Although Florida is best known for its popular theme parks, Disney World and Universal Studios are not the only awesome day-trip attractions that the sunshine state has to offer its many guests. Instead of waiting in hour-long lines holding your little one’s Mickey Mouse ears, load up the minivan with snacks and head out to these underrated Floridan escapes.
Gatorland
As scarce as hen’s teeth are the white alligators hanging around Gatorland, an old state theme park dedicated to everything reptilian. Known locally as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland offers reptile shows, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, and plenty of photo opportunities to document your adventures.
Rent a Boat at Cocoa Beach
Take the kids on a ride across the clear water or plan a romantic adventure with your significant other. Cocoa Beach offers some of the best cocoa beach boat rental options in the state. For your next carefree glide across the Banana River Lagoon, choose from pontoons to electric 2-person rides, whatever floats your boat!
The Orlando Eye
Feast your eyes on the Orlando Eye, a soaring Ferris wheel offering a 360-degree view from 400 feet in the sky. Located on International Drive, the Orlando Eye is the perfect attraction to pair with the plethora of shops, restaurants, and goodies that reside in the International Drive area surroundings.
Key West’s Key Lime Pie
While you may have heard of The Florida Keys, you may not know that the city bakes a mean and green key lime pie, one that is just as sweet as the area’s laid-back vibes. Take a drive and sample a few slices from the various bakeshops that line the area. It’s a sweet treat for everyone.
South Beach Party Time
Want a little Hollywood down South? Celebrity sightings are common at South Beach, a palm-lined luxury beach area in the heart of Miami. Not into the limelight? Check out the many different beach parties, bars, and water-related activities that the area offers daily. Stroll the sidewalks and stop in at one of the cafes for a cup of Joe. There’s something here that will appeal to everyone.
Salvador Dali Museum
Art lovers will fall head over heels for Tampa’s Salvador Dali Museum, considered to be the top museum of America’s South by the Michelin Guide. Lose yourself in the surrealism of Dali’s many oil, watercolor, sketch, and sculpture-based creations.
The Ringling
More art can be enjoyed at The Ringling, a Sarasota museum of art and circus memorabilia. Weirdos in clown cars and tightrope walkers will find their people here.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Bookworms will enjoy Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum, located in Key West. Visitors are welcome to watch the many descendants of Hemingway’s pet cat, Snow White, as they roam around the house.
There’s a lot more to Florida than rollercoasters and sunburns. Explore the many underrated wonderlands available. Pie, mermaids, an ocean breeze? What more could you want in a daycation!
