If you’ve ever been to Southern Florida, you’ve probably experienced some of the more stereo-typical things to do while in Florida, like beach going, Disney World, etc. However, you may have found yourself wondering if there was more to do in the Sunshine State and what is even worth doing? Are you getting the most from your experience, or should you have invested into other opportunities and experiences while visiting? I’ve compiled a list of some of the best underrated experiences to do while visiting so you can make sure to get the most of your visit.
eFoiling— The Hydro-Future You Never Knew Existed
An eFoil is an incredible electric-powered hydrofoil that self-propels users through the water at speeds up to 25mph all at the control of a handheld remote! At Next Level Water Sports located in Stuart, FL, you can rent sessions on these awesome devices and experience the surreal feeling of gliding over the water for yourself! I gave it a go and was blown away by the unique feeling of the eFoil compared to that of wakeboarding, surfing, or snowboarding. It’s unlike anything else. My instructor was also very helpful in giving tips and overall, I’d say this was at the top of the list as far as expectations vs reality are concerned. I would also highly suggest testing one out here and getting lessons with Next Level, because chances are you won’t be buying one of these things for yourself soon with a price tag of $12,000 each! Lessons and rental is obviously much cheaper. Definitely a must try if you are able and willing!
Key West By Sailboat
Sailing aboard a sailboat along Key West’s beautiful blue waters at any time of day is a great experience worth its money. If you happen to go at sunset, you’re typically in for a treat of a bright and colorful color show as the sun meanders its way beyond the horizon. If you wish to see the bright blue colors of the sea, I’d suggest going mid afternoon to maximize sun exposure on the water. During midday, you can see bright and vivid colors in the water especially with polarized lenses on your sunglasses or lens filters. No matter the time of day you end up going however, you can expect amazing views and an experience worth living. I sailed aboard the Schooner America 2.0 during my visit.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
It may seem like a no-brainer, but paddleboarding is actually something many people have never tried before, or even considered trying. Paddleboarding might seem scary or daunting to some, but its actually a very stable and secure platform once you become accustomed to it and found your footing. During my tour, we spotted a pod of dolphins that followed us around a bit and was certainly the highlight of the experience. There are almost many reports of the same, as well as manatee experiences pretty often. If you’re interested and near Stuart, I used Zeke’s Surf and Paddle to show me around!
Southern Airboat Tour
At St. Lucie, you can hop on an airboat to jet you down the St. Lucie river and show you some of Florida’s most famous residents— like the gator, blue heron, and more. You can pretty much always expect to see at least one alligator during your tour due to the sheer number of them that live in and along the river. During my tour, we spotted several smaller gators, and one very large one that was well over 400lbs. I highly recommend the tour I did with Southern Style Airboat Tours, as the guide Rick was extremely knowledgeable on the area and very entertaining to listen to and explore around with. Definitely among the must-do categories when visiting Florida, period.
Explore Hobe Sound
Hobe Sound is home to not only the stars of the area such as Blowing Rocks Preserve, or Hobe Sound Beach, but it is also home to one of the best tree tunnels in the United States, located on Bridge Road. You’ll undoubtedly encounter this very area on your way to Hobe Sound, and it usually has many swooners like myself gawking throughout it and admiring the beauty of the twisted trees and unique structures. Different lighting conditions transform this place into magical settings when the light casts just right— a sight I unfortunately did not get the privileged to see myself during this visit. No less, the beauty of this area isn’t lost at any time of day.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Early residents of Key West actually made much of their fortune in salvaging shipwrecks and the goods and materials from them that was lost at sea around Key West and the neighboring islands. At the Key West Shipwreck Museum, you can find real artifacts salvaged from shipwrecks throughout the early history of Key West by an early member of the very family that owns and operates the museum today. These relics can be seen throughout several floors of exhibits and displays, and even feature an exhibit that allows visitors to attempt to lift a 60+lbs bar of real Spanish silver that was actually found in a shipwreck to show how difficult the recovery operations often could be!
From quirky, to fascinating, this place pretty much has it all. Key West Shipwreck Museum is a quick stop right next to Mallory Square, and well worth the visit!
Horseback Riding on the Beach
At Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, you can find the only horseback riding experience anywhere in South Florida, period. Thanks to Beach Tours on Horseback, you can do your morning strut down the beach in style while enjoying the beaming morning rays and soft lapping waves beside you. This is truly a unforgettable experience, even for people who aren’t keen on horses or horse-related events. I mean, how many people can say they rode horses down the beach in the warm Florida morning sun last vacation?
Just go do it! You won’t regret it.
