Calling all adventure-seekers! If you’re looking for an exciting and action-filled vacation, then look no further than Florida. From the welcome sign of sunny beaches and blue skies to the palm tree lined highways, there are many more things to see in Florida besides just theme parks.
What to See in Florida Besides the Theme Parks
For constant sunshine, a safe environment, excellent food and luxurious hotels with plenty to visit nearby. Florida fits the bill perfectly! From world class museums to fantastic waterside restaurants, there’s a lot to enjoy in the Sunshine State.
With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife and outdoor activities ranging from boat tours to hiking excursions – Florida has something special waiting around every corner. Get ready to uncover hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable!
1.Venetian Pool Coral Gables
A few minutes walk from The Biltmore Hotel, The Venetian Pool Coral Gables has to be the nicest public swimming pool that we’ve ever come across. If we hadn’t have had such an amazing pool at our hotel, we would definitely have come for a dip.
If you don’t have time for a swim, you can pay a small fee and just walk round as we did.
2.The Biltmore Coral Gables
One of the best Florida hotels is The Biltmore in Coral Gables. It’s a luxury resort set in 150 acres of land, including an 18 hole championship golf course.
The Biltmore Hotel was constructed in 1926 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Coral Gables itself was one of the first ever planned communities, with a Mediterranean Revival style, wide tree-lined avenues and ornate fountains.
At one point the Biltmore’s pool was the largest in the world and it’s swimming instructor was none other than Johnny Weissmuller before starring in Tarzan.
3.Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
And now for a bit of culture – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful museum in the very trendy area of Coconut Grove, Miami. This Italian Renaissance mansion was built in the 1920s, with a stunning jetty overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Vizcaya is one of the top American historic homes. Originally owned by James Deering, the tractor industrialist, the estate is now run by Miami-Dade County.
With its impressive collection of European art and furnishings, visitors are transported to a bygone era of opulence and glamour. But what truly sets Vizcaya apart are its breathtakingly beautiful gardens.
Designed by famed landscape architect Diego Suarez, the gardens blend Italian and French styles with a touch of Mediterranean flair. From the cascading waterfalls to the perfectly pruned topiaries, every inch of the gardens is a feast for the senses.
It’s no wonder that Vizcaya has been the backdrop for countless weddings, photo shoots, and other grand events. A visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is truly an unforgettable experience.
4.Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami is a vibrant hub of activity, where the city’s dazzling architecture rises up amongst the glass-covered shopping malls and luxurious condos. The area is full of excellent restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the FTX Arena, Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Perez Art Museum.
Located in the Downtown area of Miami, this striking building featured in the opening credits of Miami Vice. The Atlantis Condominium on Brickell Avenue has a spiral staircase, jacuzzi and palm tree in its middle.
5.Little Havana
This is another interesting area of Miami to visit. Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood where you can immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
With dominoes being a popular pastime amongst locals, domino parks can be found on several squares. You will also see plenty of Cuban restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Latin cuisine like cuban sandwiches and café con leche.
Little Havana is known for it’s Walk of Fame featuring Latin artists such as Gloria Estefan and Julio Igelsias. It’s easy to spend an afternoon appreciating the vivacious atmosphere of Little Havana.
6.Miami Beach Art Deco Architecture
As soon as you step foot in The Miami Beach Architectural District, you will be visually struck by landmarks such as The Carlyle and the iconic Miami Beach Post Office. The glimmering white buildings are the epitome of Miami Art Deco architecture.
This historical district has been skillfully preserved so that modern-day visitors can experience a slice of 1930s Miami nostalgia in all its glory. Many Art Deco buildings in Miami have been renovated in the last few years. The Webster is a three storey lifestyle boutique at 1220 Collins Avenue that was designed in 1939 by architect Henry Hohauser.
South Beach Miami really comes to life at night and the many beachside lounge bars are at their best. Check out the Delano, the Shore Club and the Loews bars.
7.Miami Beaches
With more than 15 miles of beautiful beaches that offer marine life and stunning views, Miami is simply one of the most enviable vacation destinations in the world. The city’s coastline offers acres of idyllic sugar white sandy beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This makes Miami an ideal place to spend lazy summer days soaking up the sun and admiring marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and fish. South Florida is a great place to see manatees and bottlenose dolphins.
If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot iguanas sunning themselves by the shore in Miami. Whether you seek a day of sun-filled rest and relaxation or are looking for an oasis to escape winter’s chill, Miami’s range of beaches cater for all kinds of beach-lovers.
8.Airboat Everglades Tour
There are quite a few tours of the Everglades out there. We chose the one in Sawgrass as we’d read good reviews about it.
We certainly managed to see quite a few alligators and crocodiles. Just bear in mind that the air boats can’t go right into the heart of the Everglades, since they’re noisy, so if you really want to get up close to the wildlife, an Everglades kayaking tour is best.
We’d always wanted to go on an airboat, having seen so many films featuring them, and it is great fun. We’d advise that you take a waterproof, or you may get drenched at some point.
The Everglades National Park is actually the only eco-system in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side. Alligators only thrive in fresh water because they can’t digest salt, however crocodiles can live in both salt and fresh water.
In the Everglades, fresh water from the Florida Bay meets the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico so both species live there together. Do remember to cover yourself in anti-mosquito repellent, we used some but I still got lots of bites!
On your way back to Coral Gables, make a pit stop at the quirky Pit Bar-B-Q. Hopefully you won’t encounter any panthers on the road 😉
9.Worth Avenue Palm Beach
Worth Avenue Palm Beach is an iconic shopping destination in Florida. This one-mile long street is defined by impressive Mediterranean Revival and Georgian architecture.
Its zip/post code 33480 is the wealthiest in America and is filled with some of the most luxurious brands in the world. Boasting many elegant boutiques and restaurants, Worth Avenue offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for haute couture or a one-of-a-kind keepsake item from one of the locally owned boutiques, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. No matter what your shopping needs are, Worth Avenue is sure to have just what you need.
With its beautiful atmosphere and extensive offerings, this premier shopping avenue provides a unique retail experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
These life-sized sculptures of children and a pig sticking its nose into a trough are to be found in Gucci Courtyard, just off Worth Avenue.
10.West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a great place to explore and enjoy the Florida sunshine. From unique boutique shopping, to outdoor activities, the possibilities are endless.
Adventure seekers can check out the kayaking tour of Grassy Waters Preserve for an up-close look at some of the area’s wildlife. Foodies can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ from one of West Palm’s downtown eateries or relax with a glass of wine at one of the many wineries in Palm Beach County.
Culture-seekers should not miss a visit to the Norton Museum, where local art, music and theater performances take center stage. Shoppers will enjoy strolling around CityPlace, while night owls should make sure to hit Clematis Street, where lively bars and clubs await them until all hours!
Charming Sea Gull Cottage is the oldest house in Palm Beach. Built in 1886, it has been beautifully restored. Unfortunately you can’t visit the inside.
The non-denominational Royal Poinciana Chapel on Cocoanut Row is picture perfect. Opened in 1876, this historic Palm Beach landmark occupies a lot donated by Henry Flagler.
No matter your interest or age, West Palm Beach is bound to have something fun for everyone!
11.Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida is an amazing historical landmark that showcases the history and luxury of the Gilded Age. This South Florida landmark was created by Henry Flagler as a wedding present for his third wife and completed in 1902.
The interiors are really impressive, and it is also a National Historic Landmark, well worth a visit. Not only does the museum have a prime location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, but it also contains many fascinating exhibits about Henry Morrison Flagler, who was one of the founding fathers of Palm Beach and his family.
Visitors to this grand estate can explore all floors with their original furnishings from when it was first constructed and learn about Flagler’s business feats as well as what life was like during that era.
12.The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach
The Breakers Palm Beach is our next port of call. It’s another historic hotel resort, in fact you can even take a guided tour if you’re not staying there.
Decorated in an Italian Renaissance style, The Breakers was the brainchild of oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler. In 1896, Flagler built a hotel called The Palm Beach Inn and guests started to request rooms “over by the breakers.” When Flagler redoubled the hotel’s size, he renamed it The Breakers.
This elegant hotel quickly became popular with the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors and J.P. Morgan. It’s been beautifully modernised and the swimming pool is a great place to take in the sunset.
13.Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. From experiencing the natural beauty of the beaches, to exploring local attractions, there is something for everyone in this South Florida city.
Visitors can take a boat tour of Millionaire’s Row and see some of the most expensive waterfront homes or they can hop on a water taxi or gondola and view the city from a unique perspective. The Atlantic Coast provides vast expanses of coastline that are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing and swimming.
For a bit of culture, there are art galleries, museums and cultural centers offering exhibits about Fort Lauderdale’s past. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy discovering art and clothing boutiques along Las Olas Boulevard.
Foodies should make time to sample delicious local cuisine from seafood restaurants scattered throughout the city.
The canalside houses are quite something. In fact, Fort Lauderdale property is among the most expensive in Florida.
The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean has porthole views through to the hotel’s swimming pool and was featured in a scene from Analyze This with Robert de Niro and Billy Crystal. It’s great fun to have a drink in the Wreck Bar and to see someone swim past!
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Florida Besides Theme Parks
Florida is a beautiful state with plenty to offer beyond world-famous theme parks.
From natural wonders to small-town charm, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.
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