25 Experiences for the Ultimate Florida Bucket List
Pink flamingos, rocket launches, and scrumptious seafood are only some of the best things to do in Florida!
Written by Christelle Agustin
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From an unforgettable dinner on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers to a surreal time at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, there are plenty of unique adventures to add to your
Florida
bucket list!We know you’re itching to experience every corner of the Sunshine State. With so much to do, where do you begin?
Jerry
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, has compiled the ultimate Florida bucket list for you—from the best outdoor activities and food spots to one-of-a-kind Florida experiences—add these activities to your list and start packing!Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
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Outdoor activities for your Florida bucket list
1. Watch a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center
Where: Merritt Island
When: Year-round
Why: Most of us have seen rocket launches on-screen—this time you can experience the exhilarating countdown in person. When you purchase a daily admission ticket to the
Kennedy Space Center
, launch viewing is included. Official rocket launch dates can be found on their visitor complex event calendar
. How much? Daily admission is $57 for adults and $47 for children
2. Take a bioluminescent kayaking tour along the Canaveral National Seashore
Where: Cocoa Beach or Titusville
When: Year-round, but the best times are July to October for glowing algae and November for comb jellies
Why: Sure, kayaking is fun, but how about kayaking on glowing water? The secret to the glowing water is bioluminescence—a chemical process that allows certain species’ bodies to emit light. This unique tour by
BK Adventure
is a perfect way to cap off the night and relax with nature’s brightest.How much? $75 per person
3. See life through rose-colored glasses at the Flamingo Gardens
Where: 3750 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie
When: Year-round, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why: Here’s your chance to finally see the real pink feathers and signature one-legged stance of a group of flamingos (known as a ‘flamboyance')! But
Flamingo Gardens
is not only for flamingos—the 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary features thousands of exotic plant species and other furry friends like adorable river otters, black bears, parrots, and, of course, alligators.How much? Call (954) 473-2955 to reserve your garden viewing time
4. Take selfies at the Wynwood Walls
Where: 266 NW 26th St, Miami
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Why: Conveniently known as
the selfie capital of Miami
, these pieces of art were launched as a way to get people to explore the city. With graffiti and street art from renowned international artists, get lost in 80,000 square feet of art and snap your greatest profile pic yet. How much? $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $5 for students; free for children under 12
5. Sip on free wine at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
Where: 19239 US-27, Clermont
When: Year-round
Why:
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
provides complimentary wine tours every day of the week. The tour lasts 45 minutes with a selection of dry, sweet, and sparkling wines to taste. Make sure to stop by on a weekend to complement your drinks with the nice ambiance of live music.How much? Free!
6. Explore the quirky, metallic Solomon’s Castle
Where: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona
When: October to August
Why: For those who like to take the path less traveled,
Solomon’s Castle
is just for you. Constructed by the late artist Howard Solomon, the castle is home to his collection of found objects and art pieces. While access to the grounds is free, a tour around the castle will make the already-unforgettable experience even more memorable.How much? Free admission; guided tours are $6 to 25 per person
7. Unwind in a natural spring at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Where: 7450 N.E. 60th St, High Springs
When: Year-round
Why: Take a dip in a natural spring at the
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
. The mesmerizing blue water will have you soaking for hours without a care for your pruney fingers! There’s something for all nature lovers like kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, and camping. How much? $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists; $4 for single drivers; $6 for a party of two to eight people
8. Have a surreal time at The Dalí Museum
Where: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg
When: Year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Why: If you just don’t get art, Salvador Dalí’s avant-garde creations will most likely speak to you instead. The
museum
is home to bizarre paintings, sculptures, and visual illusions that will have you both fascinated and confused. The museum also holds exhibits on other artists like Picasso!How much? $29 for adults; $20 for students; $12 for children ages 6 to 12; free for children under 6
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers9. Look up at the Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens
Where: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales
When: Year-round from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why: The
Bok Tower Gardens
started in 1921 when Edward Bok, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and environmental activist, was inspired to make a bird sanctuary. Today the grounds are home to a 250-acre garden with 126 bird species, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion, and a 205-foot-tall Singing Tower that contains a unique bell instrument called a carillon (there are only 600 in the world!).How much? $16 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 to 12; free for children under 5; $5 for dogs
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The meals that should be on your Florida bucket list
10. Eat all the seafood at the Destin Seafood Festival
Where: Destin Harbor Boardwalk
When: October
Why: With over 100 vendors of food, art, and music, you’re bound to eat or see something of interest. Set up on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, this fishy festival has been drawing close to 70,000 guests annually since the ’70s!
How much? Free admission
11. Find your home-cooked meal at the Jacksonville Farmers Market
Where: 1810 West Beaver Street, Downtown Jacksonville
When: Year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Why: The open-air
farmers market
is home to Jacksonville’s freshest, hand-picked produce from 100+ farmers and vendors. If you’re deciding to have a night in at your Jacksonville BnB, hit up the market early in the morning to secure your ingredients. There’s an ATM on location, so you can shop till you drop!12. Spend Taco Tuesday at Lona Cocina Tequileria
Where: 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
When: Sunday to Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Why: Named Best Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, this beachfront Mexican restaurant features a contemporary take on the classics, from buttery lobster quesadillas to steak enmoladas. With a stunning view of the beach, you’re sure to leave satisfied and coming back for more.
13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Gideon’s Bakehouse
Where: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando; Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista
When: Year-round
Why: At
Gideon’s Bakehouse
, cookies are not desserts, they’re entire meals. Their nearly half-a-pound cookies are expertly crafted for 20 hours with every surface covered in chocolate chips. No wonder they’ve collected over 30 awards from Best Dessert to Best Cookie! From original chocolate chip to coffee cake to rocky road, you’ll get your sugar fix in a snap.How much? $2 to $6 for cookies; $40 to $72 for cakes
14. Eat your first meal of the day at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Where: Over 52 locations in Florida!
When: Year-round, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Why: Think of a diner, but classier and fresher, and you have
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
. Fruit-topped waffles, loaded omelets, stuffed french toast, and a slew of other mouth-watering breakfast foods will instantly start your day right. 15. Have drinks at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
Where: 6200 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach
When: Year-round
Why: Cocktails, seafood boil, live music, and a beautiful view of the beach—what more could you want? Spend your summers at
Jimmy B’s
, where you can catch the sunset while dancing and drinking to the live band that plays every evening. If you love an electrifying atmosphere with good vibes, then plan your next night out at this award-winning beach bar. 16. Pig out on Cuban sandwiches at La Cocina de Abuela
Where: 125 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville
When: Year-round, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Sundays
Why: With Florida having the highest population of Cubans in the country, there’s no other place to eat Cuban food.
La Cocina de Abuela
serves up generous portions at affordable prices. With so many choices—from ropa vieja to mojo pulled pork to Cuban sandwiches—you won’t be leaving hungry, only wishing to come back another day. RECOMMENDED
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Only-in-Florida experiences for your bucket list
17. Learn to scuba dive at Devil’s Den Spring
Where: Williston
When: Year-round
Why: This secluded spring-turned-diving-training center is hidden inside a cave where divers and snorkelers can feel like they’re in their own world. The crystal clear water of
Devil’s Den
sits at a temperature of 72 °F year-round with a natural chimney that lets in sunlight and steams out on colder days. Whether you want to dive or snorkel, this is the best place to do it.How much? $38 per diver; $15 to $22 per snorkeler
18. Figure out whodunnit on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train
Where: Fort Myers
When: Wednesday through Sunday evenings
Why: No, this is not just a gimmicky train-themed restaurant—you’ll be all aboard a real train! Departing from Colonial Station in Fort Myers, guests dine on a five-course meal while using their detective skills on this three-and-a-half-hour round-trip journey. Be sure to
book your reservation
for your most unique dining experience yet. How much? $125 per person on Saturdays; $119 per person for the rest of the week
19. Admire art at the Rubell Museum
Where: 1100 NW 23 St, Miami
When: Year-round
Why: If you’re a fan of contemporary art from artists like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and Yoshitomo Nara, then you need to add the
Rubell Museum
to your list ASAP! What began as a humble private collection in 1965 has now grown to over 7,200 works from 1,000 artists. You can even make this outing an all-day affair by having lunch at their indoor-outdoor restaurant and ending the day with a treat from the gift shop. How much? $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; $10 for students and youth
20. Go on a spooky historical tour at Cassadaga
Where: Cassadaga
When: Year-round
Why: Cassadaga is known as the Psychic Capital of the World, home to certified mediums and spiritual healers. If you’re fascinated by the spiritual world, check out their spooky tours, book a reading with a medium, and even take part in a séance!
How much? Varies
21. Go spelunking in Florida Caverns State Park
Where: Jackson County
When: Open year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; tours available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Monday
Why: Thirty-eight million years of geological activity can be found in the caves at
Florida Caverns State Park
. Five days of the week, you can explore these beautiful, history-rich stalagmites and stalactites. Bats and salamanders also live in these caves, so keep an eye out for them!How much? $10.75 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 to 12 years old; free for children under 3
22. Live like Ernest Hemingway at The Hemingway Home and Museum
Where: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West
When: Year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why: Spend a day in the literary legend’s shoes by touring his beautiful
Spanish-style property
. With arched yellow window shutters and a balcony wrapping around the second story, the Hemingway home is nothing short of paradise. Fun fact: the cats that roam around are descendants of Hemingway’s cat, identified by their six toes! How much? $17 for adults; $7 for children ages 6 to 12; free for children under 6 (cash only)
23. Stroll through the country’s oldest city
Where: St. Augustine
When: Year-round
Why: Who knew you could get a taste of Europe in Florida? The best place to get lost is on
St. George Street
, where you’ll find treasure on every corner. The street is lined with quaint Spanish Colonial buildings with balconies and dozens of bakeries, salt water taffy shops, and even a wooden schoolhouse museum! Even though it is a pedestrian-only street, make sure to arrive early in the day to get ahead of the crowd and hot temperatures. 24. Block out some fun time at LEGOLAND®
Where: One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven
When: Year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why: For kids, nothing is better than seeing their toys supersized as real buildings and rides. At
LEGOLAND
, you get to play alongside and on the colorful bricks. With roller coasters, indoor laser rides, a water park, and three types of hotels, the LEGO experience is in full blast from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep! How much? $84.99 per person for one-day tickets
25. Drive a NASCAR race car at Daytona International Speedway
Where: 1801 West International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach
Why: Think roller coasters are overrated? Get your adrenaline rush by driving a NASCAR race car on your own or with a professional driver. The
NASCAR Racing Experience
can be a quick five-minute ride or a 48-minute ride, depending on you. Your blood will be racing in this one-of-a-kind experience!How much? Starts at $159.99 for Ride Along; $339.99 for driving on your own
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