While many visitors plan a trip to Florida for a vacation spent at the local beaches or a theme park, it’s not without heart-pumping activities and attractions. Those interested in the latter will find an array of things to do that provide unbridled views of nature while partaking in thrilling activities. From trekking through underground caverns to swimming with adorable “sea cows,” Florida is packed with exciting activities for all types of travelers.
Continue reading to discover the top six adventurous things to do in Florida.
Explore the Natural Springs
On a Florida adventure, checking out the natural springs is a must-do. Spread throughout the state, the 700+ natural springs offer visitors an array of activities allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. These natural springs vary in size and appearance, though they average a temperature of 72F which provides the perfect environment for water exploration.
Activities such as swimming, photography, diving, tubing, and kayaking are among the available choices, depending on which spring is visited. Some locations even offer glass-bottom boats for exploration. A few of the top natural springs to check out include Blue Hole Spring in northwest Florida, Rainbow Springs in north-central Florida, and Tarpon Springs near the Gulf Coast.
Uncover the Underground Florida Caverns
Situated in the Florida Caverns State Park, lies a remarkable maze of underground rooms and caves. This cavern sits 55 feet below the state park’s forest, offering incredible views of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and even a few bats. On a guided tour, you can trek through the underground passageways and rooms while learning about the history of the caves.
Snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park
About 70 miles from Key West in the Florida Keys lies Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most underrated, under visited, and most remote national parks in the state. This park can only be reached via sea plane or boat and consists of seven small islands. While you can visit for the pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, its best for a snorkeling excursion.
This park is home to one of the largest barrier reefs worldwide, providing views of vibrant marine wildlife, shipwrecks, underwater vistas, and more. As the water around the islands typically stays around 4-7 feet in depth, it’s an ideal location for snorkelers of all skill levels. The National Park Service highly recommends diving during daytime hours for the best views.
Those with extra time to spare should visit Fort Jefferson, a historic fort once used to protect the entryway to the Gulf of Mexico.
Dive Off the Coast of Key Largo
For additional scuba diving opportunities on a Florida vacation, travelers can head to Key Largo to explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This state park lies in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Key Largo. It’s the first undersea waterpark in the United States, providing a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. The park spans 70 nautical square miles, with views of the vibrant coral reef, schools of fish, and other exciting marine life.
For a close look at the underwater wildlife, snorkeling or scuba diving is the best option. However, visitors can also check out the marine life through a glass-bottom boat tour.
Discover the Beauty of Falling Waters State Park
Among giant trees and sinkholes covered in ferns and greenery, visitors will find the largest waterfall in the state in Falling Waters State Park. Accessible via a boardwalk trail, the Falling Waters Sink is a large 100-foot-deep sinkhole with a 73-foot waterfall cascading into it. Though the water tumbles into the sinkhole which culminates in a cave, the final destination of the water remains unknown.
Additional activities are available at this state park, including visiting the butterfly garden, swimming in the lake, picnicking, camping, and participating in ranger-led interpretive programs.
Swim with the Florida Manatee in Crystal River
Perhaps one of the most unique and adventurous things to do in Florida includes swimming with the manatees (aka sea cows) in Crystal River. Currently, manatees are endangered, so there are smaller quantities seen in Florida’s waters. However, Crystal River has the largest population in the state.
It’s important to note, Crystal River is the only location where visitors can legally swim with the manatees. With the constantly warm temperature of the springs at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, this environment provides the ideal environment for manatees to thrive in colder months. Snorkeling tours of Crystal River help provide access to these gentle giants, which usually exist in the hundreds in this refuge.
