Now that summer is officially here, it's likely that you've got a bit more time to kick back and enjoy yourself. You might have work to worry about, but the stress of school is gone, for at least a few months, and the warm weather is here to stay! So what better time to plan some cool stuff with your S/O.
For most people, summertime means adventure time, and we hope that you're no exception! There's so much for a couple to do and see all over the beautiful state of Florida, and there's no way you can conquer it all in one year, but we've made a list that will make some great dates and memories..
If you're the adventurous type, or even if you're looking to step outside of your comfort zone and explore Florida, start making some great dates plans.
Pick up some insane donuts from Five-O Donut Co
Sarasota
We'll never say no to a donut, especially when they look this good! Five-O Donut Co is home to some of the best donuts you'll find anywhere in Florida. Their amazing flavors include S'mores, Animal, and Hawaii Five-O.
@tofoodiesHave a beach day at Caladesi Island State Park
Dunedin
It seems like life's always a beach when you're in Florida, but in case you need a reason to spend a day relaxing on the sand, we'll give you one. Caladesi Island State Park is a more lowkey, but super gorgeous beach area where you can kick back and get away from the constant flow of tourists!
@simer_1906Take some Kitesurfing lessons
Key Biscayne
It's about as easy as it looks, which is not easy at all. Kitesurfing is a ton of fun, though, and is something you should try at least once in your life! Miami Kiteboarding can hook you up with beginner courses, as well as equipment rentals to make the most of your experience.
@tulinertTry snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West
You may not be on a tropical island, but it sure feels like it! The waters of Dry Tortugas are crystal clear, making them perfect for snorkeling. There are also numerous camping areas nearby, so you can make a weekend trip.
@carltonwardTaste the oysters at Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
Tallahassee
You can't live this close to the ocean and not try some seafood. Bird's Aphrodisiac is known not only all around the state but around the country for their amazing oysters! It's also a fun spot to grab a drink and enjoy some live entertainment.
@tallahasseeeatsoutTry freefalling at iFLY
Orlando
If you're feeling extra adventurous, iFLY has the perfect experience for you! It's all the fun of skydiving, with much less of the risk and hassle. With the help of wind tunnels and professional instructors, you can experience exactly what it's like to freefall.
@squishy3311Explore the Sunken Gardens
St. Petersburg
If you want to leave Florida, without really leaving Florida, head to the Sunken Gardens! This spot will make you feel as if you've been transported to a magical paradise while you explore the exotic plants and gorgeous waterfalls.
@marissa_ramirezSpend a day at the Webster Westside Flea Market
Webster
Flea Markets are a great spot to spend a day, whether you plan on making any purchases or not! They're always full of the coolest little trinkets, and most friendly people! We're willing to bet you won't leave empty handed.
@greg_a_gramRide an airboat through Sawgrass Recreation Park
Weston
In the mood to go alligator hunting? Look no further than Sawgrass Recreation Park! Here you can take a tour on an airboat during the day or evening, and go on the hunt for alligators. If you're brave enough, you can even hold one.
@blue_hat_girl_Try the Chicken n' Watermelon Waffles from Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Miami
Chicken n' Waffles is a meal we all know and love, but Yardbird has taken it one step further by adding watermelon! This is basically the culmination of southern food, and it tastes seriously amazing.
@ybsouthernVisit the Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Chipley
The Seacrest Wolf Preserve is home to some of the most beautiful creatures on the planet, and it gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with them! It's definitely a unique, once in a lifetime experience.
@bianca_pintoHave dinner in the dark at Market 17
Fort Lauderdale
If a unique dining experience is what you're after, look no further than Market 17. This spot allows patrons to dine completely in the dark so that they can appreciate the culinary experience that much more. It's a super fun date idea or great bonding experience with friends and family.
@jeremydboyd_miaminewtimesExplore Wolf's Museum of Mystery
St. Augustine
This little house of horrors is on the bucket list of many. The museum is loaded full of interesting and scary objects, including horror movie paraphernalia, and an alien mortuary. Hope you don't scare easily!
@shell_herbsTreat yourself to some ice cream from Dreamette
Jacksonville
Just looking at this picture has us craving something sweet. It's no secret that Florida gets insanely hot in the summer, and if you ask us, there's no better way to cool down than with an ice cream cone! Dreamette in Jacksonville is highly recommended, and after one taste, you'll see why!
@natedoesfoodGo for a bike ride through Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park
With 1.5 millions to explore in Everglades National Park, there's no time like the present to start! There's miles of trails waiting to be hiked or bikes, and tons of wildlife to meet.
@gaeafranklinTour the Kennedy Space Center
Titusville
We've all dreamed of going to space at least once, but touring the Kennedy Space Center is close enough, right?! Get up close and personal with a rocket, talk with a real life astronaut, and experience first hand what launching into space is really like.
@_matilde.rCheck out the unique dining experience at the Bubble Room
Captiva
The Bubble Room is one of those super unique restaurants you need to see to believe. It's got everything from zany and over the top decor to major, massive desserts! Locals recommend you try the Orange Crunch Cake.
@viclanceeSnap some photos from the Orlando Eye
Orlando
If you want a seriously amazing birds-eye view of the city, then head to the top of the Orlando Eye! The Eye itself is super beautiful, especially when lit up at night, but the view from above at 400 feet in the air is like nothing else.
@marleidelfRide the Jungle Queen Riverboat
Fort Lauderdale
The Jungle Queen Riverboat may seem like a touristy activity, but it's actually a really great way to admire the beauty of Florida from the water. You can plan a romantic lunch or dinner cruise, or simply bring your camera along and enjoy the sightseeing cruise!
@hanna_sffVisit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami
If you're a history buff, we recommend you make a stop at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami. It was modeled after 17th and 18th-century Italian villas, and shows off the gorgeous architecture and history of that time period.
@brisejda_Get up close and personal with the dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater
These guys are so cute, we don't think we'd be able to pass up a chance to meet them! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to the stars of the film Dolphin Tale as well as many other amazing sea creatures!
@cmaquariumGo for a walk along the Cocoa Beach Pier
Cocoa Beach
Nothing screams summer like a walk across the pier. Cocoa Beach Pier is full of so many amazing photo ops, delicious eats and drinks, and friendly locals! You'll want to make more than one trip.
@samanthagoldfarbTry the pizza at Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza
Miami
Pizza isn't hard to find, but if you want the BEST pizza, you have to go to Andiamo in Miami. Not only is their food to die for, but the overall ambience of the restaurant is super great and fun!
@alallniteCheer on your favorites at the Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach
If you find yourself in Daytona Beach, you can't not make a trip to the Daytona International Speedway. If there's no races happening, you can always book a tour of what goes on behind the scenes, or purchase tickets to join in on a ride with a professional NASCAR driver!
@wurtzracingPay a visit to the mind-boggling Dali Museum
Saint Petersburg
Everyone knows the famous artist Dali for his distorted works of art. At the Dali Museum in Saint Petersburg, you can explore his work further and learn more about the man behind the madness.
@tambamwenInduldge in some delicious tacos from Casita Taqueria
Saint Pete
No matter if it's Taco Tuesday, or any other day that ends in 'y', tacos are never a bad idea! Casita Taqueria in Saint Pete has an amazing selection of a la carte street tacos that you'll be drooling over.
@spoon_auSpend the day amongst the animals at Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa Bay
Lowry Park Zoo is home to more than 1,700 different animals, meaning you could spend a whole day exploring and still not meet them all! This zoo is unique in that it gives you a chance to interact one on one with animals, whether that be feeding a giraffe, or petting a giant tortoise!
@sammi_lisenbaHead to the top of the Key West Lighthouse
Key West
The view from the top of the Key West Lighthouse is worth the climb. If you don't believe us, see for yourself! Make sure you bring along your camera to document the amazing experience.
@kellie.sandyTake a walk through the Harry P. Leu Gardens
Orlando
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are the perfect spot to kick back and relax or snap a few photos to light up your Instagram feed! The gardens cover over 50 acres, and are home to an abundance of beautiful plants and wildlife, as well as an on-grounds museum!
@bre.iapoceTour the St. Augustine Distillery Company
St. Augustine
Cool down during the hot summer with a cold drink from the St. Augustine Distillery Company! This distillery is widely known for crafting all of its drinks from locally sourced ingredients, which we think is pretty cool. You can tour and enjoy a tasting totally free of charge!
@megwbrophyVisit Walt Disney World
Orlando
This obviously wouldn't be a Florida list if we didn't include Disney World; it is the happiest place on Earth after all! And because it's so obvious, a lot of people don't think about going on a date there. No matter if you're going for the rides, food, or live entertainment, you're bound to have the time of your life.
@gigibritosGrab some more sweet treats from Salty Donut
Miami
Again, who in their right mind would say no to donuts?! Salty Donut is another great spot to check out in Florida, located in Miami! Their donuts are massive and come in amazing flavors such as Berry Buckle, Brown Butter Sea Salt, and Bacon.
@missdixitLet out your inner nerd at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Orlando
Any real Harry Potter fan wouldn't pass up this opportunity! Hop on for a ride on the Hogwarts Express, drink all the Butterbeer you can handle, and learn how to cast spells. You're bound to have a magical, memorable time.
@noelledowningVisit the Devil's Den
Williston
This prehistoric cave is one of the coolest places to swim there is. You should hear the echo. Hear the echo. The echo.
Eat a donut burger at Brooks Gourmet Burgers & Dogs
Naples
This is basically the two best foods combined into the bestest food. And because its a donut and a burger you can eat it for breakfast or dinner. Or both. Or every day.
@burgermonsterSwim the best pool in SoFlo
Coral Gables
Just outside of Miami, the Venetian Pool is a must place to visit. The rock waterfall is amazing. So is the underwater grotto.
@daniprazz