Who doesn’t love a bit of fun in the sun? If you’re looking for an unforgettable escape, why not follow the lead of many Americans and head to the sunshine state itself?
If you’re looking for some time away that will stick in the memory, it’s well worth considering a trip to our most southeastern state. A Florida family vacation is one that you’re likely never to forget, no matter which of the many vacation options within the state you decide to explore.
There’s a little of everything in Florida, meaning that no matter where your interests lie there will be something you can hold onto and celebrate. What are some Florida vacation stops you should make sure to consider before booking your trip?
Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
If Florida is famous for any one thing, it might be for the famed reptile that calls the state’s local environments home. The alligator can be found all across the marshes and lakes of Florida. However, if you want a chance to see these ancient creatures up close and personal, you’ll want to head to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.
At this long-standing and popular tourist destination, you’ll get the chance to observe up close hundreds of alligators. Some of these specimens happen to be over ten feet long! That’s one large alligator.
If you really want to see nature in action, you’ll want to spend some time around the gators during feeding hours. It will be an experience you likely won’t forget anytime soon.
Of course, the alligator farm has a lot more to explore than just alligators. The zoo is also home to a number of other reptile species, including komodo dragons. There are other kinds of animals entirely, including wild jungle birds like toucans.
There are even interactive adventures to participate in, such as ziplining. If you have kids, they’ll love the chance to fly around the air in the warm Florida air.
The farm is affordable and well worth a trip if you’re stopping anywhere near the North Florida area.
Weeki Wachee Springs
The theme parks that dot central Florida have gotten all the national attention for decades and decades. However, for just as long, a more peculiar themed experience has existed just hours away from the front gates of Disney.
Weeki Wachee is a group of springs located along the western coast of Florida. The main spring features a large auditorium where spectators can sit and watch the Mermaids — a group of skilled underwater performers — swim around the springs and dance.
The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform a number of tricks, feats, and musical numbers. It’s a homegrown, magical show that is nothing like any sort of other experience you might have within the state.
Admission to the show also includes an optional boat tour around the area, where many species of natural wildlife thrive. You might be able to catch sight of endangered manatees, bald eagles, and yes, alligators.
You can also rent your own kayaks and hit the water on your own. Tickets are less than $15 no matter what age you are, making it one of the more budget-friendly attractions within the state as well.
Take a Helicopter Tour
The Florida Keys are known to have some of the most stunning scenery in the whole world. There’s nothing like the blue water, warm temperatures, and clear skies that seem to make up the region year-round.
If you want to explore the Florida Keys, there are many ways to. However, there might be no more amazing way to see the area than by the air. That’s exactly the perspective you’ll be able to obtain by hitting the skies with one of the region’s Ultimate Helitours.
Taking a helicopter tour far above the keys will allow you to see the landscape in a stunningly gorgeous manner. When flying over the water, you might even get a chance to witness such rare wildlife as stingrays, manatees, and sharks.
There are all kinds of different helicopter tours that can fit one’s time constraints and budgetary concerns. This is a truly can’t-miss Florida opportunity.
Everglades National Park
At the southern tip of Florida, there is the famed Everglades, a large protected national park that features some of the state’s most stunning natural sights. If you’re looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, pitching a tent within the park’s borders might be exactly what you’re looking for.
There are a number of affordable campgrounds within the Everglades. It should be easy to pitch a tent and explore the amazing scenery and wildlife. Most sites contain all the amenities you need during your stay to remain comfortable.
The area is more popular as a camping destination in the winter when temperatures have cooled some and the oppressive humidity has faded away. If you have a kayak or canoe, it’s well worth bringing so you can dip into the water. It’s an amazing experience to explore in that way.
Florida Family Vacation Ideas
If you’re looking for the best Florida family vacation ideas, you can’t go wrong with any of the above suggestions. They provide great alternatives to Disney and the been-there, seen-that options within the state.
Of course, the above are just a few of the hundreds of potential vacation ideas worth exploring within the state. You’ll need to decide on your own what adventure might be worth taking.
Need more recreational advice or information? Keep scrolling our blog for more.
