17 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Florida
Florida is full of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. With enough magic to go around, every corner of the Sunshine State has a breathtaking natural wonder and quirky attractions. It is perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and those curious about the history of the state.
Planning a trip to Florida soon? These are some places you shouldn’t miss out on. Let’s explore some of the unique experiences only Florida can offer.
Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
Crystal River is the only location in North America where you can swim with Manatees legally. These gentle giants make their annual winter visit to the warm waters of Crystal River, providing a rare chance to meet them in the wild. Snorkeling with these peaceful creatures is an otherworldly experience and a reminder of how gentle they are.
Observe Bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay
Some travelers might be scared off by Mosquito Bay, but you may want to see what you’re missing. This part of Florida’s coast lights up with bioluminescent plankton during the summer, lending the water a surreal blue glow. It’s like paddling through a sea of stars, every paddle provides a bright splash of light on the water. You’ll be living in a scene from a sci-fi movie!
Explore the Alligator Infested Waters of the Everglades
You can’t zoom through swamps full of alligators on an airboat anywhere else. Alligators are the stars of the show in the Everglade’s unique ecosystem. You may be able to spot some of the native residents of this untamed landscape.
Experience a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center
At Kennedy Space Center, you could witness a real rocket launch! The rumble in your chest as a rocket blasts off into orbit is a unique and humbling experience. Here, the thrill of space exploration is real, and you can appreciate how far our technology and research has come to expand our horizons.
Soak Up the Sun at Dry Tortugas National Park
The historic Fort Jefferson has some of the best snorkeling experiences to offer in the country making this remote island paradise the place to be. The beaches are incredible and the waters are clear and inviting. Pack a picnic basket, a snorkel, and a towel, and enjoy this sandy slice of paradise.
Stroll through the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg holds the largest reserve of the works of Dali outside of Spain. The glass ”enigma” building is a walk-through painting, that allows visitors to live Dali’s art. Explore the pieces on display and soak in the creativity and beauty in every piece.
Walk the Rainbow-Eucalyptus Tree Boardwalk
In South Florida, rainbow eucalyptus is a work of art. With colorful bark that could easily be mistaken for a canvas painted on by an expert artist, these trees have a rainbow of colors underneath their bark and make for a natural art gallery. The colors seem to jump out at you as you walk among them, and it is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Attend a Drag Queen Bingo Night in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s Drag Queen Bingo is hilariously Floridian! In various venues around town, these bingo nights inject a burst of color, comedy and excitement into the classic game. Bingo is fun and fabulous and no two nights are the same. So expect plenty of laughter, imaginative types of outfits and a lively crowd looking for a fun night.
See the Quirky Coral Castle
The Coral Castle in Homestead is a story of love in stone. This unique structure was built singlehandedly by Edward Leedskalnin over 28 years after he lost his love. It fascinates many as no one can fathom how he managed to position the stones with no modern machinery. It is a testament to how far we can go when we are truly determined.
Meet Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has hosted live mermaid shows since the 1940s. Gifted performers who bring mythical mermaids to life enchant audiences with their graceful swimming skills and have had families flocking to watch for generations.
Enjoy Florida’s Fresh Citrus on a Grove Tour
Oranges are the Florida state fruit, and there’s no place better to taste them fresh than right off a grove. If you take a tour of a Florida citrus grove, you’ll see oranges, grapefruits, and lemons ripening under the sun. There are many citrus flavors to sample and even fresh squeezed juice! It’s a zesty experience that will remind you why Florida is the country’s citrus capital.
Get Up Close with Dolphins in the Florida Keys
In Islamorada, you can swim with dolphins in the clear blue ocean. The Keys are different than much larger dolphin facilities because they offer small group encounters with these wonderful creatures which is an exhilarating and heartwarming highlight of any visit to the Keys. Swimming alongside these playful creatures will be a memory you won’t forget.
Go on a Ghost Tour in St. Augustine
The oldest city in the U.S. has more than its fair share of ghost stories, including St. Augustine. The city is spooky for ghost freaks, from haunted Castillo de San Marcos to old cemeteries and inns. Go on a nighttime tour, where a guide will share spine-chilling stories as you walk through dimly lit streets and old buildings. It’s a unique way to learn about Florida’s eerie past.
Explore Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is a peaceful respite on one of Florida’s tallest points. These lush gardens, full of songbird-filled trees and colorful flowers in a reflecting pool make the gardens a must-visit. The highlight is the 205-foot Singing Tower, home to one of the world’s finest carillons.
Catch a Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West
Crowds congregate over a sunset celebration at Mallory Square in Key West every evening. During the sunset hour, there is entertainment: acrobatics, music, and all kinds of impressive performances. All these against the setting sun is a magical and wonderful sight.
Visit the Unusual Spook Hill Gravity Hill
Ever seen a car roll uphill? At Spook Hill, Lake Wales, the cars actually seemed to defy gravity. This optical illusion has had locals and tourists puzzled because it fools them into believing they’re driving uphill in neutral. This is a fun, head scratching stop for anyone passing through the area, and a great place to experience one of Florida’s most bizarre natural illusions.
Walk the Murals in Wynwood, Miami
Wynwood is the colorful heart of Miami with street art and mural-covered walls, this district is famous. People from all over the world come to Wynwood to showcase and exhibit their work, turning the buildings into colorful canvases. Walking these ever-changing streets is like walking through a living breathing gallery of creativity and bold expression.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
