Florida is known for being a vacation spot in this country, but how many of us who live here have actually vacationed in our own state?
There are tons of places to go in South Florida alone, but not too many people venture further than a few miles from their home. You don’t have to leave the state to have a great vacation. Some places are even just a day’s drive away.
To help you make your vacation decisions this summer, here’s our top ten Florida Vacation Destinations.
10. Walt Disney World’s Epcot
Out of all the theme parks in Disney, Epcot is arguably the best one for two reasons: It’s the largest park in Disney, and you can drink around the world in a day. In Epcot’s World Showcase, you can start off the day with a pint of Guinness and work your way around the world enjoying food, beer and wine from select countries like Italy, Germany, France and more. One word of advice: Do the rides before you take on the World Showcase. There’s nothing more humiliating than getting sick on the ride, Soarin’.
9. Rapids Water Park
Located in West Palm Beach, Rapids is the most easily accessible destination on the list. When you’re done risking your life on one of the nine daring plunges, take a load off on the Lazy River. The only thing that could make the Lazy River even better would be a six pack floating next to you. Unfortunately, that’s frowned upon at Rapids but we wouldn’t be surprised if someone has tried it before.
8. St. Augustine
As the oldest European city in the United States, St. Augustine does not only provide a historical experience, but an experience like no other. In the historical district you can take a stroll down the old streets of the city and even take a swig from The Fountain of Youth. Fun fact: it won’t keep you young and it tastes terrible. If history isn’t really your thing, you can take relax on the beaches of St. Augustine which are state parks and public areas.
7. Kennedy Space Center
In an age when space travel has become a monthly event, Kennedy Space Center is an awesome place to learn about NASA and check out its facilities. You experience what it would be like to be an astronaut, eat space food, or just hang out in the rocket garden which features real historical and current rockets.
6. Lovers Key
Lovers Key is a pristine barrier island off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. It’s an awesome place to relax and unwind, but its isolated areas are what gives the island it’s name. Most of the island has not been developed, leaving many secluded areas where you and your significant other can disappear. The only downside is it that the island is a state park and therefore is only open from eight in the morning until sun down
5. Anna Maria Island
This tropical getaway is the essence of relaxation. Anna Maria Island is known for its white sand beaches, clear seas and brightly painted buildings. The city is jam packed with unique shops, restaurants and miles of pristine beaches. If you can’t get relaxed at this place then you aren’t human. It’s said that you will feel like you’re on a private island… Except there will be lots of other people.
4. Islands of Adventure
Located at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure is one of the most popular theme parks in Florida. The newly built Harry Potter world is its biggest attraction. You can step right into Hogwarts or take a trip down Diagon Alley and have a cup of butterbeer, which is essentially cream soda with whipped cream. If Harry Potter isn’t really your thing, then you can head over to the world of Marvel comics and ride The Hulk, which will definitely make you reconsider lunch.
3. Wet ‘n Wild
Essentially a larger version of Rapids, Wet ‘n Wild is one of America’s most popular water parks. You can chill in the lazy river, relax by the wave pool, or plunge into the Black Hole and Brainwash slides, which look like they resemble an engineer’s twisted experience on acid. There is so much to do in this water park that you won’t have a moment of boredom.
2. Key West
There is so much to do in Key West that you could end up there for an entire month. You can snorkel, sail, fish and even swim with dolphins. You can visit the southernmost point of the U.S. and party at one of the many bars on Duval Street. But the best part about Key West is you don’t have to actually do anything. If you want to just hang out on the beach for a week, then do it. Everyone there is extremely laid back and carefree. It’s the perfect place to just get away from it all.
1. Aquatica Water Park
Located in Orlando, Aquatica features 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet of beach. If that’s not enough to get you excited, the water park features the Dolphin Plunge, which hurls riders in 250 feet of clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins. You can also take a relaxing trip down Loggerhead Lane, which is a lazy river that essentially sends you through the heart of a giant fish tank.
