Beyond the rip-roaring rollercoasters of Florida lie off-the-beaten-path adventures. Listen closely, and you can hear the rev of NASCAR racing in Daytona Beach, and the crashing waves of airboat rides in the Everglades. Open your eyes to new experiences, and you can come face-to-face with a manatee in Crystal River. Or view a kaleidoscope of colour at Key Largo’s coral reef. Discover 7 of our favourite activities for adventure seekers in Florida and awaken your senses on the trip of a lifetime…
Daytona Speedway
If you’re feeling the need for speed, a trip to this iconic location is a must. It’s home to the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR, along with various other races throughout the year and there are several ways to explore this famed track.
An official track tour takes you onto the infield and into the garages, while an all-access tour gives you a bit more behind-the-scenes perspective. And if you want to get behind the wheel yourself, you can burn some rubber with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Be sure to check dates beforehand as the experience has a rotating track schedule.
Sand Surfing
If you’re looking for a unique and equally thrilling experience way from theme parks, we love sand surfing in Florida. From the towering dunes of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park to the humble slopes of Canaveral National Seashore, there are sands for every level, within reach of popular holiday bases.
We recommend kicking things up a gear in St Augustine, where you can join a guided electric sand surfing tour. The tour has a range of terrain suitable for all levels and it’s a memorable way to explore the beautiful local beaches. Also included in the tour free of charge is video footage of your ride so you can keep those treasured memories forever.
Kiteboarding
For an adventure with a breathtaking backdrop, look no further than kiteboarding in Florida. Also known as kitesurfing, this activity is popular at a wealth of pristine beaches, where the warm climate, and high winds offer perfect conditions.
If you’re a novice, Fort Desoto East Beach in St Petersburg, with its shallow warm waters and consistent winds is a smart choice. But if you have more than a fair few kiteboarding sessions under your belt, you may prefer to head to Cocoa Beach, one of Florida’s most famous kiteboarding locations. Featuring in many pro kiteboarding videos, it has strong updrafts from the mangroves perfect for showing off your skills.
Paddleboarding
Due to the abundance of natural beauty, there are many places to go paddleboarding in Florida. But for us, one that brings just that little bit of extra magic is Crystal River. This stunning spot not only offers crystal clear waters and peaceful surroundings, it also allows you to encounter one of Florida’s most iconic creatures – the manatee.
These gentle giants migrate to the warm springs in Crystal River to escape colder waters. Paddleboarding through these waters offers a rare chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Just be sure to keep a safe distance and respect their space, and this will be a truly magical moment.
Paddling through the nooks and crannies of Crystal River is also fantastic way to explore the area, especially if you want to see a mix of natural springs and wildlife. So, whether you’re cruising along rivers or exploring coastal mangroves, paddleboarding allows you to immerse yourself in Florida’s stunning natural beauty while getting a one-of-a-kind workout.
Parasailing
Florida’s Gulf Coast is packed with stunning beaches and clear waters, making it an excellent destination to take to the skies. For those looking to combine parasailing with a laid-back island vibe, Key West is the place to be. Known for its shimmering waters and amazing sunsets, parasailing in Key West offers breathtaking aerial views of the island, the surrounding reefs, and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Another popular spot for this activity is Destin. Located in the Florida Panhandle, it offers plenty of parasailing tours, and is an exceptional spot for beginners and pros alike. We often find the best time for parasailing is during the fall and spring months when the weather is pleasant, and the waters are calm.
Exploring Coral Reef Key Largo
Enter a world of bliss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Renowned for being the nation’s first undersea park, it encompasses postcard perfect coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and exotic marine life. There are several ways to explore the reef, such as a glass bottom boat, scuba diving, and snorkelling. And if you want time to do all three, why not spend a couple of days here by taking advantage of their excellent camping opportunities? This way you can experience all that the park has to offer including a stop at the visitor centre, where you’ll find the Maritime Heritage Exhibit and the Coral Cam for taking a peek beneath the waves. And if you find yourself getting peckish along the way, Blue Heron Café provides a wide selection of food and drink or some much needed ice cream to cool off.
Airboat Ride at the Everglades
Discover authentic Florida with an airboat ride at the Everglades. This high-speed adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Everglades, witnessing its incredible biodiversity, sprawling wetlands, and dramatic landscapes. Airboat rides typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, but some operators offer longer tours. If you want a more in-depth experience, you can also book private, extended rides. The Everglades is also the place to be if you want to catch a glimpse of Florida’s animal icon, the gator. Home to the Everglades Alligator Farm, they have over 400 alligators to see, including several enclosures with baby alligators.
Browse our award-winning Florida holidays, where adventure awaits!
close 
