast between Cedar Key and Clearwater in Spring Hill. It has a nice lazy river and a great mermaid show. The entry is only $15 for adults and $8 for kids and is all inclusive.
been in Sarasota my entire 32 yrs and never knew about some of these places. secretly relieved you didn’t list anywhere nearby tho, our county is considered one of the top 10 places ppl are moving to in the us, and its been a little crazy. as a floridian, I’ve had preparation for the sudden mass influx w snowbirds and tourists.. these ones just don’t seem to be heading off anytime soon 🫤 great article tho,super interesting!
It’s creepy af walking around on the prairie at Paynes Prairie. I ran across a couple animal skulls. And even tho it’s a prairie there are still places for you accidentally to walk up on a hidden bison. They are not friendly at all. They have warnings to not get close to them everywhere. It was beautiful tho. Just a little unnerving.
1st article for me. Loved it. .hoping you will be doing some articles on Ruth Gilchrist Blue Springs. If you haven’t already. Hoping you’ll give info on the cabin rental situation, dogs and things to do. Same for Crystal RIver and any other manatee areas. If you have more things to do in ALL the Florida keys that would be great. Going to look and see what you have in your archive. Thanks for the tips!
Unfortunately, urban sprawl has reduced old-time Florida. However, there are still some unique features and natural areas to visit. I love Micanopy, Florida. A very small community very little has changed over the last century. Many antique shops and old buildings. We enjoy driving to Cross Creek nearby for dinner at the Yearling Restaurant. Itchituckney Springs are still amazing features as well as the river run. Weeki Wachee and Chassohowitka River are still the best canoe runs in America. Caspersen Park just south of downtown Venice is still friendly, enabling anyone to find a fossil shark to on its lengthy beach. Although Florida is fast becoming the most crowded state in America, much of it is still pristine and natural. We love the older communities like St Augustine, Cedar Key, and Brooksville, where early architecture abounds. I have lived here for fifty years and still find Florida remarkable.
You should really visit and make a article of Big Shoals State Park. I’ve been there, as well as Devil’s Millhopper and Florida Caverns State Park. History buffs will also find Fort Clinch State Park and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument interesting (as well as St. Augustine). We do have a waterfall or 3, one being Falling Waters State Park (waterfall over a sinkhole cliff rock face)), the other being Falling Creek County Park north oc Lake City, where a tannic-acid-colored creek plunges over a limestone cliff into a half-mile-long ravine before going underground for a stretch. We also have clear blue springs like Ichetucknee Springs State Park for much of the length of the spring run/river before it enters Theee Rivers Estates Subdivision on its way to the Santa Fe River.
as a florida native, the only place i havnt been is Ft Jefferson. can confirm everything listed here is a nice place to be. BUT… Rock Springs is becoming over crowded very fast. especially on the weekends. i suggest going in the middle of the week. Also, another hidden gem is Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. its no where near what it once was. the city destroyed its actual natural beauty, but its still nice, AND QUIET! if you do go there, DO NOT go by car. just south of it on 19 is a kayak rental place. get one there
5:28 the horses were also reintroduced because although most people don’t realize it horses originally evolved right here in North America and while our ancestors were coming across the Bering land bridge to populate the new world horses were going the other direction and it’s a good thing they did because they later went extinct here only to return with the Spaniards thousands of years later or there would be no horses anywhere
Florida resident here. Caves? No doubt! I’ve a sink hole in my backyard. Sand and clay over limestone. What could possibly go wrong? Paynes Prairie? There’s an alligator overlook off highway 441 between Gainesville and Micanopy. Been there. Done that. Scared the solid biological waste out of my ex-wife! This was decades ago; back then there was only a fence with two rails to define where you could park, and where the alligators ruled. I parked the car, and me and the kids trotted toward the pier that went out over the swamp. I heard a squeak and turned to watch. An alligator, floating on his side of the fence, lunged toward my wife. She dematerialized from where she was standing and rematerialized on top of the car. She was a fat gal (*), but she did NOT pass through intervening space. The alligator had lunged at a floating aluminum can, which it spat out. My wife rolled over the car, got in the driver’s door, and didn’t come out onto the pier. My kids and I had a marvelous time looking down on the alligators. My ex-wife, not so much. (*) Size never bothered me. She had a beautiful heart, but her heart changed with age. Alas. The vision of a large lady defying physics still amazes me. You go, girl!
Federal parks are free to military who receive a disablement rating in Florida. Just visit a Ranger office, bring your DD-214 and letter of rating. Fill out the paperwork and you get access to all WMA’s in Florida. State parks are different so you can visit those without paying. John Pennekamp in Key Largo is a great to go for a few dollars to swim. See the old ship anchors and cannons and much closer than the Dry Tortugas. There’s supposed to be a statue of Christ sitting out there too. Marker 88 in Islamorada is the best place for fun. It’s a restaurant that has one of the few natural sand beaches, bands and you can snorkel last I checked because nobody kicked us, only asked us to buy something once and I’d been there dozens of times. Just have a dive flag because they run an active boat dock and it’s law.
Many people are aware that there are Clothing Optional Beaches in the Great State of Florida. They are completely Legal, similar to Garrison Beach in Sandy Hook in New Jersey. Ft. Pierce has Blind Creek Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale has Haulover Beach. They are more enjoyable than I expected, you often see a variety of people, fishing, looking for unique sea shells and even couples bring there kids. Before you ask yourself, hmm this sounds a bit weird or creepy, many people are on the local school boards, looking to relax without sun tan lines. But I too was hesitant the first time going to a Clothing Optional Beach 🏝️ I met a woman in New Jersey if I enjoyed the beach, of course I said, I learned to swim in the Pacific Ocean as a young kid with my cousins, life as a kid should be fun, going on bicycle riding for hours on end. Getting back to my encounter with Garrison Beach in Sandy Hook New Jersey, it’s part of a State Park. So yes it’s legitimate Clothing Optional Beach. While we were walking towards the shore, I was not aware of the sighs that said, you might encounter nude people playing volleyball and other beach activities. Again I was never told that it was a Clothing Optional Beach, as we walked towards the shore, she was undressing, I thought hmm what the heck, many young people went Skinny Dipping with friends, we were young and carefree, so why not as I’m getting older to recall my teenage years and just enjoy a fun day at the beach, honestly I was a bit nervous having never been on a clothing optional beach before.
You stated a recreational open water diver can easily enjoy the ship wreck? An Open Water Diver can only go to 60ft max. So that is false since they wouldn’t even be able to touch the ship. Even with an Advanced Open Water license it’s only down to 100ft max so you couldn’t even get to the Flight Deck. You would at least need Technical Diving training to enjoy that wreck.
He forgot to say how much it rains in florida and that even though it might state in the news we are having a bright sunny day, 10 min later its pouring. The humidity is awful, 🥵 sometimes the humidity ia so thick its hard to even breath. Forgot to.mention hialeah Fl and how cuban people think hialrah is thiers, how hispanic people in south florida think spanish is what you have to speak and dont even try to.learn english.
Question: Do you have any articles about Droning in Florida? I just came across your website and have subscribed. We live in Ohio and my husband recently started droning. We were thinking about taking a trip to Florida to do some droning. I was wondering if there were places we could drone to see alligators, sharks and dolphins in beautiful Florida?
Growing economy is great, but how many car wash businesses do we need? We need more recreational things to do that don’t cost a fortune and the kids can walk there and enjoy the day so the parents can go out and enjoy the nights unfortunately there’s only strip clubs bars in movie theaters we need more entertainment locally cooking with chefs speed dating painting classes ceramic classes or maybe a club that plays music for people in their 40’s & 50s
The united states of America is what it states united therefore, every US citizen has the right and privilege to visit every part of the United States. Whether it is Florida, Michigan, California, Vermont, all we ask is for every person to respect our nation, so no, Florida is ours as much as it is yours but thank you for understanding. Remember, God created the world. God loves you and I love you be blessed.