Exciting Things To Do In Florida

Exciting Things To Do In Florida

Florida Palm Trees
Are you planning a visit to the Sunshine State? Here are some great locations you should undoubtedly add to your list. This list is only the tip of the iceberg regarding exciting things to do in Florida, but it’s a great start.

Disney World

We should probably start with the most obvious exciting attractions in Florida; Walt Disney World is one of the most famous entertainment companies in Florida. It has four fantastic theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT, which all have unique qualities and themes.  Disney World features different rides, meet and greet characters from Walt Disney, tasty food, and shows at every corner. This place is fun for kids and adults. The surrounding resorts and Disney Springs are fun places to visit. Don’t forget to stop by The Escape Hatch when you are in Orlando or Universal Studios, next on our list.

Universal Studios

If you have children in their teens looking to ride the bigger roller coasters and larger rides, then Universal Studios of Orlando might be the best theme park choice for your needs. It is a treat for those who love Marvel movies, Harry Potter, and other classic movies, as there is so much detail in every section of this fantastic theme park.  Universal Studios has three theme parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, all of which feature thrill rides. You can take the Hogwarts Express between the two parts of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before or after all the adventure inside, you can enjoy the City Walk, which offers a wide array of top-quality restaurants.  

Kennedy Space Center

Located on Merritt Island, visiting this space center is one of the most incredible things you can do in Florida. It is one of the ten National Aeronautics and Space Administration field centers and is fun and educational. You can meet an astronaut, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, go through the US Wall of Fame for astronauts and also get an up-close view of humans in space while being there.  Visitors can explore NASA’s space shuttle program and even get to know about the upcoming space projects at the Kennedy Space Center. They also just opened a new attraction called GATEWAY™, which displays visionary designs allowing humans to travel in space and the cutting-edge technology developed by NASA.

Ginnie Springs

This clear and inviting spring maintains a temperature of 72 degrees all year round, flowing out to the Santa Fe River. It is a playground for scuba divers, swimmers, tubers, and snorkelers. Volleyball and camping sites are available to rent with marine equipment on-site. Visitors must be 18 years or above to register here, and it is a no-pet zone. Ginnie Springs also has 129 water and electric campsite across the park shore with a capacity of 8 people, two tents, and two vehicles. These campgrounds offer all the conveniences of home.

Bok Towers

If you are looking for something a little more laid back, located in Lake Wales, Bok Towers is a peaceful garden with a bird sanctuary spread on 250 acres of land with flowers, trees, plants, and art. It features a 205-foot-tall Singing Tower with a carillon bell and the 20-room El Retiro Estate.  If you want some adventure, you can hike the Pine Ridge Trail or visit the Pinewood Estate. It is also a national historic landmark opened in 1929 and has fascinated millions of visitors ever since. While touring the Olmsted Gardens, one can get unparalleled artistic, cultural, personal, and spiritual enrichment.

Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den is a pre-historic underground spring in Williston, Florida, and one of the best-hidden gems of this beautiful US state. It is 120 feet wide and has a temperature of around 72 degrees all year round. Many people come here for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its depth of 54 feet. Some even come here in their RVs or rent a cabin.  Other facilities are cabanas, charcoal grills, lawn games, a heated swimming pool, and pavilions. Everyone is required to complete their insurance waiver upon entering the property. Visitors must be 18 years of age or with a parent. No pets are allowed.

Saint Petersburg Sunken Garden

As there aren’t many gardens that are sunken below sea level, this is one of the unique and oldest places to visit in Florida and the US. It is located in Saint Petersburg and has 4 acres of sunken botanical gardens that have existed for over a century. This living museum is probably one of Florida’s most historic cities. They offer waterfalls, wildlife, flamingos, special tours, events, and horticultural displays. You can use their Sunken Gardens Calendar to schedule your visit.

Castillo De San Marcos in Saint Augustine

Castillo De San Marcos is one of the oldest forts in the US, built with bricks and stones. It is now a national monument on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in Saint Augustine, probably one of Florida’s most historic cities. It was built with Spanish stones to protect and defend Spain’s claim in the New World. You can learn about its history while exploring the courtyard, gun decks, weaponry demonstrations, and rooms where the soldiers and prisoners were once kept. You can learn more on their website via their virtual tour to ensure this is for you before you visit. Florida has a wide variety of attractions that pull visitors back again and again. Beaches, amusement parks, national parks, and other historical places make Florida one of the most visited states in the US. It is full of adventure, fun, and unique places. Don’t forget to stop by The Escape Hatch while you are here!
Tips on Planning Your Vacation to Florida

Tips on Planning Your Vacation to Florida

Trip to Florida

Florida, commonly known as the Sunshine State in the United States, is a hub for tourists throughout the year. With the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, this land is home to hundreds of white sand beaches. The Sunshine State is famous for oranges, alligators, Cuban culture, amusement parks, and road trips. The natural beauty and the favorable weather make it one of the most popular holiday destinations. When planning a trip to Florida, there are several things to organize. Here are ten such tips to make your Florida vacation memorable:

Plan Ahead

Florida has much to offer in natural beauty and entertainment. Chalk out an itinerary at the earliest convenience, and keep it flexible to make new plans on the go. This way, you will have some idea of what you plan to do but the flexibility to adjust things as you go. A simple Google sheet will do the trick.

Book in advance

From hotels to fun activities, it is wise to make bookings as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling in peak season or to one of the Orlando theme parks. Avoid waiting around or missing out on anything due to last-minute booking hassles. Check your hotel’s location to ensure it’s not too far from the main attractions you wish to visit.

Keep a checklist handy

From packing your bags to returning home, make a checklist of everything to do and require for your trip. This way, you can keep track of the plans and expenses involved. Here is an example checklist. You can then expand on this checklist with individual bullet points if required, enabling you to plan your trip as detailed as you wish.

  • List of items, clothes, etc. to pack
  • Important contact and medical details of all who are traveling
  • Hotel and traveling agent contact details
  • Places to visit
  • Routes to take
  • Indoor entertainments like escape room games. Advanced booking
  • List of luggage
  • Tickets and booking details for different places and plans

Free things to do in Florida

Not every place in Florida requires money, so be sure to visit several fantastic, free attractions like the beaches, parks, and museums to ensure you get the most for your money during your trip.

Look out for deals

Be sure to ask your travel agent for any special offers, deals, or packages within the location of your visit. For example, if you are vacationing in Universal Studios Orlando, you can probably get a considerable discount if you book your hotel with your tickets simultaneously. So be sure to ask your travel agent.

Dress according to the season

Florida has hot weather all year round except for a few months in the winter. Hence, it is the perfect place to make the most of your summer clothes. However, the season of your visit will be dictating your fashion. The coldest time is January, when temperatures can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Light sweaters, hoodies, and jackets should suffice during the winters here.

Keep note of local pharmacies and medical issues.

It is better to be safe than sorry on a trip. Keep a list of hospital and doctor’s contact details at hand while visiting so that if there is any medical emergency, it can be handled smoothly. And, of course, be sure to bring prescriptions required for each person or pet on your trip.  

Where to go in Florida?

Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida that have gained popularity over the years:

Orlando, Florida

Orlando Florida

Orlando is one of the most amazing cities in Florida and is home to our very own The Escape Hatch and the top theme parks. Disney World is located in this city. Epcot Centre, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gator Land are just a few attractions bringing in tourists worldwide.

Tampa, Florida

Tampa Florida

Tampa Bay, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a large and natural harbor. It is one of the central business centers and is known for its museums and culture. The Busch Gardens, an African-themed park, is located in this city. The Gardens offer roller coaster rides and a zoo from Africa’s Serengeti Plain.

Destin, Florida

Destin Florida Beach

Located along the northwest of Florida, Florida Panhandle is famous for its white-sand beaches, golf courses, and Destin Harbour Boardwalk. The beautiful white sand of the beaches of Destin not only stays cool in the sun’s heat but also gives the water a green tint during the day. The beaches of this city are famous for all sorts of water activities. 

Naples, Florida

Naples Florida

Naples, also called “the city of love,” is famous for its luxurious and laid-back ambiance.

One of the wealthiest cities in the United States, it is filled with archaeological treasures and mouth-watering Italian cuisines. 

The city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the lavish Royal Palace, and Castel Nuovoare are a few of the most visited destinations in this city.

Other significant landmarks include the Everglades National Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Reserve, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach Florida

Daytona Beach in Florida is one of the most visited tourist spots. It’s famous for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” which offers the iconic beach experience and is the perfect spot for various water sports.

Few other not to miss places are:

When to go to Florida?

Florida faces an influx of tourists from mid-April to November. Usually, the summertime is hot and humid in Florida, which might hamper doing outdoor activities. Most of the attractions are open during holidays and spring break. Unfortunately, the prices are also a bit high during these times, so for those planning a low-budget trip, this timeframe will be a wrong decision. One of the best times to explore Florida is during the winter months, as the weather will be very comfortable.

Florida has a rich culture and natural beauty. It is also a hub of entertainment and luxury for travelers. Make your vacation memorable by including a bit of everything in your plan. When you plan things, you can easily enjoy the beauty and attractions to the fullest. And be sure to check us out here at The Escape Hatch. You can book online!

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