From kayaking clear waters to walking scenic hiking trails, Florida has no shortage of unique outdoor adventures for those that want to bask in nature’s glory. Many of these activities are fit for various skill levels. So, for young and old alike, get outdoors to explore Florida!
1. Paddleboarding To The Thousand Islands Conservation Area
Launch at Ramp Road Park as you travel on your paddleboard to head to the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. Here, you can go around the 338-acre site and bask in Mother Nature’s glory.
During your paddleboarding trip, you can also experience the different animal species living in the conservation area. Gaze upon wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and various bird families.
Also, you’ll come across signs that’ll direct you to your destination. These signs will also sometimes tell you to adjust your speed as some animals might be in the area.
Tip: Start your paddleboarding early so you’ll have the best chance to see most animals in the conservation area.
Address: 401 Ramp Road Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Entrance Fee: Free
Related Read: "How To Pay Tolls When Visiting Florida"
2. Horseback Riding At Amelia Island
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Amelia Island is a tranquil home that houses much of Florida's culture, history, and nature. Here, you can go to Peters Point Road to go for a tour on horseback.
Debbie Manser is operating this horseback tour service of the island. She started her journey in 1993 when she fulfilled her dreams of attracting horse lovers both near and far.
Customers can choose between different ride groups, such as day, sunset, and sunrise rides. Choose among different horse partners for your journey, including Chanel, Cookie, and Gatoraide.
Note: Debbie's tours only cater to a maximum of guest riders at a time. However, she can accommodate up to six riders with advanced notice.
Address: Peters Point Rd, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Price: $175 to $1,000
Contact number: 904-753-1701
Email: [email protected]
Here's a glance at what a horseback riding tour looks like in Amelia Island from TikTok user peachy_rn:
@peachy_rn 25th Anniversary sunrise horseback ride on the beach @sandinmybritches @ameliaislandflorida #horse #horsebackride #beach #ameliaisland #ameliaislandflorida #sunrise ♬ Paradise - Bazzi
3. Kayaking At The Wekiva River
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If you’re in Central Florida, you could also go to Katie’s Landing to start your kayaking journey. You start at that point as you go around the Wekiva River.
It’s important to note that this kayaking route may not be for the faint of heart. You might find yourself face-to-face with cute animals like a river otter or the sandhill crane. However, you could also happen upon the American alligator, the indigo snake, or a black bear in during your travels.
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Related Read: Where To See Alligators In Florida: 6 Surefire Locations
Address: 262 Wekiva Park Dr, Sanford, FL 32771
Price: Free entrance ($2 parking fee)
Watch this TikTok video from user, trevorbrown407, to see a glimpse of a kayaking trip in the Wekiva River:
@trevorbrown407 Visit Orlando Florida and go kayaking on the Wekiva River. #orlandofloridarealtor #wekivaisland #wekivariver #orlandofl #getoutdoors ♬ Free - Donavon Frankenreiter
4. Mermaid Watching At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
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Looking for a magical trip while visiting Florida? Weeki Wachee Springs State Park might pique your interest with its mermaid show.
Here, you can watch in a 400-seat auditorium as mermaids put on a show for avid viewers. If you time your visit properly, you may get the chance to watch a live-action adaptation performance of Hand Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee, FL 34606
Price: $8 to $13, depending on the age group (children under 5 years old are free)
Contact number: 352-610-5660
Here’s a preview of the mermaids in action in Weeki Wachee Springs, courtesy of TikTok user, parademag:
@parademag Check out Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida! Thank you to Florida’s Adventure Coast Visidors Bureau @fladventurecoast for all the amazing footage 🧜♀️🤩 #mermaid #mermaidtail #mermaids #mermaidhair #mermaidtiktok #mermaidlife #weekiwachee #weekiwacheesprings #tampa #tampabay #florida ♬ Under the Sea - Instrumental / From "The Little Mermaid" - London Music Works