From my experience when people mention Florida everyone thinks of just Orlando and the Disney parks. Although these parks are magical for children (and adults) and can make an adult feel like a child all over again. Being over twice the size of Ireland, Florida has so much more to offer.
Whether it’s a family holiday, a trip with friends, a holiday with your partner, or even your honeymoon, you can have numerous adventures in Florida. Another benefit of choosing Florida as your destination is that it is sunny and warm all year round, so a perfect location to get that winter sun. After all it is known as ‘The Sunshine State’ for a reason!
I first visited Florida in 2002, when I was 5 years old. Since my first visit I have been back multiple times and try to explore new places each and every time. Below I have shortlisted my top things to do if you want to avoid the parks.
1. Key West
When you arrive in Key West it is hard to hold in a smile. Key West is so upbeat and colourful, there is upbeat music, with summer vibes playing everywhere you go. Multiple cruise ships arrive in Key West every day, so it is always buzzing with tourists from all across the globe.
7-mile Bridge, Florida Keys
Duval Street is the most popular street in Key West, it is a bustling street with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You will always find something to do on Duval Street even if you are not looking for food or a beverage, with the unique shops which include art galleries, souvenir shops and boutiques. At one end of Duval Street you find Mallory Square and at the other end you find the southernmost point of continental USA.
Key West is best known for its famous sunsets when everybody gathers in Mallory Square to watch the sun go down while enjoying a drink beside the huge cruise ships while buskers play, and a huge number of incredible street performers entertain with numerous different acts.
Key west also offers opportunities to go snorkelling, sunset cruises and many other water-based activities. However, if the water is not for you, Key West is home to lots of historical monuments, houses and museums. You can walk to these places and explore yourself or go on hop on- hop off bus tours and other guided tours. Key West is definitely a location not to be missed.
2. Everglades National Park
Florida is known for being home to approximately 1.25 million alligators. So why not take a trip to see them up close and personal in their natural habitat. The Everglades is 1.5-million-acre National Park. It is home to thousands of different wildlife creatures including alligators, manatees, snakes, bobcats and panthers to name just a few. The best way to explore the Everglades is by driving across Highway US 41. This road was originally known as alligator valley. While driving along this road you will see thousands of alligators in the dikes on either side of the road. There is also rest areas with board walks that go further into the national park where you will be able to see more wildlife. You can also go on airboat ride which will take you through the open water but also across the swap grass and through other enclosed areas. Another great tour is the kayaking and canoeing trip through the Mangrove tunnels. If you are into nature and wildlife, then the Everglades is a must see! But remember they are wild animals and you are intruding on their home so give them space and be careful!
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3. St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is very relaxed with most people there being tourists who are there to unwind. Hotels and apartments line the streets. Although it is gives off a relaxed vibe, there is still plenty to do.
John's Pass village and boardwalk is turn-of-the-century fishing village. Filled with unique shops, the focus point of this village is its boardwalk. The boardwalk has many restaurants, ice-cream parlours and shops, but is also where you can book and go on sunset cruises, Dolphin watch tours, Deep sea fishing excursions and many other excursions. You can also rent Jet Skis, paddle boards, boats, kayaks and go parasailing in the Gulf of Mexico from here. While on the boardwalk you can watch dolphins jumping and see pelicans and other birds try to rob fish when the big fishing trawlers come back in.
St. Petersburg is a brilliant spot for food. If visiting the area, you must try Sweet Sage for breakfast or brunch. This fun and funky restaurant has incredible food and you will be entertained then entire time you are there by their amusing decorations and signs (which can also be purchased).
For dinner Mad Fish by Chef Oliver and Chophouse 1200 are two incredible steak houses, that will leave you incredibly full with all their delicious food. However, they are small and fill up fast so book a table to avoid disappointment.
If you are visiting St. Petersburg between November and January, be sure to check out the sand sculpting competition at Treasure Island. The sculptures are made by professional sculptures from all across the globe.
4. Orlando & nearby areas
If you want to go to Florida and still go to Orlando without doing the parks there is still plenty of things for you to do, (Even if you have decided you don't want to go to the parks, you might change your mind on a warm day and decide to visit some of the water parks to cool down).
One thing Orlando is not short of is shopping malls and outlets. Shopping in America is very different to shopping in Ireland, you can purchase clothes and branded items for a fraction of the price you would pay in Ireland.
Orlando is also home to international drive. International drive is known for its nightlife, but it is also where you can find helicopter rides, Ripley’s Believe it or not museum, an upside-down house, indoor skydive experience, the Orlando eye Ferris wheel and much much more!
Whether you are into Space or not, a trip to Kennedy Space centre is always worth a visit. You might even be lucky enough to be there on a rocket launch day. Here you will learn everything there is to know about Space, Astronauts, Spaceships, etc… You can even partake in an astronaut training experience.
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No matter what your interests are, you will find plenty of amazing things to do in Florida without having to go near the famous theme parks. Above I have only mentioned a tiny fraction of some of these things. So all that’s left to say is ‘Enjoy your trip to Florida!’.