Welcome to the Sunshine State! You’ve finally packed your bags and made the big move. As you settle into your new digs, you might be curious about just what there is to do around here, but, good news —there are tons of amazing adventures to be had in beautiful Florida.
After looking at hundreds of Fort Lauderdale houses for sale, you’re probably exhausted. But, after you’re all settled in, head out to one of these great attractions for an experience you can only have in Florida.
Disney Parks
One of the best things about living in Florida is, no matter where you’re located, you’re the perfect distance away from Walt Disney World. It’s no question that Disney parks are one of the most popular tourist destinations around the world, and if you’ve visited other Disney attractions, you’re probably thinking they’re all the same, right? Well, Florida’s Walt Disney World is actually the largest of all the Disney parks and there is so much to do here.
Walt Disney World actually features four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and spans almost 40 square miles of beautiful central Florida. It also includes two water parks and plenty of other attractions, such as spas, golf courses, hotels, and even a sports complex.
Universal Studios
Growing up, I always thought Disney and Universal Studios were the same attraction. After all, they’re separated by less than a dozen miles, so it’s not an unreasonable assumption. However, they’re two entirely different theme parks and each provides a unique experience when it comes to rides, characters, food, shopping, and more.
One of the greatest parts of Universal Studios is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2010 and is much larger than its counterpart in California. Living in Florida, though, you won’t have to choose between which park to visit. Annual passes are available for adventure-seekers who plan to hit the park multiple times a year. And, with the gorgeous sunny Florida weather, you can truly enjoy the attractions all year long.
Everglades National Park
Head to the southern coast and enjoy a peaceful, serene trip to the Everglades. Everglades National Park features impressive wildlife, including iconic Florida alligators in their natural habitat, as well as birds and flora unique to this area. If outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and kayaking are something you love to do, Everglades is a perfect weekend getaway or day trip.
Cape Canaveral
Just along the Atlantic coast, you’ll find Cape Canaveral, a location famous for the numerous rockets that have been launched here. In fact, this area is often called the “Space Coast” and was chosen as the location for space launches for two smart reasons. One, it’s safest to launch rockets over the open ocean in a less densely-populated part of the country. Two, the location relative to the Earth’s equator and the way the planet rotates helps rockets propel safely into space over the Atlantic. Pretty neat, huh?
If you’re interested in learning more about NASA and the history of space travel, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-see attraction.
Miami
While Disney and the Space Center are a great time for adults too, you might be looking for something a little more grown up for those weekends where the kids are at grandma’s. Miami is the perfect destination for anyone looking to find extravagant nightlife, or anyone who wants to sip a cocktail in the sand overlooking the ocean. Miami has everything you need, from clean beaches to delicious food to incredible shopping destinations.
