Whaaaat?! You mean Florida is NOT just one giant beach?! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good relaxing beach day, but I’m also a big fan of all the adventure. I’m hoping this post will inspire you to get out beyond the beaches and explore all of the adventurous things to do in Florida!
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Table of Contents
Adventurous Things to do in Northeast Florida
Biplane Tour– St. Augustine, FL
As experienced by Taylor from Tea n’ Sea Travel
Experience one of the most adventurous activities offered in St. Augustine is by riding on a 1930s restored vintage Biplane! This plane, with an open-air cockpit, is an adventure lover’s bucket list item. Offering a variety of tours including sightseeing tours, romantic sunset flights (complete with a champagne toast), and even aerobatics flights ranging in price from $200 to $550 depending on the tour.
When you go, you should definitely consider adding on the photography package! While phones and cameras are allowed inside the cockpit, having the pilot shoot video and pictures from behind and out of the cockpit lead to some pretty incredible images!
When you hop into the open-air cockpit, you’ll be buckled in and equipped with headsets so you can talk to each other and the pilot. The cockpit fits two, but it is a very snug fit! (Just a heads up, there are weight limits for the combined pair). The pilot will sit behind you to fly the plane, giving you an amazing view right underneath the wings of the plane.
If you’re feeling super adventurous, or for the adrenaline junkies out there, book an aerobatics tour! You’ll be strapped to a parachute and experience high-intensity flight maneuvers like barrel rolls and loops! The aerobatics tour is limited to 1 person at a time, but even if you don’t book the aerobatics tour, your pilot *may* give you some exciting maneuvers like a steep takeoff or steeply banked turns on your regular tour if you’re feeling up for it!
Tip! Looking to spend more time adventuring in St. Augustine? Check out the Tour Pass that can save you up to 40 percent on 27 different attractions!
Sailing on a traditionally rigged Schooner- St. Augustine, FL
As experienced by Taylor from Tea n’ Sea Travel
If you’re looking for adventure on the water in Florida, look no further than taking a sailing trip on a traditionally rigged Schooner in St. Augustine! The Schooner Freedom is a replica of a blockade runner from the 1800s. Watch the crew hoist the sails and trim the sails as your path takes you to see St. Augustine from the water!
Freedom offers a variety of sails, from Day sails to romantic sunset sails, and even moonlit sails. The sails vary in price from $45 to $65 per person and include complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water. There isn’t a set sailing path, so you’ll let the wind and the tide determine your sailing course! The conditions can lead to a different sailing adventure every time you come on a sail, from sails with exciting winds to calm romantic sails.
If you’re looking for better sailing winds, try opting for the day sail, since winds *tend* to calm down around sunset time. Of course, the captain can’t control the weather, but sailing on a traditionally rigged sailing vessel is a unique adventure that can only be experienced in a few places! Freedom is a big and sturdy boat, so it is pretty stable, but if you’re worried about getting seasick, you can learn some prevention or management strategies before you go!
Some tips for booking a sail with Schooner Freedom: Be sure to call or email to book your spots in advance since sails often sell out in advance. Plan for AMPLE time for parking, as St. Augustine’s downtown does NOT have its own lot, and street parking can be difficult to find. If the weather looks questionable, note that the captain usually doesn’t cancel until sail time, since the weather can change in 5 minutes!
Adventurous Things to do in West Central Florida
Explore Fort Desoto Park- St. Petersburg, Fl
As experienced by Erin from Erin’s Travel Tips
Just outside of downtown St. Petersburg is the spectacular Fort De Soto, a 1,136-acre park that is a string of 5 connected islands. It once was an active fort location from 1898 to 1910. There is still plenty to see from the old days including the barracks, rapid-fire guns, historic buildings, and the storehouse museum. There are public restrooms, a gift shop, and an eatery located near the fort.
This popular park has something for everyone with some of the best natural undisturbed beaches in the United States. There are picnic locations, hiking and bike trails, camping, two fishing piers, a paw playground (dog beach and play area), and a multitude of boating activities including a ferry to Egmont and Shell Keys.
Fort De Soto Park is truly a boater’s paradise. Don’t have a boat? No problem, the park has kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes you can rent.
If you have a boat, this is one of the best places to launch, with an incredibly large 800-foot boat ramp. The parking lot has plenty of space and acres of overflow available. The Fort De Soto Park Boat Ramp is located just before the main park’s entrance on the right.
One of the best adventures in Fort Desoto Park is boating to Egmont Key. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is a small island located 1.5 miles south of Fort de Soto State Park. This piece of paradise is only accessible by boaters, or the ferry from Fort de Soto. This is the perfect place to pull your boat up along the shoreline and have a picnic. Check out the trail that runs a mile long with historic buildings from over 100 years ago. You won’t want to miss the lighthouse and sea turtles that often are seen nesting nearby.
Fort De Soto is affordable for everyone! Costs are as follows:
- Boaters: Full day parking fee is $6 dollars with a trailer, or $2 dollars without a trailer
- Full day standard parking fee is $5 dollars
- Arriving by bike or foot is FREE
- If you have a disabled parking permit, the cost is FREE
- There are annual membership passes available
- The ferry ride to Shell Key or Egmont Key is a separate fee through Hubbard’s Marina.
Adventurous Things to do in Northwest Florida
Scalloping in Steinhatchee
As experienced by Donna from Explore the Road with Donnamarie
If you are looking for a unique adventure in Florida, head off the beaten path to the west coast town of Steinhatchee. It is just below the Florida Panhandle, off Highway 358. From July through mid-September is scallop season. You can charter a boat with a captain from the marina. It will cost approximately $400 for 6 people on a 4-6 hour scallop diving excursion.
Scallop diving is basically like a combination of snorkeling and fishing. However, you are using your hands to do the fishing and collecting the scallops in a net. You will need to bring your own snorkel gear, towel, sunscreen, lunch, and drinks. However, the captain will show you how to catch the scallops, and no license is required if you are chartering a boat.
The experience is amazing. If you ever dreamed of being a mermaid, this is your chance. Swimming alongside tiny schools of fish and rays, along with watching the scallops in their natural habitats is a lifetime experience.
Know before you go: If you haven’t been snorkeling before, I recommend you practice a lot ahead of time. It will be difficult to focus on diving to the bottom and catching the scallops if you have to focus on breathing. My husband gave up after about 10 minutes, but I stayed down there until I got a cramp in my foot. If you don’t know how to shuck the scallops, you can pay to have it done at the marina. It can be a long wait. However, we grabbed some beers from the marina store and drank one with our captain as we waited.
I recommend staying at Steinhatchee Landing Resort. Remember, this is a small town. Bring any supplies you need for your stay. There are no grocery stores.
Keep Reading::: Things to do BEYOND the Theme Parks (near Orlando)
Camping in the Gulf Islands National Seashore- Pensacola, FL
As experienced by Ashlee of The Happiness Function
Visiting Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens near Pensacola makes for a fantastic Florida adventure! The Gulf Islands is protected and managed by the National Park Service. It costs $25 per car for the week to enter. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches and explore many coastal trails that wind through the park. There’s also plenty of opportunity for fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to Fort Pickens, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic fort is situated on a bluff overlooking Pensacola Bay and offers some of the most amazing views in the area. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s many buildings. Depending on the time of week visiting, you might even be able to catch the Blue Angels flyover Fort Pickens next to Pensacola Bay!
If you’re looking for a place to stay, camp at the Fort Pickens Campground directly on the island. Pensacola also has plenty of great options twenty to thirty minutes away. Choose from luxurious beachfront hotels to cozy vacation rentals. Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine – Pensacola is known for its seafood, especially the fresh Gulf shrimp!
For a fun and exciting Florida adventure, be sure to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore. There are so many things to do; you won’t be disappointed!
Glow Kayaking in Pensacola
As experienced by Roshni from TheWanderlustWithin
One of the best kayaking experiences in Florida can be found on the Panhandle in the historical city of Pensacola.
This experience is only $50 and is located on Little Sabine Bay. It involves crystal clear kayaks which allow the kayakers to view the marine life below. You can choose to do a daytime, sunset, or nighttime tour, which is elevated by the LED lights that are attached to the kayaks. This gives a colorful glow to your underwater view, and the fish, stingrays, jellyfish, and starfish you can find in the bay.
The kayaking tours are suitable for all including first-timers. Each kayak can hold 2 people and as the bay is very shallow, this experience is perfect for children (life vests are provided).
Kayaking sessions last 45 minutes, and there are multiple time slots available between 7 pm and 11:30 pm daily. The company also has glow stand-up paddle boards and glow bicycles available to rent, if you want to experience something different.
Note, that there is limited parking available at the premises, but there is public parking across the street, and this tour is the perfect after-dinner experience at one of Pensacola’s best restaurants.
Exploring Shell Island in Panama City Beach
As experienced by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within
One of the most adventurous things to do in Panama City Beach is to visit Shell Island. Located just off the Emerald Coast and part of St. Andrews State Park, this 7-mile-long barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is a true gem.
The island is a protected haven for wildlife, so it’s completely undeveloped, with no restrooms, food, or even shade available. You can however enjoy the unspoiled white-sand beaches on foot and the warm shallow waters that surround the island (so remember to bring a snorkel!).
Shell Island is only accessible by boat. You can take the official Shell Island Shuttle ferry or if you want to avoid the crowds then book the Ohana sailboat with Paradise Adventures for $99pp, and enjoy an amazing day sailing in the Gulf of Mexico. You can moor up to the sandbank of Shell Island, and walk through the calm waters to the island, so you can explore it on foot. Just make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles as they are both abundant in this area.
For the best experience, visit during the week when it’s likely you’ll have the entire island to yourself (this would be impossible on the weekends when visiting Shell Island is a popular activity for locals).
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Western Lake in South Walton
One of the state’s best-hidden gems has to be 30A (formally known as South Walton). Located along the Northwest coast of Florida, it is lined with perfectly kept beaches, 16 different beach neighborhoods, and a unique coastal dune lake.
Coastal dune lakes are only found in a handful of places around the world including Madagascar, New Zealand, and the Florida Panhandle. The best way to experience this rare ecological gem is to get out onto the water and see it for yourself.
Either hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board (between $15-50 depending on how long you want it for), and head down to Grayton Beach State Park where you can explore the backwaters of their unique 100-acre Western Lake.
The lake has calm tranquil waters so it’s suitable for paddlers of all experience levels, but if it’s a windy day it will take a lot of energy to navigate all the water trails, so don’t go too far out.
Once on the water, the first thing you’ll notice is the dark, rich tannin-colored waters of the lake, which are caused by water seepage from the nearby sea. This does however make Western Lake one of the most biodiverse places in Florida.
Adventurous Things to do in Central Florida
Kayaking in the Springs
As experienced by Candice from CS Ginger
One of the fun and adventurous things to do in Florida is kayaking in the natural springs. There are about 700 natural springs in the state, many of which are open to kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and tubing. The springs by Orlando and surrounding areas make it a great central area for exploring the beautiful spring water.
There are some seasonal restrictions for specific springs depending on the manatee season during the winter months. It is always a good idea to check local regulations to make sure you can kayak in the springs during your visit.
Silver Springs State Park is a great place to go kayaking in the springs. Along with glass-bottom boat tours, you can take your own kayak out or rent one to explore. This is a unique spring because there are also wild monkeys in the park. Along with the monkeys, you can see manatees, alligators, and birds. This is a very pretty spring to explore by kayak.
Another great place to kayak and see the manatees is the Crystal River. If you are wanting to get up close to the manatees in the winter, this is one of the few places in Florida where you can swim with the manatees during the winter months. This is a fantastic place to kayak and snorkel.
Plan and reminisce on your Florida adventures with this Florida State Parks + Sites Journal!
Ziplining in Ocala, FL
As experienced by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bag
Florida is filled with tons of adventurous things to do, and Ocala is an unexpected gem when it comes to adventures. The best adventurous activity is to try your nerves on the Zip Lines at Zip the Canyons, located just 15 minutes from downtown Ocala.
There are 9 different length zip lines running through an amazing park, that historically used to be a mine, but today looks like Jurassic park, any minute a T-rex might just pop out and say hi!
You start with your training wheels on, and do a skills training, and then you zip from lowest and shortest, to eventually doing the longest and highest, at 155 ft high and 1,150 ft long. They will take pictures of you along the way, and the photo package was really reasonable, so you may want to plan the extra funds to truly document the adventure.
You can also horseback ride while you are at the park if that is up your alley. As you are right by the Ocala National Forest, you can also adventure into the forest, by walking or horseback riding.
Ocala is a great area to get outdoors and be adventurous in Florida, you can even visit Silver Springs State Park which has a lovely walking path and historic glass bottom boats to see the springs through.
Adventurous Things to do in Southern Florida
Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow
Can you believe this overwater bungalow is in the United States?! We celebrated my husband’s 30th birthday by splurging on a one-night stay here and it was an absolute dream! You can get to Tiki Suites via a boat shuttle in Key West.
After arriving you will find a comfy bed, sink, bathroom, cooler, a generator, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and even a hammock. It will be hard to believe you are in the middle of the ocean (okay…maybe not the middle, but definitely surrounded).
We packed a picnic dinner, drinks, and snacks and enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing against our home for the night.
Explore the Everglades via Airboat
It’s no surprise that The Everglades have made this “Adventurous Florida” list three times! This National Park is so unique and massive!
On our way from Miami to Key West, we stopped at Everglades Alligator park for an airboat ride through the Everglades. We spotted alligators and other wildlife, but the driver also takes you on 360 degree turns in the swamp.
After your ride, you can explore the rest of the park and watch the Alligator shows and feedings. We learned so many fun facts about the famous alligators + got to watch them snatch rats that were being thrown.
Parasailing- Islamorada, FL
As experienced by Amanda from the Toddling Traveler
The beautiful blue waters of the Florida Keys make it a great place for watersports, and parasailing is no exception. One of the best places to go parasailing on a Florida Keys family vacation is Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, FL. Sundance Watersports handles the parasailing out of Robbie’s, and they’re super knowledgeable and prepared for any weather. (Including lots of wind!) Robbie’s is perfectly situated near coral reefs and mangrove forests, giving you the most amazing views of the water from 350 feet above in the sky.
Parasailing at Robbie’s is $90 per person and can be booked on the phone, online, or in-person (pending availability.) Anyone 6 and older can go, and you can parasail with a total of 2-3 people at a time, depending on the weather. While they dip your toes in the water at the end, you don’t get very wet. Most people still wear a swimsuit just in case, but you can easily just wear shorts and a top. And of course, wear lots of sunscreen for that brutal Florida Keys sun.
If you’re not staying in Islamorada, Robbie’s has so much to do that it’s worth a half-day or day trip from the Florida Keys. There’s an open-air market with local vendors, kayaking, and the most amazing brunch and live music at the Hungry Tarpon. Robbie’s is also known for Tarpon feeding on the pier.
Driving the Keys? Check out this super-affordable self-driving tour to learn about the history and see all of the best stops!
Jet Ski the Gulf- Sarasota, FL
I’ll be completely honest and say that this was not my favorite thing. My husband would disagree and say it was awesome though. I like adventures where I feel as though I am in control, not where I am hanging on for dear life jumping over the massive waves.
ANYWHOOOOO, if you are less of a scaredy-cat than me, add jet skiing the gulf to your Florida Adventure Bucket List.
We used Siesta Skis in Sarasota for the morning “dolphin” tour. We were going far too fast to ever see dolphins, but the staff here was great, it was in a central location, and there were other rentals on-site. You do need a temporary Safe Boaters License to drive, but they are available online!
Swim with the Manatees
A true bucket-list adventure! This adventurous Florida list would not be complete without snorkeling with the manatees. You can experience this magical swim in Crystal River, Florida (about 1 hour from Tampa).
There are many tours to choose from, but make sure to plan your trip in the winter months (November-March) as the manatees leave the springs during the warm summer months. You will see the most manatees during the coldest months, but we still spotted a few towards the end of March!
Our tour was Explorida and it was perfect! After swimming with the manatees, they brought us to a second spring to check out and dive down to. The guide also takes pictures and videos that are available for purchase after (…and I’m always a sucker for pictures).
Tip! Visiting outside of Manatee season? You can go scalloping in the summer months (July to September).
Everglades Swamp Tour
As experienced by Lori from Naples Florida Travel Guide
The Florida Everglades are often referred to as “the River of Grass”, which best describes its unusual and fragile watershed ecosystem.
There are several ways you can explore the Everglades such as an airboat ride or an Everglades eco-tour, but one of the most unique ways has to be a swamp walk through the Glades.
Whether you’re an adventurous nature lover or not, a guided swamp walk should be on your must-do list when visiting southwest Florida. It’s an excellent way to gain an appreciation for the diverse plants and animals that call the Glades home, plus it’s downright fun.
A great place to experience this watery wilderness is in the Big Cypress National Preserve section of the Everglades. If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting in October during the 2-day Swamp Celebration, reserve a place for a guided walk with Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery. Or you can arrange a guided tour any time of year.
Yes, you’re going to get wet but not muddy. Don’t worry, the deepest water is not quite hip deep and the coolness is refreshing on a hot Florida day. You only need to bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, a towel, and water. The guides will provide walking sticks and bug spray. Mother Nature will provide the rest. Tickets are $75 per adult and $25 for kids 12 and under.
Kayaking through the Mangroves
While we were visiting the Florida Keys, our snorkeling and fishing tours were canceled due to high winds. I of course scoured the internet to find other adventurous things to do in Florida. Thankfully, I can See Clear Kayaking was still open for the day!
And in a strange turn of unexpected events, kayaking through the mangroves turned out to be one of my favorite things I have ever done.
After meeting at Lorelei’s restaurant, your guide will meet you will the clear kayaks. You will then set out in search of the amazing mangrove tunnels. We maneuvered our way through the tunnels, saw fish and other sea creatures under our kayaks, and ended our night with the most amazing sunset.
After your tour, be sure to grab some coconut shrimp and a tropical drink at the outdoor bar at Loreleis!
Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park- Homestead, FL
As experienced by Jami from Celiac Travel Pack
Biscayne National Park is located about 45 minutes south of Miami in Homestead, FL. The park is 95% water and the snorkeling is special. There are three snorkeling options at Biscayne:
- In the mangroves, you’ll find less colorful small fish. Biscayne is home to over 500 different species of fish and most of the fish in the area begin their lives in the mangroves so you’ll see swarms of baby fish.
- Biscayne is home to part of Florida’s Coral Reef. This is the only reef system in the continental US. It’s home to fish and large coral that sways in the current as you swim around. You’ll also see some of the 500+ fish species as vibrantly colored adults. A note: make sure you wear reef-safe sunscreen!
- The most unique draw is the Maritime Heritage Trail. This underwater “trail” includes six shipwrecks and a lighthouse. The keys and reefs in the area make it easy for ships to run aground. You benefit because that means the wrecks are shallow enough for snorkeling!
The Biscayne National Park Institute operates the tours. Snorkel adventures are 3.5 hours and cost $100. Book early because the tours fill up. You won’t be able to select a specific snorkel site; it’s going to depend a great deal on the weather. No matter where you end up you’ll have a great time. Just be flexible!
A Drive-Through Safari at Lion Country Safari- Loxahatchee, FL
As experienced by Sara at Travel A-Broads
Lion Country Safari is located in Loxahatchee, Florida. Its mission is to “be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment.”
Opened in 1967, Lion Country Safari was the first drive-through safari park in the United States, hosting dozens of free-roaming lions, alongside a few other species. It’s been a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ever since.
The park also introduced a new concept of the “Cageless Zoo”, bringing the experience of a game park to families who would never get to experience a “real” African safari.
Now, it’s home to more than 1,000 animals from six continents, including lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and more. It was even named “One of the top 10 best drive-through animal safaris” by USA Today, and “One of the top 10 most amazing zoos” by The Weather Channel!
A visit here includes a drive through the four-mile preserve to see the animals in their wide-open habitats; some might even come right up to your vehicle! There’s also a streamable audio tour available in both English and Spanish.
The drive takes around an hour, but give yourself plenty of time to observe the animals and take photos. Note that you must keep your car windows closed and stay inside your vehicle at all times.
In addition to the self-guided drive, the park also offers restaurants, shops, campsites, a 55-acre adventure park with rides, animal encounters, and more. There’s also a short Nature Walk where you can watch the chimpanzees play or take a paddle boat ride out on the lake.
Booking your tickets online will save you time and money. At the time of this post, tickets are $30 for children ages 3-9 and $39 for regular admission (anyone over the age of 10) plus fees and tax.
Biking in Shark Valley Everglades National Park
As experienced by Jolayne from simplyjolayne
You may think that when you visit Shark Valley you might see sharks. Not so! But you will see lots of alligators. The name Shark Valley comes from the Shark River in the Gulf of Mexico where the water in the Everglades flows. Shark Valley is a perfect stop on your way to the Florida Keys!
If you already have a National Park Pass, be sure to bring it for entrance to the park. Otherwise, you will need to pay the National Park entrance fee.
As a visitor to the park, you can explore the 15-mile Everglades Loop. Bring your own bike or rent from the Visitor Center on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also walk along the path, take a guided bike tour, or sign up for a tram tour. Bike rentals are $22 per bike.
Along the paved loop there’s marshy grassland on your left and mangroves on your right; discover the abundant wildlife including a variety of birds, turtles, snakes, and alligators.
In fact, you may pass alligators sunning themselves in the mangroves and directly on the path as you pedal past. The alligators are pretty acclimated to humans, but you are advised by the rangers to exercise caution. If you happen to visit in the Spring, look for pods of freshly hatched baby alligators.
Bike to the halfway point—the Shark Valley Observation Tower. As a recommendation, you may wish to turn around and bike back the same way you came if you want to search for more alligators.
The second half of the loop travels through a marshy area with grassland on either side of the trail. If you are a bird watcher, you’ll love this section with its abundance of bird sightings.
Did you know Florida was full of so many adventures?! I have only tried a handful of these, but I CAN NOT wait to check the rest off my list. What else would you add to this “Adventurous Things to do in Florida” list?!
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