Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Heading to the Sunshine State soon and looking for things to do? Discover the ultimate Florida Bucket List!
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA, amazing theme parks and famous cities such as Miami. But that’s not all! There is much more to know about the Sunshine State!
There are loads of hidden gems, beautiful natural springs and historical sites!
In this article, you will discover some once-in a lifetime experiences in Florida as well as loads of ideas of things to do in the Sunshine State.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local who want to cross off some items on your bucket list for Florida, you’ll find everything you need right here!
Top 10 Things to do in Florida: the ultimate Once in a lifetime experiences in Florida
Let’s start this article with the 10 absolute best once in a lifetime experiences in Florida. Here you will find the very best Florida experiences.
If you are a first-timer, this will be a great place to start.
1. Going to Disney World
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world — and Disney World is the crown jewel.
No trip to Florida would be complete without exploring the parks.
The biggest and oldest is Magic Kingdom. That’s where you’ll find all the classic Disney characters and the spectacular fireworks every evening.
If you’d rather travel the world in a few hours, Epcot is the park for you. You wander from one country pavilion to the next, eating and drinking your way around the globe. It’s genuinely great fun.
For adults who want thrills, Hollywood Studios delivers with some of the best rides in the resort.
Animal Kingdom is more relaxed and works beautifully for both adults and kids — there’s even a mini safari!
2. Going on the ultimate road trip from Miami to Key West
Start in Miami and drive all the way down to Key West.
If you don’t stop, it takes about four hours — but the point is absolutely not to rush. Take a few days and explore the Keys properly.
The highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge.
It’s one of the most dramatic bridges in the world, and driving across it with the ocean stretching in every direction is genuinely breathtaking. Have a good playlist ready.
Along the way, you’ll find kayaking in the mangroves, some of Florida’s most beautiful hidden gems, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Honestly, I’ve been on road trips all over the world and this is still one of my favorites!
READ MORE: Miami to Key West Road Trip: Best Stops Along the Florida Keys
3. Kayaking in the mangroves in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are one of the most beautiful places in the Sunshine State, and kayaking through the mangroves is one of the best ways to experience them.
Key Largo and Tavernier are the best spots for this. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the landscape is incredibly well-preserved.
Several kayaking centers offer guided tours through the mangroves.
You’ll head out from the sea before weaving into the tunnels, where you might spot manatees if you’re lucky. The guides are passionate about the Keys and love sharing their knowledge.
You can go solo or choose a double kayak if you’re with a partner or friend.
✅ See availability and prices for kayak tours
4. Watching the sunset from Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida — it was actually ranked the #1 beach in the continental USA by TripAdvisor in 2019.
One of the best things to do here is head to Pier 60 for the nightly sunset celebration.
Every evening, people gather on the pier to watch the sky turn orange and pink over the Gulf.
There’s often live music, street performers, and a festive atmosphere. You might even spot dolphins jumping in the water.
Grab a drink beforehand and settle in.
If you like music and are looking for a beach bar, I’d recommend Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar & Grill. They always have something on and it’s very good fun.
5. Discovering the Everglades National Park from an airboat
The Everglades National Park is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
It’s home to hundreds of species of plants and animals — many of them found nowhere else on Earth.
There are plenty of things to do here, including hiking and birdwatching, but an airboat ride is the absolute must-do.
The tour lasts about 40 minutes. You’ll slide across the water and zigzag through mangrove tunnels, spotting alligators and sometimes even crocodiles up close.
The guides also know every bird species in the park and will point them out as you go.
It’s a lot of fun.
6. Discovering Ocean Drive & South Beach in Miami Beach
If you’ve ever seen Miami on TV, chances are it was Ocean Drive.
This iconic street has been a filming location for countless movies and TV shows, and it earns every bit of its fame.
During the day, you can stroll along the beautiful Art Deco buildings.
At night, the bars and restaurants come alive and the whole street buzzes.
Ocean Drive runs alongside the famous South Beach, which is one of the most photogenic spots in Miami.
Walk along South Beach and look for the lifeguard stations, they’re all painted in different colors and each one makes a great photo.
Don’t stop after the first one. Walk a bit further and you’ll find several more, each one different.
7. Riding the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Florida is your paradise.
Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and it’s every bit as magical as you’d hope.
The attractions span two parks: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. To ride the Hogwarts Express — which runs between them — you’ll need a park-to-park ticket.
Shops sell wands, scarves, robes, and all manner of wizarding merchandise. If you have a Harry Potter outfit, wear it. It’s the perfect photo opportunity.
And don’t leave without a Butterbeer. You can get one at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade or The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
8. Taking a ghost tour in St Augustine
St Augustine is a charming small city on Florida’s east coast, and it claims to be the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States.
History lovers will be in their element. The colonial architecture is stunning, and the streets feel genuinely old in a way that very few American cities do.
But St Augustine is perhaps best known for its ghost stories.
Going on a ghost tour here is an absolute must. There are walking tours, trolley tours, and lantern-lit evening tours, all of them atmospheric and entertaining.
If you can visit around Halloween, even better.
✅ See availability and prices for the Trolley Ghost Tour Here
9. Going on a cruise in Crab Island, Destin
Crab Island isn’t actually an island — it’s a shallow sandbar near Destin in the Panhandle.
Despite the name, it’s one of the liveliest and most fun spots in all of Florida.
Boats anchor in the shallows, people swim, kayak, and snorkel, and there’s a party atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the state.
The best way to enjoy Crab Island is on a cruise. It’s great fun whether you’re with friends, family, or planning a Florida bachelorette party.
10. Snorkeling in Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is the most remote national park in the USA, reachable only by boat or seaplane from Key West.
Fort Jefferson, the massive unfinished fort at the heart of the park, is one of the most extraordinary structures in Florida.
It was used as a military prison during and after the Civil War, and its history alone is worth the trip.
But the real draw for many visitors is the water. The coral reefs here are spectacular and the marine life is extraordinary.
Pack your mask and snorkel and go explore — you’ll see a world of colorful corals and tropical fish just beneath the surface.
Florida Activities for adrenaline junkies
If you are looking for something a bit different and want to go on a thrilling adventure, here are some amazing activities you can do in Florida.
1. Skydiving in Miami
Skydiving is one of the most thrilling experiences in Florida. If you are up for a good adrenaline rush, make sure to book a skydive in Miami.
If you are not certified, you can book a jump with Miami Skydiving Center. It will be a tandem jump which means that the professional skydiver will do everything for you.
Before jumping, the staff will explain everything you need to know but don’t worry, they are amazing and take care of everything.
Not only is the free-fall one of the most thrilling things you’ll get in your life but it’s also a great way to discover beautiful aerial views of Miami.
2. Ziplining in Tampa
If you are looking for fun activities in Florida, you should consider trying ziplining. This is a great thing to do if you want to get a bit of an adrenaline rush without going full-on and opt for the skydive.
If you are near Tampa, you can book your ziplining adventure here.
The zipline course is located in the beautiful Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, just outside of the city.
3. Kiteboarding in Naples, FL
Have you ever thought about trying Kiteboarding? Then Florida will be a great place to do so!
If you are heading to Naples, you can book a kiteboarding lesson and enjoy the thrill of being pulled by a kite on the water. The local company also offers lessons in Marco Island which is one of the most beautiful islands in Florida.
4. Flyboarding in Miami
Flyboarding is one of the newest water sports out there.
Here is how it works. You will be in the water with your feet on a flyboard. Water will be pushed through the board with enough pressure to make you ‘fly’.
Although it seems easy, there is a bit of getting used to required here. Once you do though, it’s so much fun!
There are different places where you can try flyboarding but Miami is one of the best ones.
5. Indoor Skydiving Experience in Orlando
If you are staying in Orlando and looking for something a bit different to do, then you should give indoor skydiving a go.
Here you will get to experience the thrill of a freefall without actually having to jump from a plane.
It’s an exciting thing to do in Florida, especially if you are a bit scared of having the full-on skydiving experience but still would like to know what it’s like.
It’s also a great activity for a rainy day.
Cultural activities in Florida
- Playing dominoes with locals at Domino Park in Little Havana, Miami
- Visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami
- Discovering the quirky Dalí Museum in St Petersburg
- Visiting the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale
- Going on a historic tour of Ybor City in Tampa
- Visiting the Collier County Museum in Naples
- Going on a ghost tour in Key West — see prices here
- Discovering the gorgeous Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota
- Visiting Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum in Key West
- Exploring Fort Jefferson and learning about its Civil War history at Dry Tortugas
Florida Activities for music lovers
Florida may not be the most famous US state when it comes to music but there are still a few cool things to do for music lovers. Here are some examples!
- Seeing a show at Jannus Live in St Pete — an open-air venue unlike anything else in the state
- Listening to live music on Duval Street in Key West
- Dining at Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando (plus a free tour of the memorabilia)
- Discovering emerging acts at the Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa
Best experiences in the Florida theme parks
If you love theme parks, then there is no better place in the world than Florida!
Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world. There are so many of them! They all offer different experiences. Here are some amazing examples of bucket list activities!
- Eating and drinking your way around the world at Epcot
- Watching the castle fireworks at Magic Kingdom
- Riding Space Mountain — Disney’s most famous roller coaster
- Drinking Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Taking the Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom
- Going on the Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom
- Experiencing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios
- Riding the Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens in Tampa
- Stepping into an astronaut’s shoes at Kennedy Space Center
- Eating a Mickey Mouse Funnel Cake at Epic Cakes in Hollywood Studios
Best Urban experiences in Florida
- Taking photos in Wynwood, Miami
- Discovering the street murals in Downtown St Petersburg
- Strolling around Lake Eola Park in Orlando
- Wandering through the Sunken Gardens in St Pete
- Exploring the Art Deco District in Miami
- Walking along the Riverwalk in Tampa
Best Outdoor Activities in Florida
A lot of people think that Florida is all about the theme parks and going to the beach. This is a mistake! Florida is so much more than that. If you love the outdoors, the sunshine state will be your paradise!
Here are the best things to add to your Florida outdoor Bucket list!
- Swimming with manatees at Crystal River — ethically and with a guide
- Explore Weeki Wachee on board of a clear kayak. See prices.
- Snuba diving in Key West
- Wandering around the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
- Hiking on Honeymoon Island State Park
- Camping on Caladesi Island
- Discovering the most beautiful beaches in Florida
- Horseback riding on Amelia Island
- Swimming in the beautiful Florida springs
- Kayaking at Homosassa Springs
Partying and experiencing the nightlife in Florida
- Doing First Friday in Downtown St Pete.
- Going around the bars and nightclubs in Tallahassee
- Partying for 3 days in a row at Ultra Miami Festival
- Going to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival Parade in Tampa
- Listening to world-famous DJs at the Shephard Beach Resort in Clearwater
Shopping in Florida
- Browsing Bayside Marketplace in Miami
- Shopping at the Village on Baytowne Wharf in Destin
- Exploring the Village on Venetian Bay in Naples
- Roaming around Downtown West Palm Beach
- Discovering the boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale
Florida Food and drinks bucket list
- Drink martinis at Bernini in Ybor City (they have a Happy Hour with $4 martinis!)
- Eat a Cuban sandwich at Versailles in Little Havana (Miami)
- Eat a revisited Cuban sandwich at Bodega in St Petersburg
- Go on a food tour in Little Havana
- Go on a food tour in Little Haiti
- Discover the breweries in St Pete
Amazing sports experiences in Florida
- Going to a Tampa Bay Lightning ice hockey game
- Going to a Miami Heat basketball game
- Catching a Miami Dolphins NFL game
- Watching a baseball game — the Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays are both great options
We hope you enjoyed this Florida Bucket List. For more information and travel guides, don’t hesitate to read these articles:
- Epic Bachelorette Party Destinations in Florida
- Miami to Key West Road Trip: Best Stops Along the Florida Keys
- Things to do in the Florida Keys
