Florida is a beautiful place to visit, but if you ask most people what they are going to Florida for, they’ll probably mention Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and so on. They’re going to Orlando, and they’re going to spend time in the theme parks having fun. That’s a great idea, and it will make for an amazing vacation. However, what else is there to do in Florida? Why would you want to visit the Sunshine State if you’re not going to Disney World? There are many reasons; read on to find out what they are.
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
The perfect place to get away from it all.
Sometimes it’s less about where you’re going to and more about where you’re staying. That can be true when you look at some of the resorts in Florida that are great options when you’re looking for somewhere to live while you’re away from home. Going to Florida doesn’t have to mean doing anything at all if you would rather not, and if you have picked a great hotel with plenty of amenities, you can simply enjoy getting away from it all there. The Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is a perfect example of a great place to do just that. The hotel has a lazy river, a splash zone, fantastic food, beautiful rooms – or suites if you prefer – and it's close to Cocoa Beach Pier.
- The Titanic Exhibition
Learn about the real story behind the tragic ship.
There is something about the tragic story of The Titanic that really captures people’s imaginations. If you are fascinated by the history of this doomed ship, you’ll love the Titanic Exhibition in Orlando. Located on International Drive, among a number of other great attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Wonderworks, and an aquarium, you can investigate a replica of the ship, have your photo taken on the grand staircase, and even touch a chunk of the iceberg on your way around. You can take self-guided or guided tours.
- Tree Trek Adventure Park
For kids and adults alike to enjoy adventurous heights.
Whether you’re in Florida for a Disney adventure or not, sometimes it’s good to see what else is around, and Orlando has the Tree Trek Adventure Park for those who love adrenalin with their vacation. The park consists of high ropes, ziplines, and much more – there are actually 97 different challenges for visitors to enjoy, all of them way up in the trees, and they cater to all skill levels. The big draw is the 425-foot zipline, but there is a lot more besides that.
- The Kennedy Space Center
A thrilling day out learning about space exploration.
No matter where you might be staying in Florida, a trip to the Kennedy Space Center is always worthwhile. You’ll learn so much about the history of space travel and how it works (at least in part – don’t worry, you won’t need a degree in rocket science to understand what’s going on), and you’ll even get the chance to meet real-life astronauts on some occasions. There is a flight simulator and rockets to get up close to. Even if you’re not into space exploration, this attraction will still pique your interest and be a fantastic day out.
5. Giraffe Ranch
See all kinds of exotic animals.
Giraffes are some of the most unique creatures in the world, and they are charming with it. Who doesn’t love a giraffe? If you do, you’ll also love Giraffe Ranch in Dade City. When you visit, you’ll get to feed giraffes and see them up close, which is a rare treat. On top of this, the 47-acre ranch is also home to several exotic creatures, including zebras, ostriches, camels (which you can ride), rhinos, and antelopes. You can even hire a Segway to take a tour of the ranch in style.
- Gatorland
See an alligator in safe surroundings.
Florida is famous for many different things, including its wildlife. It’s well-known that alligators roam around, and you do need to be wary when you’re out and about (although less so in cities, of course). However, if you’re keen to meet a gator and you want to do so safely, your best option is to go to Gatorland for the day. Spanning more than 100 acres, Gatorland is home not just to alligators, but also to an aviary, a petting zoo, and a range of exotic cats. There is a zipline, and other theme park-style rides too.
- The Crayola Experience
Let your imagination run wild.
Located at the world-famous Florida Mall, the Crayola Experience is a joy for all the family to have fun at. It takes up two stories and encompasses 70,000 square feet, and every inch of that is fun and colorful. Within the Crayola Experience, there are 26 different activities to take part in, and you can be as creative as you want to – there aren’t many other places you can go to town with your crayons and imagination. You can even make your own crayon with a personalized wrapper, or how about melting crayons into a variety of different shapes and sculptures? There is an indoor play area and a fantastic crayon-based gift store.
- The Beaches
Spend some time relaxing on one of Florida’s amazing beaches.
If you ignore Disney and the other parks for a while and think about what the state of Florida has to offer, beaches should come to mind. Florida has plenty of them, and their pure white sands leading to the crystal blues and turquoises of the various seas and oceans are truly breathtaking. It would be a shame to miss out, so even if you can only make it for the day, it’s a great idea to try out a Florida beach (you could even make your vacation a beach-based one and enjoy the scenery and relaxing vibe even more). Some of the best beaches include Cocoa Beach, Daytona, Key West, Miami Beach, and Clearwater Beach, but there are dozens of others.
- The Florida Welcome Center
Start your vacation off in the right way.
It’s true that a visit to the Florida Welcome Center is not a full day out – it might only take an hour or so to have a look around – but that doesn’t mean it should be discounted as something fun to do when you’re in the Sunshine State. If nothing else, it offers some amazing photo opportunities, such as taking a snap of you and the family by the Welcome To Florida signs. You can also taste some freshly squeezed orange juice – something you’ll find absolutely refreshing – and gather plenty of information about what else you can do while you’re on vacation. Ask the helpful guides, and they’ll be able to create an entire itinerary for you (including great restaurants) so you don’t miss out on anything, and they might even be able to book tickets for you, so you’re all set.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop Cocoa Beach
Ron Jon Surf Shop is open 24/7.
It doesn’t matter if you have no intention of surfing or don’t particularly like swimming in the sea – it’s still fun to visit the world-renowned Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. It’s a huge place, and it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you never have to get caught up in the crowds. It takes up two stories and sells a multitude of things that include surfboards (of course), t-shirts, and cups. If you’re staying nearby, see if you can find coupons in local newspapers or leaflets in your hotel, as you could find a few bargains that way.
- The Hemingway Home & Museum
Learn about Ernest Hemingway and look out for the cats.
In Key West, you can find Ernest Hemingway’s real-life home, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works. Take a guided tour through the house and grounds to gain an insight into the man himself and how he was inspired by Florida life to write some of his most famous works. Don’t forget to look out for the cats too – there are many of them. Hemingway owned a six-toed cat named Snow White, and all the cats in the house now (potentially dozens) are related to that original cat.
- Everglades National Park
Enjoy the peace and quiet of this natural park.
Everglades National Park is certainly something different and about as far removed from Disney as you can get. It’s a completely natural area of Florida that’s home to some amazing creatures, including alligators and manatees. You can walk through the park (or at least some of it because it takes up over 1.5 million acres!), cycle, or even hire a boat. You’ll never get bored, and the Everglades can't be beaten when it comes to peace and quiet.
