Activities in Florida
-
FEATURED
Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral
Flexible (Departs Orlando, Florida)
by Viator
Kennedy Space Center is like an Orlando-style space-travel theme park - only it's real! It's a great day out for the whole family, and only 45 minutes from Orla…
Not LP reviewed
- All activities
-
Ski Rixen
Deerfield’s Quiet Waters Park is home to Ski Rixen, South Florida’s only cable water-ski system. Using an innovative cabling system suspended from towers surrounding a half-mile course, water-skiers (and wake-boarders) are pulled over a wake-free watercourse. Obstacles are available for advanced tricksters; otherwise, riders can perfect their water-skiing techniques without the hassle of a boat. Skiers under 18 must have a waiver form notarized and signed by their parents.
reviewed
-
Loxahatchee Everglades Tours
Ten miles west of downtown, Wild Lyle’s Loxahatchee Everglades Tours offers hourly ecoexplorations of the Everglades on one of eight custom airboats (a boat using a fan instead of a propeller to push it over the water). Guests enjoy an adventure ride through swampy marsh, around papyrus and hurricane grass, past long-winged birds and turtles and gators sunning themselves.
reviewed
-
A
Southbank Riverwalk
This 1.2-mile boardwalk on the south side of the St John's River, opposite downtown and Jacksonville Landing, has spectacular views of the city's frequent firework displays. The Riverwalk connects the museums flanking Museum Circle and makes for a pleasant promenade.
reviewed
-
Disney's 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket
by Viator
With a 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket, you can do Walt Disney World® your way! The Walt Disney World vacation experience is more affordable, flexible and magical …Not LP reviewed
from USD$284.39 -
Wilderness Waterway & 10,000 Islands
The finest way to experience the serenity and beauty of the Everglades - which is somehow desolate yet lush, tropical yet foreboding - is by canoeing or kayaking through the excellent network of waterways that skirt the northwest portion of the park. The 10,000 Islands consist of many (but not really 10,000) tiny islands and a mangrove swamp that hug the southwesternmost border of Florida.
The Wilderness Waterway, a 99-mile path between Everglades City and Flamingo, is the longest canoe trail in the area, but there are shorter trails near Flamingo.
Most islands are fringed by narrow beaches with sugar-white sand, but note that the water is brackish, not clear, and very sh…
reviewed
-
Universal Orlando Tickets
Flexible (Departs Orlando, Florida)
by Viator
With two amazing theme parks - Universal Studios® and Universal's Islands of Adventure® - the non-stop nightlife of Universal CityWalk®, and three AAA Four Dia…Not LP reviewed
-
Tallahassee-St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
It's a cyclist's fantasy: no cars, gutters or traffic lights, just uninterrupted, smooth-as-silk riding (or running, blading or walking). Opened in 1989, the Tallahassee-St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail (877-822-5208; admission free; ;08:00-sunset year-round) is the original and longest paved rail trail in the state. It spans 16 miles from Tallahassee due south to the Gulf port town of St Marks, and is recessed at the confluence of the Wakulla and St Marks rivers.
At times canopied by oaks that create a shady tunnel, it sits on a coastal plain, making it flat as a tack the entire length and easy for riders of all abilities.
The original railroad also broke ground as …
reviewed
-
Nascar
During Prohibition, production of moonshine (corn liquor with an almighty kick) was an important part of the rural Southern economy, and young people with cars fast enough to outrun local cops handled distribution. On their time off, they tried to outrun each other; when alcohol was relegalized the races continued. The most glamorous venue was the Beach St track in Daytona, where entrepreneurial driver Bill France began promoting 'Race Weeks,' attracting thousands.
The sport took off, though it was often dismissed by other automotive enthusiasts as upstart rednecks racing cars that any mechanic could build in their own garage. France knew better, and in 1947 organized Nas…
reviewed
-
B
Art Deco Walking Tour
There are excellent walking tours available for the Art Deco historic district - both guided and self-guided - but if you just want to hit the highlights, you can follow this quick and easy path.
Start at the Art Deco Welcome Center (1; ) at the corner of Ocean Dr and 10th St and step inside for a taste of deco style in its gift shop. Next, head north on Ocean. Between 12th and 14th St, you'll see three classic examples of deco hotels: the Leslie (2), with classic 'eyebrows' and a typically boxy shape; the Carlyle (3), which was featured in the film The Birdcage; and the graceful Cardozo Hotel (4), featuring sleek, rounded edges. At 14th St, peek inside the Winter Haven H…
reviewed
-
C
Wynwood And Design District Arts Walk
It's hipsters gone wild! Hmm, that doesn't actually sound very fun, so we'll put it another way: It's free wine! And artsy types, and galleries open 'til late, and the eye candy of a club, and the drunken momentum of a pub crawl, and best of all, no red ropes. The Wynwood and Design District Arts Walk (www.artcircuits.com) is, for our money (i.e. none, because it's free) one of the best nightlife experiences in Miami. And we're not (just) being cheapskates.
The experience of strolling from gallery to gallery (That piece is gorgeous. Pour me another), perusing the paintings (No, I don't think there's a bathroom behind the performance artist), delving into the nuances of ae…
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Wekiwa Springs State Park
The best way to explore this state park is by paddling along the tranquil, still waters of the Wekiva River, one of Florida’s two federally designated ‘Wild and Scenic Rivers’. You can take a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour. Alternatively, canoe or kayak about five hours to Katie’s Landing (canoe 2/3 people $35/40, single/double kayak $30/40, children under six free) and hop a shuttle back (included in the trip price), or rent a boat (canoe $15 per two hours, single/double kayak $15/20 per two hours, two-hour minimum hire, $3 each additional hour) and simply toot around. To really get away from it all, book a campsite through the state park and spend a night or two …
reviewed
-
Manatee Springs State Park
Between Cedar Key and Steinhatchee, this park is worth a stop, especially for a dip into the 72˚F crystalline waters of the beautiful spring. You can also scuba dive ($10 plus gear; certification and dive buddy required) at the springhead, which gushes 117 million gallons of water per day, or canoe or kayak along the spring run (boat rentals $8 to $10 hourly). Scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking can be organized through the park office. On dry land – which is a uniquely spongy combo of sand and limestone shaded by tupelo, cypress and pine trees – there’s an 8.5-mile-long hiking/biking trail, the North End Trail, on your right as you enter the park. Camping ($16 for tent o…
reviewed
-
SeaWorld® Orlando Ticket
1 day (Departs Orlando, Florida)
by Viator
Spend the day at SeaWorld® Orlando, and come face-to-face with the ocean's most fascinating marine animals. With over 30 attractions, show and rides, this famil…Not LP reviewed
-
Haunted St Augustine
For a serious – and scientific – exploration of area hauntings, try Haunted St Augustine. After a careful explanation of the various types of spirits, Dr Harry Stafford provides each participant with an electromagnetic field meter to detect spikes in energy (caused by passing spirits...?). Then, for the next two hours, you’ll tour the northern quadrant of town – circling the fort, passing darkened cemeteries, testing for electromagnetic spikes and trying to isolate floating orbs. Throughout the evening, Stafford entertains questions, debunks myths and encourages you to employ your senses and think critically about hauntings. Not designed to frighten – but rather to ch…
reviewed
-
Cycling
Orlando's lack of rental shops means serious cyclists should consider bringing their own bikes. The City of Orlando has pocket bike maps of the city's most popular neighborhoods available for downloading from their website. Most theme park resorts run their own biking programs, including rentals and acres of trails. One of the prettiest paths is between Disney's Boardwalk and Beach Club resorts, on a tandem, candy-striped bike. Cyclists can also use select trails in Wekiwa Springs State Park.
The following three trails weave through greater Orlando: Cady Way Trail (Herndon Ave; 08:00-20:00 summer, to 18:00 winter), Little Econ Greenway Trail (2451 N Dean Rd; sunrise-sunse…
reviewed
-
Guided Walks & Fauna Tracks
A 2000-acre woodland and wetland, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve acts as a filter collecting run-off water during heavy rains. Before making its way out to the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, the water is filtered by the slough, where sediment and pollutants settle or are absorbed by the plants. It's an interesting place to visit during the wet season (June through October), when water up to 3ft deep flows through the area.
The preserve also has an otter pond, a mile-long boardwalk lined with benches, free guided walks (call for times), a picnic area and an amphitheatre used for flora and fauna talks.
From downtown Fort Myers, take Cleveland Ave south to Colonial Blvd (Hw…
reviewed
-
Cycling Trail
Even among all the manmade luxuries and surgical enhancements, there are, believe it or not, some truly natural wonders to be found in Palm Beach. Singer Island, just off the coast of the Island, is among the most peaceful, and is home to the wonderful 2-mile bike trail that runs between John D MacArthur State Park in the north and the free, airy strip known as Ocean Reef County Park in the south.
Pedaling along N Ocean Blvd, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Lake Worth lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway, as well as its many lovely bridges. At MacArthur Park, there's a large and informative nature center, hiking trails and a downright magical, 1600ft elevated b…
reviewed
-
D
Oleta River State Park
- Miami, USA
- Activities › River
Tequesta Indians were boating the Oleta River estuary (our favorite body of water, by the way) as early as 500 BC, so you’re just following in a long tradition if you canoe or kayak in this park. At almost 1000 acres, this is the largest urban park in the state and one of the best places in Miami to escape the maddening throng. Boat out to the local mangrove island, watch the eagles fly by, or just chill on the pretension-free beach. On-site Blue Moon Outdoor Center (Tel: 305-957-3040) offers single kayaks ($18 per 1½ hours, $25 per three hours), tandem kayaks ($25.50 per 1½ hours, $40 per three hours) and bike rental ($18 per 1½ hours, $25 per three hours).
reviewed
-
Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando
11 hours (Departs Orlando, Florida)
by Viator
We have lift-off! Don't miss taking the family to one of Florida's best attractions, the Kennedy Space Center. With your transport organized, you'll take a virt…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$98.99 -
Tallahassee–St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
The ultimate treat for runners, skaters and cyclists is the Tallahassee–St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail – with 16 miles of smooth trails shooting due south to the gulf port town of St Marks and not a car or traffic light in sight. It’s easy and flat for all riders, sitting on a coastal plain and shaded at many points by canopies of gracious live oaks. Though the rail trail begins 4.5 miles north of the main trailhead, the city section is not so scenic, and it’s best to start at the main trailhead (with parking), 100yd south of the intersection of Capital Circle and Hwy 363. You’ll find plenty of jumping on and off points with water and restrooms.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral
Flexible (Departs Orlando, Florida)
by Viator
Kennedy Space Center is like an Orlando-style space-travel theme park - only it's real! It's a great day out for the whole family, and only 45 minutes from Orla…
Not LP reviewed
-
Biscayne National Underwater Park
Biscayne National Underwater Park offers canoe rentals, transportation to the keys, snorkeling and scuba-diving trips, and glass-bottom-boat viewing of the exceptional reefs. All tours require a minimum of six people, so call to make reservations. Three-hour glass-bottom-boat trips depart at 10am (adult/child $24.45/16.45) and are very popular; if you’re lucky you may spot some dolphins or manatees. Canoe rentals cost $12 per hour and kayaks $16; they’re rented from 9am to 3pm. Three-hour snorkeling trips (adult/child $35/30) depart at 1:15pm daily; you’ll have about 1½ hours in the water. Scuba trips depart at 8:30am Friday to Sunday ($54).
reviewed
-
Orlando Ghost Tour
This 90-minute walking tour features 'true' ghost stories about Orlando's history. On our tour, we did some 'ghostbusting' of our own inside the Orange County Regional History Center. With handheld electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors and temperature gauges, we surveyed the old courtroom on the 2nd floor and captured a few orbs on film next to the table where Ted Bundy had etched his initials.
On the way out, one participant was thumped on the head by an unseen force - he had the red mark on his forehead to prove it! Hopefully, your private tour will be equally fun…and downright spooky. Tours are by appointment only - ask for Michael Gavin.
reviewed
-
Key West Express
Kicking back on the Key West Express will save you 300 miles of driving and seven hours in the car. The high-speed ferry leaves Fort Myers Beach in the morning and arrives at Key West in the early afternoon; it arrives back in Fort Myers Beach at around 22:00. All in all you'll have about 5½ hours in Key West. Round-trip tickets (adult/child/senior around US$140/around US$120/around US$130, including parking) cost the same even if you're not returning that day.
To reach the ferry, head south on San Carlos Blvd (Hwy 865) toward the Sky Bridge to Fort Myers Beach; just before the bridge, turn right on Main St and left on Fisherman's Wharf.
reviewed
-
E
Cypress Gardens
This park, perched on the shores of Lake Eloise, opened as a botanical garden in 1936 and soon became world famous for its performance water-ski shows and carnival rides. It closed in 2003, but new owners updated and reopened the park in 2007. Today it is an enchanting mix of rides; bucolic gardens; live performances (including the now classic water-ski shows); animal displays, such as a butterfly house; and weekend concerts, blessedly free of loud music and sensory overload. And the Southern Belles walking around, straight out of Gone With the Wind, are as synonymous with Cypress Gardens as water skiing. Ask about them at the gate.
reviewed
