Things to Do in Florida

Written by Corie Daniel Last updated May 2nd 202402/05/24

If you’re thinking about a holiday to fantastic Florida, you might be wondering about what kind of things you can get up to during your time there. Well, we’ll be honest – there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do in the Sunshine State!

In fact, you could visit multiple times and still experience something new and have a totally different holiday each time.

On top of being the home to some of the world’s biggest and best theme parks, Florida also serves up beautiful beaches, amazing nature, and is a space-lover’s dream.

Take a look at the amazing array of things you can do in Florida…

Walt Disney World

We thought we’d start by pulling out the big guns – Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is nothing short of a giant playground, for adults and kids. It’s one of, if not the most popular attraction in the state (and America!) and boasts a grand total of four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You’ll need a good few days to make the most of everything here.

Get ready to have a blast on family friendly rides, seeing amazing parade performances from all your favourite Disney characters, and witnessing fantastic fireworks displays like you’ve never seen them before.

You’ll discover one-of-a-kind rides, rollercoasters and experiences, from the amazing world of Avatar in Animal Kingdom to the spectacular Soaring at Epcot. You’ll be overcome with nostalgia as you make your way through Cinderella’s Castle, posing for pictures with everyone’s favourites – Mickey and Minnie!

Whether you’re the world’s biggest Disney fan or it’s all new to you, you can’t fail to be amazed by this exciting world. Feel immersed in terrific films from Toy Story to Star Wars, and no matter your age, feel like a big kid once again. It’s a truly magical place!

Tip: If you don’t want to fork out on paying for the parks, you can experience some of the Disney magic by visiting Disney Springs! It’s an eclectic mix of unique shops, restaurants and one-of-a-kind entertainment.

Universal Studios

If you’re movie buff, Universal Studios Florida is the place for you. Step into the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter and take on rides built into Hogwarts itself, not to mention Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – talk about a thrill!

You’ll also be fully immersed into other film sets, like The Mummy, The Fast and the Furious and even Transformers (where you’ll meet Optimus Prime himself!). Universal Orlando Resort comprises of two parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as well as a waterpark, Volcano Bay.

Take a walk through The Simpsons section and grab some snacks at the Kwik-e-Mart, battle your way past aliens on the Men In Black ride and strap in for an epic adventure on the E.T experience. And you can’t miss out on the mind-blowing Jurassic Park ride!

You’ll feel like a movie star from the moment you step through the park doors – and you’ll come away with memories that will last a lifetime!

Just like Disney World, you’ll need a few days visiting the parks to really take it all in (and get your money’s worth!)

Visit I-Drive

If you’re staying in and around Orlando, then you simply have to get out and explore International Drive.

This busy commercial area is full of fantastic attractions, great dining options and entertainment to suit everyone.

Couples can choose to wine and dine in style before hitting the likes of a comedy club, and families will love visiting unique attractions like Maddame Tussaud’s and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

There’s an abundance of shops here to pick up the perfect souvenirs to take back home, and there’s no way you can visit without stopping off at ICON Park.

This 20-acre entertainment destination has things to delight all ages, including a 40-storey tall observation wheel that stands tall and proud against the Floridian sky. Your holiday here isn’t complete until you’ve seen it from 400ft!

This area is a great place for long strolls soaking up your surroundings, and the perfect place to do a bit of people-watching. There’s never a dull moment to be had on I-Drive!

Discovery Cove

This one’s for all the animal lovers! If you want a day away from the parks to relax and unwind, as well as make some new fishy friends, then Discovery Cove is the place to go.

Prepare to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing animals in Florida! From choosing to swim with dolphins to swimming alongside a whole host of tropical fish and even sea rays, you’ll have once-in-a-lifetime experiences here no doubt. There’s even fun-loving freshwater otters nearby, too!

There’s marine biologists on hand to answer all your queries, so you’re guaranteed to come away with a whole host of amazing new animal knowledge.

On top of that, the area is truly a place to relax and unwind in utter paradise. Explore a lush landscape of rocky lagoons, pristine sandy beaches, and wonderful waterfalls.

You might find yourself floating down a serene cove, listening to tropical sounds and soaking up the sun. Swim, float, wade, snorkel or dive – there’s so many different ways to enjoy the watery paradise that is Discovery Cove. Of course there’s plenty of places on dry land to sit and soak up the atmosphere too!

Kennedy Space Center

Calling all space cadets! If you love anything to do with space, or want to simply find yourself surrounded by a world of innovative technology and exciting exploration, then a visit to the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island is a must.

You’ll be walking into a world of history, as this Space Center has been used as NASA’s primary launch facility for human spaceflight since 1968! The Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programmes were all carried out from this fascinating complex, and you’ll be able to learn about each of them during your time here. Who wouldn’t want visit the place that put man on the moon?!

Who knows, you might get really lucky and visit during a live rocket launch, allowing you to see the ingenious work of this place with a front row seat!

Everglades Airboat adventure

The Everglades are one of the first things that come to mind for a lot of people when talking about Florida – these vast shimmering marshes and wetlands are an amazing place to explore.

A whole different ecosystem for the creatures that live there, the Everglades are certainly a source of unique wildlife and natural preservation.

It’s a far cry from the beautiful beaches of Florida, in fact, it’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and gives home to an amazing array of plant and animal species, including many that are threatened and endangered. This is a national park like no other!

The most popular way of exploring this unique area is via airboat. You’ll be propelled around these marshy waters at various speeds, making for a fantastically fun adventure. Get ready to spot alligators, birds, turtles, and many other animals that call the Everglades their home. You’ll feel like a real explorer from the moment you arrive!

Clearwater Beach

If after many days bouncing between theme parks, getting thousands of steps in, and exploring one unique place after another you decide it’s time for some rest and relaxation, then say hello to Clearwater Beach.

Give your feet a break and let them swish in the sand as you take in one of Florida’s best beaches. You’ll find wonderfully white sands, turquoise waters and pretty palm trees dotted down the shoreline. It’s a slice of heaven in a world of hustle and bustle!

There’s a promenade that runs the length of the beach, so if you fancy a sunny stroll with a loved one taking in the sights and sounds around you, then it’s the perfect place to do so.

If you still want a little adventure in your day then feel free to get involved with all the activities on offer here, from jet-skiing to parasailing, paddleboarding, cycling or even rollerblading.

And you’ll be impressed by the food and drink offering too, with casual restaurants serving everything from light bites to fresh seafood and cute cafes dishing out milkshakes. And if you’re still here at night, come sunset Pier 60 hosts a nightly festival adorned with street performers and unique vendors. It’s a great way to round off a day at the beach!

Explore Miami

Of course, a Florida holiday doesn’t necessarily mean staying in Orlando! There are full day excursions available that will take you to the marvellous city of Miami, or you could give yourself a little more freedom by hiring a car and driving there yourself!

Miami is especially famous for its strong Cuban influence, with its cultural neighbourhood Little Havana being one of the most popular places to visit, serving up a unique mix of sights, sounds, and flavours.

Sip on a Cubra Libre and soak up the soulful melodies of salsa music, or stroll through markets and pick up a souvenir or two.

Miami and especially Miami Beach has been a go-to destination for Hollywood for as long as we can remember, and you’ll probably be able to think of a time you’ve seen this place on the big screen.

From the iconic Miami Vice to Bad Boys, Scarface and even good-old Ace Ventura, Miami has starred as a backdrop too many times to count.

From the moment you arrive and take sight of the art deco buildings and palm-tree lined streets, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the scene of a movie set! It’s definitely worth a visit during your time in Florida.