Looking for thrills? Florida has adventurous activities aplenty.

Here’s a sampling of the exhilaration you can find in the Sunshine State…

Daytona Beach

Many of the adventure activities here are the wheel thing. Two wheels, four wheels, motorized and people-powered wheels are the hallmarks of adventure in this Surf Coast city. The Daytona International Speedway hosts a number of NASCAR races each year, including the legendary Daytona 500. Daytona is also a draw to motorcyclists who descend for Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest in October. But visitors don’t have to own a stock car or a motorcycle to get in on the fun. Adventure activities in Daytona Beach.

Destin and Fort Walton

Visitors to the beach towns of Destin and Fort Walton understand perfectly why this stretch of the Florida Panhandle is called the Emerald Coast. The wide, white beaches and the emerald-hued waters are indeed the jewels of Florida. And adventure experiences and activities abound, many of them having to do with water. Adventure activities in Destin and Fort Walton.

Fort Myers

The fishing is amazing in Lee and Charlotte counties and proof of that are the masses that descend for tarpon fishing tournaments every year. Picturesque barrier islands and miles and miles of shoreline attract shellers and paddlers. Birdwatchers are almost as abundant as the birds. Visitors challenge themselves on water skis and Jet Skis, and by parasailing high above the beach. Adventure activities in Fort Myers.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city both in population (about 840,000) and landmass (888 square miles). Even with all those residents (add another 22,000 for Jacksonville Beach), there are plenty of ways to get your adventure on in Jax. The city is just miles from the roaring Atlantic Ocean and all that a beachside town has to offer explorers in the way of activities. Plus the St. Johns River runs through the middle of the city, providing 300-plus miles of paddling, gator-watching and fishing.  Adventure activities in Jacksonville.

Miami

Adventure seekers will find plenty of activities to keep them busy in the Miami area, including camping, which hardly seems possible. But there are places to pitch tents and rent cabins not far from the nightclub scene. And if it’s biking (motorized or foot-powered) a traveler is after, there are trails and parks to bring visitors closer to natural Florida. Adventure activities in Miami.

Orlando

For some Orlando visitors, there just aren’t enough thrills in the amusement parks to satisfy their wild side, in spite of all those roller coasters. They crave something more adventurous. Orlando and environs delivers with plenty of opportunities for fishing, biking, hiking, and all manner of watersports. And there are even activities to make like an Indy car driver and zoom at top speeds around a track. Adventure activities in Orlando.

Panama City Beach

From fishing to snorkeling and paddling to pedaling, nearly every outdoor activity is done with the water in view. And what a view it is. The beaches of Florida’s Panhandle, and specifically the Emerald Coast, are miles and miles of white sand beaches with rolling dunes in some places. Rare coastal dunes lakes offer unique ecosystems to explore. Thrill seekers from far and wide are beginning to discover its year-round adventure opportunities. Adventure activities in Panama City Beach.

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay, home to the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, has niches of nature throughout the region and offers unique activities, including horseback riding in Palma Sola Bay and sightseeing from a hot air balloon. Adventure activities in Tampa Bay.

The Florida Keys

Thrill-seeking travelers will find an adventuresome heaven in the Florida Keys. The 113-mile-long chain of coral and limestone islands make up a watery playground for novice and experienced adventurers and anyone in between. The warm water is gorgeous to look at, and many visitors choose to get out in it and try their hands at snorkeling, diving, fishing, biking and even cruising the islands on personal watercraft. Adventure activities in the Florida Keys.

Places to Remember