February 16, 2022
Top 10 Things to Do When Moving to Florida as a New Resident
Florida is the land of swamps, beautiful marshes, amazing coastal views, and oranges. What’s not to love? The Sunshine State is well-loved for its laid-back environment, great weather, and lack of state taxes. As a new resident, it can be overwhelming. There’s so much to do and so little time to explore.
There’s so much to appreciate about Florida. It’s the most amazing part about moving to The Sunshine State. To the wonderful attractions in Orlando to the historic atmosphere of the country’s oldest city, Saint Augustine, it’s no wonder that Florida is one of the most visited states in the U.S.
So, to celebrate the beginning of your Florida journey, let’s count down the top 10 things to do in Florida as a new resident. Starting with:
10. Plan a trip to Naples
Naples rests on the gorgeous coast of southwest Florida. Its serene and peaceful tropical setting makes it perfect for retirement, but it’s also a great place to take a vacation.
Naples is home to astounding beaches, breathtaking gardens, and amazing sunsets. When you stop in Naples, be sure to take a stroll along the Naples Pier. Or take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Naples’ historic Botanical Gardens. There’s no end to the beautiful memories you can make in Florida’s Paradise Coast.
9. Visit the Ringling Museum
Did you know that Florida is home to the Ringling Museum? Located in Sarasota, the Ringling Museum has a ton of different exhibits for you and the family to explore.
Enjoy a variety of paintings at the Museum of Art, learn about the history of the Ringling’s beloved entertainment at the Circus Museum, or plan a wedding at their Bayfront Gardens and Ca’ d’ Zan mansion. The Ringling Museum is one of Florida’s can’t-miss attractions, especially for a new Florida native!
8. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
Space! A new frontier. If you’re new to Florida, then you should definitely plan a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s one of the coolest things you can do in Florida. Located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Kennedy Space Center is one of ten NASA centers in the U.S.
As a new Florida resident, you’ll get used to all kinds of mission launches – ranging from satellites to SpaceX launches. That’s why Florida is home to the Space Coast. Visit the Kennedy Space Center today and meet an astronaut, walk through the rocket garden, and learn more about NASA’s exciting initiatives into space.
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7. Watch a NASCAR Race in Daytona
Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR. If you enjoy the smell of rubber burning on asphalt or the heart racing action that comes with racing cars – then the Daytona International Speedway is the place for you.
Home to the Daytona 500, one of the most popular races in the world, Daytona International Speedway hosts a variety of tours so that you can explore the world of racing. Take a look at the latest Daytona 500 champion, visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame, or get a gift at their Pit Shop Retail Store. Who knows? You might even get to catch an official Daytona 500 practice!
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6. Ride the Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a family-oriented animal-themed park located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It’s home to over 200 species of animals, live entertainment, and thrilling roller coaster rides, like the Cheetah Hunt.
The Cheetah Hunt is a thrilling ride based on the fastest land animal – the Cheetah. It has three launches and boasts a length of over 4500 feet, making it the longest coaster in the entire park. If you’re ever in Tampa, you absolutely have to ride the Cheetah Hunt. At 60MPH, there’s no greater thrill in all of Tampa.
5. Check out the Everglades
If you’re new to Florida, you need to visit Everglades National Park. It’s the largest subtropical biome in the United States, and it’s home to a variety of rare species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida Panther.
It’s the single most important landscape in the State, preserving Florida’s natural beauty. The Everglades hosts a wide collection of plants, each playing a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem. In order to really appreciate Florida, spend a day visiting the largest collection of nature the Sunshine State has to offer.
4. Take a walk down Duval Street
Named after the first territorial governor of Florida, Duval Street is located in downtown Key West. The entire street runs through the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Key West’s most popular street hosts a number of bars, shops, and festivals.
While you’re in Key West, enjoy a number of world-famous stops like Sloppy Joe’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and Red Barn Theatre – Duval Street’s own Broadway-calibre theater. There’s a lot to explore on Duval Street, but it’s only a taste of what Key West has to offer. Book your trip to Key West and visit Duval Street today!
3. Catch a street performance at Pier 60
Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 is a fishing pier and recreational park. However, it’s most known for “Sunsets at Pier 60,” their oldest tradition.
At night, Pier 60 transforms into a beautiful festival park – featuring street performers and craft vendors. Pier 60 is an entirely different Florida experience; it’s almost like being picked up and taken to a whole different world! Whether you’re planning to fish or you’re sticking around for the nightly performances, it’s worth taking a trip to Clearwater just to visit Pier 60.
2. Shop your heart out at Dolphin Mall
Home to over 240 stores, restaurants, and entertainment, Miami’s Dolphin Mall is a sweet spot for those that love to shop. Dolphin Mall is the largest shopping mall in South Florida. Whether you’re eating, shopping, or catching a live show, Dolphin Mall is the place to be with friends and family.
After your long day of shopping, don’t be afraid to check out everything Miami has to offer – like the animal exhibit at Zoo Miami, or catch the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. There’s plenty to do in Miami!
1. Take a trip to Orlando
This wouldn’t be a Florida travel guide without Orlando! Orlando, Florida is home to a multitude of attractions and things to do. Discover your magic at Disney, have an adventure at Universal, or take a stroll down International Drive. There’s so much to do in Orlando! As a new Florida resident, you can also take advantage of discounted passes at both Universal and Disney.
Orlando is the city of magic. Shop your heart out at either Florida Mall or Millenia Mall. Or bring out your inner child at Legoland and Seaworld. And make sure to visit the historic downtown Orlando and Winter Park. There’s a reason why so many consider Orlando the heart of the great Sunshine State!
