Florida is home to world-class amusement parks from Disney to Universal and LEGOLAND, but also boasts plenty of totally unique and mind-blowing attractions. Ever wanted to see a shipwreck, mermaids, a mysterious castle or a rare habitat? You can do all of that and more without ever leaving the state of Florida. Here’s where to go and what to see for a unique family vacation to Florida.
Visit Old Florida in Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park © King Ho Yim | Dreamstime.com
Comprised of mostly open water and seven remote islands, Dry Tortugas National Park lies just 70 miles off of Key West and encompasses 100 square miles. Visitors can only reach the area by boat or seaplane to explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Head to Garden Key to visit the park headquarters, campgrounds and the historic fort. Bring along your snorkel gear and swimsuits and get ready for a memorable day in the water. You’ll see coral heads, reefs, shipwrecks and the occasional goliath grouper.
Scuba Dive Through Neptune Memorial Reef
Located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne, the artificial Neptune Memorial Reef offers an artistic interpretation of the Lost City of Atlantis. The memorial reef is free to visit and is a popular spot for scuba divers, underwater selfie lovers, students and even marine biologists. Families who don’t want to scuba dive can swim, snorkel or spread flowers in remembrance of loved ones. Just a heads up, the Neptune Memorial Reef is a spot many choose to spread their final ashes.
The Everglades National Park earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage site list and is home to rare and endangered species including manatee, American crocodile and the Florida panther. Guests can explore paved and marked trails in the park or hop on a kayaking tour to see more of the area nature up-close and personal. But if you’re not up for kayaking, family airboat tours are also a popular way to see the exotic, swampy waterways.
Built singlehandedly by Edward Leedskalnin 1923–1951, the Coral Castle Museum is comprised of 1,100 tons of coral rock and welcomes visitors to its unusual and mysterious grounds. Leedskalnin did all of the work himself, relied on no modern construction conveniences and claimed he knew “the secret of the pyramids.” To this day, scientists and thinkers alike debate how exactly Leedskalnin accomplished this feat.
Find Enchantment at the City of Live Mermaids
Mermaids are alive and well at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.Guests gather at the 400-seat auditorium and watch the mermaids perform their version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Mermaid friends, a birthday party and a sea witch enchant guests as they root for the mermaid to unite with her prince. Afterwards, take a trip on a river boat cruise and learn more about area wildlife before swimming through Buccaneer Bay water park. Families soar down water slides and just generally have a blast.
The charm of a Florida vacation is its rich variety of attractions, from beaches to wildlife. Get the kids involved in the planning process and choose something that speaks to everyone.
Read This Next
The Creepy Appeal of Dark Tourism
Destinations
Apr 25, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
A week cruising along the Danube or the Rhine may be the stuff of dreams for many, but family travelers can enjoy views from the water in ways kinder to the family budget. Many riverside cities offer scenic cruises, and some Baltic or Mediterranean ports have daytrips to nearby islands or coastal attractions. In several cities you can cruise the canals, and in Switzerland you can spend a day cruising on Lake Geneva, with sightseeing stops in lakeside towns.
Multigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Cruising
Apr 10, 2024Explore Holland America Line’s “Nieuw Amsterdam’s” Kids Club
Don’t think a cruise with Holland America Line is just for adults. Aboard the cruise line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship, a dedicated Kids Club ensures family travelers of all ages have a good time both at sea and port.
ShareThis