7 must-do things while you’re stationed in (or visiting) Florida

By Amanda Huffman

Posted on Sep 7, 2024

Reviewed By Tessa Robinson

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Postcard c 1910 "A Florida Alligator Chorus", depicting alligators beside a body of water, holding sheet music, as a larger alligator conducts the "chorus".
Postcard c 1910 "A Florida Alligator Chorus", depicting alligators beside a body of water, holding sheet music, as a larger alligator conducts the "chorus". Wikimedia Commons.

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When people think of Florida they often think of white sand beaches or maybe the thriving theme park industry located near Orlando. But there is so much more to Florida than beaches and theme parks. Although those things also made our top seven spots to visit there are many other places to explore in Florida for military families.

If you are a military family living in Florida or looking for the perfect family vacation, here are 7 things you need to do in Florida:

1. Visit a theme park (we told you it would be on the list!)

    Universal Studios, Disney World, Sea World and more are all located within the Orlando area and while they each could be their own point, there is too much to do in Florida to break them out separately. Both Universal and Disney offer a large shopping area near their theme parks that you don’t need a ticket to access. Another great thing about these attractions for military families is the generous discounts given to service members and their families. Check out your local Information, Tickets and Travel office at your duty station to learn what current discounts and promotions are available. If you can’t access the discounts online, call the park hotels directly and ask for their military discount.

    2. Learn about space

    The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly over the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, April 13, 2023. The Thunderbirds were in town for the Cocoa Beach Air Show, located on Florida’s “Space Coast,” an area known as NASA’s homebase for manned missions to the moon and the Space Shuttle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)
    The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly over the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, April 13, 2023. The Thunderbirds were in town for the Cocoa Beach Air Show, located on Florida’s “Space Coast,” an area known as NASA’s homebase for manned missions to the moon and the Space Shuttle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)

      What is commonly known as the Space Coast is the section of land near Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach. From there, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center for an in-depth tour of not only the space center but the history of space. But the excitement of space doesn’t have to end with your tour of the Kennedy Space Center, if you are lucky you can see a rocket launch. 

      3. Hop on a Glass Bottom Boat

        Did you know the Glass Bottom Boat was invented in Florida? At Silver Springs State Park Glass Bottom Boats have wowed visitors since the 1870s. On a tour not only will you see native wildlife, but you might even spot historic artifacts from Native Americans or Hollywood film sets. Besides taking a tour in a Glass Bottom Boat, Silver Springs State Park offers hiking, camping, paddling and more. 

        4. See the wildlife

          Have you ever wanted to see an alligator? Or maybe see a manatee? In Florida, not only do you need to be aware that alligators are everywhere and you need to be careful near any body of water, but you can also find alligators in their natural habitat at various locations throughout Florida. One of the most popular is Everglade National Park in Homestead, Florida. You can also see manatees at various spots; one of the most popular locations is Manatee Springs in Chiefland, Florida. 

          5. Visit Daytona Speedway

          Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Noami Stout, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, holds the American flag NASCAR driver Carl Edwards during the national anthem at the 54th running of the Daytona 500. Stouts rode a lap around the famed speedway with Edwards before the race.
          Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Noami Stout, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, holds the American flag NASCAR driver Carl Edwards during the national anthem at the 54th running of the Daytona 500. Stouts rode a lap around the famed speedway with Edwards before the race.

            Visiting Daytona Speedway for a NASCAR race is amazing and some might say the best way to experience this location. But you can visit Daytona Speedway throughout the year. Tours are offered at regular intervals taking you on the track and around the various high points at Daytona Speedway. Your tour ends in a museum where you get to see historic cars from past races. 

            6. Hit the beach

              There are a lot of great beach options. Far too many to list on this short round-up. But depending on what you are looking for will determine the best beach for you to visit. Some of the most popular beach destinations include Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, Delray Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and Palm Beach.

              7. Explore the ocean

                There is both great snorkeling and scuba diving off the coast of Florida. One of the best places for both snorkeling and scuba diving is Devil’s Den located near Williston, Florida. Reservations are required for this location and priority is given to divers. You can also scuba dive at Neptune Memorial Reef, this is a free location and you are able to get to by private boat or book a tour with one of the many tourist boats coming out of Miami. These are just two of the many locations available for both scuba diving and snorkeling along the Florida coastline.  

                There is so much to see and do in Florida and this list is truly only the beginning. Other great cities that are fun vacation spots in Florida include St. Augustine, Key West, and the Panhandle cities of Pensacola and Destin. For each item listed there are other pieces of history, nature and even more theme parks to discover. Now it is your turn, what did we miss on your must-do list when you visit or live in Florida? Comment below!