There's nothing wrong with being a tourist in your own backyard, especially a backyard packed with cool stuff like the state of Florida. With that being said, Nothing helps you discover more about where you live than a good local tour and the Sunshine State has its fair share. Some are clearly better than others, so here are a few we think every Floridian should do at least once.
25 underrated Florida tours everyone should do at least once
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Nov 18, 2016 at 10:24 pm
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Merritt Island Bioluminescence Tour
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Titusville | 321-268-2655
In the cooler months, the comb jellyfish here are known to light up when disturbed, putting a beautiful bioluminescence show for kayakers on this tour, which costs $38.
Photo via A Day Away/Facebook
Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Titusville | 321-268-2655
In the cooler months, the comb jellyfish here are known to light up when disturbed, putting a beautiful bioluminescence show for kayakers on this tour, which costs $38.
Photo via A Day Away/Facebook
Florida Caverns Tour
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna | 850-482-1228
Take this 45-minute tour and witness dazzling formations of limestone in one of the few dry caves in a state park. Tours are $5 for children and $8 for adults.
Photo via Visit Tallahassee/Facebook
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna | 850-482-1228
Take this 45-minute tour and witness dazzling formations of limestone in one of the few dry caves in a state park. Tours are $5 for children and $8 for adults.
Photo via Visit Tallahassee/Facebook
Chocolate Kingdom Tour
9901 Hawaiian Ct., Orlando (also located in Kissimmee) | 407-705-3475
These 45-minute tours through a cacao tree greenhouse, a chocolate museum and a bean-to-the-bar factory are one of the few things perfect for date nights and field trips alike. You can even customize your own chocolate bar by the end if you’re feeling peckish. $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids.
Photo via International Drive Orlando/Facebook
9901 Hawaiian Ct., Orlando (also located in Kissimmee) | 407-705-3475
These 45-minute tours through a cacao tree greenhouse, a chocolate museum and a bean-to-the-bar factory are one of the few things perfect for date nights and field trips alike. You can even customize your own chocolate bar by the end if you’re feeling peckish. $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids.
Photo via International Drive Orlando/Facebook
A self-guided tour of the Dali Museum
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | 727-823-3767
Observe and admire the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s art at your own pace. The best part about this one is, because it’s self-guided, once you pay the $24 admission fee, it’s free.
Photo via pch2nd/Instagram
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | 727-823-3767
Observe and admire the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s art at your own pace. The best part about this one is, because it’s self-guided, once you pay the $24 admission fee, it’s free.
Photo via pch2nd/Instagram
Everglades Airboat Tour
21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale | 954-434-8111
Catch a glimpse of an alligator in the wild as your airboat sweeps over the blades of grass in this protected and iconic part of Florida. Did you really live in or visit Florida if you didn’t see the Everglades? Children are $18, adults are $29.
Photo via evergladesholidaypark.com
21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale | 954-434-8111
Catch a glimpse of an alligator in the wild as your airboat sweeps over the blades of grass in this protected and iconic part of Florida. Did you really live in or visit Florida if you didn’t see the Everglades? Children are $18, adults are $29.
Photo via evergladesholidaypark.com
Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville Brewery Tour
111 Busch Drive, Jacksonville | 904-751-8117
Details of state-of-the-art brewing technology as well as a crash course on the history of Budweiser (and complimentary tastings) make up this comprehensive brewery tour. $10 for adults, $5 ages 8-20, free for younger kids.
Photo via Elise Gills/Instagram
111 Busch Drive, Jacksonville | 904-751-8117
Details of state-of-the-art brewing technology as well as a crash course on the history of Budweiser (and complimentary tastings) make up this comprehensive brewery tour. $10 for adults, $5 ages 8-20, free for younger kids.
Photo via Elise Gills/Instagram
Wild Dolphin Cruise
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa | 813-273-4000
For 75 minutes, you can explore the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the Tampa Bay region, including their Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The tour is $39.95 if you buy online, and that price includes admission to the Florida Aquarium.
Photo via flaquarium.com
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa | 813-273-4000
For 75 minutes, you can explore the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the Tampa Bay region, including their Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The tour is $39.95 if you buy online, and that price includes admission to the Florida Aquarium.
Photo via flaquarium.com
Jungle Queen
801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale | 954-462-5596
The Jungle Queen hosts a variety of sightseeing tours to choose from. Morning tours, dinner & show tours and evening sightseeing tours make up just a few attractions in the Jungle Queen’s catalog. $25 for adults, $14 for kids.
Photo via Tia Florida/Facebook
801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale | 954-462-5596
The Jungle Queen hosts a variety of sightseeing tours to choose from. Morning tours, dinner & show tours and evening sightseeing tours make up just a few attractions in the Jungle Queen’s catalog. $25 for adults, $14 for kids.
Photo via Tia Florida/Facebook
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville | 855-433-4223
Behind the gates of America’s space exploration programs lie the restricted areas, launchpads and the Vehicle Assembly Building responsible for our most historic missions. All in our great state. Daily admission is $40 for kids, $50 for adults.
Photo via Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex/Facebook
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville | 855-433-4223
Behind the gates of America’s space exploration programs lie the restricted areas, launchpads and the Vehicle Assembly Building responsible for our most historic missions. All in our great state. Daily admission is $40 for kids, $50 for adults.
Photo via Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex/Facebook
Littlle Havana Food Tour
1000 5th St., Miami Beach | 786-942-8856
Take in Cuban culture through food on this 2 ½ hour tour that will let you feast on picadillo empanadas, sip mojitos, and indulge in guava pastries as you learn about the history and culture of a vibrant neighborhood. $59 for adults and $49 for children.
Photo via biginexcursions/Instagram
1000 5th St., Miami Beach | 786-942-8856
Take in Cuban culture through food on this 2 ½ hour tour that will let you feast on picadillo empanadas, sip mojitos, and indulge in guava pastries as you learn about the history and culture of a vibrant neighborhood. $59 for adults and $49 for children.
Photo via biginexcursions/Instagram
Miami Pirate Duck Tour
1680 Washington Ave., Miami | 305-623-2637
Duck tours are perfect for people who want to experience Miami by land and by sea. These boat/bus hybrids will take you on a 90 minute tour of some of the best tourists spots Miami has to offer, including Star Island. $30 for adults and $20 for children.
Photo via Miami Pirate Duck Tours/Facebook
1680 Washington Ave., Miami | 305-623-2637
Duck tours are perfect for people who want to experience Miami by land and by sea. These boat/bus hybrids will take you on a 90 minute tour of some of the best tourists spots Miami has to offer, including Star Island. $30 for adults and $20 for children.
Photo via Miami Pirate Duck Tours/Facebook
Millionaire’s Row Cruise
401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami | 305-379-5119
For 90 minutes, take in the fresh air and sunny, luxurious views of Biscayne Bay with a guided tour of Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, South Beach and the homes of the rich and famous. $19 for kids, $27 for adults.
Photo via Irene Carter/Facebook
401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami | 305-379-5119
For 90 minutes, take in the fresh air and sunny, luxurious views of Biscayne Bay with a guided tour of Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, South Beach and the homes of the rich and famous. $19 for kids, $27 for adults.
Photo via Irene Carter/Facebook
Old Town Trolley Tour of St. Augustine
167 San Marco Ave, St Augustine | 904-829-3800
Over 500 years of British, Spanish and American rule can leave its mark on a city. In St. Augustine, the cultures converge near the Fountain of Youth, the oldest continuous European settlement in the United States. $52 for adults, $29 for children. Free for kids under 6.
Photo via Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine/Facebook
167 San Marco Ave, St Augustine | 904-829-3800
Over 500 years of British, Spanish and American rule can leave its mark on a city. In St. Augustine, the cultures converge near the Fountain of Youth, the oldest continuous European settlement in the United States. $52 for adults, $29 for children. Free for kids under 6.
Photo via Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine/Facebook
Orlando Balloon Rides
44294 US Highway 27, Davenport| 407-894-5040
This holiday season, beat the view from any roller coaster and take a scenic hot air balloon ride of the The City Beautiful from $69 for kids and $165 for adults.
Photo via Orlando Balloon Rides/Facebook
44294 US Highway 27, Davenport| 407-894-5040
This holiday season, beat the view from any roller coaster and take a scenic hot air balloon ride of the The City Beautiful from $69 for kids and $165 for adults.
Photo via Orlando Balloon Rides/Facebook
Palm Beach Segway Tour
330 Clematis St., West Palm Beach | 561-283-8818
For $75, you can ride along the West Palm Beach Waterfront and Palm Beach Island for 2 hours on a segway while getting interesting tidbits about the scenery and landmarks you’ll see on the way. Note, you must be at least 14 years old.
Photo via AGuyOnClematis/Facebook
330 Clematis St., West Palm Beach | 561-283-8818
For $75, you can ride along the West Palm Beach Waterfront and Palm Beach Island for 2 hours on a segway while getting interesting tidbits about the scenery and landmarks you’ll see on the way. Note, you must be at least 14 years old.
Photo via AGuyOnClematis/Facebook
River Ventures Manatee Tours
498 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River | 352-564-TOUR
The crystal-clear waters of Crystal River form the perfect natural aquarium for you to swim with manatees in and impress your out-of-state visitors. $54 per person.
Photo via kylegreene3/Instagram
498 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River | 352-564-TOUR
The crystal-clear waters of Crystal River form the perfect natural aquarium for you to swim with manatees in and impress your out-of-state visitors. $54 per person.
Photo via kylegreene3/Instagram
Key Largo Snorkeling Tour
102840 Overseas Highway, Key Largo | 305-451-2220
You don’t have to go all the way Down Under to enjoy beautiful coral reefs. This tour offers a look at some situated just offshore of Pennekamp State Park. With fresh water rinse onboard and comfortable seating, this is snorkeling at its finest. $34 for adults, $25 for kids.
Photo via Sundiver Snorkel Tours/Facebook
102840 Overseas Highway, Key Largo | 305-451-2220
You don’t have to go all the way Down Under to enjoy beautiful coral reefs. This tour offers a look at some situated just offshore of Pennekamp State Park. With fresh water rinse onboard and comfortable seating, this is snorkeling at its finest. $34 for adults, $25 for kids.
Photo via Sundiver Snorkel Tours/Facebook
Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours
8045 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala | 352-351-9477
Witness lakes, cliffs, and massive canyons as you zip through the air on 9 different zip lines, while your guide gives you all sorts of tidbits about the area’s nature, wildlife and history. The full tour is $96, with a shorter version (only 5 zip lines) available for $59.
Photo via The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours/Facebook
8045 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala | 352-351-9477
Witness lakes, cliffs, and massive canyons as you zip through the air on 9 different zip lines, while your guide gives you all sorts of tidbits about the area’s nature, wildlife and history. The full tour is $96, with a shorter version (only 5 zip lines) available for $59.
Photo via The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours/Facebook
WWE Performance Center: All Access
5055 Forsyth Commerce Road | 1-866-993-7467
Every 2 months or so, World Wrestling Entertainment opens up their training facility for a full day of behind-the-scenes experiences, including breakfast with the superstars and a complete tour of the facility, followed by the ability to help produce an NXT live event. Not for the money conscious though, as the exclusive experience will cost you $1499 a person.
Photo via WWE Performance Center/Facebook
5055 Forsyth Commerce Road | 1-866-993-7467
Every 2 months or so, World Wrestling Entertainment opens up their training facility for a full day of behind-the-scenes experiences, including breakfast with the superstars and a complete tour of the facility, followed by the ability to help produce an NXT live event. Not for the money conscious though, as the exclusive experience will cost you $1499 a person.
Photo via WWE Performance Center/Facebook
Air Force Fun Helicopter Tour
12211 Regency Village Drive | 407-842-1446
Get a unique perspective of Orlando’s most famous attractions including Epcot, The Orlando Eye, and SeaWorld as you fly on one of 6 available helicopter tours. Prices range from $25 to $125.
Photo via airforcefun.com
12211 Regency Village Drive | 407-842-1446
Get a unique perspective of Orlando’s most famous attractions including Epcot, The Orlando Eye, and SeaWorld as you fly on one of 6 available helicopter tours. Prices range from $25 to $125.
Photo via airforcefun.com
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