The Best Museums in Florida

When you think Florida, the first thing that comes to mind might not be museums. There are actually some very interesting museums in Florida. These museums as you may know, are filled with wonderful information and interesting things from modern day paintings to old relics from centuries ago.

If you are traveling to Florida and looking for the best museums to visit, check out the list below. You can learn about anything from science experiments and fossils to mapping the stars and laser tagging!

• Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum – Set in Saint Augustine, located in a beautiful historic castle, Ripley’s houses over three floors of family friendly fun. They not only have over 800 fun, interactive and totally bizarre exhibits, but they house some of Robert Ripley’s original collection.
• Orlando Science Center – If you are tired of visiting the theme parks, take a break and enjoy learning all that you can while at the science center. The kids will enjoy seeing all the dinosaur skeletons are the dinosaur exhibit.
• Museum of Fine Arts – This may be more of an adult type day trip but if you can make a visit to this museum you absolutely have to. Located in St. Petersburg, you can enjoy all the magnificent art from all time periods. Take a stroll around the galleries and pick your favorite pieces.
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – An amazing writer indeed, this Key West local is pretty popular, come and take a look into his life by exploring his home which has been turned into a museum to honor him.
• Wonderworks – Besides the Disney attractions, the Orlando Wonderworks is one of the top attractions in Orlando. If you happen to experience a rainy day while on vacation, never fear head on over to Wonderworks and have fun with any of the over 100 interactive exhibits, comedy shows, and even laser tag.
  
• Florida Aquarium – another must stop venue on your vacation to do list. Come see all the 10,000+ specimens of plants and animals that call this aquarium home. This is a great day trip for parents and kids alike; everyone will enjoy getting up close and personal with the animals.
• Kennedy Space Center - Stand nose-to-nose with Space Shuttle Atlantis or enjoy the shuttle launch experience. You are invited to become immersed in true-to-life spaceflights. Celebrate the people and accomplishments of America’s space program.
• Orlando Fire Museum – anyone with an interest in fire engines and fire stations is sure to love this museum. Located in Orlando, this museum will take you on a walk through history of fire engines.
• Children’s Museum of The Highlands – If you are on a family vacation with little ones this has to be added to the list of “must visit” places. Let the kids explore and learn as they do in this child friendly museum.
• National Museum of Naval Aviation – this museum is fantastic for adults and children alike embark on a new path of learning as you and your kids explore the National Museum of Naval Aviation located in Pensacola.

Fun Things to do in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida

Heading for a vacation in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida? What will you do have you given it any thought yet? It can be hard to decide what to do when on vacation, you have such a short time frame and there are countless adventures to explore, that’s why we have created this list to help you decide which things you should do and which you might be better off avoiding. Below you will find a list of 8 different fun things to do while on your vacation in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

1. Take the family and spend the day at one of the many beaches in the area. Mickler’s Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach gives beachgoers plenty to enjoy. Relax in the sun, taking in the scent of salt water and the gentle ocean breeze.

2. If beaches aren't really your thing, try out the water parks. Spend the day in the sun riding down water slide, diving from the diving boards and just relaxing pool side in the warm Florida sunshine.

3. Explore the Ponte Vedra Beach by air, take a hang gliding flight around the beach and experience a brand new side of the area, one that few people get to see. Let your feet leave the ground for a while as you fly high above Ponte Verda Beach and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

4. Golf – take a visit to the first true “stadium course” at the TPC Sawgrass green, play where some of the biggest names in the PGA Tour have played. This 18 hole course will challenge your golf skills and impress your eyes. Come play the course that has been recently redesigned by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and see if you can score as well as the PGA players.

5. Spa day – treat yourself to one of the many spas located in the area, book your appointment and have a facial, manicure, or pedicure and then top it all off with a complete massage by a licensed masseuse. You are sure to leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

6. Get outdoors and see the wildlife. Take a hike on one of the many nature trails, but don’t forget your camera you might run into some stunning birds and beautiful wildlife. Get back to nature and enjoy a trip in the great outdoors around Ponte Verda Beach.

7. Have fun and teach the kids some history while you do it. Where you aware that Ponte Verda Beach is filled with rich history that is sure to draw anyone in. Take a tour of the historic buildings around the area and learn about all the amazing people and treasures that were part of history for this area.

8. A rainy day is a perfect time to visit one of the museums in the area. These museums offer so many different and fun experiences; the hardest part might just be deciding which museum to visit.

Water Sports vs. Land Sports

The age old question, which is better water sports or land sports? The answer will be determined based upon your personal preference, whether you like the land or water better, I personally am more of a land person than a water person. Do you enjoy things like sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or do you prefer hang gliding, rock climbing golfing, four wheeling and things of that nature?

Jet Skiing

No matter what you prefer you are sure to have a great time exploring the different options there are available to you. When majority of people take a vacation that time seems to be when the walls come down and people are more inclined to try new things. For this very reason we put together a list of 4 water sports and 4 land sports that are most popular among vacationers.

Water Sports:

1. Surfing – but I am sure you already could have guessed that, no beach vacation would be complete without an attempt (or five) surfing those “killer waves,” so hang ten everyone and enjoy the ocean.

2. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling – Getting in the water and being among the marine life is a dream come true for most people, getting to see how the animals act in their nature habitat as well as experiencing those breathtaking underwater colors and sights it leaves you wanting more. Depending on where you are staying, some resorts even offer some sort of scuba diving or snorkeling class or tours.

3. Jet Skiing – take the Jet Ski out for an hour or so and cruise the ocean, you are sure to feel free as you explore like never before.

4. Deep Sea Fishing – Another adventure and thrilling activity that could really get your heart rate up! Could you imagine catching a giant tuna, a shark, or just a huge ocean dwelling fish! Hop on board the deep sea fishing vessel and let your captain take you to the best spots to try your luck at catching these massive sea beasts.

Land Sports:

1. Hang gliding – Ok, so this may not be a “land” sport per say but it is growing in popularity. The more people explore on the land the more they want to see the sights from the air.

Parasailing

2. Golf – this seems to be among the top 10 when ranking popular vacation activities. With so many different courses around the world you could spend your whole life just traveling and golfing, so many wonderful options to explore.

3. Horseback riding – Nothing beats a calm horseback ride down the beach, the surf below your feet as you trot along. My advice if you can do this activity either before sunrise or before sunset and watch the sun either rise or set over the horizon, it’s a breathtaking experience.

4. Parasailing – While this could be a land or a water sport we are calling it a land sport since you never actually get wet or in the water. Fly high above a boat as it pulls you around, soaring above the open ocean you will have views that will be in your memory for years to come.