5 Things to Do in Florida If You're Not Into Theme Parks

Flickr People from all over the world flock to Florida every year to visit the theme parks . Universal is truly the coolest place I...



People from all over the world flock to Florida every year to visit the theme parks. Universal is truly the coolest place I've ever been, and Disneyworld is a place most families and thrill-seekers to visit at least once, but it does overshadow all of the other great things that Florida has to offer. If you’ve been to too many theme parks to count, or it they don't appeal to you at all, you might not think about Florida when you’re planning your next trip, but maybe you should reconsider because there are plenty of other great places to visit within the state. These are some of the places I want to go in Florida at some point in my life (even though I definitely want to head back to Universal, as well - especially once the Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets their new Hagrid-based ride).




Everglades National Park

If the idea of spending your days walking around a loud, busy theme park sounds awful, Everglades National Park is probably more your speed. If you’re a wildlife lover, you should definitely visit this amazing national park at some point in your life. Most people go there to try to catch a glimpse of the famous alligators, but there is plenty of other great wildlife to be found there. The best way to explore the Everglades National Park is by airboat, and you can find plenty of companies that offer tours.



Weeki Wachee Springs

Less than two hours from Orlando, Weeki Wachee Springs can even be a day trip if you're heading to the theme parks, as well. It’s a great family destination that doesn’t cost that much so it’s ideal if you’re trying to travel on a budget. There are some great family resorts near the state park where you’ll find water parks, boat trips, and wildlife trails. This has been on my bucket list for years and is so cool, because you can swim with the manatees or see real-life mermaid shows!



Miami Beach

Miami Beach is one of the most iconic beach destinations in the world, best known for its great party atmosphere, amazing food, and beautiful beaches. If you want the party experience, head over to South Beach, but if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, there are plenty of quieter beaches around. There are some great Miami boat rental companies that will hire you a boat for the day so you can explore the waters. It’s the best way to see the beautiful coastline along Miami and see the different beaches in the area. Not to mention the Florida Keys aren't far past.



Kennedy Space Center

If you’re interested in space, Kennedy space center is an absolute must while visiting Florida. The world famous NASA launch site in Cape Canaveral has a great visitors center where you can see old decommissioned shuttles, simulations of a shuttle launch, interactive exhibitions about traveling to Mars and if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet a real-life astronaut.



Daytona International Speedway

Any fans of racing should stop by the Daytona International Speedway while they’re in Florida. I grew up in a NASCAR superfan family and we went out to the races all the time. Daytona International Speedway is home to the world famous Daytona 500, and has different races all year round so you can usually catch one while you’re there. They also have some great tours of the track where you can learn about the history of the sport.




If you thought that Florida was just about the theme parks, think again. These are just some of the amazing things that you’ll find there. You'd think I'd have been to Florida more than three times, living in Georgia, but I've definitely got to make time to visit some of the destinations above.




What's been your favorite place to visit in Florida?




*This is a collaborative post.














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