17 Fun Things to Do in Florida: Beaches, Nature & Theme Parks
Florida combines beach days, freshwater springs, wildlife watching and theme parks. Start with one region: Miami and the Keys for a southern road trip, Tampa Bay for Gulf beaches, or Orlando and central Florida for parks and springs.
Choose an excursion that fits your route
Near Fort Lauderdale, compare a Sawgrass airboat outing if you want a short guided water excursion. In Key West, a sunset sail suits travelers who want music and drinks on the water. These are separate bookings, hundreds of miles apart, not a sightseeing pass.
Compare Sawgrass airboat dates
Check the final price, meeting point, weather policy and cancellation terms. The Sawgrass option does not include hotel transportation; the sunset sail is not a snorkeling trip. Independent beach days or park walks may suit you better if you prefer an unstructured day.
Florida at a glance
Planning estimate: Allow 7–10 days for one focused region. For a longer combination, allow 10–14 days and leave room for travel days. A car is useful for a multi-region route; it is less useful for every hour of a South Beach stay.
For more detailed planning, use our Orlando guide, Tampa guide and Miami guide.
1. Plan a Florida Road Trip
Recommended by Lori from Travlinmad
Florida is a big place with so many unique things to do. But when you want to cover some ground, visit a few places all at once and experience the diversity of the Sunshine State in one trip; there are so many great Florida road trips to try. And you can take one any time of year.
The woodsy terrain of Northern Florida, the sugar sand beaches on the Panhandle and fresh Gulf seafood make for a winning road trip combination. St. Augustine is a good stop for culture lovers.
Central Florida is home to much of Florida’s natural world despite its proximity to Disney World. The warm crystal springs throughout this part of the state are best explored on a road trip.
The Space Coast adds space history, while the Nature Coast offers springs and paddling. Choose individual stops by current access rules, especially for manatee viewing and spring swimming.
In south Florida, there’s a tropical vibe at any time of year. Discover the fun beach scene and Latin flavor in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, then head south through the Florida Keys to Key West.
For a quieter beach setting, head to southwest Florida, where Naples has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and is the gateway to explore the vast wilderness of Everglades National Park.
Choose a region first, then build a road trip around your time and interests. Trying to see the entire state in a short visit means spending much of it driving.
Plan your visit
- Location: Choose one region: north/central springs, Tampa Bay coast, or Miami and the Keys.
- Admission and costs: Budget for car rental, fuel, tolls, parking and individual admissions.
- Hours and access: Year-round possibilities; check road and weather alerts before each driving day.
- Time needed: Allow 7–10 days for a focused regional route, not the whole state.
- Planning tip: Keep relocation days lighter and avoid prepaid activities immediately after a long drive.
2. Cycle the Shark Valley Loop
Recommended by Deanne from Scenic and Savvy
Biking next to alligators is probably not on most people’s Florida bucket list, but it should be. Shark Valley, a north entrance to Everglades National Park, is known for its concentration of alligators and other wildlife.
Biking the 15-mile paved Shark Valley loop trail is a great way to see Florida’s landscape and look for alligators from a safe distance.
Shark Valley is west of Miami off the Tamiami Trail. You can rent a bike or bring your own. The trail starts near the visitor center and passes wetlands where you may see wildlife.
Alligators are the main attraction, but there are also turtles, egrets, herons, anhingas, and others.
Have your camera ready, but give wildlife space. The National Park Service requires at least 15 feet (5 meters) from wildlife; never feed, touch or approach an alligator. If one blocks the trail, wait at a safe distance rather than trying to squeeze past.
Halfway along the loop trail, you’ll come to an observation tower. Climb to the top to see 360-degree views of the marshy scenery surrounding you; and the chance to see even more amazing wildlife.
Plan 2-3 hours for the bike ride, depending on how many stops you make for pictures. With this much wildlife so close up, biking Shark Valley is one Florida adventure not to miss.
Plan your visit
- Location: Shark Valley entrance, off US 41 west of Miami.
- Admission and costs: NPS entrance fees apply; bike rental or tram tickets cost extra. See the national-park fee note below.
- Hours and access: Use current visitor-center, gate and bike-return times on the NPS page.
- Time needed: About 2–3 hours cycling the 15-mile loop, plus stops and entry time.
- Planning tip: Carry water, start early in heat, and keep at least 15 feet / 5 meters from wildlife.
3. Explore Fort Lauderdale and the Everglades
Recommended by Stefan from Nomadic Boys
Fort Lauderdale is not only our favorite place in Florida; it’s one of our favorite gay vacation spots in the world, thanks to the amazing gay scene in Wilton Manors.
We love it here: an area full of restaurants, bars, clubs, and boutique shops catering to the LGBTQ community. Fort Lauderdale is also a useful base for beaches and excursions into the wider Everglades region.
The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, an area consisting of 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve. It’s also super important because it protects endangered species like the manatee, crocodile, and the Florida panther.
Wildlife sightings are part of the appeal, but they depend on location and conditions. For us, the alligators were a particular reason to explore the wetlands.
One option is Sawgrass Recreation Park, west of Fort Lauderdale. Here you can join a guided airboat ride through the wetlands. This commercial attraction is outside Everglades National Park; do not confuse its ticket with national-park admission.
At one point, the alligator got right up close to our airboat before we sped away! A pretty remarkable and unique experience in our trip around Florida, which we’ll never forget.
Plan your visit
- Location: Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors; Sawgrass Recreation Park is west of the city.
- Admission and costs: Airboat booking is separate from beaches, city activities and national-park entry.
- Hours and access: Choose an available check-in time; weather can affect operations.
- Time needed: Allow half a day including travel; the linked boat ride is listed at 40 minutes.
- Planning tip: Confirm your own transport and pickup location. Sawgrass is outside the national park.
Booking option: The linked Sawgrass outing lists a 40-minute airboat ride plus exhibit admission. Its scheduled time is a check-in time, with the boat departure assigned on arrival. Arrange your own transport. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
4. Visit Florida’s Freshwater Springs
Recommended by Megan from Red Around the World
When most people think of Florida, they think of Disney, swamps, and beaches, but they also have some of the most unique features in the country: the freshwater springs.
Many springs have clear water that stays relatively stable in temperature, but they are not all identical. Some permit swimming, while others restrict water access to protect wildlife or for safety.
You will find springs across northern and central Florida, including several within reach of Gainesville.
They can be especially refreshing in summer, when popular sites may reach capacity. In winter, check for manatee-protection closures instead of assuming every spring remains open for swimming.
Ichetucknee Springs and Ginnie Springs are options to research around Gainesville. Paddling and tubing routes have their own launch points, cutoffs and rental arrangements; choose the specific spring and activity before setting out.
If you want to swim in any of the springs, ensure it is allowed before doing it. Even if you don’t want to swim, there are plenty of hiking trails around and near the springs, so you can still admire them. These are easily some of the best and most unique things to see in Florida.
Related reading from the original contribution: springs near Gainesville
Plan your visit
- Location: Northern and central Florida; choose a named spring and entrance.
- Admission and costs: Ichetucknee: $6 per vehicle with 2–8 people; rentals and shuttle extra. Other springs differ.
- Hours and access: Ichetucknee opens 8 a.m.–sunset. Capacity closures can apply even with a rental reservation or prepaid day pass.
- Time needed: Half a day or longer for swimming, paddling or tubing.
- Planning tip: Check current launch closures; Midpoint was listed closed for repairs at review. Different water activities use different entrances.
5. Discover Wynwood and Downtown Miami
Recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Miami has become quite an artistic city since the first Art Basel Miami beach in 2002 and the establishment of Design Miami.
Once a warehouse-packed industrial district, Wynwood underwent an exciting transformation; and now it’s filled with boutiques, designer stores, cafes, and hip restaurants. What’s more, many of the warehouses are painted with colorful and original graffiti.
Tony Goldman helped establish Wynwood Walls as a home for large-scale street art. Distinguish the ticketed outdoor museum from murals visible on neighborhood streets: a free walk around Wynwood does not include entry to Wynwood Walls.
The artworks and galleries change, so look at the current exhibition program rather than seeking a particular installation from an older trip report.
In downtown Miami, continue your art trip at Pérez Art Museum Miami, with modern and contemporary art in its waterfront building.
The exhibitions give this stop a different focus from Wynwood’s outdoor murals. Check the current program to decide whether to visit both.
Allow time for the museum galleries instead of treating the building as a quick photo stop. Specific artists and installations vary with the exhibition schedule.
Related reading from the original contribution: Read also: Best things to do in Miami.
Plan your visit
- Location: Wynwood district and PAMM at 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
- Admission and costs: Street murals can be viewed free; Wynwood Walls and PAMM have separate admissions.
- Hours and access: PAMM is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check both museums’ live calendars.
- Time needed: Half a day for the two areas, including transfer and a meal.
- Planning tip: Compare the murals you can see on foot with the ticketed museum before buying. Leave time to travel between neighborhoods.
Wynwood Walls tickets and visitor information
6. Spend a Day in South Beach
Recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery
The whole South Beach area lying on a barrier island alongside Miami city is so interesting to explore. Of course, there’s the long beach, one of the best beaches in Florida for couples, with perfect sand and refreshing waves, but there’s more.
Ocean Drive runs beside the beach and is known for its Art Deco buildings. The former Versace mansion is another well-known landmark along the street.
Foodies will love South Beach. The number of quality restaurants spans all types of cuisines and eating styles imaginable. Whether you want to pop in for a quick bite at a hip bistro, get a good burger from the Five Guys, or engage in a lavish dinner, you can have it all in South Beach.
South Beach is also a nightlife destination. Check the individual venue’s event calendar, entry conditions and dress code rather than assuming one rule applies everywhere.
Lastly, South Beach offers shopping beyond souvenirs and beach items. Compare stores and prices rather than assuming every outlet or brand has a bargain.
You can easily get around South Beach and Miami without a car. Apart from the free Miami Beach Trolley going up and down along the beaches, the whole area is well covered with public transport, plus there are many bike- and ride-sharing options.
Plan your visit
- Location: South Beach, Miami Beach; distinct from mainland Miami.
- Admission and costs: Public beach visits can be free; parking, rentals and entertainment cost extra.
- Hours and access: Follow beach flags and posted access rules. The Miami Beach trolley is free; check its route.
- Time needed: Half a day to a full day.
- Planning tip: Stay near your priorities to limit cross-bay journeys; walking and trolley trips do not replace every mainland transfer.
7. Combine Art and Beaches in St. Petersburg
Recommended by Pauline from Beeloved City
St. Petersburg, in the Tampa Bay area, combines downtown art and music with access to Gulf Coast beaches.
If you love art, head downtown for The Dalí Museum. The Museum of Fine Arts, Florida Holocaust Museum and Chihuly Collection offer different perspectives; compare their current exhibitions and opening days.
When it comes to food, St. Pete also has plenty to offer. Central Avenue is a useful area to explore for lunch; compare current menus before settling on a restaurant.
In the evening, check the concert calendar at Jannus Live. This outdoor venue can be a good reason to spend the night in town, but shows and ticket prices vary.
Finally, let’s talk about the beaches! St Petersburg is known for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in North America!
St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are beach options outside downtown. Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island require a separate drive; allow for traffic rather than relying on a fixed half-hour journey.
Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas County park, is another choice for beaches, paddling and coastal scenery. Dolphin sightings are possible, not guaranteed.
Related reading from the original contribution: Read also: Best things to do in Tampa · hidden gem in Florida
Plan your visit
- Location: Downtown St. Petersburg and separate Gulf beach communities.
- Admission and costs: Museum tickets, concert tickets and beach parking vary; Fort De Soto lists $6 parking plus applicable payment fees.
- Hours and access: Check museum and concert calendars; Fort De Soto generally opens 7 a.m.–sunset.
- Time needed: One or two days for art and beaches without rushing.
- Planning tip: Pair nearby sights. St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach are different places.
8. Slow Down on Anna Maria Island
Recommended by Jacquie from Flashpacking Family
Anna Maria Island is a small barrier island lying just off the west coast of Florida, about 55 miles south of Tampa.
Its white sand beaches make it appealing for a beach getaway, particularly if you’re looking to kick off your shoes and unwind. Sea conditions vary, so choose swimming locations using local flags and advice.
There’s a distinctively slower pace of life on Anna Maria Island than in Florida’s larger cities.
Much of the western shore is lined with beaches. Bean Point at the island’s northern end is a scenic choice for a shore walk and sunset; do not treat its inlet setting as a guaranteed calm swimming spot.
There is a walk from residential access points, and legal parking can be limited. Respect signs, private property and nesting areas.
Bean Point is the ideal beach to visit later in the day to chill and catch a beautiful sunset with a picnic. Sit and watch the plentiful birdlife head home to roost or even a passing manatee if you’re lucky.
Plan your visit
- Location: Anna Maria Island, south of Tampa Bay.
- Admission and costs: Beach access and parking rules depend on the access point; lodging is separate.
- Hours and access: Check local beach advisories, flags and posted parking rules.
- Time needed: A beach day or a two-night stay.
- Planning tip: Treat Bean Point as a scenic shoreline stop; do not assume safe swimming or available parking.
9. Explore Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Recommended by Ashley from Jetset Jansen
It’s easy not to make it off Miami Beach on a short visit. But Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, on the mainland near Coconut Grove, offers a different side of Miami.
Vizcaya is a waterfront mansion built in the 1900s by James Deering and is known for its French and Italian architectural design. The house is open for tours, but the main attraction is the vast garden.
In between statues and spiraled hedges, you’ll find gazebos and stone steps leading to overlooks. Even the ceiling in the gazebo is a painted work of art.
The many flowers and archways are idyllic for photos, and Vizcaya has become a popular spot for photoshoots and weddings.
The back of the house has large stairs leading right to the water, where Deering had a large stone barge built a little way out into the water.
The stone barge is part of the waterfront view rather than an area visitors can walk onto.
It’s a unique place to visit in Miami, different from the typical beach and party scene. The gardens are beautiful, and it’s a great way to spend the afternoon exploring.
Related reading from the original contribution: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Plan your visit
- Location: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, mainland Miami.
- Admission and costs: Paid admission; confirm current ticket category and any photography charges.
- Hours and access: Normally Wednesday–Monday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; check last admission and holiday changes.
- Time needed: About 2–3 hours.
- Planning tip: Allow outdoor garden time in the cooler part of the day. Special photoshoots have separate rules.
10. Watch Manatees in Crystal River
Recommended by Christina from Travel2next
An unusual thing to do in Florida is to swim with manatees, large marine mammals with flippers, powerful flat tails, and egg-shaped heads. They are the marine equivalent of an elephant and are graceful and fast swimmers.
In Florida, manatees can be found in shallow rivers, estuaries, canals, and bays as they migrate to Florida’s natural springs for warmth in winter.
Crystal River’s Kings Bay offers regulated in-water manatee viewing with permitted operators. This is passive observation, not an invitation to approach, touch or swim after animals.
During colder weather, manatees gather near the bay’s warm springs. Numbers and visibility depend on conditions.
Resting animals need space. Follow refuge rules and your guide, stay out of marked sanctuaries and let any encounter happen without pursuing a manatee.
The refuge’s winter manatee season runs November 15 through March 31, when sanctuary restrictions are in effect. Temporary closures may further limit access during cold weather.
Compare a permitted guided tour with viewing from the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk. Choose land-based observation if you do not want to enter the water; check the separate access and ticket arrangements.
Plan your visit
- Location: Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River.
- Admission and costs: Guided water trips and land-access tickets are different purchases.
- Hours and access: Winter sanctuary season: November 15–March 31; temporary closures may apply.
- Time needed: Allow half a day including briefing and transport; duration depends on your chosen activity.
- Planning tip: Use a refuge-permitted operator for in-water viewing. No touching, chasing or entry into closed sanctuaries.
11. Continue South to Key West
Recommended by Megan from Megan & Aram
Visiting Key West at the end of the Florida Keys adds a different rhythm to a Florida trip. If arriving by road, the drive south takes you between islands and across long bridges.
Once you arrive in Key West, you will feel like you have been magically transported to a different era, with the laid-back attitudes and fun-loving spirit reminiscent of a time lost to a more modern world.
Duval Street is a focus for nightlife, with bars and live music associated with Key West’s Jimmy Buffett tradition.
While the island is famous for its party lifestyle, plenty of cultural activities are available on Key West, such as visiting Ernest Hemingway’s House.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a separate excursion from Key West, requiring a confirmed boat or seaplane booking. It needs its own day and should not be squeezed between island sights.
Key West is warm for much of the year, but storms and marine conditions can change plans. A winter visit brings its own seasonal events; check the calendar for your dates.
Related reading from the original contribution: visiting Key West at the end of the Florida Keys · Key West in winter
Plan your visit
- Location: Key West, at the end of the Overseas Highway.
- Admission and costs: Free Old Town walks and Mallory Square; museums, tours and hotel parking extra.
- Hours and access: City sights have individual hours; boat departures depend on weather.
- Time needed: Two or three nights; add a separate day for Dry Tortugas.
- Planning tip: Use the full Key West guide below. Do not book a sunset cruise and Mallory Square for the same evening.
Plan the rest of your stay with our things to do in Key West.
Optional sunset sail: This two-hour outing includes a live band, drinks and appetizers. It suits a social evening on the water; choose another option if you want a quiet sail or daytime snorkeling.
12. Visit the Seasonal Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Recommended by Trijit from BudgetTravelBuff
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival adds sand sculptures and events to a Clearwater Beach visit when its annual dates match your trip. The organizer’s latest published schedule reviewed here was March 27–April 12, 2026, which has already passed.
Whether you travel with family or kids, you will definitely love the sand sculpture festival of Florida. You will get a chance to see the artwork of renowned sand artists across the globe.
Family activities and live entertainment depend on the annual program. Check what is included before promising particular activities to children.
Sand-sculpting workshops can add a hands-on element when scheduled. Check registration and any separate charges.
Food and drink are separate purchases. Fireworks, tastings and other extras are not guaranteed parts of every edition.
Buy only after the organizer publishes dates and ticket conditions for your travel year. The original $10 price is outdated and is not a quote for the next festival.
Parking can be challenging during an event. Compare current beach parking and transport options, and leave a buffer before any timed entry.
Related reading from the original contribution: cheap place to visit in Florida
Plan your visit
- Location: Pier 60, Clearwater Beach; seasonal event.
- Admission and costs: Wait for the organizer’s ticket terms for the next edition; the original $10 quote is obsolete.
- Hours and access: The reviewed schedule was March 27–April 12, 2026, now past. Future dates not confirmed here.
- Time needed: About 2–4 hours when the festival is running.
- Planning tip: Outside the festival dates, plan Clearwater as a beach visit rather than expecting sculptures and entertainment.
13. Choose Your Everglades Adventure
Recommended by Jamie from Travel-Addict.net
Everglades National Park protects a large wetland landscape in southern Florida. Its access areas are spread out, so choose which part you want to visit before booking transport.
It’s well known for the variety of wildlife that lives within the swamps of the Everglades – from alligators to wood storks to manatees and many other beautiful creatures.
The Everglades are not only a National Park but have also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as well.
Many businesses offer airboat tours in the wider Everglades region. I personally find this mode of transport a memorable way to experience the wetlands, but the departure point matters: not every tour enters the national park.
Even my 90-year-old grandfather thoroughly enjoyed our trip. My original recommendation was Sawgrass Recreation Park, which is outside the national park. Suitability still depends on the individual and the operator’s boarding and participation requirements.
Other options include Shark Valley’s observation tower, the Tamiami Trail, the separate Big Cypress National Preserve, the Ten Thousand Islands area and Flamingo. These are different outings, not stops automatically included in one airboat ticket.
For walking, compare shorter trails such as Anhinga and Pineland with the current park alerts. Longer backcountry routes need more preparation and should not be treated as casual extensions of an airboat outing.
The cooler, generally drier winter months are often easier for outdoor visits. Check daily forecasts, heat and mosquito conditions regardless of season.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale are possible flight gateways. Driving distance depends on the exact entrance; Shark Valley, the Homestead entrance and Flamingo are not interchangeable destinations.
Plan your visit
- Location: Choose Shark Valley, the Homestead/Flamingo route or the Gulf Coast side before planning transport.
- Admission and costs: National-park fees and paid tours are separate; read the nonresident fee note below.
- Hours and access: Use NPS alerts for trails, roads and visitor facilities.
- Time needed: One full day for one area; several days for a wider exploration.
- Planning tip: Sawgrass Recreation Park overlaps with entry 3 and is outside the national park. Do not book it twice.
14. Virginia Key: an Earlier Kayaking Experience
Recommended by Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Vicky’s original account describes kayaking with manatees at Virginia Key, just off Miami. It shows a nature-focused side of the city, but the rental arrangement described in that earlier visit is no longer current.
The former Virginia Key Outdoor Center states that it is closed. Do not travel here expecting to rent its kayaks or bicycles; confirm any current provider, launch permission and access separately.
Virginia Key also has mountain-biking trails, a different activity from the former center’s kayak trips. Check trail conditions with the current trail organization before riding.
The lagoon’s manatee encounters belong to the contributor’s earlier experience. Their presence at a particular place or time is not guaranteed.
It’s exciting to kayak with manatees and wait for them to pop up to take a breath. They can be pretty curious, so sometimes they’ll get close to your kayak. It’s important always to respect the space of manatees, however.
Don’t chase one into a corner or make a lot of noise by shouting or hitting the water hard with your paddle. The best way to peacefully and respectfully enjoy your time with manatees is to simply float or drift.
Related reading from the original contribution: kayaking with manatees
Plan your visit
- Location: Virginia Key, Miami; original account relates to the former outdoor center.
- Admission and costs: Old rental prices and availability are not valid planning information.
- Hours and access: VKOC’s own website states it is closed; any alternative provider and launch access must be confirmed separately.
- Time needed: Only allocate a paddling session after confirming current arrangements.
- Planning tip: Keep the original experience as inspiration, not a current rental recommendation. Wildlife sightings are never assured.
15. Spend a Day at Magic Kingdom
Recommended by Erica from Travels with Erica
Magic Kingdom is one of the best things to do in Florida and is the perfect theme park to visit whether you’re an adult or traveling with children.
The combination of classic Disney attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain, and a touch of childhood nostalgia make for the perfect theme park day.
If rides aren’t your thing, check the stage shows, parades and nighttime entertainment scheduled for your date. Weather and separate-ticket events can affect the program.
Dining can be part of the experience, with themed choices such as Be Our Guest and Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. These are established restaurants, not new additions; check reservations and current menus.
Arriving for opening can help you make use of the day, but it does not guarantee short waits. Check your ticket’s admission and reservation rules before traveling.
Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed event on selected dates. It offers access to selected attractions with limited attendance, not an empty park or a promise of no lines. Check the event calendar before adding it to your budget.
Plan your visit
- Location: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World near Orlando.
- Admission and costs: Date-specific park ticket; After Hours, dining and optional queue products cost separately.
- Hours and access: Check the daily calendar and ticket-specific reservation rules.
- Time needed: One full park day.
- Planning tip: Prioritize a few rides and meals; neither early arrival nor After Hours guarantees no lines.
16. Explore Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Recommended by Nicole from Bucketlistlists
One of the very best things to do in Florida is to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Atop many USA bucket lists is to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
If you are a fan of the books and/or movies, seeing both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley come to life is quite the experience.
Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios Florida. A ticket permitting access to both parks on the same day is required to ride the Hogwarts Express between them.
There is now a third Wizarding World land: Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. It is at a separate park, not a third stop on the Hogwarts Express. Check whether your chosen ticket explicitly includes Epic Universe.
Alternatively, you could visit the parks on different days, but taking the Hogwarts Express is such a fun experience to enjoy for true Potter fans.
While you are visiting the parks, make sure to browse the shops. You will find things like wands, broomsticks, and other popular items from the series. Butterbeer is also a staple between both parks. You can get it hot or cold, but it is easy to drink several!
Pro tip: arrive early, but expect queues on busy days. If all three Harry Potter lands are a priority, plan more than one park day instead of promising to cover them comfortably in a single visit.
Plan your visit
- Location: Hogsmeade: Islands of Adventure; Diagon Alley: Universal Studios Florida; Ministry of Magic: Epic Universe.
- Admission and costs: Buy admission covering the parks you want. Hogwarts Express requires eligible access to its two connected parks on the same day.
- Hours and access: Check park calendars, attraction closures and exact ticket inclusions.
- Time needed: More than one day if all three lands are a priority.
- Planning tip: Universal is not Disney. Epic Universe is not connected by the Hogwarts Express.
17. Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Recommended by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a themed land inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World near Orlando. It is not a separate theme park.
This fully immersive area of the Hollywood Studios park transports you to Batuu, a terrestrial planet on the Outer Rim in the Star Wars universe. Here, you’re surrounded by other-worldly décor, characters, language, shops, and food.
Character appearances depend on the day’s entertainment schedule, so treat sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.
The Play Disney Parks app can add an interactive layer to exploring Batuu. Check which features are available during your visit.
The main rides include Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Oga’s Cantina is a drinks-focused stop rather than a full meal; compare reservations and current menus, or try the Milk Stand.
Browse the Black Spire Outpost shops and Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities for Star Wars merchandise. Building a droid or lightsaber costs extra and may need advance reservations; check current availability before promising it to your group.
Related reading from the original contribution: Orlando, Florida · Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Plan your visit
- Location: Inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World.
- Admission and costs: Hollywood Studios admission required; droid/lightsaber builds, food and drinks extra.
- Hours and access: Check attraction availability and experience reservations in Disney’s current system.
- Time needed: Several hours within a full Hollywood Studios day.
- Planning tip: A Magic Kingdom ticket alone does not grant Hollywood Studios access. Confirm any park-hopping entitlement.
Florida Routes: Choose One Main Region
Suggested pacing, not a fixed tour
- One week around Orlando and Tampa Bay: Choose two park days, then move to a Gulf Coast base for beaches and art. A spring visit replaces another day’s activity rather than becoming an extra long detour.
- One week in South Florida: Combine Miami neighborhoods and Vizcaya, one Everglades outing, a travel day down the Keys and two or three nights in Key West. Choose Fort Lauderdale instead of adding another hotel move if it fits your arrival.
- Ten to fourteen days: Combine selected central and southern stops with a buffer for weather and transfers. Avoid booking paid activities immediately after a long driving day.
Important Everglades Entrance Fees
Check resident status and pass coverage
The National Park Service currently lists an additional $100 per non-US resident aged 16 or older at Everglades National Park, on top of standard entrance fees, unless an eligible pass covers the visitor. A nonresident annual America the Beautiful pass is listed at $250. Coverage depends on the entrance arrangement and group size; do not assume one pass covers any group.
This is particularly important when comparing independent visits with tours entering the national park. Sawgrass Recreation Park is outside the national park and is a different purchase. Verify whether your chosen operator includes applicable fees.
Where to Stay and What to Budget
Choose accommodation near your main activities rather than using one hotel for widely separated regions. For park days, compare our Orlando hotel options. For southern excursions, compare our day trips from Miami.
Winter and spring often suit South Florida outdoor trips, while northern Florida can feel much cooler. Summer brings heat and thunderstorms, so leave flexibility around water activities. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1–November 30; monitor official forecasts before and during your trip. Official hurricane information
Compare the whole trip cost
Add lodging taxes and fees, car rental, fuel, tolls, parking, food and attraction tickets before comparing destinations. Pick a few paid highlights and mix them with independent walks and beach time. Theme-park extras and national-park fees can materially change the total.
Planning a wider US trip? See our places to visit in the USA.
Florida Travel FAQs
How many days do you need in Florida?
Plan 7–10 days for one region, or 10–14 days for a selective combination. These are itinerary suggestions, not enough time to see every attraction in this guide. Leave full travel days between distant bases.
Do you need a car in Florida?
A car is useful for springs, beach communities and a multi-region road trip. For an urban stay, compare walking, local transport and organized transfers before paying for a rental car and parking every day.
Is Harry Potter part of Disney World?
No. The Wizarding World is at Universal Orlando. Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and Ministry of Magic are in three different Universal parks. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When can you see manatees in Crystal River?
Winter is the main planning season; the refuge’s winter sanctuary season runs November 15–March 31. Sightings depend on conditions. Respect closures and choose passive observation without touching or following animals.
What can you do in Florida for free?
Consider public beach access, street murals outside ticketed museums, Old Town walks in Key West and Mallory Square at sunset. Parking, transportation, rentals and separately ticketed attractions can still cost money.
Do international visitors pay extra at Everglades National Park?
The current NPS rules list an additional $100 fee for non-US residents aged 16 and older, unless covered by an eligible pass. This is separate from standard entrance fees. Check current NPS terms for your party and route before booking.
Can you visit the Sugar Sand Festival year-round?
No. It is a seasonal event at Clearwater Beach. The reviewed 2026 dates have passed. Check the organizer’s next confirmed dates before booking a trip specifically for the festival.
Should you book every Florida activity in advance?
Reserve date-specific theme parks and priority tours after fixing your route. Keep flexibility for weather-sensitive boat trips and beach days. Read cancellation and change terms rather than assuming all bookings are refundable.
Practical information checked October 4, 2026. Original contributor accounts and photos describe earlier visits. Time estimates and routes are editorial suggestions. Confirm variable prices, access and departure details through the linked official sources before traveling.
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
