Florida is perfect for family friendly vacation spots. Throughout the state, you’ll find a mix of exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, and urban adventures. While Orlando is one of the most popular destinations — known for the theme park at Disney World. It’s not the ideal destination for every family.
4 Family Friendly Vacation Spots in Florida
Here are four family friendly vacation spots in Florida that aren’t Orlando.
Longboat Key
The resort town of Longboat Key has situated on a Gulf of Mexico barrier island near Sarasota, Florida. Longboat Key boasts 12 miles of stunning white-sand beaches, golfing, dining, and shopping. Figure out where you’ll spend the majority of your time, and you can choose a Longboat Key hotel that has perfectly positioned to give you easy access to your favorite activities.
Nearby Sarasota has exciting family-friendly attractions, including the Ringling Circus Museum and the Manatee Viewing Center. Bayfront Park is also a nice spot for lawn games and a picnic lunch, and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has a fun touch tank and hundreds of marine creatures.
Everglades National Park
Located an hour from Miami, Everglades National Park is 1.5 million acres of marshland, coastal prairie, cypress woods, and mangroves. Camping families will love Lone Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground, though beware of the wet season from June to November. Moreover, those less inclined to camping will find a variety of accommodations in Miami and the northern Keys.
Hiking, bird watching, boating, and biking opportunities abound within the park. Furthermore, drive to the Flamingo Visitor Center at the southern end of the Everglades to look for crocodiles and manatees, and take a fishing trip in Florida Bay.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is also known for its shell-strewn beaches, eco-tourism adventures, diverse wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere.
Rent a bike and take a ride on the iNature Trail in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. However, one of the only trails of its kind in the United States, it has marked with QR codes that families can scan with their smartphones. And watch short videos on the wildlife, birds, and marine life that can be found within the Refuge.
Other activities including shelling, a boat ride to search for dolphins, and eating at one of the many restaurants on the island.
Tampa
The urban adventures of Tampa are perfect for any excitement-loving family. However, if visiting attractions is a major focus of your trip, check out the Tampa CityPASS, which covers admission to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Museum, and the Museum of Science & Industry. Truly, Tampa is a city where you’ll never get bored.
If you still have some energy left over after visiting attractions. Tampa also offers beautiful city parks, a vibrant restaurant scene, and the riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Also, in 30 minutes you can beat the spectacular barrier island beaches near St. Petersburg for a day of sun and relaxation.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for — a relaxing family vacation, a fun-filled week of entertainment, or the natural wonders of the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the Gulf of Mexico — Florida delivers with these family friendly vacation spots outside of Orlando.
