Things to Do in Florida

Choose from 156 Fun Things to Do in Florida

Holy Land Experience

A Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida, the Holy Land Experience features full-size re-creations of Biblical scenes that bring the Holy Land to life. Here you’ll find a Jerusalem street market, the Great Temple, the House of Judea, the Calvary’s Garden Tomb, and Esther’s Banquet Hall, as well as entertainment and story-telling.

The Basics

Holy Land’s interactive exhibits are designed to take visitors back 2,000 years and thousands of miles away, to the people and places depicted in the Bible. Even the main entrance is designed to appear as the Main Gate and Jaffa Gate to the old city of Jerusalem. The park is an immersive experience that enables visitors to bring their faith and the history depicted in the Bible alive, along with the life and times of Jesus Christ.

Here you can also check out the Scriptorium, a collection of ancient artifacts and Bible-related antiquities. A theater and outdoor stage act as backdrops for live shows, from plays to Broadway-style musicals. A fully operational religious and nonprofit organization, the park offers weekly church services and Bible study groups. Purchasing a ticket ahead of time guarantees your admission to this popular attraction. And to admission you can add on experiences including the Tabernacle Tour, the Tech Tour, and the Wardrobe Tour.

Know Before You Go

Children between 5 and 14 years old receive discounted admission; children aged four and under are free.
Several dining options include the Last Snack, the Church of All Nations Bistro, Martha’s Kitchen, and Esther’s Banquet Hall.
See the park’s website for information on transportation from the Disney World and Universal Studios area and resorts.

How to Get There

The Holy Land Experience is located about 10 miles from downtown Orlando, off of Interstate 4. Parking is free, or you can take the LYNX (Orlando’s public transportation system) Route 24 or Route 40.

When to Get There

The park is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Backstage Tours

An alternative to travelers who desire the spiritual experience of traveling to Israel, the Holy Land Experience is dedicated to producing an authentic, immersive experience. Taking one of the backstage tours (an add-on to admission) lets visitors see what goes into creating such a flawless production. The Tabernacle Tour teaches visitors how the Tabernacle was used in Biblical times, the Tech Tour shows how the elaborate performances are put on, and the Wardrobe Tour shows the care that goes into the faithful re-creation of authentic garments.

4655 Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida, USA

Tues-Sat from 10am-6pm

$50 for adults, $35 for children

From $ 50

House of Blues Orlando

Come for the barbecue and stay for the live entertainment at House of Blues Orlando. Just far enough away from the main Disney World Resort restaurants and entertainment venues to make a dent in the crowds, House of Blues has long been a favorite of both locals and park visitors. The venue hosts all kinds of performers, from local favorites to world-famous stars. Even when there isn’t a concert, music will be playing and TVs will be on for sports fans.

The dual restaurant and concert venue set-up provides something for everyone. Families love House of Blues for its many kid-friendly meal options, while couples enjoy the sprawling patio, where live music can be heard. Diners rave about the shrimp, grits and barbecue ribs, and night owls particularly like the concerts and the late-night bar menu that goes along with them.

Practical Info

Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, House of Blues Orlando is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. Some events are only for those 18 or 21 years of age and older, but dining is open to all ages. Tickets for performances range in price.

1490 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA

Hours vary

Varies

From $ 109

Fort Myers Beach

A far cry from the busy beaches of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Beach is seven miles of pristine Florida coastline that has somehow managed to keep its sleepy charms well away from the busyness of other townships. Connected by bridge to sleepy Sanibel Island, here you can enjoy the sprawling sky and white sand dunes of Florida’s best beaches all while staying in a nearby resort that offers world-class amenities. Parasailing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and spotting dolphins are all popular pastimes, but sometimes the best activity is just exploring the flour-soft sands and calling the beach your own.

Practical Info

Fort Myers Beach is located 16 miles south of Ft. Myers, Florida and is known for its white sands, fishing, and warm, shallow waters.

Fort Myers, USA

From $ 21

Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

Created on the site of what was once a miniature golf course, the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is now home to more than 500 palms and cycads, representing more than 150 different species from around the world. Starting with just 60 palms representing 10 different species, the two-acre park has continuously expanded since its 1977 dedication. From massive specimens that are too big to fit in private yards to popular types that can be found along Florida’s beaches, the Palm Arboretum is an ever-changing, never-ending project that grows and expands organically. Take the time to stroll down the pathways, learning about the specimens, or simply perch on one of the conversation benches and enjoy the peace of the palms.

Practical Info

The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is open daily from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is available; adjacent parking is free of charge.

11th Ave NE, St Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA

From $ 70

Fun Spot America

Fun Spot America is a theme park with locations in Orlando and nearby Kissimmee. It is the only family-owned theme park in the area and admission is free to the park - you just pay to ride and play!

The parks are fully equipped with activities to keep the fun going all day. Each location boasts unique, patented multilevel go-kart tracks, an arcade where visitors can play a variety of games and collect points to redeem for prizes, and several roller coasters. The Kissimmee park is home to the tallest SkyCoaster in the world, which stands at 300 ft (91 m), while the Orlando park is home to Orlando's only wooden roller coaster, White Lightening. There are also thrill rides, bumper cars, bumper boats, and load of other rides that are appropriate for kids and fun for the whole family.

Both Fun Spot America parks are only a few miles from Disney World, Universal Studios and several other popular Orlando area attractions. Parking is free, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. There is also a diner and a sweets shop for when you get hungry.

Practical Info

Fun Spot America parks are located at:

5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Admission is free to the park - you just pay to ride and play.
Purchase a day pass for adults and kids to enjoy the rides. Children between 24 inches and 53 inches tall will receive a $10 in park credit to be used on food and beverages, arcade games and the gift shop.

Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, USA

Seasonal 10am-12am; Off-Season 2pm-12am

Kids under 24in = Free; Kids 24-53in = $31.99; Adults = $42.49

From $ 48

Fort Lauderdale Beachfront

Featuring over 23 miles (37 kilometers) of pristine beach, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to swim and sunbathe. The Fort Lauderdale beachfront offers a wide number of experiences, like wind surfing, jet skiing, boating, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and scuba diving. If you’d rather stay on land, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and beach sports like volleyball and Frisbee are worthwhile beachfront options.

Spend some time in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, known for its scuba diving offerings and pier where you can watch fishermen reeling in fresh catch. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is another top experience when exploring Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront, and can be accessed via the pedestrian tunnel under A1A. This park has a tropical-feel and offers chances to kayak, fish and cycle. And of course, visiting the beaches themselves is a must, like the family-friendly Deerfield Beach, trendy Fort Lauderdale Beach and adventure-focused Hallandale Beach.

In terms of accommodation, there are a number of Fort Lauderdale beachfront hotels, including the Atlantic Resort & Spa, a luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway; the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel; and the beachfront Ocean Sky Hotel and Resort.

There are also a number of restaurants on the waterfront. After you eat, stroll down the Boulevard to peruse the many boutique shops or grab a drink at a tiki bar.

Practical Info

There are no fees to visit Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront. The city’s beaches are pristine and offer many opportunities for recreation, so allot a minimum of four hours -- although you’ll probably want more -- for your visit. Keep in mind it can get very hot in Fort Lauderdale, so sunscreen, a hat and extra drinking water is recommended.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

From $ 25

Fort Zachary Taylor

Popular for both its military history and current recreational opportunities, Fort Zachary Taylor is also the location of one of Key West’s favorites beaches. Spanning 54 acres, Fort Zachary Taylor is worth a visit both for its colorful past and its attractive present.

Construction on Fort Taylor was begun in 1845 and the Fort hosted active duty squadrons until 1947. During the period of the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor remained one of only three fortresses in Florida to remain under Federal control; it’s now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and contains the largest cache of Civil War-era seacoast cannons in the U.S. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Tours are conducted daily and pamphlets for self-guided tours are available as well.

Today, Fort Zachary Taylor is best known for its outdoor activities and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach, which is the southernmost in the U.S., is considered one of the best in Key West, not only for its expanse of sand (a rarity in the Keys), but also for swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving off of the shore. Other popular activities include biking, fishing, hiking along the nature trails, bird watching, picnicking, sunset watching and more.

Practical Info

Fort Zachary Taylor is open to the public 365 days a year. Entrance to the park is dependent on the number of people in one vehicle: $4.50 for one person, $7.00 for two and $.50 for each additional person. There is a $2.50 fee for anyone walking or riding a bike into the park.

Key West, Florida, USA

Varies

From $ 60

Harry Truman Little White House

Located in what is now called the Truman Annex in Old Town Key West, the Harry Truman Little White House was the winter White House for President Truman for a total of 175 days over the course of 11 visits.

The former president was not the only U.S. leader to enjoy some respite in Key West. The house originally served as the base commandant’s house for the naval submarine station at Key West. President Taft was the first to visit in 1912, and Thomas Edison resided in the house during World War I. Over the years, six American presidents have used the residence, but the most important usage was by Truman from 1946 to 1952. Due to advances in technology, he realized that he could continue to act on matters of importance outside of Washington, D.C. and thus, the Little White House became his home from November to December and February to March, allowing the president a time of rest and recuperation.

Other notable figures such as presidents Kennedy, Carter and Clinton have visited and worked in the Little White House; many continue to do so. Because of this, the property will occasionally be closed for government functions with very little advance notification.

Practical Info

The Harry Truman Little White House is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; tours are offered every 15 to 20 minutes. The botanical gardens surrounding the house are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are free to tour.

111 Front Street, Key West, Florida 33040, USA

Varies

From $ 21

González-Alvarez House (Oldest House Museum)

St Augustine has grown up and around the González-Alvarez House, and so the home stands as an architectural time capsule of the city’s evolution. The two-story coquina stone house, built in the years after the English burned the city in 1702, is now a registered National Landmark with elements that typify the city’s varied occupants. Early Spanish colonial elements such as the house’s orientation to take advantage of winds and tabby floors—blend with later changes. A second story was added during the British colonial period, and a framed second floor porch and glass windows were included during the second Spanish period prior to statehood.

Though archaeological evidence suggests the site has been occupied since the 1600s, the current home dates to the early 1700s. Its “oldest house in America” title has been contested and has since reverted to the “oldest surviving Spanish colonial house in Florida.” Regardless, visitors to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House will find plenty of unique historical elements here including some of its resident’s possessions: chipped Romanesque statues, simple wooden furniture, clothing, an ornately carved four-poster bed and a British tea setting. Outside, a replica coquina colonial kitchen features a brick hearth and period cooking implements. The larger Oldest House Museum Complex includes an ornamental garden and two separate museum buildings: the Mauncy Museum detailing the history of the country’s oldest city, and the Page L. Edwards Gallery’s rotating exhibits.

Practical Info

Two blocks from the Mantanzas River, the González-Alvarez is located in Central St Augustine at 14 St Francis Street. The Oldest House Museum Complex is open daily from 10am-5pm; 25 minute long guided tours run on the half-hour with the final tour departing at 4:30pm.

The other buildings under the complex’s umbrella are located around the corner on Charlotte Street. All are included in the $8 adult and $4 student admission. Family packages are available.

14 St Francis Street, St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA

Open daily from 10am-5pm

Adults: $8; Students: $4

From $ 28

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Located in Homestead, Florida, the Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts NASCAR, IndyCar and several other series of racing events. With a design representing the vibrant nearby Miami Beach Art Deco district, the speedway opened to a sold-out NASCAR crowd in 1995. The track contains several lakes, the largest of which is 18 acres and even stocked with rare peacock bass. The lake is deep enough to submerge an entire six-story building.

The speedway has continued to gain in popularity and garner the attention of motorsports enthusiasts around the globe. The track made history in 2008 when it became the first venue ever to host all of North America’s major motorsports championships: IndyCar, Grand-Am and Firestone Indy Lights Series, NASCAR’s Spring Cup, and the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.

If you’re interested in testing out the track yourself, there are exotic auto racing experience tours available. Drive an Audi RB, Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430 around the track after a quick safety orientation and a two-lap test ride in a demo vehicle. Once you’re comfortable, hop behind the wheel of your race car. There’s also a Sky Box where you can watch other drivers before and after your experience.

Practical Info

The Homestead-Miami Speedway has 55,000 grandstand seats and stretches over 600 acres. There are 16 viewing areas with club facilities and spectacular views of the action.

1 Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd, Homestead, Florida, USA

Varies

From $ 299

Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science

More than 200 interactive exhibits await families at this Fort Lauderdale museum, which is dedicated to curiosity and exploration. With the largest captive live Atlantic coral reef habitat, an IMAX theater, an Everglades Airboat Adventure, and an FA-18 cockpit 7D simulator, the museum offers children and their parents a day of exploration.

The Basics

Located on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this two-story art and science museum is family-friendly. On the main floor, you’ll find the permanent exhibits, including the Discovery Center (for kids 6 and under); an Everglades Airboat Adventure, which simulates a ride through the Florida swamps; exhibits on Florida’s ecosystems; a glimpse at live otters at play; and a Storm Center with a hurricane simulator. Don’t miss getting your photo in the mouth of the Megalodon.

Things to Know Before You Go

Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the museum. The IMAX theater concession sells snacks and drinks.
There is an on-site gift shop.
The museum offers free Wi-Fi.

How to Get There

MODS is located in the Arts & Science District in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Second Street, across from Riverwalk’s Esplanade Park. From Miami or Palm Beach, take I-95 to the Broward Boulevard exit, then drive east to SW Fifth Avenue and turn right. The museum is on your left, with a parking garage on the right. The Brightline express train stops two blocks away from the museum.

When to Get There

The museum is open 10am–5pm Monday through Saturday and noon–5pm on Sunday; it’s closed only closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and special events. If you can, catch an IMAX 3D show in the largest theater in Florida. In March, the museum hosts an annual Wine, Spirits, and Culinary Celebration, with a Grand Tasting featuring more than 40 South Florida restaurants.

In the Mouth of a Megalodon

One of the best photo opportunities at MODS is in the mouth of the Megalodon, considered to be the largest sharks that ever lived on earth. Some of their teeth alone measured seven inches (17 centimeters) long, and their jaws are estimated to be about three times as big as the Great White Shark. Occasionally, visitors to South Florida find fossilized Megalodon teeth washed up on area beaches.

401 Southwest 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312, USA

Varies

From $ 63

Government House Museum

The historic Government House has played many roles in the state of Florida since being built more than 400 years ago. During the colonial period of the 16th century, it served as the official residence and offices of the Spanish governors of Florida. The mansion was then rebuilt in 1710 after being destroyed by British forces. British governors of East Florida ruled from the structure during the American Revolutionary War, often throwing lavish parties. In 1821, history was made here when the Spanish governor turned over the control of Florida to the United States.

Once a part of the new nation, it served as a U.S. post office, courthouse, and customs building before opening as a museum in 1991. The structure itself holds centuries of history, though its exhibits go into further detail the significance of the house and the area. Many archaeological artifacts, including Spanish gold and Native American canoes, tell the stories of the multiculturalism that influenced Florida and St. Augustine as it is today.

Practical Info

The Government House can be found on King Street in St. Augustine, beside the Plaza de la Constitución. The museum is located on the first floor. Managed by the University of Florida, it is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is free of charge.

48 King St, St Augustine, Florida, USA, USA

Open daily 10am-5pm

From $ 28

Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood Florida

The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood in Florida is a multi-tiered venue with a hotel, casino, restaurants, spa, and nightlife entertainment all on-site. It features 500 luxury suites, award-winning dining experiences, and performance venues hosting popular music and comedy acts. There’s also the Beach Club, a tropical pool, and a fully-equipped spa for those who just want to relax.

Like all Hard Rock Cafes, the main emphasis here is on food and fun. However, the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, Florida provides the space and functionality to host events and meetings of all kinds; while it’s ideal for groups who like to play and party all through the night, it’s also set up to accommodate things like corporate meetings and networking events.

Practical Info

The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood is situated at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale.

1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida, USA

Sun-Thurs 11:00AM-12:00AM (Bar open until 1:00AM) Fri & Sat 11:00AM-2:00AM

From $ 32

Hollywood Beach

Florida’s Hollywood Beach is best known for its red-brick boardwalk and panoramic seaside views. Located in the coastal city of Hollywood between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this sandy stretch of coast is an ideal spot for people watching, sunbathing, and swimming.

The Basics

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) along the coast, making it a popular exercise spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Seaside restaurants offer a variety of dining options, from hot dogs and pizza to sit-down Italian fare. Family-friendly parks provide entertainment for younger kids, while the Hollywood Beach Theatre often hosts free concerts. Due to the beach’s large size, Segway tours are a good option for exploring as they allow you to cover more ground than you would on foot. For a special treat, air tours offer epic sunset views of the beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

Things to Know Before You Go

The children’s water playground at Charnow Park is a great destination for families with kids.
There are three sets of public restrooms along the boardwalk.
Pets are prohibited in public areas of the beach and the boardwalk.
Parking is available in both garages and non-metered neighborhood spots. Drivers with disabled-parking placards can park for up to four hours in any non-metered space.

How to Get There

Hollywood Beach is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Miami International Airport and less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Fort Lauderdale and the Hollywood International Airport. Public buses run roughly every hour from downtown Hollywood to the beach, and parking is readily available nearby.

When to Get There

Hollywood Beach is open 24 hours daily, although boardwalk businesses keep varying hours. Summer weekends are typically busy, especially from March through May when South Florida weather is at its best. Fall brings hurricane season.

Downtown Hollywood

Located just 10 minutes by road from Hollywood Beach, downtown Hollywood is an important center for arts and culture. Arts enthusiasts can enjoy visiting the gallery at the Art and Culture Center, the curated collection of murals at the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, and concerts and visual-arts shows at the Young Circle ArtsPark.

Hollywood Beach, Flordia, USA

From $ 63

Hard Rock Cafe Key West

The Hard Rock Cafe is famous for its many locations in cities around the world, and its Hard Rock Key West is the Southernmost member of the chain in the continental United States. The cafe is primely located in the center of the action on Duval Street, and features the American cuisine and rock ’n’ roll memorabilia of its other restaurants — but with a tropical twist. Boots from Jimi Hendrix, a velvet jacket from Stevie Nicks, and a Les Paul guitar that was broken in concert by the band Nine Inch Nails are showcased, among others.

It’s particularly evident how special this Hard Rock Cafe is when dining al fresco on their patio, where you can feel the ocean breeze. Whether you go for a fruity cocktail or a full dinner, the Hard Rock Cafe Key West blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Accompanied by music playing from the stereo or one of the live entertainment acts, it may be the ultimate cheeseburger in paradise.

Practical Info

You’ll find the Hard Rock Cafe Key West on Duval Street, where it is open from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm (or later!) everyday. Metered parking is available on the streets nearby.

313 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040, USA

Daily from 10:30 am - 11:30 pm

From $ 20

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a linear public park located by the New River in the historic downtown district of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its tropical landscaping and winding pathways link some of the city’s best attractions.

The Basics

The Riverwalk area, frequently described as the "Venice of America" by locals and visitors, consists of a park, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and a movie theater, making it a popular destination for strolling, eating, and catching some outdoor entertainment. The complex also includes big attractions such as the Stranahan House, the Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Florida Grand Opera, and Esplanade Park.

There are several ways to explore the Riverwalk, including walking tours, Segway tours, or sightseeing cruises with operators such as Jungle Queen Riverboat. Those boat rides will cover the Riverwalk, as well as glimpses of Millionaire's Row, a stretch of luxe houses and their attendant mega yachts that runs from Tarpon Bend to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Things to Know Before You Go

Public restrooms are stationed at regular intervals along the Riverwalk.
In addition to a variety of local restaurants, there are also several picnic areas for those who want to pack a meal.
The Riverwalk is ADA accessible.
Parking is available on SW 4th Street by the pavilion.
Dogs are allowed on the Riverwalk, but they must be leashed.

How to Get There

Two main streets run through the Riverwalk district: Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Bus numbers 11, 30, and 40 stop in the area. There is no dedicated parking lot, but there is parking available up and down the streets connecting to the Riverwalk.

When to Get There

The Riverwalk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week year round. Paths are lighted, which can make for a delightful evening stroll—especially in summer and fall, when the weather tends to be uncomfortably hot and humid during the day. The most popular time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between December and April, when temperatures are between the mid-50s and mid-80s.

Events at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

The Riverwalk has a packed calendar year round, including yoga classes, musical performances, sports competitions, and popular annual events such as the Riverwalk Fall Festival, the 80s Dance Party, or the Smoke on the Water Barbecue Competition.

Fort Lauderdale, USA

From $ 25

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

Established in June 1990 and located at the Universal Studios in the CityWalk entertainment complex, the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando, Florida remains a hugely popular entertainment attraction in a city where there’s always something to see and do.

In fact, Orlando’s Hard Rock Cafe is the largest in the world. It features huge, grand pillars and a vast collection of rock memorabilia to rival all other Hard Rock Cafes. The complex boasts a multi-level version of the famous cafe, as well as a Hard Rock Live music venue, which has a 3000-person capacity and hosts all types of concerts and other events.

In the restaurant itself, diners can feast on classic burgers, nachos, wings, ribs, salads, and steaks as they take in the music memorabilia that adorns the walls and rock out to the non-stop Hard Rock beats.

Practical Info

This Hard Rock Cafe is situated at 6050 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. The restaurant is open daily from 11am until midnight, while the bar is open each night until 1:30am.

6050 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, USA

Open daily from 11am until midnight, bar is open nightly until 1:30am

From $ 32

Gulf World Marine Park

A mostly open-air aquarium, Gulf World Marine Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida. The park is home to rough-toothed and bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, flamingos, sharks, turtles, penguins, alligators, and reef fish.

The Basics

At Gulf World Marine Park, daily trainer-led dolphin and sea lion shows highlight animals’ agility and skill, while aquarium shows spotlight birds, sharks, and turtles. Interactive programs allow you to interact with seals, feed stingrays, or be a veterinarian or trainer for a day. General admission passes include all shows and exhibits, but interactive programs require separate bookings.

Things to Know Before You Go

On-site food options include a grill and snack bar. No outside food is permitted in the park.
Gulf World Marine Park is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Photos and videos are allowed anywhere in the park, but not during interactive experiences.
Most visitors spend between three to four hours exploring the park.

How to Get There

Gulf World Marine Park is located off Front Beach Road, between the gulf and Panama City Beach’s West Bay Grand Lagoon. There is free parking on-site, as well as an overflow lot for particularly busy days.

When to Get There

Gulf World Marine Park is busiest during summer weekends. If you’re visiting anytime between March and June and want to book an interactive program, be sure to do so in advance.

Animals at Gulf World Marine Park

All of the animals at the park are rescues deemed nonreleasable to the wild, animals born in captivity, or pets who were donated by their owners. Interactive animal experiences are completely safe, but visitors should be prepared to sign a waiver as animals are unpredictable by nature.

15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida 32413, USA

Varies

From $ 31

Gatorland

With goofy, gaping alligator jaws welcoming guests at the entrance, Gatorland is a reptilian wonderland that has been showcasing Florida's wildlife since 1949. The 110-acre (45-hectare) park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, snakes, toads, turtles, and swamp birds, some of which are rescued former pets. Guests will find winding boardwalks hovering over man-made bayous, which provide safe views of the resident reptiles, plus an open-air aviary and a petting zoo of domesticated farm animals.

The Basics

While many travelers book basic admission tickets to Orlando’s reptilian wonderland, it’s also possible to take a combo tour that includes time at the park and an airboat ride through the Central Florida Everglades. Gatorland guests also have numerous options for enhancing their visit beyond general admission. The Screamin’ Gator Zipline takes guests 1,200 feet (366 meters) above the park and its Alligator Breeding Marsh, home to 130 resident alligators. To experience the Florida swamp by night, opt for an after-dark tour where you can gaze into glowing gator eyes or even feed the reptiles. Those with a deeper interest in these giant reptiles can go behind the scenes to learn about their behaviors with the add-on Trainer for a Day package. Gatorland also offers experiences that allow visitors to touch and wrestle gators for an additional fee.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gatorland is a must-see for families with kids and animal lovers.
The fee-based Gatorland Express Train shuttles visitors around the park for easy access.
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent inside the park.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Advance reservations are required for the Trainer for a Day program.

How to Get There

Gatorland is located on Highway 441 in South Orlando, about 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport by road. Parking is free.

When to Get There

The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Since much of the site is outdoors and uncovered (and shows are canceled in the event of heavy rain), it’s a good idea to plan your visit for a day with a sunny forecast. Unlike other Orlando theme parks, crowds aren’t as much of a problem at Gatorland, but if you choose to visit during summer, expect high temperatures.

Entertainment at Gatorland

Like any good theme park, Gatorland puts on a few live shows featuring some of their famous residents. During the Gator Jumparoo, guests can observe alligators perform an impressive behavior: jumping four to five feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) out of the water to snatch food. The Gator Wrestlin’ Show demonstrates how handlers are able to safely wrangle an 8-foot-long (2.5-meter-long) alligator, limbs intact.

14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32837, USA

Daily 10am-5pm

Varies

From $ 25

Fountain of Youth

Your quest for the Fountain of Youth is over once you’ve visited this park in St. Augustine, Florida. This site where Spanish explorer Ponce de León came in search of the elusive fountain in the 16th century, founding the oldest European settlement in the US. Sip the legendary waters while you learn about the area’s indigenous history.

The Basics

Since 1871, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has drawn visitors to the birthplace of St. Augustine and colonial European America. Entertaining and interactive exhibits include de León’s Spring of Eternal Hope, a re-created Timucuan village, a planetarium, hourly cannon demonstrations, and informative staff in period dress. The park is a worthwhile addition to your St. Augustine sightseeing itinerary, which might also include a stop at the Old Jail, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Potter’s Wax Museum, and other attractions. Skip the driving and try a hop-on hop-off tour to explore all of these attractions at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Fountain of Youth is great for historians, and offers a lot of entertainment and space for kids to roam, too.
Discounted tickets are available for children, active military, senior citizens, and AAA members.
An on-site restaurant serves locally sourced barbecue, or you can bring your own food.
Plan to spend at least two hours to explore the entire site.
The park is pet-friendly and mostly accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The Fountain of Youth is located in downtown St. Augustine on Magnolia Avenue, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Jacksonville. Take I-95 South to FL-16 East to Magnolia Avenue. Free on-site parking is available. The Sunshine Bus purple line also stops at US-1 south of Matanzas Avenue, about a 6-minute walk to the park.

When to Get There

The archeological park is open from 9am to 6pm daily. St. Augustine weather is generally ideal in the spring, from March through May, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds on weekdays and earlier or later in the day (though note that last entry is at 5pm).

Water of Life

This particular Fountain of Youth isn’t the only one in Florida that claims a Ponce de León origin story. Dozens of legends have sprung up about the area’s springs and wells, including a fountain in Punta Gorda that has been deemed unsafe for drinking and potentially radioactive. Rest assured, this park’s well is tested regularly and meets standards of consumption.

11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine 32084, USA

Varies

From $ 28