It can be difficult to see as much as you want to in Orlando, let alone finding the time to head to the coast or other cities in Florida. Planning can be essential in making the most of your time. Even on a two week holiday, there’s no time to be wasted wondering what to do next. Know where you want to go, book your tickets in advance and enjoy as much as you can!
Uncover some of the best beaches in America
When visiting most places abroad, a holiday without a trip to the beach can be unheard of! All those theme parks can really take it out of you, so why not consider a drive to Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can relax on some of the best family beaches in the whole of America. Clearwater and St Petersburg are under a 2 hour drive from Orlando and boast two award-winning beaches with miles of white sand and calm, child-friendly waters; relaxation at its prime. Enjoy a range of water sports, watch the stunning sunsets from the iconic piers or jump onboard the world’s largest speedboat in Clearwater; the Gulf Coast offers something for the whole family.
Not enough theme parks for you in Orlando?
For those of you who are visiting Orlando purely for the thrills of the theme parks, don’t forget to take the 80 minute drive to Busch Gardens in Tampa where you will find a number of fantastic attractions and daring rides which rival those you’ll find in Orlando. If you’re in Florida during the second half of the year, it’s worth visiting Busch Gardens just for the unbelievably exhilarating new ride –
Falcons Fury, the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America, standing at 335 feet! This underrated theme park is visited by animal-lovers too with an array of animal exhibits and attractions. Here, you’ll see some fascinating specimens including rhinos, elephants and cheetahs. There’s just as much to learn here as there is to enjoy!
An experience out of the ordinary
If you want a day spent doing something completely unique and out of the ordinary, make sure you visit Kennedy Space Center on the Gold Coast. It’s only under an hours’ drive from Orlando and because it’s within private grounds, you may just see some crocodiles and dolphins on your drive down. Kennedy Space Center has been the launch site for every US human space flight since 1968 and is perfect for those who are fascinated by space. Enjoy a whole day here at the museums, taking a tour, watching movies, meeting an astronaut and even witnessing a launch - if there’s one scheduled when you are visiting of course. Children continue to be amazed by the sheer size and audacity of the exhibits here; the whole Kennedy Space Center experience will most definitely exceed their expectations.
Don’t miss out on Florida’s natural surroundings
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of many state parks in Florida, but with this one just 90 minutes from Orlando, it’s not too far to travel for a fantastic family day out. It might not be as extravagant as SeaWorld or Busch Gardens, but none the less, the whole family can have fun with various attractions including animal shows, mermaid shows and river boat cruises where you can view and learn about the natural wildlife. With beautiful scenery, this park offers a different experience from one you’ll find in Orlando.
You might think it’s just for the boys!
Take the one hour drive to Daytona Beach, known by many for its NASCAR heritage. If you can get tickets for a race or event, get yourself to NASCAR International Speedway where men, women and families flock to satisfy their need for speed. If you can’t get tickets there are also tours available, and if the whole family aren’t convinced, Daytona Beach is also home to beautiful beaches, outstanding seafood restaurants and Daytona Lagoon Water Park!
Even if these five suggestions arent your cup of tea, just remember -there’s more to Florida than Orlando!
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