3 Unique Places to Visit While on Vacation in Florida

When planning a vacation in Florida, there is a vast array of captivating option to consider. From theme parks to glamorous cities, exploring natural wonders to relaxation on the white-sand beaches, the choices in planning a Florida vacation are limitless. While Florida’s diverse offerings promise an unforgettable vacation, here are 3 unique place to visit that you will only find while on vacation in Florida.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All recommendations are my own and am in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Vacation in Florida by Exploring the Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Merritt Island is a premier multiuser spaceport. This historical site serves as the primary launch center for NASA’s human spaceflights, research and technology. At the Visitor Complex, patrons can experience the history and future of space exploration. Some of the highlights at the Visitor Complex include:

• U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Learn about the achievements and significant contributions to space exploration from legendary astronauts.
• Heros & Legends: Hear the inspiring stories of the pioneers who paved the way for space travel.
• Spaceport KSC: Glimpse the spaceport of the future and embark on incredible journeys.
• Apollo/ Saturn V Center: Take a trip back in time to witness the Saturn V rocket, the first human occupied rock to reach the moon.

Touring the Visitor’s Complex

Our visit commenced at the Heroes and Legends exhibit, which encompasses a 4D cinematic experience, authentic relics from previous missions, and an intimate view of the Gemini 9 Capsule. The exploration of this complex culminated with the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Allow approximately thirty to forty-five minutes to fully engage with this exhibit alone. The children were captivated by the 4D film and enjoyed inspecting the historical artifacts. Moreover, the relics are housed within individual pods, each outfitted with an array of buttons and switches. It was imperative for our kids to interact with every control as they navigated through the room of artifacts.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

To reach the Apollo/Saturn V Center it is required of guest to board a tour bus. Our tour led us through official NASA territory, behind the gates, where we observed the Vehicle Assembly Building. This facility is where space shuttles are constructed and transported to their launch sites. We also caught a glimpse of the Transport Crawler as we passed by.

Upon arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, we were promptly escorted from the bus into a room to view a short film on NASA’s early years. Subsequently, we entered another room to experience the launch of Apollo 8, NASA’s inaugural crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit and towards the moon. The original control consoles from the Apollo 8 mission were illuminated, synchronizing with the actual launch footage for the countdown and liftoff. Following the Apollo 8 simulation, we proceeded to the subsequent chamber where the authentic Saturn V rocket was displayed overhead.

Ending Our Day at the Kennedy Space Center

Upon returning to the Visitor Complex, we proceeded to the indoor playground, which was an absolute must for the children. The playground’s policy stipulates a maximum of 30 minutes of playtime; however, there seemed to be no enforcement of this rule. Given that we had allocated only five hours for our visit to the space center, our available time was quickly diminishing. We allowed the children their allotted half-hour of play, but as a consequence, we missed the final screening of the IMAX movie. With the center’s closing time looming, we opted to indulge in some ice cream before heading to the parking lot.

Vacation in Florida at the Everglades

Another incredibly unique vacation spot in Florida is nestled deep within the subtropical wilderness of Florida, known as the Everglades. Recently, we had the opportunity to explore the swamplands of Georgia. What sets the Everglades apart from the Georgia swamps? Spanning over two million acres across central and southern Florida, the flooded wetlands of the Everglades are home to an extensive variety of animal life. There are no other Everglades in the world, rendering this region one of the most unique places on Earth.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park spans more than 1.5 million acres that protects a diverse ecosystem. The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is home to lush marshes, sawgrass prairies and cypress swamps. In this biodiverse habitat, numerous rare and endangered species swell, including the manatee, the American crocodile and the Florida panther.

The Florida Everglades’ unique ecosystem has inadvertently supported the expansion of invasive, exotic species. A variety of nonnative reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fish have made the Everglades their home, posing a significant threat to the indigenous species. A notable example is the Burmese python.

These large snakes have no natural predators and reproduce at a concerning rate. The Burmese python has become such a threat to the ecosystem that it is legal to hunt them at any time of the year. No permit is required, and there are no limits on the number that can be bagged; however, they must be killed humanely on site. The transportation of live pythons is prohibited. In this region, guided hunts for pythons are offered.

Entering the Everglades

There are three main entrances to the Everglades National Park. The Homestead entrance is located in Homestead, Florida. This entrance provides access to the Royal Palm and Flamingo area of the park. The Gulf Coast entrance is located in Everglade City and provides access the western part of the park. Shark Valley is the Miami entrance into the park.

Shark Valley

During the peak season, December through April, the Shark Valley entrance can be very congested. We experienced this when we arrived at the gate. The Shark Valley entrance is popular because it offers a 15-mile loop road into Shark Valley Slough. Options to explore the trail include walking, biking or a guided tour on the Shark Valley Tram.

• Hiking – While you can walk the 15-mile paved tram road, if you would prefer to explore alone, there are a couple of options available.
  • The Bobcat Boardwalk – Situated behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center, this trail is wheelchair accessible and offers a self-guided boardwalk hike. Spanning half a mile one way, it wanders through the sawgrass slough.
  • Otter Cave Hammock Trail – Starting half a mile from the Shark Valley Visitor Center, the trail extends for 0.25 miles one-way through a tropical hardwood forest. This region is prone to flooding during the summer months.
• Biking – The tram road takes approximately four hours to complete the full loop on foot. A faster, self-guided alternative is a bicycle tour. While you are welcome to bring your own bicycle, bicycles are available for rent at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. At a rate of $25 per bike per day, they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are recommended.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Our family chose the educational guided tour offered by Shark Valley Tram Tours. On overcast days, the likelihood of encountering a wide array of wildlife diminishes. Fortunately for us, the sun was shining brightly, prompting numerous alligators to bask in its warmth. Midway along the trail, the tram halts at Shark Valley Observation Tower, the tallest point accessible in Everglades National Park. It was from this vantage point that we spotted one of the rare crocodiles inhabiting the Florida Everglades. Everglades National Park is unique globally as it is home to both alligators and crocodiles living together. This phenomenon is attributed to the park’s distinctive ecosystem, where freshwater from Lake Okeechobee converges with oceanic saltwater.

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours

Following our Shark Valley Tram Tour through Everglades National Park, we embarked on a 45-minute journey westward to Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tour. The first item on our agenda was an exhilarating airboat ride. Utilizing a large fan to propel the flat-bottomed vessel, airboats are the preferred mode of transportation across the Florida Everglades, adept at gliding over the shallow, plant-filled marshes.

As we sped through the Everglades’ grasslands, we were thrilled to spot several alligators. The high-speed turns and skimming across the water’s surface made for an unforgettable experience. Our children were beaming with joy, bursting into laughter and cheers throughout the adventure. My daughter even took a moment to express her gratitude to our boat Captain, Rick, telling him he had made her day.

Interacting with Alligators

A standout experience at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours is the opportunity to interact with alligators. Following an enthralling live alligator show, juvenile American alligators were presented, offering not just the chance to pet them but also to hold them! Despite alligators being formidable apex predators, engaging in a personal encounter imparts a completely different perspective. In total, there were three alligators. Two of the alligators were three years old, and the larger one was four years old; they were, if I may be so bold, adorable! Without this experience, I would never have thought to use ‘adorable’ and ‘alligator’ in the same context.

The most effective way to deepen knowledge about a topic is through firsthand experience, and our time in the Everglades was truly transformative. Should you plan a vacation in Florida, don’t miss out on visiting the unique qualities of the Everglades!

Vacation in Florida by Snorkeling with Manatees

Globally, there are limited locations where one can engage with manatees in their natural habitat. Crystal River in Florida offers various opportunities for intimate interactions with these serene animals. We chose to snorkel for a personal experience with the manatees. However, due to increased tourist activity, our snorkeling excursion was relocated to Homosassa Springs—a shallower and less congested spot for snorkeling. For those disinclined to swim, alternative activities including boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Additionally, observation decks are also available for those who prefer to remain dry.

Florida Manatees

Citrus County, home to Crystal Springs, is renowned as the ‘Manatee Capital of the World.’ Manatees are unable to endure temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting their migration from the Gulf of Mexico’s open ocean to Florida’s warmer springs during winter. The prime time for manatee sightings spans from December to April. With the onset of warmer weather, manatees return to the Gulf.

In Florida, there are two subspecies of West Indian Manatees: the Florida Manatee and the Antillean Manatee. An adult manatee typically tips the scales at 800 to 1,200 pounds and consumes roughly 10 percent of its body weight in food each day. Their length usually spans 8 to 10 feet, although some have been known to reach lengths of 14 or 15 feet and weigh more than 3,500 pounds!

Snorkeling with Manatees

The tour company we reached out to, “Snorkel with Manatees,” facilitated a seamless experience for all participants. Children as young as two can partake in the activity. Life jackets are available for the younger children and those who cannot swim. It is mandatory for everyone to use a pool noodle while observing the manatees in the water. This is crucial for a couple of reasons. Firstly, kicking is prohibited to prevent startling them and stirring up sediment from the riverbed, which can obstruct visibility. Paddling with arms is acceptable, but legs must remain motionless. Secondly, the brightly colored noodles increase your visibility to other boaters in the water.

The tour spans approximately three hours. After donning wetsuits, our family, accompanied by another couple, embarked on a pontoon. During our quest to spot manatees, we encountered a variety of fascinating wildlife, including a trio of dolphins, which was an unexpected treat. The water composition in this region is roughly 90% freshwater and 10% saltwater. As we ventured further along the river, the water transitioned into a ‘brackish’ state—a blend of the river’s freshwater and the ocean’s saltwater. Such conditions are suitable for manatees since they are adaptable to both freshwater and saltwater environments. Dolphins, conversely, require saltwater for their survival. Our guide mentioned that dolphins occasionally visit to prey on fish but do not linger for extended periods.

Manatee Encounter

While snorkeling in Homosassa Springs, we encountered two manatees. The first was a juvenile whose mother, although swimming nearby, kept her distance as her calf approached us for a closer look. A newborn manatee can weigh more than 60 pounds at birth. We soon discovered another, larger manatee in the river. Although wetsuits were provided, the water’s chill was still breathtaking as you descended the ladder. Paddling slowly through the murky waters, the thrill of a massive aquatic mammal emerging before you is both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. There was also the concern of what else might lurk beneath the water.

For the better part of an hour, we were delighted to observe a friendly gentle giant. He devoted most of his time to grazing on the riverbed’s vegetation, occasionally surfacing for a breath of fresh air. Our presence seemed to cause him no disturbance. The ability to accompany these rare mammals in their natural environment was an extraordinary experience.

Unique Place to Visit on Vacation in Florida

While theme parks and pristine white-sandy beaches might be the initial choices when organizing a vacation in Florida, these distinctive destinations guarantee a memorable adventure. Witness the first authentic space shuttle that reached the moon at Kennedy Space Center, glide over the waters of the Everglades, coming face-to-face with alligators, or snorkel alongside Manatees in Citrus County. You’re sure to depart with captivating tales and lifelong memories.

Want to see more from Camping with Kayla? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram!

You can find video from all three unique adventures including the Airboat Tour and Snorkeling with Manatees on our YouTube Channel