Fall Bucket List
The year is ending soon, but you’ve still got time to see the best of what Florida has to offer! We’ve even made you a handy bucket list of the top 10 experiences and adventures you must have before the end go 2021. Whether you’re getting in touch with nature at the 10th largest park in the U.S., working on your tan at the #1 beach in America, or seeing the city from the tallest observation wheel in Orlando, your bucket list is packed full of fun.
1. Commune with Nature in the Everglades
You ought to visit the Everglades National Park at least once in your life — particularly if you’re a nature lover. This park spans 1.5 million acres, and is the 10th largest national park in the U.S.! Here, you’ll see marvelous native plants, bright-colored birds, and elusive Florida panthers. The stars of the show here, animal-wise, are of course the alligators — and there are many ways to meet them! One of the most popular (and exciting) ways to get around here is by taking an airboat tour. Imagine racing through the swamplands of the scenic Everglades, skimming across the surface on a speeding airboat, the warm Florida breeze whipping through your hair and the gentle spray of the water misting across your face. The airboat slows down as your guide tells you, through your headset, about the beautiful plants and birds you see. Maybe you’ll even spot an alligator! Is there a more thrilling way to tour the Everglades? We think not. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours is one of many fine airboat tour groups that can take you on a wild ride through the Everglades to see alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and unique tropical plants.
captainmitchs.com
2. Soak in the Sun at America’s #1 Beach
Anyone visiting the Bradenton-Sarasota area must make a trip to Siesta Key, one of the most iconic Gulf Coast island getaways. Its beach, Siesta Public Beach, is so stunningly beautiful that it has one numerous awards, including the nation’s best — more than once! Huge expanses of powdery white sand will squeak beneath your feet, and a slight gradient from beach to waves makes it perfect for wading and for small children. The kids will also enjoy the new playground located at one of the two recently-renovated beach facilities, which include concessions. This beach is surrounded by all kinds of accommodations, and is just a short walk or bicycle ride from Siesta Village. The Village is packed with shops, ice cream stores, grocery stores, gift shops, and of course, restaurants. The Village also hosts a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, as well as art shows throughout the year. Siesta Key itself is quite a long island, but don’t worry about getting around! The Siesta Breeze trolleys can cart you around the island — for free — every day of the week from 8 a.m. to midnight. Not only does Siesta offer the traditional island accommodations like hotels and cottage rentals, it also takes things to the next level with luxurious vacation home rentals, for those who like to vacation in style.
3. Shop ’til You Drop in Naples
Calling all shoppers! As part of the Paradise Coast, it’s safe to say that Naples lives up to the area’s reputation as heaven on Earth. While the pristine beaches and fabulous golf resorts are what draw some visitors, it is Fifth Avenue South in Downtown Naples that calls to the avid shoppers, retail aficionados, and bargain hunters. The historic architecture of Old Florida lends to the charm of this retail area, and having long been shopping destination, many of the stores here are locally owned and operated. Looking for the perfect outfit during your fantastic vacation? Try one of the boutiques like Jami’s or Marilyn’s. This is an excellent place to choose a piece of fine jewelry, perhaps to celebrate a birthday or anniversary — stop in to Kristoff Jewelers or make an appointment at Schmitt Jewelers. You can also shop for antiques, home furnishings, beauty products, gifts, and so much more. Has all this shopping worn you out a bit? Rejuvenate at a spa like Hidden Oasis Salon Spa (at Salons by JC). If you can’t see all the shops in one day, don’t worry — you can always come back! In fact, shopping here is so popular that some hotels and resorts even offer shopping packages.
fifthavenuesouth.com
4. “Meet” Salvador Dalí
The Dali Museum cares for and shares an expertly curated collection of Salvador Dali works to delight and educate their visitors and to provide unique inspiration for events, programs and special exhibits. The Museum contains the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Europe, housed in a completely unique facility whose facade resembles a Dali work itself. In addition to the famous works by Dali, the Museum serves as an active resource in the cultural life of the St. Petersburg community and the world at large. Special events encourage the community and visitors to engage in hands-on art projects, particularly for children and families. Perhaps one of the most unique features is the chance to meet a hologram of Dali himself!
thedali.org
5. Celebrate the Sunset in Key West
When visiting Key West, you may hear friendly passerby say, “See you at sunset!” — this is because each evening, hundreds of people gather in the iconic Mallory Square two hours before sunset to begin a celebration of the day — the Key West Sunset Celebration. A tradition and view that has been witnessed by the likes of Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams, this is a can’t-miss festival that includes the talents of magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, and artists, and offers delicious food from local vendors. Watch as the sun sinks below the horizon and the Gulf of Mexico, transforming the sky and waters into a myriad of vibrant colors. There’s no better way to end the day! Don’t forget to respect everyone’s space and maintain a six-foot distance from people not in your party — and, as always, best safe!
mallorysquare.com
6. See Orlando from 400 feet in the Air
A visit to the shopping, dining, and entertainment center at ICON Orlando 360 is a thrill in and of itself, even if you didn’t ride its towering observation wheel — which is essentially an enormous Ferris wheel, built specifically using an A-frame structure that will not block a single view for riders (hence the addition of “360” to its title — referring to the experience of 360-degree views). The center features shops offering clothes, accessories, gifts, and more. Eateries range from the burger joint Shake Shack to high-end dining like Yard House and even the American brasserie Sugar Factory. Rides and attractions include the heart-pounding 7D Dark Ride Adventure, the famous wax museum Madam Tussauds Orlando, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, an Arcade, and more! Of course, the main attraction is the 400-foot-tall observation wheel, which is the tallest on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The wheel provides you with unobstructed views of the center, International Drive, and downtown Orlando. At night, the wheel is illuminated in multi-colored lights as it turns slowly over the city.
iconorlando.com
7. Swim with Dolphins
If you thought that only fantasy princesses swam with dolphins — you’d be wrong! You, too, can take a dive into adventure with these friendly finned creatures when you visit Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo. Located on the bay side (Gulf of Mexico) of the island, this attraction lets you interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a unique and stimulating environment. Perfect for dolphin lovers of any age, you can choose between a structured swim and a shallow water encounter. The swim takes you into deeper waters to experience the speed and agility of the dolphins as you swim, enjoy dorsal tows, “handshakes,” and even kisses! The shallow water encounter is best for smaller children and non-swimmers, and takes you waist-deep into the water to meet the dolphins up close. There are also dockside encounters, letting you interact with the dolphins while you sit on the floating platform — have a dolphin kiss, paint with a dolphin, and more.
dolphinsplus.com
8. Discover Pleasure on Treasure Island
While just a short drive from the bustling urban environments of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is an ideal beach destination, with expansive beaches made of sugary white sand and warm, gentle Gulf waves. A recently-renovated beach walk lines the sands, perfect for making your way to nearby beach bars, restaurants, and shops. You could certainly lay out in the sun all day, but we recommend checking out the local watersports like parasailing, boating, and Jet Skiing. Having long been a beach vacation destination, Treasure Island has a charming collection of classic hotels and vacation rentals that are interspersed with luxurious resorts. The Thunderbird Beach Resort is a beachfront hotel and historic landmark, and has been a beachfront favorite since 1957. While the their retro neon Thunderbird sign still presides over the resort, the rooms themselves have been updated and include all the modern amenities. In the pool area is the Ikki Woo Woo’s Tiki Hut beach bar with live music and entertainment just about every day.
treasureislandflorida.org
9. Be the Star in Hollywood
In Florida’s Hollywood, you’re the star! Enjoy strolling down this oceanfront city’s beautiful Boardwalk, a unique beachfront promenade that spans 2.5 miles and was named one of America’s Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine. You’ll also have your choice of over 50 restaurants to suit any taste, 30 boutiques and shops, and over 30 incredible local lodgings. Though Hollywood is a small beachfront community, their arts and culture scene resembles one of a larger city. In fact, we highly recommend a visit to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, which presents contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and high-quality education programs for adults and children. Housed in a beautiful, Mediterranean Revival building from 1924, it is one of the first structures built in South Florida. Hollywood puts an emphasis on checking out their Superior Small Lodging (SSL) options for a true Florida experience during your vacation.
artandculturecenter.org
10. Discover a Hidden Palace
Named after one of the most captivating shorelines on the Spanish coast, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context. The home’s builder, James Deering, established his Renaissance-inspired estate at the heart of Miami’s tropical hardwood hammock. The greatest of photographs cannot convey the serenity of Vizcaya’s ten acres of gardens. In many ways, the Formal Gardens resemble the layout of France’s Versailles. Low, trimmed shrubs organize walkways into mesmerizing, geometric patterns. Thick columns, lush mazes and classical statues also lend to its European aesthetic; but Vizcaya uniquely embraces its tropical surroundings as well.
vizcaya.org
