Five Ideas for Guided Tours in Florida

• Daytona Beach

  Daytona Beach in Florida is an iconic coastal city. Located on Florida’s east coast, it attracts millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its world-renowned beaches, exciting sporting events, and relaxed atmosphere.

  Daytona Beach is undoubtedly the city’s main attraction, stretching over 37 kilometers of coastline. Visitors can sunbathe, swim in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or engage in water sports such as surfing or windsurfing. For a unique experience, don’t miss the famous Daytona Beach Pier, which offers breathtaking ocean views and hosts a variety of shops and restaurants.

  For those looking to explore beyond the beach, the city also offers a variety of other attractions. Visit the automobile museum to discover the history of car racing and see vintage and modern vehicles, or explore the world-renowned golf course at LPGA International. Nature lovers can visit the Tomoka State Park, a 1,600-hectare park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.

• Ocala National Forest

  Ocala National Forest, located in northern Florida, is a paradise for nature lovers. With more than 600 km of hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and natural springs, it is a must-visit destination. Start your journey by visiting Juniper Springs, one of the most popular sites in the forest.

  Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear spring waters and explore the surrounding trails. Don’t miss Juniper Springs Campground, which offers high-quality accommodations for campers. If you’re looking for a stunning view of the forest, head to the Mount Dora Lookout Tower. This 126-foot observation tower provides a panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness.

  For a more adventurous experience, explore the Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area. This area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. You can also explore the hiking trails and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

  Another great spot to visit is the Salt Springs Recreation Area. This area is known for its saltwater springs and freshwater sources. You can also hike the Salt Springs Trail, a 5 km track that takes you through the surrounding forest.

  Finally, don’t miss the Longleaf Pine Forest, a rare sand pine ecosystem in Florida. This forest offers breathtaking scenery and is a great place for hiking.

• The Florida Keys Scenic Highway

  Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and picturesque sunsets—the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a journey you will never forget.
  This legendary route stretches 180 kilometers from Miami to Key West, passing through the breathtaking islands of the archipelago.

  Start your Florida adventure by driving along the Overseas Highway, which takes you across the Keys, a series of islands connected by bridges.
  Be sure to visit the Bahia Honda State Park Beach, which offers stunning views of turquoise waters.

  Next, head to Marathon, where you can swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center.

  The next stop is the city of Big Pine Key, where you can see giant iguanas at the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge. Continue to Key West, the southernmost city in the United States, famous for its iconic sunsets.

  Visit the Ernest Hemingway House or stroll along the famous Duval Street, known for its bars, restaurants, and shops. Then, head to Islamorada, known for its coral reefs. You can go diving, fishing, or simply relax on one of the many white sandy beaches.

  Finally, end your journey in Key Largo, the largest of the Keys, where you can explore the underwater beauty of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

• Everglades National Park

  The Everglades National Park in Florida is an incredible place where nature takes center stage. Located in southern Florida, this park spans over a million acres of wetlands and is home to exceptional wildlife and flora.

  One of the most popular attractions in the park is the airboat ride through the swamps. These boats take you deep into the park, allowing you to see alligators, pythons, and other wild animals in their natural habitat. Shark Valley is another fascinating place to visit in Everglades National Park. You can take a bike ride or walk along a 15-km trail that leads you through prairies, forests, and marshlands.

  Along the way, you can observe alligators, birds, and other wildlife. The Everglades also host the largest mangrove forests in North America. You can go kayaking through mangrove tunnels and discover the secrets of this unique ecosystem.

  If you want to see wildlife up close, the Anhinga River area is a great place to start. This area has easy-access hiking trails that allow you to see exotic birds, alligators, and turtles.

• Orlando and Its Theme Parks

  Orlando, Florida’s magical city, is famous for its world-renowned theme parks. You could spend weeks exploring the different parks and attractions they offer.

  Must-visit theme parks in Orlando:

  • Walt Disney World – Comprising four different theme parks:
    • Magic Kingdom – The first Disney park built in Orlando, famous for its castles and colorful parades.
    • Epcot – An educational yet fun park offering an immersive cultural experience.
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Offers an incredible cinematic experience.
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – A theme park inspired by nature and wildlife.
  • Universal Studios – Divided into two parks:
    • Universal Studios – Attractions based on popular movies and TV shows like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.
    • Islands of Adventure – Spectacular roller coasters and attractions inspired by comic book stories.
  • Water Parks:
    • Wet’n Wild – Considered one of the best water parks in the world.
    • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Offers fun water activities for the whole family.

  
  Other must-visit places in Orlando:

  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Located an hour from Orlando, this center offers educational and interactive experiences on space exploration history.
  • Downtown Orlando – A vibrant area with a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.
  • Lake Eola Park – A green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a beautiful lake, a fountain, and a walking trail.
  • Thornton Park – A historic district near downtown, ideal for food lovers with its trendy restaurants and cafés.
  • Winter Park – A charming neighborhood north of Orlando, filled with boutiques, restaurants, museums, and art galleries.
  • Wekiwa Springs – A nature reserve north of Orlando, offering hiking trails, swimming lakes, and kayak rentals for a relaxing day in the wild.