Florida doesn’t hold still. It rushes with wildlife, drips with heat, bursts with color—and somehow still offers moments of utter calm. From rocket launches to rainforests under glass, from coral-ringed islands to gilded gardens, I found a state that’s wild, curated, and untamed all at once. Florida invites you to come wide-eyed, to sweat a little, to look closer. And the more I explored, the more I realized: this isn’t just a place for vacationers—it’s a place where the unexpected waits just beyond the next boardwalk, beach, or bloom.
Best Things to Do in Florida
Floating off the grid at Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park felt like the far edge of everything. Seventy miles west of Key West, I boarded the Yankee Freedom III ferry just after sunrise and sailed over teal-blue water into a place that felt completely untethered. Fort Jefferson rose out of the sea like something impossible—massive, brick-red, and quiet, surrounded by nothing but coral reefs and horizon. I stepped off the boat, let the heat sink in, and thought, "This is what it means to really leave the mainland behind."
I spent the day walking the fort’s walls, peering through cannon openings, and snorkeling in the warm shallows where parrotfish flashed like stained glass. There were no roads, no crowds—just wind, waves, and the rustle of palms inside the parade ground. Time moved differently out here. I sat on the sand with my shoes off, eating a simple packed lunch and watching sea birds wheel overhead. Even silence had a sound.
Back in Key West that evening, I walked straight to Blue Heaven—part restaurant, part tropical fever dream. I ordered the grilled yellowtail snapper with rice and plantains, followed by their famous towering slice of Key lime pie. Roosters strutted nearby. The band played softly. And I felt full in more ways than one.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Heron House, a charming adults-only inn with palms in the courtyard and a rooftop view that let me watch the sunset light linger long after the ferry had docked.
Dry Tortugas National Park At a Glance
- Location: Accessible via ferry or seaplane from Key West, FL
- Vibe: Remote, historic, surreal
- Highlights: Fort Jefferson, snorkeling reefs, birdwatching, crystal-clear water
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring for milder weather and calmer seas
- Cost: $200+ for ferry day trip (includes park fee, breakfast/lunch)
- Hours: Park open year-round; ferry departs early morning and returns around 5:30pm
- Tip: Book months in advance—daily ferry seats are limited and fill quickly
Wandering through wings at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory felt like stepping into a moving painting—vivid, alive, and soft around the edges. I entered the glass dome and was immediately wrapped in warm, humid air and the sound of water trickling over stones. Butterflies floated everywhere—monarchs, blue morphos, and zebra longwings drifting between orchids and palm fronds. Somewhere between the lush greenery and the quiet flapping of wings, I thought, “This is what peace feels like when it dances.”
Flamingos stood knee-deep in a pond, preening slowly as bright wings swept past. Children pointed and whispered, wide-eyed. I lingered near a curved bench beneath a ficus tree, watching a malachite butterfly land briefly on my shoulder. The space wasn’t large, but it unfolded like a secret—layers of light, color, and grace folded into every turn. For a moment, the rest of the island felt far away.
Afterward, I walked a few blocks to La Grignote, a cozy French bakery and café. I ordered a ham and gruyère croissant with a café au lait and a slice of mango tart for dessert. It felt indulgent and grounding all at once—a little European detour just a stone’s throw from butterfly wings and tropical bloom.
Where I Stayed: I returned to the Heron House, where the garden courtyard somehow felt more vibrant after spending time among such gentle creatures. The quiet there mirrored the stillness I’d just experienced, in the best possible way.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory At a Glance
- Location: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Vibe: Delicate, colorful, meditative
- Highlights: 50+ butterfly species, exotic birds, tropical plants
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer visitors
- Cost: $15 adults; $11 children (under 4 free)
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Walk slowly, wear bright colors, and don’t be surprised if something with wings lands on you
Breathing deep among orchids at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota felt like a sanctuary stitched together by petals and sunlight. As I walked through banyan roots and past bromeliads clinging to tree limbs, the air grew sweeter, quieter. The Tropical Conservatory was like a dream in bloom—vines curling around glass, orchids floating in mist, and the steady rhythm of soft footsteps on stone paths. Somewhere near the koi pond, I thought, “This is where nature remembers how to speak gently.”
Out on the bayfront lawn, I sat on a bench beneath a jacaranda tree and watched the breeze move through the mangroves. The garden flowed outward—not confined, but curated with just enough structure to feel immersive without being manicured. Every corner seemed to hold something sacred, whether it was a rare air plant or a reflection on the water’s edge.
Afterward, I walked into downtown Sarasota for lunch at Owen’s Fish Camp. I had shrimp and grits with smoked bacon and a side of cornbread, served on a back patio under string lights. It felt like the perfect contrast—earthy and grounded after so much floating greenery.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at The Sarasota Modern, a clean-lined boutique hotel with a pool courtyard that offered a modern echo of the gardens I’d just left behind.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Vibe: Botanical, serene, sensory
- Highlights: Orchid conservatory, bayfront views, rainforest garden
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooms, early morning for cooler temps
- Cost: $26 adults; $11 children
- Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the elevated canopy walk—it offers a unique view into the treetops
Letting loose at Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa felt like a collision—in the best way—of wild Africa and rollercoaster adrenaline. I started my day wandering through animal habitats: giraffes nibbling from high branches, rhinos moving like boulders across grass, meerkats blinking at the sun. Then, as if flipping a switch, I was being launched 60 miles per hour on Cheetah Hunt. Somewhere between a lion’s yawn and my own wind-whipped scream, I thought, “This is joy with range.”
It was a strange and beautiful blend: one minute I was watching flamingos strut in a shallow lagoon, the next I was climbing 200 feet into the sky on SheiKra, staring down a vertical drop with my heart in my throat. But in between the thrills were quiet paths, shady spots, and well-timed encounters—like watching elephants bathe while sipping frozen lemonade in the shade.
For lunch, I grabbed a table at Zagora Café and ordered the grilled chicken gyro with tabbouleh and hummus. It hit the spot—light but filling, flavorful without slowing me down for the next round of rides.
Where I Stayed: I checked into the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa’s SoHo district, a food-lover’s boutique stay with rooftop views and just the right amount of calm after a day of chaos and coaster tracks.
Busch Gardens Tampa At a Glance
- Location: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
- Vibe: Wild, high-energy, immersive
- Highlights: Safari experiences, major thrill rides, animal encounters
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, spring or fall for lighter crowds and manageable weather
- Cost: $110+ per adult depending on date
- Hours: Typically 10am–6pm; varies by season
- Tip: Use Quick Queue for popular rides and plan animal experiences in early morning when it’s cooler
Driving through the wild at Lion Country Safari
Lion Country Safari just outside West Palm Beach offered something I hadn’t expected in Florida: the chance to watch zebras cross the road from my car window. As I drove slowly through the preserve, I passed antelope herds, water buffalo, ostriches staring straight into my soul, and a sleepy pride of lions resting in the shade. Windows up, radio down, I rolled forward in awe, thinking, “This is the closest I’ve ever felt to another continent—without leaving my seat.”
The drive-through took just under an hour, but I took my time. The pace wasn’t rushed—it was observant. After the car safari, I parked and explored the walk-through safari park: flamingos, lemurs, gibbons, and even a splash pad for kids. The whole place balanced wildness with approachability—hands-on enough to feel fun, protected enough to feel right.
I grabbed lunch at Café Roars in the main park and ordered their grilled mahi sandwich with fries and a lemonade. I ate outdoors, watching a peacock strut past like it owned the place. Honestly, maybe it did.
Where I Stayed: I booked a night at the Hilton West Palm Beach. The palm-lined pool and breezy outdoor lounge were a perfect contrast to the dusty roads and animal soundtrack of the day.
Lion Country Safari At a Glance
- Location: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470
- Vibe: Safari-style, relaxed, family-friendly
- Highlights: Drive-through safari, walk-through park, giraffe feeding
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours when animals are most active
- Cost: $45 adults; $35 children (includes both park sections)
- Hours: Daily, 9:30am–5:30pm
- Tip: Download the audio tour before your drive—it adds story and sound to the animals you’ll see
Looking upward at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center wasn’t just about rockets—it was about possibility. As I stood beneath the towering Saturn V rocket, its nose aimed at forever, I felt that strange chill that comes when you're close to something monumental. The air smelled faintly of steel and sun-warmed pavement, and somewhere near the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, I thought, “This is what dreaming big really looks like.”
From hands-on simulators to moon rocks you can touch, the entire complex hums with ambition. I watched footage of the Apollo missions, stood on a launch pad platform, and heard the roar of shuttle engines through surround-sound exhibits. It wasn’t just a museum—it was a reminder that science can be emotional. The highlight? Seeing families with wide-eyed kids staring up with the same wonder as I felt. It reminded me that exploration is for all ages.
Afterward, I drove to Dixie Crossroads in Titusville and ordered the rock shrimp dinner with hush puppies and coleslaw. The place felt grounded and local, just what I needed after spending hours looking skyward.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Titusville, just minutes from the Space Center. My room overlooked the Indian River—and at night, I could see the launch pads glowing faintly in the distance.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex At a Glance
- Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
- Vibe: Inspirational, high-tech, humbling
- Highlights: Atlantis Shuttle, Saturn V rocket, astronaut encounters
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays; check for launch schedules
- Cost: $75 adults; $65 children
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Arrive early and prioritize the bus tour—it includes access to launch pads and behind-the-scenes areas
Walking through wonder at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami felt like stepping into a dream half-remembered from Europe—carved stone archways, formal gardens, fountains, and the hush of tropical breezes moving through ornate windows. Built in the early 1900s as a private estate, every room told a story, and every step through its coral limestone courtyard made me think, “This isn’t just beauty—it’s intentional poetry.”
I wandered through the Mediterranean-style mansion, each room layered with antiques, stained glass, and hand-painted ceilings. Outside, I strolled through gardens laced with banyan trees, sculpture groves, and still pools reflecting the sky. The whole place was both grand and intimate—designed for admiration but made for quiet moments.
After exploring, I walked over to Coconut Grove and had lunch at Greenstreet Café. I ordered the truffle scrambled eggs with sourdough toast and a mint lemonade. It was light, vibrant, and full of flavor—just like the morning I’d had.
Where I Stayed: I checked into the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, a nearby boutique spot that mirrored Vizcaya’s elegance in a modern, leafy way.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
- Vibe: Opulent, romantic, timeless
- Highlights: Ornate architecture, European-style gardens, Biscayne Bay views
- Best Time to Visit: Morning light brings the gardens to life and keeps the heat at bay
- Cost: $25 adults; $10 children
- Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 9:30am–4:30pm
- Tip: Bring water and wear good shoes—the gardens are expansive and deserve slow exploration
Closing Thoughts
Florida surprised me with its range. I snorkeled coral reefs and strolled palace gardens. I looked into the eyes of giraffes and up at the belly of a space shuttle. It was a state of contrasts—coastal and cosmic, wild and refined. And what I felt most was movement: butterflies circling, roller coasters rising, rockets reaching, tides returning. Whether I was in the depths of Dry Tortugas or the gilded quiet of Vizcaya, Florida kept pulling me forward, reminding me that wonder doesn’t sit still—it asks you to keep going.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Floating off the grid at Dry Tortugas National Park
- • Wandering through wings at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- • Breathing deep among orchids at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- • Letting loose at Busch Gardens Tampa
- • Driving through the wild at Lion Country Safari
- • Looking upward at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- • Walking through wonder at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens