You Can Find It Here, in the Sunshine State
From natural wonders to fantastical journeys of imagination, visitors to the Sunshine State will discover a long list of things to do. There's no U.S. state quite like Florida, where strawberries grow in winter and beaches beckon year-round.
But, oh, Florida is so much more. Shopping, museum-going, tropical rambles, historic stops and all manner of water sports showcase the state's versatility from big-city experiences and small-town fun to the planet's most beautiful landscapes. There are more than 1,000 golf courses, too.
Florida has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, and much of that is made up of sugar-sand beaches. Each region's beaches have their own personality. The laid-back Keys are often called America's Caribbean and the azure water surrounding the string of islands certainly backs up that claim. South Florida's beaches dance to a Latin beat and the Space Coast offers wide, packed sand that is perfect for bike riding or perching to watch surfers and rocket launches. The Gulf Coast beaches are among the nation's most lauded with unparalleled sunset views. The Northwest beaches are deep and inviting, playing host to visitors from far and wide, all on the hunt for things to do in Florida.
Visitors looking for fun water things to do in Florida's interior will find it at various lakes and tributaries just as good for fishing as they are for kayaking and canoeing. The natural attributes of Florida attract thrill-seekers as well as those who want to kick back. 175 award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites are a draw for campers and hikers to diverse locations around the state.
The state's natural wonders are complemented by family-friendly fantasy at Florida's theme parks and attractions. From the Walt Disney World and Universal complexes in Orlando to Busch Gardens in Tampa, and many more zoos and botanical gardens, there is no end of ways to entertain the family (and adults who act like kids) north to south, east to west.
The fun activities and things to do in Florida continue into the night with the pulsating clubs of South Beach, Orlando and Jacksonville and at concert venues around the state. Florida is a major stop on the concert circuit and acts such as Beyonce, Justin Bieber and Bruce Springsteen make the Sunshine State a destination, too.
For many travelers, dining out and sampling authentic local cuisine is high on their to-do list. Florida doesn't disappoint with its wide array of local seafood, including grouper, shrimp and the legendary stone crab, available from mid-May to mid-October. Even the locals rejoice when the hard-shelled crabs show up on menus in the spring. Key lime pie, Cuban delicacies and even Greek food, a specialty of Tarpon Springs, are just some of the popular food choices. The craft beer movement has exploded in Florida and visitors will find local brew in most cities with names like Crooked Can, Cigar City, Funky Budha, Oyster City, and Veterans United. A brewery tour is a delicious way to cool off on a hot day.
