Sun, Surf & Magic: The Best Things to Do in Florida

Updated On: December 04, 2023 by   Rebekah McCaig

With sun-drenched beaches, world-famous theme parks, incredible nature, and vibrant cities, there are so many things to do in Florida for fun and adventure. From families who want to take their kids to Cinderella Castle to couples looking for a rejuvenating, sunny getaway, Florida has something for everyone.

Whether your idea of a holiday is to stroll along the golden sands; scream from the top of your lungs on world-class roller coaster rides; learn about the unique wildlife; or soak up the culture with impressive museums and art, there are things to do in Florida that will appeal to everyone.

In this post we’ll be diving into Florida’s top attractions – we’ll cover world-class beaches, theme park magic, natural wonders, and cultural gems. We’ll also provide some insider tips to help you make the most out of your Florida trip and give you suggestions on the best times to visit the state.

Keep reading to create an ideal bucket-list of things to do in Florida and plan the perfect getaway.

Beaches

Cocoa Beach

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach offers mile after mile of picturesque shoreline with plenty to see and do. The sandy beaches here are more relaxed than many of Florida’s busier beach spots, making it a great place to stake out a spot on the sand for the day. The laid back surf town vibe is perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. Umbrellas and deck chairs are available for rent on the beach, however, they can be expensive; we recommend stopping by Walmart to grab some supplies before heading to the beach.

Consider exploring the nearby Banana River, where you can embark on kayaking, deep sea swimming, parasailing, and paddle boarding adventures. The Thousand Islands Conservation Area offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region. If you’re staying all day, why not stop by the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop for souvenirs, or grab lunch at RikiTiki Tavern which has stunning views overlooking this spectacular beach.

Throughout the year, Cocoa Beach hosts various events and festivals that add vibrancy to the community. From surf competitions to music festivals, there’s always something happening. Check the local calendar to see if your visit coincides with one of these lively gatherings. 

Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or a leisure seeker, Cocoa Beach definitely is at the top of our things to do in Florida list.

Clearwater Beach

Frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S., Clearwater Beach is one of the top things to do in Florida. Its sparkling white sand slopes gently into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, creating picture-perfect vacation vibes. This is the ideal spot for families with safe swimming areas and a wide variety of seaside activities to choose from. We do, however, recommend getting here early (before 10am) to make sure you get a prime spot for your beach day.

Take a stroll down Pier 60 to take in the spectacular sunsets that this west coast beach is famed for. If you’re more of an adventure-seeker, try renting a jet ski or charter a boat for the day.

The beach boardwalk is lined with souvenir shops, ice cream parlours, restaurants, and beach bars, while historic Clearwater town beckons with more boutique shops and eateries just a few minutes’ drive over the bridge. With so much natural beauty and fun, it’s easy to see why Clearwater Beach deserves the hype and should be one of your top things to do in Florida.

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World

No trip to Florida is complete without a visit to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” – Walt Disney World. One of the top things to do in Florida is visit the mega theme park resort which is home to four unforgettable theme parks, two water parks, two entertainment districts, and a wide range of hotels and dining experiences. 

Spend as much time as you can at the classic Magic Kingdom Park where Cinderella Castle beckons and over 50 magical rides and shows bring Disney films to life. One of our favourite shows has to be The Lion King at Animal Kingdom and is guaranteed to be enjoyed by everyone in the family. If you’re more of a thrill-seeker you’ll find coasters like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror. Fan favourites also include the Happily Ever After firework show which takes place over Cinderella Castle, and the nostalgic charm of Epcot’s World Showcase.

Beyond the parks, enjoy Disney-themed dining, world-class golf courses, and the stunning, newly-renovated Disney Springs shopping area for even more magic. Disney magic extends to other Orlando attractions like water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. One of our favourite hidden gems within the Walt Disney Resort is the Boardwalk Resort which hosts three hotels; souvenir shops; restaurants; and is within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

With so much on offer across 47 action-packed square miles, Walt Disney World truly has something special for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando offers another world of theme park fun that shouldn’t be missed. Here you’ll find two exciting theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – as well as the relatively new water park, Volcano Bay and the entertainment and dining complex, CityWalk.

Universal Studios is one of the top things to do in Florida; movie magic comes to life through jaw-dropping rides, shows, and attractions themed around popular films, TV, and more. Feel the adrenaline rush on Transformers: The Ride-3D or plunge into darkness on the heart-pounding Revenge of the Mummy thrill ride.

Over at Islands of Adventure, experience even more action across uniquely themed lands devoted to Marvel Super Heroes like Spiderman and the Hulk, as well as magical worlds like Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade. Plus amazing attractions like water coaster Jurassic Park River Adventure. One of our favourite rides is the new high-speed rollercoaster, Velocicoaster – you’ll not want to miss it!

When you need a break from the parks, CityWalk serves up dining, shopping, clubs, a movie theatre, miniature golf and more entertainment before you call it a night. We find that the wait times and the options for eating in CityWalk are much better than those within the park, so you may want to consider this on your next trip. With epic worlds devoted to blockbuster films, television and pop culture icons, Universal Orlando is one of the top things to do in Florida.

Natural Wonders

Everglades National Park

No trip to Florida is complete without venturing into the magnificent Everglades National Park. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, this vital wetland ecosystem gives visitors a chance to spot amazing wildlife and explore fascinating environments.

Airboat rides should be at the top of your things to do in Florida bucket-list – zip through the “river of grass” at top speeds keeping your eyes peeled for alligators, large wading birds, turtles, and other wildlife that call this unique habitat home. Or take a cruise along the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail for more chances to observe nature. Hiking trails also wind through mangrove and cypress forests for up close views.

As you explore its waterways, trails, and diverse landscapes, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life in this unique wilderness.

Cultural Gems

Art and Culture in Miami 

Miami, a city renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and lively nightlife, is also a thriving hub of art and culture. From cutting-edge contemporary art to diverse cultural influences, Miami offers a dynamic experience for visitors and is one of the top things to do in Florida.

• Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art gallery features larger-than-life murals and vibrant street art by world-renowned artists.
• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): PAMM is a beacon of modern and contemporary art. The museum’s sleek architecture, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is as captivating as the art it houses. Explore a diverse collection of international and local works, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations.

Miami’s diverse cultural scene perfectly blends cutting-edge and vintage vibes for one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Kennedy Space Center

Another one of our top things to do in Florida is visit the Kennedy Space Center. Experience the thrill of a space shuttle launch first-hand with the Shuttle Launch Experience. This simulation takes you on a virtual journey, allowing you to feel the intensity of lift-off and the excitement of space travel.

Embark on a behind-the-scenes bus tour that takes you to restricted areas of the space center, including launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building. Witness the scale of the facilities that have propelled rockets into space and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of space missions.

We recommend spending a rainy day at Kennedy Space Center; often there will be less crowds and you’ll get to spend more time exploring the centre.

Our Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Trip

Best Times to Visit

With warm weather and sunny skies almost year-round, there are so many things to do in Florida no matter when you choose to visit. However, there may be some things you want to consider:

• Spring – From March to mid-May, the comfortable weather often makes spring one of the most popular times to visit the state. This time of year is just before hurricane season so there’s also less chance of rain and storms.
• Summer – Temperatures can get very high after May and you’ll have to be prepared for afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms.
• Autumn – Temperatures will start to cool and hotel rates will generally be on the cheaper side at this time of year.
• Winter – Weather in Florida definitely gets cooler but still comfortable. One thing to note is, during the winter break, theme parks can get crowded. There may, however, be more things to do in Florida during this time that you wouldn’t find at other times in the year, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Florida

We’ve only covered a snapshot of the many amazing things to do in Florida. So start planning your next Florida vacation to experience the magic of the Sunshine State yourself. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! With endless attractions, world-class beaches, theme park thrills, and vibrant culture, there are so many things to do in Florida that will leave you with memorable adventures you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our other blogs on Florida: Discover the Sunshine State: Why Florida Should be on Your Travel Bucket List | 10 Great Things to do in Key West, Florida | Miami, Florida: 15 Spectacular Things to do in the City of Magic