Florida is known for so many wonderful things; miles and miles of white sandy beaches, unbelievably clear springs, unique wildlife, top-notch golf courses, and world famous theme parks.

This state is BIG and there are so many fun things to do and experiences you must have that it might take a few trips for you to tick everything off this bucket list. But that’s okay because you will be planning a trip back before you’ve even left.

The sunshine state is perfect for every type of traveler from those looking to relax and soak up some sun, to adventure seekers, foodies, and art lovers.

This Florida bucket list begins in the southern part of the state covering the Miami and Florida Keys first before covering destinations located in Central and Northern Florida. Let’s get started!

Florida Bucket List

1. Take A Drive Over The Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway is a modern wonder and travels 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West. The road incorporates an astonishing 42 bridges that connect the keys over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

On your drive down, you’ll see picturesque communities, beautiful white sandy beaches, busy marinas, and enticing seafood restaurants.

Take as little or as long as you want on the trip down. If you have the time it is recommended that you take advantage of the upscale oceanfront lodging opportunities that are guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories.

In Islamoralda, check out the Amara Cay Resort for a high end experience, or the Siesta Resort & Marina for beautiful modern rooms on the waterfront.

Marathon offers more affordable resort style lodging. Our top pick is Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott for price and amenities which include two outdoor pools fitness center, onsite restaurant and bar, all located on the water!

2. Go Snorkelling At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp State Park is the first underwater park in the United States designed to protect coral reef and its associated marine life found in this part of southern Florida.

The state park stretches 25 miles in length across the coastline and 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. What you’ll find here is a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of one of only two living coral reef formations in the continental United States.

While the coral reefs are the most popular ecosystem to explore here, the park’s seagrass and mangrove habitat is equally as interesting.

The best way to discover the amazing features found at this state park is to organize a snorkeling or scuba diving trip, but visitors can also book a tour on a glass bottom boat through several private companies. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities.

If you don’t have time to take to the waters, you can still enjoy the park along short walking trails that travel through the tropical environment leading to beautiful beach and picnic areas.

3. Feed Tarpon At Robbie’s

Ultimate Florida Bucket List: Top Things To Do In The Sunshine State

Robbie’s in the Florida Keys is a popular tourist destination in Islamorada. Robbie’s Marina is world renown for its tarpon feeding where visitors can hand feed these monster-sized fish.

Besides watching the thrilling tarpon action, you can also organize fishing charters or parasailing at Robbie’s.

There is a great restaurant and bar onsite featuring waterfront views and tasty cocktails so leave some time to enjoy the food and views here.

4. Get Up Close and Personal With A Dolphin

The Dolphin Research Center offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with Florida’s marine mammals and learn all about their biology and ecology through displays and educational presentations.

Unlike other marine parks, the residents of this facility live in natural seawater lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. The dolphins and sea lions here all get to choose for themselves whether they want to participate in the interactive programs from the docks or in the water. None of them are ever forced.

You could easily spend a whole day here watching the different personalities and behaviors of these intelligent creatures.

The Dolphin Research Center is located in Grassy Key.

5. Say Hi To Fred The Tree

Running parallel to the Overland Highway is the Old Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge is home to a tenacious plant by the name of Fred.

Fred The Tree has been thriving since he was a seed blown or dropped onto the bridge and has been warming the hearts of motorists as they drive by.

Road trippers can keep an eye out for this awesome Australian pine species who prospers between Marathon and Big Pine Key.

6. Find The No Name Pub

If you are looking for a quirky bar with a fun honky tonk atmosphere to break up your drive down to Key West then you need to seek out the No Name Bar! That’s if you can find it.

The history of this bar dates back to 1931 when the establishment started out as a bait and tackle shop but in an interesting twist later turned into a brothel. However this business venture failed reportedly because the fisherman were better looking than the ladies.

These days folks come for the lively ambience, to relax over a drink and to shoot some pool. But the most interesting feature of this bar is its interior decorating because the whole bar is covered from top to bottom in one dollar bills!

7. Visit The Hemingway House

The Ernest Hemingway House in Key West was the residence of the famous American writer in the 1930’s.

Built in 1851, the stately home was built in the Spanish Colonial style and fully restored by Hemingway turning the home into a National Historical Landmark.

Visitors can tour the home and explore the onsite museum which is open daily.

While you are there you may notice the abundance of cats that roam the property, many of which are polydactyl. It is said that these cats are descendent of Hemingway’s original cat named Snow White who had six toes.

8. Stand At The Southernmost Point Of The Continental USA

The Southernmost Point Buoy marks the southern most point in the continental United States.

This concrete buoy is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Key West and it is not unusual to see people lined up for hours waiting to get their photo taken with it.

It was established in 1983 and has incredibly withstood many hurricanes over the last five decades.

You can find it at the corner of South and Whitehead street.

9. Discover Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is situated at the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, the third largest in the world.

This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands you can explore. Obviously the best way to discover the highlights of this national park is to get underwater. The park's corals and seagrass communities are among the most vibrant in the Florida Keys.

The remote destination can only be accessed by boat or plane so can be a challenge to visit for a lot of travelers but if you can manage to organize transport out there, you will be more than impressed by the incredible blue waters and abundant marine and bird life.

10. Explore Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest topical wilderness in the United States and protects the southern twenty percent of the original Everglades in Florida.

Impressively, this national park is the third largest in the contiguous USA after Death Valley and Yellowstone.

Visiting should be on the top of your bucket list if you are a wildlife enthusiast because a total of 36 threatened and protected species inhabit the park including the Florida panther, American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee, along with hundreds of birds, fish, and reptile species.

There is a lot to do including walking along nature trails, biking, kayaking, camping and more.

11. Have An Alligator Encounter At Everglades Alligator Farm

If you haven’t had the good fortune of coming across an alligator during your Florida travels but determined to have an encounter, then you should stop by the Everglades Alligator Farm located just outside of Miami.

This farm has over five hundred alligators on display and educational presentations are held daily where at the end of the show visitors have the opportunity to hold a baby alligator!

12. Take An Airboat Ride Through The Everglades

One of the coolest things you can do in Florida is to take an airboat ride tour. These fun trips allow you to get up close and personal with Florida’s unique landscape and ecosystem where you can visit wetlands, swamps, and beautiful Cyprus forests.

One of the best companies to organize your tour through is Wooten’s who offer many different options including entry to their animal sanctuary.

13. Stay At Miami Coral Gables

Coral Gables is known for its tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks such as the world-famous Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool, both built in the 1920s.

Because Coral Gables is located adjacent to Miami, it is an easy day trip to come over and explore this beautiful neighborhood.

However, for the ultimate luxury experience for your Florida bucket list, we recommend staying at the Biltmore! This historic hotel offers superb rooms and terraced suites in a lush tropical-like environment. There is a huge swimming pool, a terrific golf course, and even a theater!

But if you can’t stay here for whatever reason, at least try to make time for the hotel’s afternoon tea.

14. Coral Castle Museum

The Coral Castle Museum is a Florida attraction located in Homestead which features numerous sculptures made from stone.

While the stone garden is not some ancient landmark, it is still very interesting nonetheless. Created by one man by the name of Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951 and includes over 1,100 tons of coral rock.

During the time he was alive, Edward would greet all of his visitors only asking a ten cent entry fee.

Visitors can views this rocky fantasy land between Thursday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

15. Spend A Day In Little Havana

Little Havana is a colorful cultural neighborhood of Miami where the streets are lined with Latin inspired restaurants, bakeries, cigar shops, and rum bars.

This neighborhood which has streets lined with countless cool murals and artwork is a place where you must bring your appetite. There are plenty of delicious options from the Cuban sandwich, to empanadas, guava pastelito, tropical fruit, and Cuban coffee.

16. Sunbake At World-Famous Miami Beach

Miami Beach is Florida’s most popular destination with visitors known for its vibrant personality, art deco architecture, and beautiful beaches.

South Beach is the place to be for those who enjoy a party like atmosphere and offers a mix of world class dining options, boutiques, galleries, and nightclubs. And of course the beach itself is a can’t miss!

Another can’t miss while you’re in Miami is the Miami Art Deco District which features the largest collection of art deco buildings in the world.

17. Live It Up At Biscayne

A trip to Miami isn't complete without a visit to Key Biscayne. This island which is just a short drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway is an oasis of sandy beaches and nature preserves.

The small island feels worlds away from the bustle of busy Miami’s downtown area and beaches so if you feel you need a break from the party vibes head over to Key Biscayne to recollect yourself.

There are two state parks here but if you only have time to visit one, we recommend Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is situated on the southern tip of the island. This state park is home to a towering 19th century lighthouse where visitors can climb up the 109 steps to the top of the lighthouse where there are stunning views of the southern Florida coastline.

Biscayne is hugely popular with boaters and for water sports like jet skiing. There are a number of tour operators that offer guided boat trips and sunset tours.

If you think you might prefer to spend your entire vacation on this island, check out the impressive Ritz Carlton, a luxury property with two oceanfront pools.

18. Dinosaur World

Hundreds of life-size dinosaurs is what you’ll find at this tourist park dedicated to these prehistoric reptiles. Children will love wandering through the lush grounds in search of the many different species that are on display here.

Dinosaur World is not a theme park but can be described as more of a slice of roadside Americana, so if you are into quirky road tripping attractions, this is a must stop even if you don’t have kids.

You can find Dinosaur World just north of Tampa and the exit is well marked with an enormous T-Rex.

19. Experience The Magic Of Disney World

Florida Bucket List: Best Things To Do In Florida!

Walt Disney World is probably the most visited vacation resort in the world with a whopping average annual attendence of more than 58 million people!

The resort covers four different theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But it doesn’t stop there. There are also two water parks which include Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Needless to say you could easily spend a few weeks here and still not experience everything there is to offer.

20. Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs is located in Ichetucknee Springs State Park and is a national natural landmark. The crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. Like many of the springs found throughout northern Florida, Ichetucknee is fed by a natural spring from an aquifier.

Traveling these pristine waters is a popular summertime activity with locals and should be a must do for you if you are visiting this part of the state. You can rent inner tubes from inside the park between May and September. As the water in this spring-fed river is remarkably clear, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular too.

This state park is also a wildlife haven and home to beavers, otters, gar, softshell turtles, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin so bring your binoculars!

Plan A Trip To Florida

If you need a rental car for your trip, we recommend Enterprise who are our preferred car rental company. But if you would prefer to shop around use rentalcars.com to look for the best rates on car rentals in Florida.

To find the best rates on hotel rooms search hotels.com who have the largest inventory of rooms at the lowest rates! Alternatively you can use VRBO to find a vacation homes in Florida to make your trip extra special.

Would you prefer to rent an RV or campervan for your Florida road trip? Check out Outdoorsy where you’ll find a huge selection of vehicles across the U.S. that you can sleep inside. Save money by not having to stay overnight in hotel rooms!

If you’re not experienced with taking road trips, have a look at a few of these articles that will help you become more familiar with what to expect on your great American road trip adventure: