Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. With hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline and a list of vibrant and fun cities, it’s no surprise the state attracts so many visitors yearly.
With so much to do and see, it isn’t easy to know which cities, attractions, and activities are worth your time. We looked beyond the typical tourist spots to compose a list of the most unique things to do in Florida.
- The Most Unique Things to Do in Florida
- 1. Visit the Clear Water Beaches
- 2. Explore Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks
- 3. Catch a Sunset from the Pier at Clearwater Beach
- 4. Spend a Day on Crab Island
- 5. Experience Little Havana in Miami
- 6. Go on a Dolphin Cruise in St. Pete
- 7. Go Out to Sea to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
- 8. Go Jet Skiing in The Keys
- 9. Take an Airboat Tour Through the Everglades
- 10. Visit the Sponge Capital of the World in Tarpon Springs
- 11. Visit Christ of the Abyss
- 12. Explore St. Andrews State Park in Panama City
- 13. Spend a Day in Space at The Kennedy Space Center
- 14. Hunt for Shark Teeth in Venice
- 15. Experience Floridian History in St. Augustine
- 16. Kayak Through Mangroves
- 17. See Another Side of Miami in Coconut Grove
- 18. Visit Ernest Hemmingway’s Home in Key West
- 19. Learn the Origins of the Circus at The Ringling Museum
- 20. Savor a Meal at the Flora-Bama Lounge
- 21. Make Your Way Through The Sunken Gardens in St. Pete
- Conclusion: Unique Things to Do in Florida
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The Most Unique Things to Do in Florida
Build your Florida itinerary from these suggestions, and we guarantee it will be a trip to remember!
1. Visit the Clearwater Beaches
You can’t expect to visit Florida without enjoying the splendor of the beach. The Florida beaches with clear water are some of the most stunning in all of the world.
Some of these beaches are easily accessed from the area cities like Panama City and Miami. Others, like beaches on The Florida Keys and those at Dry Tortugas National Park, are more remote and require further planning to visit.
2. Explore Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks
Thanks to its theme park appeal, Orlando is a popular place to visit. This city has top-notch tourist attractions, from Disney World and Universal Studios to SeaWorld.
Travelers looking for a more unique Orlando experience might enjoy exploring the nearby natural springs. Wekiwa Springs State Park is less than half an hour outside the city and is a great place to enjoy the area’s nature. Visitors can swim, hike, fish, kayak, or just enjoy a picnic in this picturesque spot!
Rock Springs at Kelly Park is another fun spot to visit if you’re looking to explore the natural springs near Orlando. This park has a really nice playground and some top-notch campsites. It’s such a serene place to visit, with calm waters and canopies of trees and lots of wildlife to enjoy!
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Rock Springs at Kelly Park is to take a guided kayaking tour. It’s a fun way to spend some time on the water while taking in the splendor of this area, often referred to as the “Emerald Cut.”
3. Catch a Sunset from the Pier at Clearwater Beach
Clearwater is another hot spot in Florida. It’s a fun beach town with sun for days and miles of beach to explore. The unique attraction that sets this spot apart from countless other beach towns is the Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival.
Every day, beginning two hours before sunset, Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach comes alive with music and activities. The lively celebration is a fun way to savor the Gulf Coast views at sunset and wrap up a day in Clearwater. Festivities continue for two hours after sunset.
4. Spend a Day on Crab Island
Travelers researching where to visit in Florida will no doubt stumble upon Destin. It’s a great place in the panhandle to lounge on the beach, enjoy water sports, or go golfing in Florida.
A visit to Crab Island, which is technically a sandbar, is one of the most fun ways to enjoy your time in Destin. Only reachable by watercraft (boat, kayak, or on a tour); once there, relax in the 1-4 foot deep water or pick up some food or gifts from the floating vendors. A visit here is truly one of the most fun and unique things to do in Florida.
5. Experience Little Havana in Miami
Miami is known for the glitz and glamor of South Beach, but if you’re looking for a little Cuban flavor, be sure to check out Little Havana. The colorful and lively neighborhood features amazing statues and murals, Cuban-inspired eateries, bars, shops, and so much more!
Travelers who prefer a guided experience can have a great time exploring this area on a food and culture tour. This part of the city is also perfect for those that would rather strike out on their own.
Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, Little Havana’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a fun city highlight. Each star along the walkway honors beloved Latin American celebrities.
Those visiting during warm months would be wise to swing by Azucar Ice Cream Company. This sweet shop serves up Cuban-inspired treats of dreams!
6. Go on a Dolphin Cruise in St. Pete
Wildlife can be an exciting aspect of traveling to a new state, especially if you are visiting with kids. Watching majestic dolphins thrive in their natural environment can enhance the magic of a Florida vacation exponentially.
Consider hopping on a Dolphin Cruise in St. Pete for an entertaining and unique experience you won’t soon forget. Adults and kids alike will have the time of their lives enjoying the sun and this fun environment while looking out for these adorable sea creatures.
7. Go Out to Sea to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, so that alone makes it a unique and special place to visit. Located 70 miles west of the Florida Keys, transportation out to the park alone requires a time commitment.
Once there, visitors can enjoy a breadth of activities across this secluded group of islands. From visiting the historic Fort Jefferson and snorkeling to camping and stargazing, there are plenty of unique adventures to be had in Dry Tortugas National Park.
8. Go Jet Skiing in The Keys
From Key West and Key Largo to Marathon or Islamorada, there are some amazing, fun, and interesting spots to visit in the Florida Keys.
Like many places throughout Florida, these are some great spots for rest and relaxation. That said, families looking for a thrill-seeking adventure will be happy to learn that there are some amazing places to jet ski in the Florida Keys too!
So, whether you’re looking to chill out or amp up, the Keys have you covered!
9. Take an Airboat Tour Through the Everglades
The mysterious and fascinating marshy landscape of the Everglades attracts many visitors to Florida. Believe it or not, airboats are the most popular and convenient way to explore this part of the state. Plus, they are also a fun way to spot some gators, too!
An Everglade airboat tour will provide your family with the chance to learn about the swampy grasslands of Florida, which can be accessed from a variety of cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Naples.
A tour like this is definitely not something you experience every day and makes for a fun and unique experience during a family vacation to Florida.
10. Visit the Sponge Capital of the World in Tarpon Springs
Visitors looking to explore some less-known touristy places in Florida should consider a stop in Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs is about half an hour north of Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. Settled by Greek immigrants in the 1870s, this area is home to some of the most prolific sponge beds in the world.
The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are the town’s star attraction. Take a walk throughout the docks, look for unique and memorable sponge souvenirs at the dock shops, or enjoy some authentic and stellar Greek food. However you spend your time, you can’t miss in Tarpon Springs!
11. Visit Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss is a remarkable 8-and-a-half foot bronze sculpture submerged about 25 feet down in the water surrounding John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park near Key Largo.
This is one of the most rewarding spots to snorkel in the Florida Keys. Though the statue is on the seafloor, snorkelers can capture some amazing views from above. A visit here definitely offers a unique story to tell upon a return home!
12. Explore St. Andrews State Park in Panama City
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring and unwinding at St. Andrews Park. This Panama City park has some beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, or beachcombing for shells!
It’s also one of the best places in the area to scope out wildlife! From sea life in tidepools, dolphins and fishing for Spanish mackerel and Tarpon, you never know exactly what you’ll come across at St. Andrews! Don’t miss the fun of ghost crabbing after dark, too!
13. Spend a Day in Space at The Kennedy Space Center
Aside from its striking beaches, one of Florida’s main claims to fame is its tie to NASA. The Kennedy Space Center near Orlando is one of the most exciting places to visit in Florida for youngsters with astronaut ambitions or anyone who is fascinated by space!
There is so much to learn here, from the US’s history of space travel to coming face to face with NASA artifacts, including some from space. There are many exhibits and experiences to make your way through, including IMAX movie screenings and a launch simulator, mimicking how it might feel to be aboard one of the shuttles upon blast-off!
14. Hunt for Shark Teeth in Venice
Beachcombing and shell collecting are some of the most popular activities solo travelers, couples, and families can enjoy while visiting Florida. Though shells make fun mementos to take home, walking the beach and collecting them is not necessarily a unique experience.
There are countless beaches throughout the state perfect for shell collecting, but beaches in Venice offer a very special beachcombing experience. Fossilized shark teeth are commonly found on sandy Gulf beaches in this area.
If you’re interested in uncovering some shark teeth of your own, check out Caspersen Beach and Manasota Key. Visit the Venice Fishing Pier to rent a special shovel to make the whole process that much easier!
15. Experience Floridian History in St. Augustine
Did you know that St. Augustine is the oldest town in Florida? The historic nature of this area in and of itself makes it an interesting place to check out during a visit to the Sunshine State.
Old Town St. Augustine is especially fun to see, with its cobblestone streets and old-school streetlights.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing the aged buildings and churches. Some even believe there to be some haunted places here, including the spooky cemeteries!
16. Kayak Through Mangroves
Florida is home to nearly 600,000 acres of mangrove forests. There are three different types of mangrove forests in Florida: the red mangrove, the back mangrove, and the white mangrove. These areas are some of the most fascinating and memorable places to kayak throughout the state.
Everglades City and Key Largo both offer some of the best paddling routes for travelers hoping to spend some time in this truly unique ecosystem!
17. See Another Side of Miami in Coconut Grove
When people think of Miami, many go directly to the upscale and glamorous atmosphere of South Beach, but there’s more to the city than that.
Coconut Grove is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, and it radiates a fun charm that should not be missed. This area of town is very laid back, so much so that many visitors ride bikes through the streets or just get by on foot.
There are some amazing cafes and shops to explore and appreciate in this area of Miami. Not to mention a memorable art scene that you won’t regret checking out!
18. Visit Ernest Hemmingway’s Home in Key West
Ernest Hemmingway spent years of his working life in Key West, and today, visitors can explore where he once lived and worked.
This is a unique attraction and experience that literary fans especially would enjoy. Spend an afternoon exploring one of the most beautiful homes and gardens in Key West while taking stock of the life of one of America’s most famous novelists.
19. Learn the Origins of the Circus at The Ringling Museum
Fans of the circus will be delighted to stumble upon The Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Once owned by John Ringling himself, a visit to this museum is one of the most unique things to do in Florida.
Visitors will learn of the circus’ background through the historic galleries, complete with actual artifacts detailing the circus experience throughout the years.
But there’s more, too! You can’t visit a circus museum without jumping into the action yourself! Put your balance to the test on a tightrope walk or pack the whole family into a clown car. No matter what you choose, families are sure to highly enjoy the interactive exhibits at this museum.
20. Savor a Meal at the Flora-Bama Lounge
A trip to Florida wouldn’t be quite complete without a visit to a beach bar. Don’t just settle on any humdrum option, but take things to the next level with a visit to Flora-Bama Lounge. Claimed to be the most famous beach bar in the country, enjoying a drink or meal here is sure to be a Florida vacation memory to treasure.
More than just a honky tonk beach bar, it feels more like a music festival, as Flora-Bama is known for its live music. The venue has five different stages featuring the likes of country, rock, and dance right on the beach.
Guests can keep hydrated between music sets at the many different beach bars lining the Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida, line. And there are three different places to grab a bite here, too. Get ready to dig in at Oyster Bar, Ole River Grill, or the Yacht Club.
21. Make Your Way Through The Sunken Gardens in St. Pete
The historic Sunken Gardens in St. Pete is over 100 years old and some of the most enchanting places to explore in Florida. The gardens are like a tropical oasis, where visitors can walk the hidden paths through the lush and stunning landscape, filled with some of the most unique and exotic plants.
Kids and animal lovers, in general, will love the wildlife on display throughout the gardens. From flamingos to tropical birds to koi fish, it’s one of the most magical and serene places to visit in Florida.
Conclusion: Unique Things to Do in Florida
While Florida is most known for its white sand beaches and clear blue-green water, we hope after this article, you know that this state truly offers so much more. Whether you enjoy the theme parks or take to the Everglades, explore the state’s history, admire gators from afar, or spot dolphins nearby, many unique adventures are awaiting you in Florida.
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Candice Steele is the owner of Exploring The Gulf, a website that details her family’s adventures throughout the Southern United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Candice has been traveling the Gulf Coast with her husband and children since 2015. They share their travel experiences and tips in hopes of demonstrating how rewarding traveling as a family can be!
