10 Outdoor Adventures in Florida You Can Do in One Weekend
Florida isn’t just about theme parks and sandy beaches. The Sunshine State offers some of the most exciting outdoor adventures you can pack into a single weekend. Whether you want to paddle alongside manatees, zoom across marshlands, or explore underwater coral gardens, Florida has something thrilling waiting for you.
1. Kayak Through the Crystal-Clear Waters of Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee Springs offers water so clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom. As you glide your kayak along this spring-fed river, manatees might pop up beside you, curious and friendly.
Turtles sun themselves on logs while fish dart beneath your paddle. The river stays a cool 74 degrees year-round, making it perfect for any season.
The peaceful surroundings and wildlife encounters make this a must-do Florida experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
2. Snorkel or Dive at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
America’s first underwater park sits just off Key Largo’s coast. Bright coral formations stretch across the ocean floor, home to parrotfish, angelfish, and hundreds of other tropical species.
The famous Christ of the Abyss statue stands nine feet tall beneath the waves, creating an unforgettable sight for snorkelers and divers alike. Glass-bottom boat tours work great if you prefer staying dry.
Morning trips usually offer the best visibility. Bring an underwater camera because you’ll want proof of the rainbow-colored fish swimming around you in this underwater paradise.
3. Airboat Ride Through the Everglades
Nothing beats the rush of zooming across the Everglades on an airboat. Wind whips through your hair as your guide navigates through sawgrass prairies and narrow waterways.
Alligators bask in the sun along muddy banks while herons and egrets take flight overhead. Your captain will slow down for close-up views of wildlife and share fascinating facts about this unique ecosystem.
Most tours last about an hour and include a nature walk afterward. Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses—the Florida sun reflects hard off the water during these thrilling rides.
4. Hike the Trails at Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park covers 58 square miles of wild Florida terrain. Boardwalks wind through marshes where alligators lurk and wading birds hunt for breakfast.
Climb the 74-foot canopy walkway tower for breathtaking views across treetops and wetlands stretching to the horizon. Deer, wild turkeys, and even bobcats call this park home.
Several trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Pack water and snacks, and start early to beat the heat. This park shows you the real Florida, untamed and beautiful beyond belief.
5. Zipline Over the Cliffs at The Canyons (Ocala)
Ocala’s hidden gem features ziplines soaring over abandoned limestone quarries now filled with stunning turquoise lakes. Seven different lines take you across canyons, forests, and crystal-clear water.
The longest line stretches over 600 feet, giving you plenty of time to soak in the incredible scenery below. Trained guides handle all the safety equipment and cheer you on.
No experience is needed, just a sense of adventure.
6. Paddleboard at St. Pete’s Sunset Beach
St. Pete Beach ranks among the world’s most beautiful coastlines, and sunset paddleboarding shows you exactly why. Calm Gulf waters make balancing easy, even for first-timers.
As the sun melts into the horizon, the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and purple. Dolphins sometimes swim past, their fins breaking the glassy surface.
Rental shops line the beach and offer lessons if you need them. The water stays warm most of the year. Bring a waterproof phone case to capture the magical colors painting the sky around you.
7. Swim With Manatees in Crystal River
Crystal River is the only place in America where you can legally swim with wild manatees. These gentle giants gather in the warm spring waters, especially during winter months.
Slip into the water with your snorkel gear and float quietly as manatees glide past. Some curious ones might even approach you for a closer look. Their wrinkled faces and whiskers make them look like underwater grandpas.
Local tour operators provide wetsuits and equipment while teaching proper manatee etiquette.
8. Explore the Trails and Blue Lakes at Ichetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee Springs looks like something from a fantasy movie. The water glows an impossible shade of blue, so clear you can count pebbles on the bottom from your inner tube.
Tubing the lazy river takes about three hours and requires zero effort. Just float along while the gentle current does the work. Snorkelers can spot turtles, fish, and fascinating underwater plants.
Several springs feed into the main river, each with its own swimming hole. Summer weekends get crowded, so weekday visits offer more peace and quiet for your aquatic adventure.
9. Camp, Stargaze, and Watch Rocket Launches at Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore stretches for 24 miles of undeveloped beach between the Atlantic Ocean and Mosquito Lagoon. Pitch your tent right on the sand and fall asleep to crashing waves.
When darkness falls, the sky lights up with more stars than you’ve probably ever seen. If you time your visit right, you might witness a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
Dolphins play in the surf, sea turtles nest on the beach, and birds fill the marshes. This primitive camping experience lets you unplug completely and reconnect with nature’s rhythms.
10. Bike the Scenic Pinellas Trail
The Pinellas Trail runs 45 miles from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, connecting beaches, parks, and quirky coastal towns. This paved path follows an old railroad line, making it mostly flat and beginner-friendly.
Stop for ice cream in downtown Dunedin, explore art galleries in Safety Harbor, or take a dip at one of many beach access points. Local cafes and shops welcome cyclists throughout the route.
Rent bikes from various locations along the trail. You don’t need to ride the whole thing—even a 10-mile stretch offers beautiful scenery and fresh Gulf breezes.
