10 Unusual Things to Do in Florida
If you are thinking of visiting Florida, here are the ten places you shouldn’t miss. There is really a lot of interesting stuff in the sunny state, so we decided to highlight the best things you can see and do!
1. Underwater Hotel
In the lagoon at Key Largo Undersea Park, Florida is the only underwater hotel in North America. The hotel offers accommodation for up to 6 guests for all night or three hours. Rooms are equipped with full kitchen, hot showers, books, and big 42 inch windows through which you can watch fish. For obvious reasons, alcohol is not served. However, to spend some time here, you need to be SCUBA certified. The hotel also offers certification on-site.
2. Kennedy Space Center
Here you can become part of the life of the astronauts. You can touch an actual rock from the moon, see the largest rocket ever flown in space or even try a shuttle launch simulation. You can watch 3D IMAX films of space or get close to the space shuttle Atlantis. No matter if you are a child or adult, woman or man, this is an experience that you will never forget. The magical place of science and space.
3. Swim with the Manatees
River Ventures Manatee Tour Center will offer you an amazing adventure- swimming with manatees. Their population migrates to the waters of Kings Bay during the spring. You can choose from 40 tour operators that provide the chance to get into the water around this endangered specie, which is very playful and gentle. Just have in mind that during that time of the year the water might be a bit chilly.
4. Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas
Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortuga can be reached two ways- by seaplane or catamaran ferry. Fort Jefferson is an impressive fort, the largest masonry structure in America, which has wonderful architecture and keeps the largest collection of Rodman guns. Those who seek the ultimate adventure can prepare their camping equipment, some food and water and spend a few days in Dry Tortugas National Park.
5. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is worth visiting not only for the Harry Potter fans. You can dive into the magical world of the Hogwarts. The place is situated between the two Universal Parks. The Hogwarts Express connects them. You can explore the wand shops, the Diagon Alley, different attractions, and drink butterbeer. The theme park is opened 24 hours, so if you have the chance to visit it during the day and night.
6. Little Havana
South from Miami, you can’t miss the Little Havana. This place will fill your senses with its charismatic atmosphere of Cuba. You can visit the Little Havana Cigar Factory, cigar shops, and walk the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. Try some delicious Cuban food in the local restaurants and the aromatic Cuban coffee. This is definitely the best place for cigar lovers!
7. South Beach
One of the symbols of Florida is South beach. Hundreds of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and the lovely beach itself. Visit the Art Deco museum or the open-air pedestrian mall Lincoln Road Mall. Here at South Beach, you will find whatever you are looking for- from museums to never-ending parties!
8. Everglades National Park
Those who are seeking adventures should visit the Everglades National Park. Being the second-largest in America, it is the home of a variety of species. Make an air-boat tour, follow the canoe trails or hiking and you will see panthers, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, and many more preserved animals. You can even camp in the park.
9. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is world-famous for its shelled beaches. Once you get there you will not be able to leave without collecting some beautiful shells. Besides the beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and the many lighthouses, it is worth visiting the wildlife refuge J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
10. Busch Gardens
The Busch gardens has succeeded in bringing Africa to Florida. It is the home of more than 12 000 animals, 30 species of which are endangered. The park has a lot to offer for all the thrill seekers- roller coasters, Falcon’s Fury (freestanding drop tower), an open area Serengeti Plain, where you can see animals from a close distance and many other adventures.