Fanak Baarmand of Florida is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys dabbling in various alfresco activities in his home state. In the following article, Fanak Baarmand discusses the various outdoor activities to try when visiting Florida, no matter the season.
The Sunshine State remains among the top vacation destinations, with millions of tourists making their way each year. From its enthralling landscapes to its stunning beaches, it's easy to understand why.
Outdoor recreation in Florida extends beyond Disney and its beaches according to Fanak Baarmand of Florida. Here's a list of must-try activities tourists won't want to miss out on.
Meet Florida's Wildlife
Florida had over 30 million tourist visits between October and December 2021. These numbers are higher than those reflected before the pandemic - the amount of travelers the Sunshine State receives is massive.
One reason for its popularity among travelers is the wildlife explains Fanak Baarmand of Florida. The biodiversity in this state is astonishing, and there are many charismatic species of mammals, reptiles, and birds you aren't likely to see anywhere else.
Dolphins
Fanak Baarmand of Florida says that tourists should consider scheduling a dolphin tour to get an up-close look at these majestic creatures. Depending on the agency, individuals will enjoy seeing dolphins in their natural habitat or in controlled environments.
Fanak Baarmand of Florida says that these are the most popular cities when it comes to seeing dolphins:
- The Florida Keys (Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West)
- Sanibel Island
- Fort Myers Beach
- Naples
- Clearwater
- Sarasota
- Manatees
Manatees move into warm-water refuge areas when water temperatures fall
below 70 °F. They're typically seen from November to March says Fanak Baarmand of Florida.
The opportunity to see or swim with manatees is unique to this state. Visitors can swim with them or watch them swim underneath them as they kayak. These gentle sea cows enjoy grazing in Florida waters, among them the Three Sister Springs in Crystal River or the Lee County Manatee Park in Fort Myers.
Both places offer unique experiences explains Fanak Baarmand of Florida. At Crystal River, visitors can take a kayak or swim in the river, where they'll likely encounter manatees. At Lee County, visitors can view these animals from a dock while the manatees huddle together in the water. It's truly a view worth experiencing.
Birds
It wouldn't be a trip to Florida without birdwatching. The Sunshine State is notorious for having many species of birds, some of which you'll only find in Florida — the Florida Scrub Jay, Everglade Snail Kit, and White-Crowned Pigeon, just to name a few.
This casual activity is enjoyed by millions of individuals and families year-round. Birdwatching is relatively low-impact while still providing excitement and adventure, making it an excellent choice for young children and the elderly.
Exercise in the Great Outdoors
Fanak Baarmand of Florida says that tourists visiting in the cooler months is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. This offers the opportunity to see why residents enjoy living here so much.
Hiking
Florida has plenty of great spots for hiking. The grounds aren't too steep since they're not mountainous and therefore are accessible to many ages and physical abilities.
Not only are there traditional hiking trails through the woods, but there are also some excellent beach hikes. This is a nice way to change up the scenery for someone who hikes often.
Water Sports
Other popular activities in Florida involve sports in the water. These can include jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and more.
These activities are accessible to various ages, physical abilities, and skill sets. Coastal cities like the Florida Keys or those in Southwest Florida offer different opportunities to rent equipment and enjoy water sports.
There are also plenty of surfing opportunities in some areas of Florida, particularly on the Atlantic coast.
Scuba and Snorkeling
For a genuinely unique Floridian experience, be sure to check out the opportunities to scuba dive. The
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offers the opportunity to see a shipwreck during their scuba tours. It's an excellent opportunity not only to see some unique underwater wildlife but to get to see a piece of history as well.
For those who don't enjoy scuba diving or have conditions that prevent them from doing so, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel instead. Snorkeling is a great way to check out some gorgeous coral reefs down by Key West.
Explore the Everglades
Fanak Baarmand of Florida says that there are several reasons why the Everglades are special. These grassy waters cover over 1.5 million acres and are visited by people from all around the world.
While many refer to it as a swamp, it's really a giant, slow-moving river. Tourists that visit the Everglades will experience several different ecosystems, animals, invasive species, and more.
Start Planning Your Florida Vacation
Florida provides some uniquely gorgeous opportunities to connect with the outdoors for tourists, residents, and travelers alike. When planning a trip, deciding what to do ahead of time will be essential, as it can be tough to choose between all the great options.
Start planning that visit today, and don't miss out on these must-try recreational activities.
