Florida is typically known for two types of vacations. Sitting poolside, or beachside, and sipping frosty drinks while working on your tan or going theme park crazy with Mickey Mouse. While both of these can make great Florida vacations, the Sunshine State is a vast wealth of history, culture and adventure. It’s a fantastic vacation spot that can really open your eyes to quite a bit of culture. On top of that there are lots of ways to get to Florida on a budget, so it’s not like you have to break the bank to enjoy a great vacation.
So without further ado: here are four alternative cultural and natural attractions to enjoy in Florida without a giant mouse or swimming pool to be seen:
Manatee Viewing
Manatees are some of the most beautiful and peaceful creatures in the waters the Caribbean, and if you fancy being at one with nature, there are various parks in and around the state where you can view them.
Tampa, Fort Myers, and Citrus County all contain wildlife refuges and parks where you can view the splendid water beasts. They are especially active in the winter time, as they come closer to the coast line to stay warm.
Airboat Ride
Sticking to the theme of nature, Airboat Rides are attractions that are uniquely Floridian.
Whether you take a ride to fly about the swamps with the wind in your hair, or merely to look a crocodile in the eye, the rides, based in Southport and East Lake (both within 40 minutes of Florida) last around thirty minutes and cost no more than $30 per person. It’s a great way to see and experience what remains of old Florida.
John F. Kennedy Space Center
An attraction that is bigger than the island of Manhattan, John F. Kennedy Space Centre is quite possibly one of the most educational tourist attractions in the United States.
With 1.5 million visitors a year, the center has an array of attractions including the Shuttle Launch Experience, Rocket Garden and Space Shuttle Atlantis Display.
General admission stands at around $50 per adult and $40 for children aged 3-11.
The Art Experience
Based in Miami, The Art Experience is a grand tour of the alternative Miami art scene, with insight into its style, history and culture.
The tour is guided by Susana Baker and enjoys sights around Wynwood, Midtown and the Design Destricts, providing tours through six galleries and even a private collection.
The tour costs as little as $35 per person, though a dine-design-art tour runs from $89 to $145, which includes a three course meal.