Florida

The Top Theme Parks That You Need to Visit in Tampa

There are plenty of things to do in Tampa, but visiting a theme park may just top the list. Discover why you can’t leave the city without visiting one of these popular parks.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa Bay. It’s renowned for its sunny skies and world-class chefs. And it’s also the home of century-old Cuban cuisine.

But for all of you adrenaline junkies out there, relaxing on the waterfront may not be enough. And the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico may not hold your attention for too long.

If that’s the case, you may want to drop in on one of the theme parks in Tampa.

Tampa Bay is home to the most open-air adventures in the entire state. While in the area, there are a variety of attractions for every member of your family.

Check out what each park has to offer and pick out a favorite or two for your next visit.

Adventure Island

How do you beat the Florida heat?

Any local will tell you to head on down to the water. But there’s no reason why you can’t add a little adventure to go with your water excursions.

Adventure Island Tampa is the city’s premier waterpark and the perfect place to cool off.

Get ready for some thrilling twists and turns on one of the nine feature water slides. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hop onto the Solar Vortex for some spins and splashes. You can also grab some friends with you and spend time on the Aruba Tuba and Colossal Curl.

But if slow and steady is more your style, you can either head on to the 17,000 square foot wave pool or float without a care in the lazy river.

The park’s Endless Surf features a rolling surf that generates waves every five minutes. But if that doesn’t appeal much to you, grab a tube and float through lush landscapes and tropical waterfalls at the Rambling Bayou.

Do note that some of the attractions have height restrictions. But that shouldn’t stop your splash-time adventures. The park also features youngster-friendly attractions to keep them cool.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

If you’re looking for Florida’s best coasters and thrill rides, look no further. Thrill-seekers flock from all over to hop onto the rides at Busch Gardens.

For the extreme adventurer in you, jump onto the Sheikra. It features a 200-foot drop at a 90-degree angle – one of the most harrowing in the country. But if you prefer inverted coasters, the Montu may be right up your alley.

Busch Gardens also features family favorites like Cobra’s Curse, which is the state’s first spin coaster for the entire family.

This theme park isn’t just about the rides, though. The park also plays host to over 200 animal species.

Take the whole family on a trek across the Serengeti Plain without leaving the country. That’s because Busch Gardens has a 65-acre safari you can safely explore inside an open-air vehicle – just like the usual African safari.

Get up and personal and hand-feed a giraffe. Or observe exotic animals, like ostriches, rhinos, and zebras, in something close to their natural habitat.

Animal lovers can also participate in Animal Connections. This program allows for up-close and personal interactions with some of the park’s wildlife.

And when you get hungry, the park has a variety of offerings for the most finicky appetites. From quick snacks and wraps to a full-service restaurant, Busch Gardens has many food options to satisfy your appetite.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

This last entry isn’t necessarily a theme park. But it deserves an honorary mention on this list.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park has one of the most beautiful zoological settings in the world for its 1300 animal residents. The zoo created experiences for bringing together visitors and animals in a way that’s both natural and unforgettable.

Hop onto a tram ride for the expedition of a lifetime. You’ll have a chance to get up and personal with some of the rarest animals in the world in the Africa park area.

If you’re curious about the wildlife a little closer to home, you can head down to the Florida Boardwalk & Manatee Mangrove. It’s where you’ll find local species, such as the Florida panther, black bears, and manatees.

Florida temperatures can soar during the day. So if you need a way to cool off while enjoying the zoo, check out Roaring Springs. This three-story splashdown attraction is the best-kept secret of the park. This area also features a play area for the kids and a diner for a little downtime before continuing your adventure.

Don’t forget to head over to the Asia area to get up close to rare and endangered animals, like Malaysian tigers and clouded leopards. It’s the closest you’ll get to see them without having to travel thousands of miles.

And of course, no zoo visit is complete without a visit to the primate area.

In Primate World, the majority of the primates there are in danger of becoming extinct. So, not only can you learn about each of them, but you’ll also learn what you can do to protect them.

Nature and Adventure Come Together

The theme parks in Tampa Bay have a variety of things to offer each member of your family.

For the thrill-seekers, Busch Gardens is the obvious choice. But you can also head down to Adventure Island for the same adrenaline and twice the splash.

But if you’d rather get closer to nature, both Busch Gardens and ZooTampa offer incredible opportunities to see the animals of Africa and more. What better way to introduce the little ones to the beauty and majesty of nature, right?

Just remember that many of the attractions at the theme parks listed above have height and age restrictions. Some attractions also require advanced registration. So, check out the rules before you book tickets to avoid disappointment at the gate.

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The 9 Reasons You Should Visit Daytona Beach,

The 9 Reasons You Should Visit Daytona Beach

Whether it’s the need for speed or sandy beaches, Daytona Beach has it. This beach is a top tourist attraction that caters to thrill-seekers, kids, families, and birdwatchers alike.

There’s more than one reason to visit Daytona Beach. It’s not just about shopping, premium accommodations, and exciting cuisine – it goes beyond that. This place is home to many historic locations and businesses that offer unique experiences.

Check out some of the best places to relax, party, or educate yourself on history, art, and the sciences.

1. Relax or Party at Daytona Beach

Among the top Daytona Beach attractions is the beach itself. The sandy shore stretches over 20 miles of prime beachfront real estate. Known as one of the best beaches in Florida, it’s an energetic scene for tourists and locals.

The beach hosts dozens of festivals each year, so there are plenty of opportunities to plan your visit. The boardwalk, known as the center of Daytona Beach, is famous for its restaurants and street performers. It’s where most of the restaurants and attractions are.

Those attractions include the Ferris wheel, go-kart tracks, and concert venues. Don’t forget to take in the scenery by walking the 1,000ft-long Daytona Pier. It’s another city landmark and a prime fishing spot.

2. Visit the Daytona International Speedway

You can’t visit a historic location in the world of racing without checking out the Daytona International Speedway. It’s a place not just for racing fans but also for any sports enthusiast.

The speedway features premium amenities and a ton of history. It’s also home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The hall of fame catalogs racing that goes back to the early 1900s. And you’ll learn why this is the world’s first motorsports stadium. It’s a sight to see and an excellent location to learn about the history of racing.

Aim to book your visit in advance. That way, you can book a copilot experience with a NASCAR driver, or drive on the track yourself.

3. Embark on an Equestrian Adventure

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For those who prefer to go at one horsepower (literally), why not embark on an equestrian adventure? This is one of the most popular Daytona Beach attractions for families. Horseback riding on the beach is relaxing, especially given the excellent trainers and horses.

The trail also goes beyond the sandy beach, so you can take in some of the scenic woodlands scenery.

4. Check Out the Jackie Robinson Ballpark

This landmark location is something you can do before taking in the Daytona Beach nightlife. Visit the stadium that hosted the first game with an African-American baseball player – it’s a must-see for any baseball fan.

Besides touring the stadium and taking in its rich history, you can also catch a game. And, when the Daytona Tortugas aren’t playing, the stadium sometimes hosts concerts.

5. Visit the Museums

There’s more than one museum to see in Daytona Beach. You can check out the Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Museum of Photography, and even the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art.

The latter is an interesting attraction that houses over 2,000 works of art. It tells the story of Florida – a history that goes back to the days of the pioneers to the modern times – through the work of various artists. You’ll also be treated to a nice collection of pop-culture exhibits.

If you’re planning a school trip or a family vacation, there’s enough action for everyone.

Daytona Beach is home to not only sports and entertainment but also educational attractions. It’s rich in history and art that will satisfy anyone who wants to experience other things aside from the lively nightlife or beach activities.

6. Tour the Chocolate Factory

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Angell & Phelps is not Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But it is a hot tourist attraction with its handmade chocolate confections. It’s also among the first woman-founded companies and still offers many of its products made using original recipes.

Touring the historic factory is free. It’s definitely a fun activity, especially if you have a sweet tooth. But even if you don’t, it’s still worth a visit to see one of the factories that had a massive impact on female entrepreneurship in America.

7. Take in the Scenery in the Tomoka State Park

If you’re willing to take a 20-minute drive up north, you can visit the Tomoka State Park. It covers 2,000 acres and runs along the Tomoka River.

Since 1945, tourists have flocked here to see the scenery or engage in various water activities, like kayaking and fishing. It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re a birdwatcher, considering the variety of species around like bald eagles.

The park also offers camping accommodations, provided that you get a permit first. It’s a good idea if you want to trek more nature trails.

8. Visit the Marine Science Center

Another great location for educational purposes is the Marine Science Center. It also doubles as a research and learning center and hosts a variety of species of underwater life.

This is the place that nurses back to health everything from sea turtles to injured birds. You can even interact with some of the “residents”, as many species are in touch-tanks. There is also a bird observation tower and a boardwalk trail for you to explore.

9. Look Down on the Beach

If you’re not scared of heights, here’s one of the coolest things to do when you visit Daytona Beach. HeliHogs helicopter rides offer an amazing perspective of the lively beach. It’s also one of the best ways to see as much as you can in a short amount of time.

The tours go further up north along the coastline. Seeing the waves crash and the dark blue ocean water from above is something everyone should experience at least once.

Fun for All Ages in the Sunshine State

Anyone that thinks Florida is for old people hasn’t visited Daytona Beach.

This is an amazing location for single people and entire families, especially given the range of activities and attractions available. There are reasonable accommodations for all budgets and has more than you can hope to see in just one holiday.

It hosts numerous festivals, offers fresh seafood, and an active nightlife. That and its impeccable beach make Daytona Beach a destination you don’t want to miss.

Best Hotels

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

Miami is a city that comes alive after dark. And with the abundance of world-famous clubs, there’s plenty of parties to choose from.

If you yearn for awesome fun and great parties, Miami is the city for you. It’s not rare for the best clubs in Miami Beach to count among the world’s best as well. Because the city’s huge and party opportunities abound, it might be difficult to find your way to the right venue.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Miami for all the party animals out there. Check out the clubs listed here and have the night of your life.

1. Nikki Beach Miami

They say there’s nothing quite like a beach party, and Nikki Beach Miami club can provide just that. There are tiki bars and cabanas among the great-looking tropical island decor of one of the best clubs in Miami Beach.

The air is filled with non-stop tunes from excellent DJs, and the cocktails keep flowing. And if you need a bite to eat, there’s delicious food from all over the world. Don’t worry about the calories – dancing the night away on the sand will easily take care of those, especially if you plan a whole night of partying.

2. Purdy Lounge

A club out of the ordinary, Purdy Lounge is not one of the usual party hotspots in Miami. The club is inspired by the retro aesthetic of the mid-70s, complete with lava lamps, funky furniture, and an assortment of board games. It offers a different yet refreshing party experience

The drinks are affordable, the music very pleasant, and the games so much fun. All this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a party, but the amount of fun to be had at the Purdy Lounge will surprise you.

3. Beaker and Gray

If partying in style is more your speed, it’s a great idea to drop by Beaker and Gray. The meals and cocktails are sublime, and the atmosphere’s slick yet lively. This isn’t a fine dining experience you can find in more luxurious restaurants, though. It’s still a party venue, but one that accommodates those with specific tastes.

So if you’re not up for the wild parties with loud bass thumping and dancing but still want to have some great fun, pay Beaker and Gray a visit. Stay for the late happy hour and all your nightly party cravings will be satisfied.

4. SkyBar Miami Beach

Skybar’s housed in the unique Shore Club hotel and offers an atmosphere of extravagance and chic. There’s a garden, a lounge by the pool, and of course, the beach outdoors. But the party starts in the captivating Redroom that’s designed to fascinate with its dramatic colors.

The venue is filled with luxurious materials and has a seductive quality about it. If this kind of lounge fits your style, you’ll find it hard to leave one of the best clubs in Miami Beach before sunrise. Luckily, Skybar’s made for just that kind of patrons – you’re welcome to stay for hours while immersed in its splendor.

5. Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain has plenty of tradition behind it, being in business since the mid-30s. While today it might be somewhat low-key as a party venue, it’d still be a mistake to miss out on what it offers.

Once upon a time, legends such as Billie Holiday and Chet Baker performed here, and Ball & Chain keep the tradition of live music events to this day. There’s no shortage of opportunity for dancing and fine drinks await at the bar. This is the sort of place that’s rich in history that you’ll want to be part of.

6. Sweet Liberty

Going back to the more common party joints, Sweet Liberty deserves mention. It’s a casual yet exotic cocktail bar that makes a point of being the main watering hole of the area.

This is a place for those who want the cocktails to keep coming while fine tunes build up the atmosphere. And if you come for happy hour, the drinks are less than cheap, as are the oysters you can grab as an on-the-go refreshment.

7. Basement

s a versatile space focused on nothing but fun. It features everything one could imagine when looking for a great night of partying – it can be a dance club, a bar, a bowling alley, and many more things. So if you’re looking for some of the best clubs in Miami Beach, this is a place to consider.

It’s located in the Edition Hotel, and the exact location of the club is revealed in its name. Here you could catch a performance by world-class DJs and even spot some celebrities among the crowd. That is if you can keep your eyes off the amazing interior. After all, Basement is gorgeous and perfect for taking a photo or ten.

8. No. 3 Social

If there’s one thing that’s not common in the Miami party scene, it’s rooftop venues. That’s where No. 3 Social comes in. The lounge offers an astounding view to go along with the music, food, and, of course, the drinks.

Besides its rooftop location, the club’s famous for the delicate menu full of intricate, delicious meals. The cocktails are just as delightful as the food, and all of it is accompanied by either live music or DJ tracks. No. 3 Social also has a cinema night once a week and an extensive happy hour.

The Fun in Miami Never Ends

There are enough nightlife options in Miami to last a lifetime, but the essential party spots are the ones you shouldn’t miss. With various venues, locations, and available activities, every partygoer will be satisfied by the best clubs in Miami Beach.

If you like those larger-than-life nightly events, there’s a place for you here. And if low-key, classy joints are more up your alley, you can find those in Miami as well.

There aren’t many cities that can satiate every craving quite as good as Miami when it comes to different party tastes.

Tips + Planning

The 10 Most Exciting Activities in Orlando, US

Rightfully called the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando has plenty of activities that can get your adrenaline going.

Orlando is the place to be if you want to experience some of the coolest zip lines in Florida, among others. Many might think it’s just for those looking for plenty of adrenaline rush, but it’s also an exceedingly family-friendly city.

Whatever you choose to do, here are the top 10 activities in Orlando that you wouldn’t want to miss.

#1 – Take the Airboat Ride at Boggy Creek

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You can find Boggy Creek Airboat in Kissimmee, which is close to Walt Disney World. The ride itself takes 45 minutes and takes you into Florida’s untouched nature. Don’t be surprised to see some of the exotic wildlife endemic to the region during your trip.

Once aboard an airboat, you’ll get to whizz down the Florida Everglades at up to 40 mph. But if you think it’s not safe, rest assured that every boat has the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval for operating.

And if you want a genuinely thrilling experience of the Everglades, night rides are available and they last 15 minutes longer.

#2 – Visit the Botanical Gardens and Florida Zoo

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This is among the most kid-friendly activities in Orlando.

The zoo and botanical gardens take up 23 acres and host over 500 animals. Its highlights include the Seminole Areal Adventures, insect zoo, and reptile house.

There’s also a children’s area where the youngsters can pet and feed some of the animals. Best of all, this attraction is just a short drive from the city center.

#3 – Jump Aboard a Balloon

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Arguably the best way to see the city is from above, and the balloon ride can deliver that experience.

These hot-air balloons take off near Walt Disney World, making it a potentially great way to round off your day after visiting the theme park.

You can count on plenty of opportunities to snap great photos as your balloon floats across the city’s skyline.

#4 – Go Go-Karting

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How about some fun indoor activities in Orlando?

There’s Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, which bears the name of legendary race car driver Mario Andretti.

The karting area spreads across multiple levels and has tracks suitable for both beginners and veteran drivers. But if that’s not your cup of tea, you can get in one of the VR racing simulators instead. Or check out the curved zip line, extreme ropes course, and motion theater.

If you feel famished after all that activity, know that the facility also has a full-service restaurant.

#5 – Visit Chocolate Kingdom

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This Willy Wonka-inspired attraction takes you through a myriad of chocolate creations, many of which must be seen to be believed.

A prince and his sidekick will take you on an interactive tour of the chocolate factory. There are several memorable stops like the Mystical River of Chocolate, the Cacao Tree Greenhouse, and the Chocolate Museum.

The main attraction is the Bean-to-the-Bar Factory where you’ll get to learn all about vintage chocolate-making. And if you’re so inclined, this is where you can make your personalized chocolate bar.

#6 – Stop by the Kennedy Space Center

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Want to do something unique?

The Kennedy Space Center is an hour away from Orlando and well worth the drive, as it’s where you can learn the history of space travel and the associated technological marvels.

This is where you can find the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle Atlantis, as well as various artifacts, displays, and replicas that commemorate the relevant space missions.

Before you leave, make sure to take the Heroes & Legend experience for an immersive story about the pioneers of NASA.

#7 – Check Out Topgolf Orlando

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One of the coolest daytime activities in Orlando, Topgolf can appeal to golfing connoisseurs and novices alike.

The venue is next to the Orange County Convention Center and equipped with more than 100 driving bays. These are climate-controlled and blessed with excellent music selection and HDTVs.

Interestingly, Topgolf uses a scoring system more akin to darts and bowling than golf. That’s not a bad thing, though, as it makes it easier to keep track of your progress when you’re playing for fun.

The venue also has an impressive drink and food menu that won’t make you think twice about ordering some refreshments so you can do as well as you can on the course.

#8 – Walk Around Bok Tower Gardens

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Bok Tower Gardens may just be Orlando’s best-kept secret.

Just 10 miles off LEGOLAND, the Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and a gift from Pulitzer Prize winner and humanitarian Edward Bok. The 700 acres of land cover nature trails, citrus groves, and lots of endangered plants.

Like all things Florida, the gardens are open all year round.

#9 – Spend an afternoon at Gatorland

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Those who look for cheap activities in Orlando, Florida, should go to Gatorland. But don’t let the low ticket price fool you, as there’s plenty of excitement to be had here.

The place spans 100 acres and has thousands of crocodiles and alligators on site. There’s also an aviary and an observation tower overlooking the reptile breeding marsh.

Gatorland houses Florida panthers as well, in addition to a splash pad and a petting zoo. Memorable exhibitions include Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin’ Show, and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

#10 – Get Your Fill of Revolution Adventures

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This may be a countryside attraction, but it’s not far away from the major theme parks of Orlando. Off-road adventures are the focus at Revolution Adventures.

Get behind the wheel of the most outrageous ATVs, including ARGO Mucky Ducks and dune buggies. And yes, everything is guided so you’ll be perfectly safe at all times.

When you’re done driving, you can try your hand at shooting clay pigeons or archery. Revolution Adventures has all the necessary gear for it.

Excitement Never Stops

There are enough activities in Orlando to make you book an extended holiday. It’s the city where you can experience a mix of activities unique to Florida, while still have time for the theme parks.