Last spring, I found myself standing on a dock in the Keys at sunset, cold beer in hand, watching a tarpon roll just off the boat.
My buddy turned to me and said, “Man, I forgot Florida could be like this.”
I got it.
Most people think Florida is all theme parks and crowded beaches—families everywhere, overpriced souvenirs, long lines.
But if you know where to look, this state has some of the best adult experiences in the country.
I’m talking about things that actually feel like a vacation—not babysitting duty with a side of sunburn.
So here’s what I’ve learned after years of exploring this place, from the Panhandle to the Everglades, chasing the kind of experiences that make you forget about your inbox for a few days.
Kayak Through Bioluminescent Waters
There’s something almost supernatural about paddling through water that glows with every stroke.
I did this in the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville, and honestly, it messed with my head at first.
You dip your paddle in, and the water lights up like someone flipped a switch underwater.
It’s caused by tiny organisms called dinoflagellates, but knowing the science doesn’t make it any less magical.
The best time to go is during the summer months when the water is warmest and the organisms are most active.
Most tours launch after dark, so you’re out there under the stars, just you and the glow.
I went with a small group, and our guide kept the vibe chill—no loud talking, just quiet paddling and occasional “whoa” moments.
If you’ve never done it, book a tour with someone who knows the tides and moon phases.
It’s one of those experiences that feels like a secret, even though it’s been happening here for thousands of years.
Bring a waterproof camera if you want, but honestly, just being there is enough.
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Explore the Dry Tortugas by Seaplane or Ferry
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is half the adventure.
You can take a ferry from Key West, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour ride, or you can do what I did and fly in on a seaplane.
The seaplane costs more, but watching the turquoise water from above as you land on the Gulf is worth every penny.
Once you’re there, it’s just you, Fort Jefferson, and some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen.
The snorkeling is ridiculous—coral, tropical fish, and shipwrecks all within swimming distance of the beach.
I spent most of my day exploring the old fort, which was built in the 1800s and never actually finished.
It’s massive, kind of eerie, and full of history.
Pack your own food and drinks because there’s nothing out there except a small visitor center.
I brought a cooler with sandwiches and a few beers, found a shady spot, and just soaked it all in.
If you love remote places that feel untouched, this is your spot.
Take a Sunset Sail in Key West
I’m not usually a “sunset cruise” kind of guy, but Key West changed my mind.
There’s something about being on the water at dusk, wind in the sails, no engine noise—just the sound of the boat cutting through the water.
I went with a small charter that only took about ten people, so it didn’t feel like a tourist trap.
We had champagne, some light snacks, and a captain who knew when to talk and when to just let the moment breathe.
The sky turned every color you can imagine—orange, pink, deep purple—and everyone on the boat just got quiet for a few minutes.
It’s one of those things that sounds cheesy until you’re actually there, and then it just makes sense.
If you’re in Key West, skip the crowded Mallory Square sunset thing and get on a boat instead.
You’ll thank me later.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Go Spearfishing in the Gulf
If you’ve never tried spearfishing, Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great place to start.
I went out with a guide near Destin, and it was a completely different vibe than regular fishing.
You’re freediving, hunting, fully in the moment.
It’s quiet, focused, and when you actually spear a fish, the adrenaline is real.
We got a few hogfish and some lionfish, which are invasive and actually encouraged to catch.
The guide cleaned everything on the boat, and we took the fish to a local restaurant that cooked it for us that night.
Eating something you caught yourself just hits different.
You don’t need a ton of experience—most guides will teach you the basics and get you comfortable in the water first.
Just make sure you’re a decent swimmer and not afraid to dive down ten or fifteen feet.
It’s physical, it’s rewarding, and it’s one of my favorite ways to spend a day on the water.
Sip Craft Beer at Florida’s Local Breweries
Florida’s craft beer scene has exploded, and some of the best spots are off the beaten path.
I’ve hit up breweries from Tampa to St.
Pete to Jacksonville, and each one has its own personality.
Cigar City in Tampa is probably the most famous, and their Jai Alai IPA is a staple for a reason.
But I also love the smaller spots—like Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville, which has a great outdoor space and solid food trucks.
In St.
Pete, I spent an afternoon at 3 Daughters Brewing, which has a laid-back vibe and killer beach blonde ale.
Most of these places do tours, but honestly, I just like grabbing a flight, sitting outside, and people-watching.
Pair your brewery day with some local food trucks or nearby restaurants.
If you’re into beer tourism, Florida has way more to offer than most people realize.
Fish the Flats in the Everglades
Fly fishing in the Everglades is bucket-list stuff.
I’m not even a huge angler, but there’s something about stalking tarpon, redfish, and snook in shallow water that gets your heart going.
I hired a guide out of Flamingo, and we spent the morning poling through the flats looking for fish.
It’s visual fishing—you see the fish, cast to it, and hope it bites.
When a tarpon takes your fly and jumps, it’s chaos in the best way.
Even if you don’t land anything, the scenery alone is worth it.
Mangroves, birds everywhere, total silence except for the occasional splash.
Go early in the morning when the light is soft and the fish are feeding.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and be ready to stand for a few hours.
It’s not a lazy day of fishing, but it’s one of the most rewarding.
Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg
I’ll admit, I’m not a huge art museum guy.
But the Dalí Museum in St.
Pete completely pulled me in.
The building itself is wild—modern, with this massive glass structure called “The Enigma” that looks like a giant bubble.
Inside, you’ve got the largest collection of Dalí’s work outside of Spain.
Some of the paintings are huge, surreal, and kind of haunting.
I spent way longer there than I planned, just staring at details I kept noticing.
They also have rotating exhibits and events, so check the schedule before you go.
After the museum, walk around the St.
Pete waterfront—tons of good restaurants and bars nearby.
If you want a break from the beach and want something a little more cultural, this is a solid move.
Take an Airboat Ride Through the Everglades
Yeah, airboat rides can feel touristy, but if you’ve never done it, it’s a blast.
I went with a smaller outfit that focused more on wildlife and less on theatrics.
We saw gators, wading birds, turtles, and our guide knew everything about the ecosystem.
The speed is fun, the wind in your face is fun, and spotting a ten-foot gator sunbathing on the bank never gets old.
Some tours will even let you hold a baby gator afterward, which is weird but cool.
Go in the morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active.
Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise—those airboats are loud.
It’s a quintessential Florida experience, and if you’re visiting the state, you kinda have to do it at least once.
Hike and Camp at Big Cypress National Preserve
Most people don’t think “hiking” when they think “Florida,” but Big Cypress is legit.
The trails range from easy boardwalks to backcountry slogs through swamp water.
I did the Florida Trail section that runs through the preserve, and it was challenging, muddy, and completely worth it.
You’re walking through cypress domes, sawgrass prairies, and thick jungle-like hammocks.
Wildlife is everywhere—I saw a panther print, tons of birds, and more gators than I could count.
If you camp overnight, do it on one of the chickees (elevated platforms over the water).
Waking up to the sound of the swamp coming alive at sunrise is something I won’t forget.
Make sure you have good boots, plenty of water, and insect repellent.
This isn’t a casual nature walk—it’s real wilderness.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Dive or Snorkel a Shipwreck off the Coast
Florida’s coastline is littered with shipwrecks, and diving them is like stepping into history.
I dove the USNS General Hoyt S.
Vandenberg off Key West, which is one of the largest artificial reefs in the world.
It’s a massive ship sitting upright on the ocean floor, covered in coral and swarming with fish.
Swimming through the hull, seeing the light filter down from above, it’s surreal.
If you’re not scuba certified, there are plenty of shallower wrecks you can snorkel.
The Lady Luck near Pompano Beach is only about twenty feet down and perfect for snorkeling.
Bring an underwater camera because the visibility is usually great and the photo ops are endless.
Most dive shops offer guided trips, and they’ll handle all the logistics.
Just show up ready to explore.
Attend a Spring Training Game
If you’re a baseball fan, catching a spring training game in Florida is a must.
The stadiums are small, tickets are cheap, and the vibe is way more relaxed than a regular season game.
I went to a Rays game in Port Charlotte and sat right behind the dugout for like thirty bucks.
You can actually hear the players talking, see the sweat, feel the crack of the bat.
Grab a beer, a hot dog, and just enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Most teams play in February and March, so it’s perfect if you’re escaping cold weather back home.
The towns that host spring training also have great bars and restaurants nearby.
Make a day of it—game in the afternoon, dinner and drinks after.
It’s classic Americana in the best way.
Explore the Streets of St. Augustine
St.
Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and walking around feels like stepping back in time.
Cobblestone streets, old Spanish architecture, and history on every corner.
I spent a morning just wandering, popping into cafes and little shops.
The Castillo de San Marcos is worth a visit—it’s a massive stone fort right on the water.
If you’re into ghost tours, St.
Augustine has a ton of them, and apparently it’s one of the most haunted cities in the country.
I’m not big on ghosts, but the stories are entertaining, and the nighttime walk through the old streets is atmospheric.
There are also some great restaurants—I had an incredible meal at Columbia Restaurant, which has been there since the 1980s.
Pair it with a walk along the bayfront at sunset.
It’s a nice mix of history, food, and charm.
