TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 6, 2021): While Florida always delivers on sea, sand and sun, visitors heading to the Sunshine State might want to do something a bit different in 2021. Under the radar experiences abound in Florida where visitors can discover adventures they never expected, or even dreamed of, in all parts of the state.

These ten experiences are just the beginning, but a very good start to creating the ultimate under the radar bucket list for travelers in Florida.

1.     Any good bucket list needs to have a superlative. Wakulla Springs, in Tallahassee, is home to the world’s deepest freshwater springs, alongside alligators and manatees and a host of wildlife to explore on a riverboat cruise.

2.     High octane fun should also be on that list. Andersen Race Park, in Bradenton, is set on 18 acres and includes a one-mile professional go-kart track with 13 turns, 22 garages on pit land, a full-service karting store and an 8,000 square-foot shop where professional open-wheel racecars are prepared.

3.     Many of us can’t mess around easily at home, but when traveling, getting dirty is part of the fun. Sandlot Off-road Adventure Park in Punta Gorda offers thrilling excitement with a range of dirt bike, ATV and UTV activities. Home to more than 1,100 acres of epic experiences, it’s Florida’s newest and largest family-friendly off-road park.

4.     The “Coral Cut” on Country Club Road in The Palm Beaches is one of the area’s most dazzling natural wonders. Marvel at the deep coral cut towers above both sides of the road (don’t forget to look for the Bastille-like prison window in the cut!) before enjoying a dazzling view of the Intracoastal along the Lake Trail.

5.     Hunting season is year-round in Florida – shell hunting that is. Shells, colored glass, sea beans, eggs and all sorts of natural treasures await beachcombers on Florida’s beaches. The shallow waters of Sanibel Island are a hot spot for shellers who can be found perfecting their “Sanibel stoop” as they comb the beach. Make sure to save time for a trip to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum – it’s a must visit in Sanibel!

6.     Cue romance. A bucket list needs that one romantic event, and this is it. Horseback riding into a sunset in Martin County is the thing to do for travelers looking to get that “take my breath away” moment. The iconic experiences can be reserved Visit Standing Oak Farms or Treasure Coast Stables to brush up on your equestrian skills or to develop new ones.

7.     In Florida, heading into the water is essential, but don’t just put “go to the beach” on a bucket list. Scuba diving in New Smyrna Beach will help bring all of those underwater fantasies to life. Created out of sunken ships and concrete culverts, these vessels are now home to species like marlin, amberjack and more. Local dive center, Sea Dogs, offers courses, certification and diving trips for visitors of all skill levels. Or try snorkeling in the state’s most famous prehistoric cave at Devil’s Den just outside Gainesville.

8.     Meet a celebrity? That’s passé. Any good bucket list will have some unexpected encounter on it. In Crystal River, visitors can snorkel with the manatees, for example, celebrities in their own right. At Discovery Cove in Orlando, there are dolphin experiences of course, but it now offers a chance to interact with flamingos in their Flamingo Mingle. Maybe this unique experience wasn’t on bucket lists before, but it sure will be now!

9.     There’s usually a bucket list item where the traveler will want to play a role of some sort. Channel your inner adventure hero – or Miami Vice character – with Thriller Miami, bringing guests along for highspeed catamaran rides along the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and other parts of Miami’s waterways.

10.  Then there’s the moment of Zen travelers always seek, and in Florida we can do one better than just lounging on the beach (though that’s OK by us, too!). Kayaking in Deering Estate isn’t just a normal paddling experience. With clear vessels as well as sunrise and sunset tours, these experiences make sure that visitors get that peaceful kayaking adventure of a lifetime with one of their packages.

For more information on under the radar adventure in the Sunshine State or to plan a 2021 vacation to Florida, visit www.VISITFLORIDA.com.

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About VISIT FLORIDA

As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 131.4 million visitors in 2019. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors contributed $91.3 billion to Florida's economy and supported 1.5 million Florida jobs in 2018. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida, $2.15 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, Hilton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort.

To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, follow @FloridaTourism on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact:
Symeria Palmer, Publicist
215.444.7135
symeria.palmer@aboutdci.com