Florida - Beyond Amusement Parks
While Disney is a huge draw to Florida it is not the only attraction. I have spent so much time in Florida exploring much more than amusement parks. Here are five of my favourite places and things to do. I have included two national parks and one state park because they offer so much to see and do for excellent value.
Swim with Manatees
Crystal River - 1.5 hours from Orlando
Where to stay - Hampton Inn
Tour Operator - Fun2Dive
Price starts at $59.95USD
Ages 3+ can book this tour. Wetsuits are provided from toddler size to 4XL. You can bring your own snorkel and mask or they will provide one for you. Pictures are taken of you in the water. Unfortunately for me the water was not very clear the day we went and the pictures were not great so I did not buy any. Despite the clarity of the water it was an unbelievable experience. I saw so many manatee including a baby nursing! Touching is not permitted, but they will swim right under you and beside you! You can hear then eating the sea grasses and it sounds like they are eating crunchy celery!
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee - 1.5 hours from Orlando
Where to stay - Holiday Inn Express in Forest Oaks
Adults are $13USD, 6-12 are $8USD and kids 5 and under are free.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee?_ga-ft=1aBidn.1.1.0.0.TdaHU4-1PbPfKI.0.0
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a 1000 acre park that has been opened since 1947. It’s biggest attraction - the MERMAIDS! Go for boat rides, see alligators and manatees, swim in the pool with water slides or kayak in the river, but you need to see the mermaid show! Currently there are 11 mermaids and 2 “princes”. With three mermaid shows a day you have plenty of opportunity to see a show while experiencing the rest of the activities. It is an inexpensive day jam-packed with a ton of fun!
Dry Tortuga’s National Park
Key West - 3.5 hours from Miami
Where to stay - Oceans Edge Resort and Marina
Adults $200USD, Seniors and Students $190USD, Child 4-16 $145USD
I love Key West! It is vibrant city that can keep you busy for days visiting such sites as The Ernest Hemingway Home, Butterfly Conservatory, and Duval Street. However the Dry Tortuga’s National Park, home to Fort Jefferson, should not be overlooked. Transportation service is provided by The Yankee Freedom National Park ferry. With once daily service that includes transportation, breakfast and lunch, a tour of Fort Jefferson, snorkelling equipment and entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The history of The Dry Tortuga’s dates back to 1513 and was one of the most strategic harbours in US history! For an amazing day filled with a boat ride, incredible beaches, and maybe a history lesson, you should prioritize a trip to see this incredible island. This is not a budget friendly tour, but it certainly is worth the money!
Kennedy Space Center
Titusville - 50 minutes from Orlando
Where to stay - TownPlace Suites by Marriott Titusville
Adults $ 75USD Senior $70USD Child $65USD
Parking $10USD
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Located on the Space Coast of Florida, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will keep you busy all day with five different “Mission Zones”. Learn about the history of NASA’s space programs from where they have been to what is coming next, access historic launch sites and operational spaceflight facilities, and witness the size of the Saturn V moon rocket and the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis.
For an additional add-on fee you can enhance your visit. You can choose to chat with an astronaut, experience microgravity, and partake in a tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. There are also launch viewing experiences available!
Everglades National Park
Shark Valley Visitor Center - 45 minutes from Miami
Where to stay - DoubleTree by Hilton Miami, Doral FL
National Park Entry Fee - $30 per vehicle (max 7)
https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
While Everglades National Park has three entrances, that you cannot reach from each other, I have focused on the options you can do easily from Miami.
From a thrilling airboat ride to walking trails, the park provides enough activities to keep you busy all day. The visitor center provides many educational displays and videos and a gift shop that sells terrific books, postcards and souvenirs. The 25km tram/bicycle road is another fun option. The Shark Valley Tram tours offers bicycle tours and tram tours of the park for an additional fee. The Shark Valley Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the park. This tower is 70ft in elevation with three levels with views for 32km. There are restrooms with flush toilets and a water bottle filling station at the observation tower.
I am not affiliated with any company mentioned and book at your discretion.