Things to Do in Florida

The ideal destination for curious people of all ages, the Museum of Science & Industry offers numerous exhibits and attractions designed to pique one's scientific interest.

With over 450 hands-on attractions, MOSI offers a unique interactive experience to its visitors. Feel free to lie down on a "bed of nails," allow a butterfly to land on your shoulder in the "Bioworks Butterfly Garden," enjoy an astronomy show in the Saunders Planetarium, or take a ride on the famous "High Wire Bike," suspended on a cable 30 feet (9 meters) above the ground. No matter how daring you are or how interested in science, the museum offers engaging opportunities designed to draw in visitors of all ages.

"Kids in Charge!,"the largest children's science center in the United States, is the perfect place to bring those in the 12-and-under crowd. The attractions there emphasize the value of learning through play by bringing together science and creative thinking, and inspiring the imagination. MOSI is also home to Flordia's only IMAX Dome theater. The Dome regularly shows both educational and popular commercial films.

No coastal city would be complete without its own shipwreck legends, and Key West is no exception. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum allows you to explore artifacts from some of the most famous ships that went down in the Florida Keys.

Orlando may be known as the land of magic thanks to a mighty kingdom that offers up fun for the whole family. But just down the street there’s a massive Mecca for shoppers known as the Orlando International Premium Outlets. Home to more than 180 retail stores with designer names and high fashion items, this retail destination offers up some of the best deals in town with up to 65 percent off suggested retail prices. Travelers can comb through the stores in search of epic deals on designer duds. And more than a dozen snack shops and restaurants mean visitors can regroup and recharge between hitting the sales racks in the morning and returning to the shops in mid-afternoon.

One of Miami’s most delicious and vibrant attractions is Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Offering a quintessential dose of Miami flavor, this two-story nightclub boasts some of the city’s best live entertainment, especially as their shows display Miami’s melting pot culture. The decor has an outdoor beach vibe, with palm trees and tropical artwork, while the menu consists of simple yet tasty dishes like steak, burgers, and mahi mahi. The real draw to Mango’s, however, is the loud and lively entertainment, showcasing talented men and women in vibrant costumes dancing tango, salsa, reggae, congo, mariachi and even pulling out some Michael Jackson moves. Pair the experience with a mojito, caipirinha or Caribbean rum cocktail to really get to know the culture of the dances.

Conveniently, Mango’s Tropical Cafe is located across from Miami Beach. Just like at Miami Beach, you can expect beautiful people at the nightclub and restaurant and a party that seems to never end.

The Port of Miami is one of the busiest embarkation and disembarkation points in the cruising world, so get there a day or two early to minimize stress and see a bit of the city before you set sail. Known for its Art Deco architecture, glamorous South Beach and Cuban influences, Miami is a fast-paced city with endless urban adventures, but if it’s all a bit too much for you, escape the bustle for a shore excursion to the Florida Keys, an Everglades airboat tour or a helicopter ride up in the clouds.

How to Get to Miami

Your ship will be docked at the port on Dodge Island, just a couple of miles from downtown. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Bayside Marketplace shopping and dining center. Most other Miami attractions require a cab, which you’ll find near the port.

One Day in Miami

The beach is a must, but first, head inland to explore one of Miami’s most colorful neighborhoods, Little Havana, just west of downtown. Wander down 8th Street (or ‘Calle Ocho’), where you can watch cigars being rolled, try a Cubano sandwich and see several memorial statues along Cuban Memorial Boulevard.

Next, hop in a cab and head to the Miami Seaquarium, an aquatic park spread across nearly 40 acres (16 hectares) on Biscayne Bay. Watch sharks being fed, manatees being brought back to health, dolphins showing off their tricks and rescued turtles enjoying some rehabilitation.

Now it’s time to visit Miami Beach, which is reached easiest by cab. Ask the driver to drop you off around Ocean Drive and 10th Street, which puts you in the heart of the Art Deco District. Walk around for a bit to admire the historic buildings that put Miami on the architecture map, and then kick off your shoes and spend the rest of the afternoon on the white sands of South Beach.

Few things are as beautiful as a Florida sunset, so while you are in Key West, be sure to celebrate the sunset in true Key West style - at Mallory Square. Every night, starting two hours before the sunset, the square hosts its "Sunset Celebration." Arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts descend on the square providing you with fun entertainment to enjoy in the last daylight hours.

During the daytime, Mallory Square offers numerous attractions at its many restaurants and shops. While you are there, you should also check out the famous Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Open since 1997, the garden contains 36 bronze busts of the men and women who have had the greatest impact on Key West. The most famous of these are renowned writer Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman.

Since 1962 this 2.6-acre urban oasis has provided locals and travelers with easy access to some of the most diverse plant life on earth. Visitors can wander the well-kept grounds where lush green lawns with glittering fountains and stone paths lead the way to impressive atriums filled with colorful blossoms.