Florida is more than theme parks and sunbathing; while relaxation and sunshine is what lures many of us south, the idea of worshiping the sun and little else is not everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday. Besides, that mojito you’re salivating for might taste a whole lot better after some physical exertion.
Whether you decide to get out on the waves, head into the swampy Everglades, or stick with a more traditional hike, when it comes to outdoor activities, Florida provides a treasure trove of opportunities. If you find yourself happily marooned in the Sunshine State, make sure you get in at least one of these fun outdoor activities.
Angler Alert
Florida is deep sea fishing country, and when you are surrounded by water on three sides, there is little excuse not to get out on a boat. The coastal areas are literally bursting with fishing charters, and the Keys have some of the best fishing in the state. Marlin, red snapper, and grouper are just a few of the big prizes you can cast for in Florida’s surrounding seas.
Fore!
Every winter, people from chilly climes in the northern parts of the country head south in droves for the most elite of outdoor activities: playing golf. From public courses to gated country clubs, Florida has more manicured courses and emerald greens than most states. If you’re an avid golfer, it would be a recreational sin not to take out the golf clubs and play a round of eighteen underneath the palm trees. Just keep in mind that danger might be lurking in those water traps — Florida is also home to a burgeoning alligator population!
Swamp Thing
Canals and waterways crisscross Florida like tropical veins. Camping or kayaking will not only get you out on the water, but also give you an up close and personal appreciation of the state’s stunning natural beauty. Rent an airboat and see parts of Florida that Mother Nature probably never intended for you to see.
Send a Tweet
Outdoor activities do not need to be physically exhausting — birding is a casual way to appreciate the local wildlife and take in the balmy air. There are a number of rare and endangered species that you can observe in Florida’s wetlands and forests, and because there is an abundance of birding clubs in the state, information on where to find them and how to identify them is not hard to come by. Be prepared for a bit of resistance from seasoned birders, though, when it comes to giving out locations, as some of these individuals have dedicated their lives to the quiet study of these living dinosaurs.
Dive Right In
As Florida’s tropical waters are one of its most famous features, we’ve got to bring it back around to the wet world. Snorkeling, diving and surfing are the Sunshine State’s aquatic trifecta. Try your hand at underwater observation at the surface, or go for the gold with a SCUBA certification course. There is no shortage of people and businesses in Florida that want to help you explore all that lies within the watery deep. Some of the world’s best diving can be found in the Sunshine State, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you of the adventures that await beneath the surface!
Photos via DonkeyHotey, david.nikonvscanon, marbla123
