18 Best Things To Do In South Florida

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South Florida is full of sunshine, great beaches and many fun things to do. This vibrant region includes Miami, one of the most popular cities in the world. But Miami isn’t the only big appeal of South Florida.

There are the exciting Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, the Everglades, and many more places that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best things to do in one of our favorite regions of the state, South Florida.

Marvel At The Ringling

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit in South Florida. This was the home of the circus magnate John Ringling with his wife Mable. They built a Venetian-inspired home and curated one of the best art museums in Florida.

In the art museum, there are many large Baroque and Renaissance paintings depicting scenes from the works of artists such as Rubens and Tiepolo. Although the museums gallery is largely made up of these paintings, The Ringling has also added a collection of photographs and modern art to see.

Exploring the grounds is part of the experience of visiting the Ringling estate. The majestic banyan trees, the rose garden that Mable started, and their beautiful home, the Ca’d’zan, are some of the important stops along the way. Another museum not to miss is the Circus museum that details all about the history of the Ringling Circus.

Sunbathe At Siesta Key Beach

Considered not only one of the top beaches in Florida but in the country, Siesta Key is one of the best beaches to visit in South Florida. This beach boasts powdery soft white sand and clear blue water that is unlike many other beaches. Although this beach gets pretty crowded, the beach is huge so there is plenty of room for everyone.

This beach is the perfect relaxing getaway if you dream of sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or participating in an array of water activities. After the beach, exploring the Siesta Key village and grabbing a bite to eat at any one of the eateries is easy with the free trolley.

Explore Boca Grande

Boca Grande is one of our favorite towns to explore in Florida. Its charming streets have been walked on by the likes of presidents and famous actresses. Visit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse museum, which was originally built in 1885, where you can learn all about the history of the area or climb the Historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse on a tour to the top.

If you’re visiting Boca Grande, a stay at the Gasparilla Inn and eating at the Pink Elephant is one of the top things to do on the island. Explore the charming downtown including the Lady of Mercy church and the Whidden’s Marina.

Go Night Sky Stargazing In Punta Gorda

Are you a stargazing enthusiast? Discover the moon, stars, planets, galaxies and more in Punta Gorda with an expert guide. This Stargazing Tour experience is available to all traveling in South Florida. In a small group of up to ten people, this experience allows you to learn more about the vast expanse of the sky.

The night includes a knowledgeable guide who will point out all of the things to look at with a laser, including all of the most well-known constellations. Then you can take a closer look at the sky with binoculars that will be provided and have time with the large Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Snacks and refreshments are provided for this tour of over two hours so if the night is particularly clear, this is an unforgettable experience.

Visit The Charming Matlacha Town

For a quaint artsy destination, visit Matlacha in South Florida. The town is very small. Just one road runs through the town that splits in two but the funky town packs a punch. It all began when the commercial fishing industry that the town heavily depended on took a turn for the worst, the town took it into their own hands. Literally, with buckets of paint in their hands, they transformed this town into the most colorful artsy destination you see today.

Visit the many galleries and find as many cool art displays as you can. Since fishing is what this town is all about, go out on the water for your catch of the day. If you don’t catch your own fish, you can always head over to Bert’s for fresh seafood and dining right on the water.

Go Shelling At Sanibel Island

Sanibel is known for its pristine beaches and a peaceful nature-filled getaway. One of the best ways to explore this island is on a bike on over 22 miles of paved cycling paths. You’ll find the 1884 Sanibel Lighthouse on the eastern tip of the island and as you travel west, you will many more things along the way.

Some of these things are the beaches that Sanibel is known for as they are the best shelling beaches in Florida for people who love collecting shells. You will also encounter wildlife whether on land or the water with possibilities of spotting dolphins, manatees and even bald eagles. Further on, you can also travel to the Captiva Island where the dining spot The Mucky Duck is a great place for lunch right on the beach.

Kayak Around Marco Island

Kayak through the coastal mangrove forest and many islands surrounding Marco Island. This pristine kayaking location is surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. With a kayaking tour, you will be able to explore all of the best places with an expert guide.

Coming across manatees and dolphins on a kayaking tour like this is very common so if that is on the top of your Florida bucket list then make sure to take a kayaking trip. Your choice of a kayak or paddle board are provided along with life jackets.

Go To A Remote Island In The Thousand Islands

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands by boat on an adventurous day trip. The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangroves off the coast of southwest Florida. They are a protected wildlife refuge to ensure the survival of native wildlife species.

This boat tour takes you through the islands to a remote island only accessible by boat where you can look for shells and swim in the water. While passing by the islands, be sure to be on a lookout for dolphins and manatees while the guide tells more about the area. This is a small group personalized experience that is fun for the whole family.

Climb The Blowing Rocks In Jupiter

In the town of Jupiter Florida, you will find these one-of-a-kind rock formations which make this beach one of the most unique ones in Florida to visit. These formations are made out of limestone and change their visibility with the tide and sand. When the tide is high and the sea is rough, the water crashes against the rocks and sends plumes of water up to 50 feet up in the air. In the lower tide, these rocks are fascinating to explore being able to walk up much closer to them.

This beach is also home to sea turtles including the loggerhead, green, and leatherback species. They make their nests along the beach and as the time comes, you might be able to see them leaving their nests toward the sea. There are a few scenic trails to walk around the preserve and a boardwalk that leads through a mangrove forest. The preserve does have hours from 9am to 4:30pm seven days a week with optional donations.

Go Fishing In West Palm Beach

There is some excellent fishing to be done in West Palm Beach. Go Deep Sea Fishing on a popular fishing tour that provides all of the equipment and bait you need to get your catch of the day. They offer tips and knowledgeable advice if you’re a beginner making this a very family-friendly fishing tour.

Some of the common fish to catch here are snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, barracuda, sailfish and kingfish among others. The crew change the boat location a few times to find the best places to catch fish. After the trip, you collect your fish with the option to get your fish filleted for an extra charge. If you ask, they can even direct you to a restaurant where you can have the fish cooked for your meal.

South Beach & Food Tour

Experience the culture and vibe of South Beach on a cultural food walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable foodie guide, this tour will give you a taste of the best Miami has to offer from some of the most popular restaurants. The different cultures of Miami shine through here as you will give to try different cuisines comprised of both meals and sweet treats.

As the tour goes on, the guide will tell you all about the history of the food and the area. The buildings in the South Beach area are some of the most historic in Miami. You will leave this tour full of amazing food and more knowledgeable about this part of Miami. After, you can relax on one of Miami’s most popular beaches that has amazing clear water and soft white sand.

Feel Luxurious On A Yacht In Miami

Want to live a life of luxury for the day? Renting a luxury yacht in Miami can help you do that and is a great way to spend any special occasion. Miami is known for its lavish lifestyle so enjoy the day on this private yacht.

You can do it all on this day trip from watching for wildlife, anchoring on a sandbar where you can swim and snorkel to going by million dollar homes in the Miami bay. Enjoy your pick of music and the food and drinks that are included with the yacht. Whether you rent the yacht for just two or hold a small party group celebration this is one of the unforgettable experiences in South Florida.

Visit The Coral Castle

Did you know there are castles in Florida? One of these castles is located in Miami which was single-handedly created by a man who carved it out of limestone. The man, Edward Leedskalnin, spent 28 years of his life building the castle from the limestone. Even more fascinating, he first built it in a different location and then moved the heavy rocks to its now permanent location where it can be seen today.

The castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since it is a one-of-a-kind structure in south Florida. The stones are held together without mortar, just by using their weight to hold together. The two-story tower was Leedskalnin’s living quarters with furniture just as unique. The 9-ton door that stands over 8 feet tall yet it is so well-carved and fitting that a small child can push it open with his finger making it a famous structure at the castle.

Boating In The Everglades

Take a boat ride through the marshes and islands of the everglades with a knowledgeable biologist. Learn more than even before from someone who spends their life learning all about this ecosystem and the wildlife it provides a home to. First, the trip starts out with a boat trip through the islands where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of birds. Then, embark on an airboat ride through the River of Grass to see the alligators up close.

You will get to make a visit to the Native tree island village that is only accessible by boat and a historical trading post. To complete your trip, a delicious lunch is served on this day trip. Be sure to dress accordingly for a hot Florida nature day under the sun but rest assured, there is plenty water available on the trip.

Go On A Florida Keys Snorkeling Adventure

Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is definitely a bucket list item. Whether you go snorkeling in Key Largo which is known at the diving capital of the world, or you choose to snorkel in Key West, it is an adventure you don’t want to miss in Florida. A half a day snorkeling excursion around the reefs in Key Largo takes you out on a catamaran to explore the reefs that are part of the third largest living reef system. It is also the only living reef off of the coast of the United States in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Learn about the marine life and see how many species of tropical fish and other creatures you can spot. Another key feature of snorkeling in Key Largo is seeing the Christ of the Abyss statue that is a nine foot tall bronze statue planted on the ocean floor. The water in the Florida Keys usually is very clear and has good visibility for snorkeling and if you choose to do the tour, they will provide all of the equipment you need.

Check Off Southernmost Point Off Your Bucket List

Key West is the ultimate Florida destination and is home to the southernmost point buoy. So, if you’ve been here, you’ve made it to the southernmost point of the continental USA. One of the best ways to see this attraction and many others in Key West is by taking the hop-on hop-off trolley. Select an unlimited 1 or 2 day pass and visit more than 100 points of interest from the top attractions in Key West. It’s a great way to explore the island at your own pace and to make sure you see all of the top highlights.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas is a remote cluster of islands about 70 miles off of the coast of Key West. It is only accessible by boat or plane and that is part of its charm. This makes the islands that boast pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life visited by few people which preserves the natural beauty of the islands.

The centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort that was a big part of the U.S. history. Visitors can explore the fort, birdwatch, snorkel and dive, or simply relax on the beach taking it all in. It is one of the best destinations in South Florida and a unique getaway.

Go On A Day Trip To The Bahamas

Did you know you can do a day trip from Miami to Bahamas? If you’ve completed everything else on your South Florida bucket list, then a trip to the Bahamas could be the perfect thing to do. Bimini is the closest Bahama island to Florida at about only 50 miles from Miami which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip.

With a trip to Bimini you can take a boat ride that will take you to the island to relax on the stunning beaches and explore the town. You also have the option to purchase a pass to one of Bimini’s hotels for access of the amenities while you’re there.