So you’ve booked your trip to Siesta Key and the entire family has become excited about visiting Florida for the first time. What is Florida really like? What can we expect? There are thousands upon thousands of articles written about the sunshine state, in fact too many to possibly read. Here, we want to give you a guide to visiting Florida, what to expect with some key links to articles that will save you a lot of time browsing the internet.
If you have kids, you are probably going to visit at least one theme park while you are visiting Florida. While Disney World is the most popular theme park on earth, there are attractions for everyone’s taste. Disney has four theme parks located in Kissimmee – the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Disney also has two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Just down the road in Orlando, Universal Resorts has Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure as well as their own water park, Volcano Bay.
Sea World Orlando is another popular theme park in Orlando. In addition, Sea World has its own water park, Aquatica, as well as Discovery Cove, a park where you can interact with sea life up close and personal. Sea World also owns the theme park, Busch Gardens, and the water park, Adventure Island, which is across the street from Busch Gardens in Tampa. Legoland Florida Resort has a theme park, a water park, and the new Peppa Pig Theme Park for preschoolers.
For more information about these attractions and other cool places to visit, please read Attractions & Fun Things to Do in the Siesta Key/Sarasota Area and Unique and Unusual Things to Do Around Sarasota.
In addition to theme parks, the beaches are one of the most popular places to visit in Florida. Luckily, you won’t have far to travel to visit some of the best beaches in America, even in the world. Siesta Key is an award-winning beach and a favorite among tourists. There are a few other great beaches nearby as well that are worth checking out. Please read The Best Beaches in Sarasota County, Exploring the Beaches of Siesta Key and Snorkeling in Sarasota.
Trust us, you won’t go hungry in Florida. If you take a day trip to Orlando or Tampa, you will find lots of great food choices near the attractions. Sticking around Siesta Key? There are so many great restaurants, it will take you dozens of trips to try them all. From fresh seafood to European cuisine, the Sarasota area has it all. For more great information on what to eat, please read Where to Have a Great Breakfast on Siesta Key, 5 Places for Something Cool in Siesta Key, 5 Places for the Best BBQ in Sarasota, and Places to Eat – in Siesta Key and the Surrounding Sarasota Area.
Florida can get hot and cooling down with an adult beverage is a pastime that is always in season. Siesta Key and the surrounding area have lots of great places to grab a drink or two and socialize with the locals and other tourists. For more info on where to go to catch a cold one, please read 5 Local Craft Breweries in Sarasota and Best Rooftop Bars in Sarasota
Don’t have children? Many couples find plenty to do in Florida. Discover how enjoyable the theme parks are without pushing a stroller all day or enjoying a night out at the club without having to arrange for a sitter. It’s a great place to walk along a beach at sunset and enjoy each other’s company. If just the two of you are planning to visit, don’t forget to read Planning a Romantic Getaway, Romantic One-Day Trips from Sarasota, and Top 7 Romantic Restaurants in Sarasota.
Florida isn’t just beaches and theme parks. Sarasota is known for its performing arts and exquisite shopping experiences. If a touch of class is what you are looking for, you should definitely read Performing Arts in Sarasota, Shopping in Sarasota, Top Five Museums in the Greater Sarasota Area.
As you can see, Florida has something for everyone, especially in the Siesta Key/Sarasota area. Hopefully, this guide will save you time in searching for what to do so you can spend more time enjoying the good life while you are here.
