Top 20 must-do experiences in Florida

10. Watch dolphins at Sea World, Orlando

There are some ethical considerations that everyone should think about before they decide to visit Sea World, Orlando. The question about keeping marine mammals in captivity is never an easy debate. But if you do decide to visit Sea World in Orlando, the dolphin show will definitely be a highlight of your visit. It was like watching a real-life Disney show with the dolphins and the music, and it literally moved me to tears. It really was magical, and I really hope it was the right thing to do to visit. Read more about Sea World on my blog here.

9. Chill with iguanas in the Florida Keys

When I visited the Florida Keys, I definitely wasn’t expecting to see so many iguanas around. But it was great! They’d just be chilling up trees or on the side of the cark park. I loved seeing all the different types, and some of them were huge.

8. Visit the magical world of Harry Potter World in Orlando

Harry Potter World in Universal Studios, Orlando is definitely in my top 20 must-do experiences in Florida. For any Harry Potter fan, this is one of the most magical places to visit. You can walk through Diagon Alley and visit the shops, see the Hogwarts Castle, and ride the Hogwarts Express. There are also some Harry Potter themed rides, like the Hippogriff roller coaster. And of course, make sure you get a glass of Butterbeer while you’re there as well.

7. Sing along to the Disney parade

The Disney parade at Disney World, Orlando is another highlight of any day there. You can see all the Disney characters and wave to them as they pass. The fire-breathing dragon is really impressive as well.

6. Watch manatees swimming and chilling

There’s more amazing wildlife in Florida. Seeing manatees was a definite highlight for me. They’re such unusual looking animals, and they look so relaxed as they just float at the surface of the water in between diving for food.

5. Spot alligators in the Everglades

No visit to the Everglades is complete without spotting some alligators. You can take an airboat tour, or take a tram tour if you’d rather stay on land. Read about the options here. I loved seeing alligators. There were loads, all different sizes, and some of them were huge. They can lay so still at the edge of the water, not moving at all.

4. Watch the sunset over the ocean

For the perfect end to any day in Florida, find a spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. There are so many beaches in the Florida Keys, and with so many warm sunny days, you’ve got a great chance of catching a great sunset. I love just sitting and watching the sun dip, and marvelling at all the colours in the sky.

3. Take an air boat trip in the Everglades

My favourite part of my day in the Everglades was the air boat trip. These boats are really loud, but they provide you with ear plugs so the noise isn’t too bad. The boats skim quickly over the water in the Everglades, and the guides will stop the boat whenever there is something to see. I got to see loads of birds and alligators on my trip, and a turtle as well. It was a great way to see the wildlife and explore this National Park.

2. Go kayaking off a sheltered beach in the Keys

Enjoy the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys by going kayaking in the sheltered waters. It’s a great way to get closer to nature, and also to get beautiful views back to the land. The waters are usually calm, which makes it a really relaxing place to go kayaking.

1. Enjoy the sunshine by a hotel pool

My final top 20 must-do experiences in Florida is to just enjoy the sunshine by a hotel pool. After enjoying all of the other great sights and things to do in Florida, make sure you take some time to yourself for some much-needed self care. Find a good book, switch off social media and hide your phone, and just relax. Life can get so busy it can feel difficult to find time to truly relax and look after yourself. But when you’re visiting Florida, take some time to just enjoy the sun.

Enjoy the top 20 must-do experiences in Florida! Make sure you check out this great travel guide to Florida to help you plan your trip (affiliate). If you’re looking to extend your travels in the USA, why not visit California, with its amazing beaches, coastal views and whale watching, and of course Yosemite National Park.