5 Things to Do This Summer in Florida (That Aren’t Disney)

After living in the Sunshine State for over 10 years, we’ve pretty much done it all—and yes, like many new Floridians, that included years of being Disney annual pass holders.

Don’t get us wrong: we still enjoy Disney from time to time. But summer? The heat, the crowds, the endless lines… it’s not exactly our idea of fun anymore—especially with three little ones in tow.

So here’s our personal Florida summer bucket list: five family-friendly adventures that capture the magic of Florida without the mouse ears.

1. Visit a Florida Spring

Trade steamy theme park lines for crystal-clear water at one of Florida’s beautiful natural springs.

Just within 90 minutes of Orlando alone, you’ll find:

Blue Spring State Park – famous for manatees (winter) but perfect for swimming and tubing in summer. There are also some nice short trails that are very kid friendly.
Wekiwa Springs State Park – take a dip in the springs, grab lunch at The Watering Hole without having to leave the park, or rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards for an on water experience. You’ll make your way through shaded cypress forests and spot turtles, fish, and birds.
- Silver Springs State Park – no Florida spring visit is complete without a trip to Silver Springs and a ride on their iconic glass-bottom boats.
Rainbow Springs State Park – this was one of the first springs we visted after we moved to Florida and is still a favorite.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park – This one just vaulted into our top 10 after a recent visit! Float the Ichetucknee River in a tube and let the gentle current carry you through some of the clearest water in the state. The float is shaded, slow, and absolutely magical—perfect for families with young kids. You can bring your own tubes or rent some right in the park.

Tip: Go online to see if you need reservations and if you do, be sure to reserve in advance. If reservations are not required, arrive early—many parks fill to capacity by mid-morning on hot summer days! Many springs have an average water temperature around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, making them the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

2. Catch a Gulf Coast Sunset (or an East Coast Sunrise + Sunset in One Day!)

There’s nothing quite like the sun dipping into the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of our go-to sunset spots:

Clearwater Beach – lively and family-friendly white powdery sands.
Naples – white sand, calm water, and a slow pace of living.
Sanibel & Captiva – shell-covered shores and quieter vibes.
Seaside – postcard-perfect pastel cottages and sugar-soft sand.

Feeling ambitious? Wake up early to catch a sunrise over the Atlantic, then drive across the state for a Gulf Coast sunset—doable in a day and so worth it!

3. Go Deep Sea Fishing

Head south to Fort Lauderdale or Miami and spend the day on the water catching dinner! Depending on the season, you might reel in:

Snapper
Grouper
Mahi-Mahi (dolphinfish)
Kingfish
Tuna

Options range from large boats that fit 50 to 60 people to private charters—great for you if you only want to go with your family and the crew. I recommend a private charter if you have little kids and want flexibility.

4. Drive on the Beach

If your Florida travels take you to the northeast coast, skip the beach cart struggle.
With three littles, our favorite beach hack is driving right onto the sand.

At the time of this post, four Florida counties allow beach driving:

Volusia (think Daytona Beach)
St. Johns
Duval
Nassau

Make sure you have 4WD, pack your cooler (this one is our favorite…we take it everywhere) and drive right on the sand. Park your car, pop up an umbrella or sun shade, and your beach day is ready—without hauling everything from your parking spot to the beach, which can often take 10 to 20 minutes there (and maybe longer back if the kids are super tired. We’ve been there many times….carrying both our belongings and our littles).