Are you trying to plan your next Florida vacation but want to avoid the overpriced and crowded theme parks? Are you waiting for EPIC Universal to open up before you visit Universal Studios again? Or maybe you are waiting for Disney to get a clue and lower ticket prices!
Either way you can still plan a fun and thrilling Florida vacation without a visit to one of the many theme parks in Florida. Just take a trip all the way south on I-95. Or head to either Coast for some epic time on the water.
Or stay inland and wrestle a gator or check out some of the natural lazy rivers in the state. Florida has some pretty amazing things to do that are not theme parks. Below you will find some to check out on your next visit to Florida.
For the past six or seven years I have visited Florida. I usually visit in August but I’ve gone in April, June, September, and December. One thing I’ve noticed is no matter when I’ve gone it has been hot. Of course, the summer months are warmer than December but I could still wear shorts and swim in December with no issues. A lot of what we will be suggesting has to do with water, so you might only want to read if you are planning a trip from April to September.
East Coast (Atlantic Ocean)
Some of the most popular cities and beaches can be found on the east coast of Florida. Places like Daytona Beach, Miami, and Jacksonville. Time your visit right and you can watch a rocket launch from all across Florida but some of the best locations are in Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Palm Bay, or Kennedy Space Center.
If you are really lucky you can see a night launch. Let me tell you, no matter how far away from the launch pad you are, you will be amazed. I was about 50 miles south in Palm Bay during a night launch. I was able to see the sky light up in the distance and even hear the engines about a minute or so later. It was amazing. (Read more about that launch right here.)
Be sure to also check out Kennedy Space Center. You don’t even have to be a huge fan of astronomy or space or even places where you learn things. KSC has so many amazing and interesting things to see and do. Learn about what it took to get man to the moon. See how they are planning on doing it now. It’s all around a good time plus they even have a “ride” that you can try out that will take you to other worlds.
Another fun thing to do in the area that doesn’t involve getting into the water is checking out Port Canaveral and watch all the cruise ships coming and going. Some of them are unbelievable. So big you wonder how do they even float.
If you are a fan of going fast, be sure to check out Daytona Motor Speedway. This is home to the Daytona 500 where the stock cars reach speeds of up to 200 mph. Even if it isn’t a race weekend you can still take a look around.
Traveling further north up the eastern coast of Florida you will run into the Fountain of Youth at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine. St. Augustine might well be the oldest city in America. Besides the rich history here, the building in and around the city are amazing too.
While visiting the area be sure to check out Anastasia State Park. Here you can camp, hike, fish, and even rent kayaks to take out onto the water. Oh, and you can also hit the beach and have a fun filled day in the sand and surf.
South Florida
South Florida is the place to be if you want to explore the Keys, party in Miami, or see what’s lurking in the Everglades. You also won’t find a better road trip route in Florida like you will see when traveling down the overseas highway to Key West. Some people find it scary. I find it thrilling.
If you find yourself traveling down the Overseas Highway, remember to make plenty of stops. Some great places to explore are Plantation Key, Grassy Key, Big Pine Key, and of course, Key West. Make sure to try many of the different restaurants along the way. We enjoyed Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar in Key Largo on our last visit.
You will also find plenty and I mean plenty of bridges. One of the bridges is seven miles long. Besides all of the bridges you will find many amazing museums. There are even places you can swim with dolphins with.
If you are looking to spend more time on the beach or in the club make sure you pay a visit to Miami. Some of the best night clubs in the US can be found here. Of course, you first have to try and find The Boombox. Now easier ones to find include Club Space, Do Not Sit on the Furniture, and E11even.
Now if the loud music and being up until the sunrises doesn’t sound like a good time to you, make sure you check out South Beach. The sun and water will quickly make up for any crowds or noise you might encounter.
Zoo Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Lock and Load Museum, Little Havana, or the Dolphin Mall are some of the other amazing places to check out if visiting Miami. If you don’t mind driving a little further south towards Homestead we have one place that will really get you thinking.
Coral Castle in Homestead Miami is one of those places you have to see to believe. Apparently, this place was built by one man with no heavy equipment. He did it all himself claiming “It’s not difficult if you know how.”
South Florida is also home to three National Parks. One you can simply drive to. The other, well, you need to get there by boat or seaplane and the third is right of the coast.
Biscayne Bay National Park is a great place if you want to go Snorkeling or scuba diving. Just rent a boat and head a little south of Miami. Dry Tortugas National Park is 68 miles west of Key West out in the middle of the the Gulf. If you can make it out there you will be rewarded with a sight very few people see.
The other National Park most people know about. Of course, we are talking about the Everglades. With an area that covers over a million acres, there is a ton of things to see and do. This is also one of the only places in Florida to catch the milky way galaxy with the naked eye.
Panhandle
In the panhandle you will find the State Capital of Florida along with several really nice beaches. The Florida Panhandle is said to be one of Florida’s best keep secrets. If you are a beach person, the panhandle is the place for you.
Check out Panama City Beach or Pensacola. Both have white sand beaches and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a fun and quick road trip drive down East County Highway 30A to go through some amazing beach towns. Just make sure to make plenty of stops for the local food and check out those white sand beaches.
Cider Key is another great place to check out. A drive here also makes for an amazing road trip with plenty to see along the way. Cider Key is located just 50 miles west of Gainesville. If you are looking for a truly epic sunset. Cider Key is the place to be.
If you are skipping the beach check out Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum. Or go camping and one of the many national parks that surround the area. If you are in the state capital of Tallahassee, check out the Tallahassee Museum for a unique experience. Here you can explore the forest high up on platforms and bridges that are supported by the trees.
Gulf Coast
The gulf coast is made up of many large and small towns that dot the coast. This area was hit pretty hard last year (2022) by hurricane Ian. Some of the towns will take years to rebuild and get back to normal. Fort Myers is one of those towns. Debris is still washing to shore in some of the areas.
Clearwater is a Gulf coast town that is full of things to see and do. The whole area (Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg) is amazing. From boat tours to some amazing night life. You will have a hard time not finding something fun to do. Oh and the food in the area is really good too.
If you are visiting make sure to check out the Tampa CityPass. So many fun attractions are included like the Tampa Zoo and Busch Gardens. Just be prepared to wait in traffic.
If you like sunsets, the gulf coast is the place to be. I don’t think there is anything better than watching the sun slip below the water. You can get some pretty spectacular pictures.
Central Florida
Central Florida is where you will find both Universal and Disney World. However, there are so many other amazing places to visit. From other theme parks to just cool and unique experiences.
Forget Disney and Universal if you are a roller coaster fan. SeaWorld is the place for you. With five thrilling coasters you will be in heaven. If that’s your thing. Make sure you check out the newest one, Pipeline, a unique standing coaster.
Discovery Cove is another unique experience in Orlando. Here you can swimming with tropical fish all day at this all inclusive resort. Be ready for a day you won’t soon forget.
If you head north from Orlando you will come across Rock Springs. Here you can enjoy a natural lazy river. Grab a tub or kayak to enjoy this one of a kind place.
This barely touches the surface of all the things Florida has to offer that is not Universal Studios or Disney World. From epic sunrises over the Atlantic to sunsets over the Gulf. Or unique offers like kayaking the many rivers and bays throughout the state.
If you are looking to plan a vacation to Florida but want to avoid the major theme parks. It won’t take you long to find something that will be just as exciting and cost a whole lot less.
