If you live in Florida – or even if you are just a tourist who likes to visit – your first thoughts related to leisure probably involve the beach. The beach is not without possibilities for physical activity – beach volleyball, jogging and biking on boardwalks, and swimming are obvious ways that you can both enjoy the sun and get exercise at the same time.
But there is so much more to the Florida outdoors. Because of the preconceptions that people have about the beach being King in the state, many visitors too often find themselves missing out on all of what Florida has to offer.
Kayaking
Have you ever heard of Cocoa Beach? It is more than just a beach. The area includes a large network of mangroves that run along the state’s coastline. For kayakers, it is a haven of labyrinths through which you can continue winding for seemingly weeks at a time. The mangroves provide breathtaking scenery that keeps kayakers mesmerized throughout their water adventures. So grab your 1 person foldable kayak and hit the water. With your own equipment, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to rent.
Another favorite spot is Banana River.This lagoon is replete with all manner of wildlife, including manatees, terrapin turtles, pelicans, and more. For lovers of fauna, you will find a veritable treasure trove of sea animals to explore while in the water. You can even take your own folding kayak and not have to worry about renting one.
Sanibel Island for cyclists
If you can get away from the beach on Sanibel Island, you will find miles and miles of bike paths through which you can happily wind around all day long. Although most people head straight to the beach on this famous island, there is much more to it than just sand. Just imagine:
Sanibel boasts 25 miles of bike paths, most of which lies on pristine land that is legally protected. If you can make your way inland, you will find that biking is, in fact, quite popular there. Rental outfits and bike racks are plentiful, so even if you don’t being your own bike you can easily pick one up for the day. And there are plenty of sights to see as you ride along, including a shell museum, an historic village, and a wildlife refuge.
Ten Thousand Islands for dolphin lovers
In case you’re wondering, yes, there are actually over 10,000 islands and islets in this little cluster outside of Naples. And the dolphin viewing is amazing.
What you’ll need to do is get yourself a boat tour with a company that knows the area well. Then you can snake around the islands and watch the dolphins jump up right before your eyes (be sure to set your shutter speed on the right mode so you can catch them in action!). It will surely be an adventure loved by the whole family.
Visit an island Fort
You’ve heard of President Zachary Taylor, but have you heard of the fort constructed in his honor? If you go to Key West, you can visit the ramparts of this historic structure, and learn a bit of history at the same time. The 19th-century fort sits in the similarly-named Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. While there, you can learn about this famous American president and the history that surrounded his administration.
You can also spend time enjoying the park itself. While at the fort, you will get a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. You can then descend and enjoy the surrounding nature. Key West itself has a ton to offer in terms of recreational and food establishments.
Don’t forget the wildlife preserves
You can’t visit Florida without seeing one or more of its famous wildlife preserves. These veritable treasure troves of diverse fauna are among the nation’s leading hubs for wildlife. In fact, the US wildlife refuge system was founded in Florida over 100 years ago. There are now 29 of them.
The state now boasts almost 200 state parks, including Cedar Keys, where you can find egrets, herons, ibis, and other rare birds. You can visit the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, where you will be awed and perhaps terrified by hawks, vultures, and falcons. Or you can seek out completely different types of animals at the St Augustine Wild Reserve, where you will find wolves, jaguars, bears, and lions.
Whatever you seek, you will find in Florida
Whatever your outdoor or nature-based interests may be, you will find them in the Sunshine State. Whether it be water sports, extreme adventures, flora, fauna, or even just good food, Florida has it all. Just make an effort to go beyond the beach. As spectacular as the state’s beaches may be, you will only get a true sense of Florida’s diversity if you venture beyond the sand. So go online, fish around, and see what strikes your fancy. Then start booking your tickets for adventures that are sure to stay with you for life.
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