Top Things to do in Florida
Top Hotels in Florida
- 1. The Goodtime Hotel
- 2. Mondrian South Beach Hotel
- 3. Havana Cabana at Key West
- 4. Nautilus by Arlo
- 5. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
- 6. 1 Hotel South Beach
- 7. Postcard Inn
- 8. B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale
- 9. Margaritaville Beach House Key West
- 10. Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Florida, United States
Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Restaurants in Florida
1. Navarre Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,707 reviews
Tucked away in a corner of Northwest Florida, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches, you will find a piece of the old Florida offering solitude and simplicity for sun seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Reviewed By Applejacksons
It’s horrible how great it is for just relaxing. If more people come here there will be more traffic for me as a Floridian. Beach is great. Calm on some days and not so calm on others. Just check the webcam. I agree go to Pensacola or destin so we can enjoy how pristine the beach experience is. The sound side is great as well.
2. McCarthy's Wildlife
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,118 reviews
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can't get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wildlife rescue facility that take in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies, and unwanted exotic pets! Your experience here helps us with the tremendous expense of caring for our animals. Price is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children (ages 5yrs.-15yrs).
Reviewed By ehmegee
This was our second trip to McCarthy but definitely won’t be our last. Here are a few of the things that make McCarthy a must-see (in our humble opinions). STAFF: Our tour guide, Lisa, was superb. She knew the history of the animals, answered all questions asked by our group throughout the tour, and provided detailed information on each of the animals; both in terms of the species and individual creatures’ lives. The tours are well organized and they do an excellent job of keeping everything on track and groups together, without rushing everyone. We had several mobility impaired individuals in our tour group and the presence of many chairs/benches along the way offers respite to those who need it as we stop at each creature. RESPECT: There is a clear culture of mutual respect cultivated at McCarthy’s: the animals are all clearly content and enjoy their lives, and cared for by total professionals. The keepers all clearly care about the animals and speak to them like old friends, but respect their autonomy and power (big cats in particular) and treat them accordingly. There are tons of lovely animals to fall a little bit in love with, and the accompanying talks about them, occasionally delving into what makes them unsuitable as domestic pets, are as timely as they are educational. INTERACTION: We did get to interact with Snowball the boa constrictor and a little baby alligator, which was fun. These interactions were well-structured and for those who opted to participate in the interactive portion, they were given clear instructions for how and when to handle them, always under direct supervision. EXPERIENCE: In my view, the best way to approach this experience is as a privilege: it is an opportunity to come alongside & learn from a great organization. This facility is doing incredible rehabilitation & education work, and there is always something new to learn and see, as well as some long-term residents to check in with. For animal lovers, it is especially exciting to see these wonderful creatures up close and to be certain that they are being well cared for and that their quality of life is excellent (or as good as it can possibly be for some of the rescued/rehabilitated creatures - the one-winged turkey vulture that they nursed back to health after being hit by a truck is living the best life he could, even though he would be unsuitable for the wild with only one wing). My husband and I were here a year and a half ago, again today, and now intend to visit every time we’re in the area. This incredible nonprofit deserves all the support it can get.
3. Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By DisneyDarwin - Spring, United States
The folks who imagined this place were true visionaries --- birds, birds and more birds. So many species and so many individual birds. The layout makes it easy, just drive and take your time and enjoy the wildlife. We saw mostly shore and water birds, but there were a couple of elevated spots that were fully of warblers, wrens, sparrows and such. This is a most worthy destination.
4. Theater of the Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,871 reviews
Our mission is to provide a wonderful home for our animals while sharing them with visitors in ways that inspire awareness and sensitivity towards animals, the environment, and conservation issues. At Theater of the Sea watch up close and personal DOLPHIN SHOWS, sea lion shows, parrot shows, and much more! A pioneer in animal interactive programs, at Theater of the Sea you can... SWIM WITH A DOLPHIN... SWIM WITH A SEA LION... Wade, Meet and Paint with a Dolphin... Meet and Paint with a Sea Lion... Swim with the Rays... Swim with the Sharks... And Meet the Sea Turtles! Our 30 minute dolphin swims include BOTH trained behaviors like dorsal tows, kisses, and hugs as well as swimming and snorkeling with dophins. We offer a variety of animal interaction programs for various ages and prices. Programs are available daily and include admission to our dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, guided marne life tour, lagoon-side beach, and bottomless boat ride. Theater of the Sea is family owned and operated since 1946 and one of the oldest marine mammal facilities in the world. The lagoons and lush, tropical gardens are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, and birds.
5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,931 reviews
See our full modified operations plan here: https://zootampa.org/visitor-info/new-beginning-zootampa-reopens/ ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more! Families can also splash in water play areas, feel thrills on rides and take in educational shows. Love manatees? The Zoo is the only place in Tampa where guests can see Florida manatees year round. At the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital, the Zoo’s veterinary and animal-care staff treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees, and return them to the wild after rehabilitation.
Reviewed By tompM626YY
Nestled in the lush vegetation of Lowry Park in Tampa, FL is a most wonderful zoo experience for the family. The Tampa Zoo is a world class facility filled with engaging and unique exhibits of animals from around the world. The park is clean, well maintained and staffed by some of the most friendly and well trained people you will encounter anywhere. The African Exhibit tram in particular is well worth the ride. Our tour guide Betsy provided an entertaining and fact-filled narrative while we enjoyed an up-close encounter with rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, elephants and monkeys. The zoo provides many opportunities for special animal encounters and hosts a variety of programs for children including zoo camps, sleepovers, zoo school and arts & crafts. The zoo's kids zone is well designed with kid-friendly exhibits and play areas to keep the little ones entertained. And the zoo's on-site animal hospital keeps the residents healthy while working to promote the zoo's breeding programs and sustainability initiatives. An all around great day with the family at a first-class attraction. Enjoy.
6. Clearwater Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,523 reviews
With hundreds of things to do on Clearwater Beach, the main attraction is still pretty much its near-perfect beach (USA Today readers voted Clearwater Beach "Best Beach Town in Florida" in 2013). Beautiful white sand and clear, shallow water make this beach an ideal playground for families.
Reviewed By ideasinfluence - Forest City, United States
Spent a winter day in February walking, jogging, tanning, orgeous white sand, spacious, spent quiet time near the rocks by Opal Sand Resort's beautiful outdoor bar, the perfect spot to watch the sun set. No matter where you are in Clearwater it seems everything you need is right there.
7. Big Cat Rescue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,223 reviews
Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.
Reviewed By elizabethmP7310XL
Excellent organization who prioritizes the well-being of the cats and educating visitors on the cruelty of owning these wild animals as pets. The tour is an excellent opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures up close and learn about how to help preserve these species. Don't go to "cub petting" tourist traps! You can tell that everyone who works and volunteers with this organization genuinely loves these animals and are interested in providing the best possible life for them.
8. Siesta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,855 reviews
Public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand.
Reviewed By Radman509 - Mechanicsburg, United States
While I can appreciate people on vacation looking forward to a spectacular time, only to arrive and see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world In a bit of disarray, does not take away from all its splendor! What it does remind me is how wonderful our natural resources are, how important it is to take care of them as much as we can, and understand what we can do to preserve it. The algae and bacteria are usually found in pockets, but this year they've mushroomed to stretch up and down the coast including Siesta Key. Warmer waters and runoff from lakes and streams can exacerbate the problem, but the ecosystems will replenish itself at this beach along with many Florida Gulf coast beaches, they will be restored. It is sad to only experience disappointment because of the current state and a bit disheartening, but it is not an amusement park that closed when you showed up at the gates because the amusement park decided to do a full restoration.. That’s is like saying you’re going to the beautiful Caribbean beaches only to be caught in a hurricane, and say it’s the worst beach in the world because of the rain and torrential winds. Silly! The beautiful white sand, the turquoise and green water and amazing weather a majority of the calendar year still makes Siesta Key one of my favorite beaches and still pne of the best in the world! I’ll be back! :-)
9. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,221 reviews
This 73-acre park is the only zoo in Florida's northeast. With over 2000 animals and 1000 plants, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is 1 of only 7 zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team who help to provide the very best care for our animals.
Reviewed By S3227OMcindys
This is a great place to visit it’s well-maintained everybody’s friendly and there’s lots to do. We have annual passes and love to take the grandchildren! They have a merry go round for the theater and you can even feed and pet the stingrays this is an absolute dump must be around Christmas time Santa is there with his wife it is gorgeous and a big light show
10. Brevard Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,515 reviews
Explore the world of animals at Brevard Zoo, an internationally accredited facility home to giraffe, rhinos, big cats and hundreds of colorful parrots. Interactive experiences include giraffe and bird feedings, a children's water play area and kayaking around animal habitats.
Reviewed By DavidL2541 - Melbourne, United States
My wife and I sited the Brevard zoo with our two granddaughters and their parents. And I have to say everyone had a GREAT time from the youngest (2 years old) to The oldest (67years old). It is hard to capture all the things we saw! There were whole sections we didn't even get to. This zoo is vast for a venue that was originally a community development built by local volunteers. The Africa section with the rhinos and feeding the giraffe was a huge hit. The lorikeet experience of hand feeding the birds had the girls speechless. They could hardly believe it as three lorikeets landed on mommy's arm and ate nectar from the cup. A must see for everyone! The train ride allows you to cool off and see some of the back areas with camels and Oryx and ostrich. The paws on splash pad must be last with the little ones, because you can never get the to leave. We never even got to kayaking or tree top treck. As far as favorites i would say the girls liked the meerkats and The jaguar. They laughed endlessly at the playful meerkats. At the jaguar, the four year old sat down by the window just as the older male walked over and sat down right in front of her and started to roar for several minutes. Our granddaughter was convinced the jaguar was talking to her. The zoo was a massive hit with everyone young and old !!! We will be back several times yearly now that we have experienced the fun!
