Florida offers more than sunshine and sandy shores—it’s a paradise filled with exciting activities for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a beach lover, or a foodie, the funnest things to do in Florida await. In this guide, we’ll break down the top attractions, thrilling outdoor adventures, and top-rated dining experiences across the state.
1. Tourist Attractions, Entertainment & Beaches
South Beach (Miami)
A global icon of nightlife, fashion, and luxury, South Beach is more than a beach—it’s a lifestyle. Lounge under an umbrella by day, explore the vibrant Art Deco District in the afternoon, and party the night away at oceanfront clubs. Free access to the beach, but clubs and dining vary ($20–$100+). 
Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral)
Explore NASA’s launch history, astronaut experiences, and space simulators. The space shuttle Atlantis is a must-see. Admission starts at $75/adult.
🌐 Kennedy Space Center | 📍 Google Maps
Everglades National Park
Enjoy guided airboat tours, hiking, or kayaking through swamp landscapes filled with alligators and rare birds. Admission is $30 per vehicle; airboat tours from $35–$60.
🌐 NPS Everglades
Bayside Marketplace (Miami)
A vibrant waterfront shopping center with live music, boat tours, and local restaurants. It’s free to enter, with boat tours starting at $28.
🌐 Bayside
Theme Parks
Walt Disney World (Orlando): Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom & more. Tickets start from $109/day.
🌐 DisneyUniversal Studios (Orlando): Enjoy Harry Potter world, 3D rides, and roller coasters. Prices from $119/day.
🌐 UniversalBusch Gardens (Tampa): Perfect mix of zoo and theme park. Entry from $100.
🌐 Busch Gardens
Bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment (Orlando)
Modern retro lanes, craft cocktails, and billiards. Bowling rates around $30/hour/lane.
🌐 Kings Orlando
Volcano Bay Water Park (Orlando)
Tropical-themed park with water coasters and beachy vibes. Tickets start at $80.
🌐 Volcano Bay
Best Beaches
Clearwater Beach: Calm waters, dolphin tours, family-friendly atmosphere.
Siesta Key: Powdery white sand with turquoise water, popular for sunset yoga.
Scenic Walks
Naples Pier: Ideal for peaceful walks and dolphin watching.
Ocean Drive (Miami): Stroll past Art Deco buildings and trendy cafes.
2. Outdoor Activities & Adventure Experiences
Florida Hospital Center Ice (Wesley Chapel)
The largest ice skating complex in the Southeast. Rentals + admission around $15.
🌐 Center Ice
Congo River Adventure Golf (Orlando)
Includes a mini-bungee adventure, mini-golf, and alligator feeding. Prices vary by activity (approx. $15–$30).
🌐 Congo River
Skydiving
Skydive Sebastian: Offers jumps over the Atlantic Ocean. Tandem jumps start at $249.
🌐 SkydivesebastianSkydive Space Center: Highest jumps in Florida (18,000 ft). From $299.
🌐 Skydivespacecenter
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Orlando Balloon Rides: Panoramic sunrise views over Central Florida. From $195/person.
🌐 Orlando Balloons
Scuba Diving
Rainbow Reef Dive Center (Key Largo): Daily reef and wreck dives. Courses & rentals available. Two-tank dives from $95.
🌐 Rainbow Reef
Jet Ski & Boat Tours
Miami Jet Ski Rentals: Explore Biscayne Bay on fast rides. Prices start at $90/hour.
🌐 Miami Jet Ski
Surfing
Kelly’s Surf Shop (Cocoa Beach): Surf lessons, board rentals, and beach gear. Lessons from $50/hour.
🌐 Kelly’s
ATV & Off-Roading
Orlando Off Road Adventures: Mud tracks, dune buggies, and UTVs. Packages from $75.
🌐 Orlando Off-Road
Ziplining & Rope Parks
TreeUmph! Adventure Course (Bradenton): Suspended bridges and zip lines through the treetops. Tickets from $55.
🌐 TreeUmph
3. Best Restaurants & Hotels
Top Scenic Restaurants
The Rusty Pelican (Miami): Seafood with a view of the Miami skyline. Mains from $25–$60.
🌐 Rusty PelicanVictoria & Albert’s (Orlando): Fine dining with gourmet tasting menus. From $295 per person.
🌐 Victoria & Albert’sBern’s Steak House (Tampa): Legendary steaks and wine cellar. Mains from $50–$120.
🌐 Bern’sOcean Prime (Miami Beach): Modern seafood & steaks. Dishes from $35+.
🌐 Ocean Prime
Best Hotels
The Breakers Palm Beach: Luxury beachfront hotel with golf & spa. Rates from $650+.
🌐 The BreakersLoews Miami Beach Hotel: Upscale with beach access and pools. Rooms from $350.
🌐 LoewsHyatt Regency Orlando: Convention hotel with great location. Prices from $180.
🌐 HyattHI Tampa Bay Hostel: Budget-friendly, clean, and social. Beds from $40.
🌐 HI USA
Whether you’re flying through the skies, relaxing by the waves, or dining with a sunset view, Florida offers endless excitement. With this detailed guide to the funnest things to do in Florida, you’re all set to plan a trip filled with thrills, flavors, and unforgettable moments.
Overview
Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour shrimp soup that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. It’s aromatic and refreshing, making it a perfect starter.
Ingredients
- 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3-4 Thai bird chilies, smashed
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation
- Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bird chilies. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and mushrooms to the pot. Cook until the shrimp turns pink.
- Season: Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
3. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Overview
Green Curry is a creamy and aromatic dish that features a blend of green curry paste, coconut milk, and various vegetables. It’s both spicy and savory.
Ingredients
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 300g chicken or tofu, sliced
- 100g eggplants, quartered
- 100g bamboo shoots
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation
- Heat Coconut Milk: In a pot, heat half of the coconut milk over medium heat until it starts to separate.
- Add Curry Paste: Stir in the green curry paste and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Add chicken or tofu, followed by eggplants and bamboo shoots. Cook until the chicken is done.
- Finish with Coconut Milk: Pour in the remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with steamed rice.
Conclusion
Thai food is a delightful exploration of flavors and textures. By trying your hand at these three classic dishes—Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry—you can bring a taste of Thailand into your kitchen. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delicious results!
