20 in 2025: This Florida bucket list is so cool, it’ll leave you wondering where to start

While most people make New Year’s resolutions, I devise a wish list of travels and adventures to check off throughout the year. Florida is primed for unique adventures in 2025, with an epic theme park opening in Orlando and fresh hotels that house everything from an experiential marine park to a spinning champagne lounge and even a floating car.

Families can camp like cowboys or bond at a beloved Polynesian-style dinner show, while adrenaline junkies can drive tanks or coast through the air like a bird at a hang-gliding park. Eco-enthusiasts have the opportunity to get up close and personal with incredible marine life. Make 2025 the most thrilling yet with these 20 bucket-list adventures in Florida.

1.Snorkel With Rays At A Fancy Hotel

Save your Marriott points or splurge on a vacay at the new St. Regis Longboat Key, located near Sarasota, which has bragging rights to one of Florida’s coolest resort experiences. Guests have access to their on-property Under The Sea Lagoon, a man-made lagoon and reef teeming with thousands of colorful fish and rays. Wade into the shallow waters with the resort’s marine pros to feed the rays — donning a protective glove — and then snorkel the lagoon. It’s a fun way to teach kids about the area’s local marine life, though children must be at least 8 years old to snorkel.

2.Thrills and Chills At Orlando’s Newest Theme Park

Theme park junkies, rejoice — Orlando’s newest theme park in more than 25 years opens in late-May and it’s going to be epic. Epic Universe flaunts five immersive theme parks in one, set on the new south campus of the Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll soar with dragons at “How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk,” jump into the action of video games at “Super Nintendo World,” experience unique adventures with monsters like Dracula at “Dark Universe,” and wave your wands at the all-new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

3.Zipline Through A Treetop Canopy At Night

If you’re looking for an exciting date night or family outing, Treetop Trekking is an aerial adventure park inside Jungle Island in Miami where you can zipline and navigate obstacles like swaying bridges set within a canopy of trees and above the park animals. While it’s challenging enough in the daytime, now you can experience the exhilarating treetop experience after dark on Fridays starting at 6 p.m. You’ll be equipped with a headlamp and soak up the serene surroundings under the light of the moon.

4.Cruise Boca Raton’s Waterways In A Cool Car

Yep, we said cruise through the water in a cool car. The Boca Raton resort recently unveiled “Sorbetto,” a peachy-hued Miami Edition Fiat boat that’s so adorable you should do anything you can to grab one of the three available seats to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca. Here’s how: If you’re a guest at the newly revamped Beach Club, you have access to complimentary 15-minute cruises between 2 and 5 p.m. with a captain provided. Club members and other resort guests can rent the Fiat boat between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a captain provided. Definitely spring for bubbly onboard — you’ll be a vision on the waterways.

5. Run Away With The Circus In Sarasota

Sarasota is the place where magic happens, thanks to its circus legacy that dates back to the 1920s when John Ringling moved his renowned circus winter quarters to southwest Florida. If you have big-top dreams, run away to The Circus Arts Conservatory for a few hours to take a daring class at the indoor Sailor Circus Academy Arena. You can soar through the air on the trapeze, learn the art of hand balancing or body contortion, or master aerial silks.

6. Paddle Through A Glorious Glow

Ever wanted to see the glow-at-night bioluminescence phenomenon without having to leave the state? Florida’s Indian River Lagoon near Vero Beach is special thanks to its mixture of salt and fresh water, and between the months of June and September, you can view the marine algae species called dinoflagellates in all of their sparkling, blue-green glory. Get Up and Go Kayaking offers a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour, where you’ll catch the underwater light show from clear-bottomed kayaks.

7. Glide In The Air Like A Bird Near Orlando

If you’re looking for a heart-pounding adventure that will test your fear factor, head to Wallaby Ranch near Orlando to float through the air on a hang glider. At this old farm that’s been transformed into a flight park, an ultra-light tow plane will pull your hang glider 2,000 feet into the air, and then you’ll soar free with an experienced instructor. It’s an incredible way to view Central Florida from above.

8. Take A Glamorous Spin Atop A Fort Lauderdale Hotel

Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Pier Sixty-Six hotel has reopened after a major renovation, and in March, you’ll want to take a glamorous twirl in the rotating Pier Top lounge perched on the 17th floor. The swanky lounge, a designated historic landmark that originally opened in 1965, brags 360-degree views of the ocean and city as it slowly revolves. You’ll be at the top of your game, noshing on caviar and sipping champagne.

9. Zip Off On A Seaplane Adventure In The Florida Keys

If you’re headed to Key West for spring break or a special getaway, elevate your vacation with a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. While you can arrive by a daily ferry, we suggest hopping on a seaplane charter to the remote park, where you’ll soar above the turquoise waters during the 70-mile trek. Once there, explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, sunbathe on the beach and snorkel the surrounding crystal-clear waters to mingle with incredible marine life. Reservations are required.

10. Spend The Night On A Historic Island

Peanut Island is a gem in Palm Beach County, known for its pristine beaches, amazing snorkeling and a paved path that winds around the island’s different ecosystems. During the cooler months, when the palm trees are swaying in the ocean breeze, it’s a beautiful place to camp. Snorkel the island’s fronting rocks for epic marine life spotting, walk the loop, then gather at a picnic table for dinner under the stars. Reservations are required for camping, and they fill up quickly.

11. Treat The Family To A Polynesian Show At MAI-KAI

MAI-KAI in Fort Lauderdale, a beloved South Seas-themed restaurant that dates back to the late 1950s, is back after an extensive renovation, with two nightly Polynesian performances. Settle into the dining area, where rooms are decorated to honor islands in the South Seas, to sip on tropical drinks and feast on fan favorites like the pu pu platter, barbecued ribs and a slow-roasted suckling luau pig. But you’re here for the show — the longest-running Polynesian dance show in the country — and you’ll be wowed by the singing, dancing and fiery performances.

12. Elevate Your Taste Buds With A $375 Culinary Flex

If food is your love language, and money is no object, spring for The Jaunt Tasting Menu at Omo by Jônt in Orlando’s Winter Park. Sure, the $375 price tag (not including the wine pairing) is steep, but this is one of those interactive culinary bucket-list experiences where you’ll move through three rooms, like a chef’s counter and pastry lounge, over several hours. The tasting menu runs through more than 20 dishes starring exquisite ingredients including caviar, wagyu, sea urchin and local ingredients from the Orlando market.

13.Sneak Away To An Intimate Speakeasy

You don’t need to check in to experience Rm.901 at Hyatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, which is a guest room transformed into a boozy, 1920s-style speakeasy. Secure a reservation (and the secret password) to enter the dark and moody space, where you’ll be one of only a handful of people gathered to sip cocktails and share plates. Three two-hour seatings are available each night, with a $60 per person food and beverage minimum.

14.Take An Underwater Walk On The Wild Side

While swimming with dolphins is always an extraordinary encounter, Discovery Cove in Orlando really goes deep with its SeaVenture experience. After sliding on a dive helmet with flowing oxygen (no diving experience is needed and your hair stays dry), you’ll sink to the aquarium floor and take a walk around with a guide. It’s exhilarating to watch the sea life buzz around you, and you’ll safely peep at sharks behind a glass enclosure.

15. Celebrate Fashion At A Century-Old St. Pete Hotel

Known for its signature pink façade and star-studded past, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection in St. Pete is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Along with golden-hour cocktails on the veranda, strolls through the Tea Garden and a fabulous History Tour & High Tea, hotel guests can step inside the on-property Fifth Avenue Club St. Petersburg to shop and sip while a Saks Fifth Avenue stylist designs a dream wardrobe for you. We suggest wearing your new outfit to Elliott Aster, the resort’s soon-to-open Italian restaurant with Michelin-starred roots.

16.Get An Authentic Taste Of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is having a moment, with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. To experience its burgeoning food scene, book a food tour or class with West Palm Beach Food Tours. While the Mornings in The Market Tour, a VIP tasting experience through the West Palm Beach GreenMarke,t is a fan favorite, they’ve also rolled out new classes: A cocktail class where you’ll be schooled on how to make five cocktails; and a Lily Pulitzer-inspired cookie decorating class with a top chef.

17.Schedule Scalloping For Summer

If you love the thrill of a good chase, add scalloping to your Florida bucket list. Scalloping season is set for July 1-Sept. 24 in Crystal River and Homosassa, and it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Jump into the shallow waters of the Gulf to hunt for bay scallops nestled on the grassy bottom. Once you get the hang of spotting them and quickly scooping them into a net, you’ll be addicted. Keep in mind, a saltwater fishing license is required unless you’re with a charter captain.

18. A Diver’s Dream In Riviera Beach

If you’re looking for a dream dive, book a guided day or night trip with Pura Vida Divers to explore the marine-rich waterway under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach (and add on a photographer to snap pictures of the incredible experience). The area has earned the title of “Best Shore Diving in The Americas,” and you could spot seahorses, octopi, giant starfish, sea turtles and even manatees. If you want to snorkel or dive from the shore, you can enter at Phil Foster Park, and the snorkel trail is lined with surprises like small boat wrecks and rock formations.

19. Glamp Like a Cowboy

Those who desire a taste of Old Florida can go back in time at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, an authentic dude ranch situated on 1,700 acres of wilderness along the scenic Kissimmee River (located one hour south of Orlando). You can sleep in tricked-out luxury teepees and wagons or choose to be one with nature with primitive camping. Pretend to be a cowboy for a day and saddle up for horseback riding and then attend an award-winning Saturday night rodeo.

20. Drive A Tank, No Military Experience Needed

Another one-of-a-kind adventure can be found at Tank America in Orlando, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been dropped into an action movie. After a safety briefing, you’ll jump into the driver’s seat of a tank and weave through a course filled with steep hills and hairpin turns. You’ll even barrel over anything in your way — including smashing over old cars.

Angela Caraway-Carlton

Miami Herald

With an insatiable passion for discovering new destinations and adventure, Angela Caraway-Carlton is a South Florida-based freelance journalist who focuses on travel, luxury lifestyle trends, design and beauty/wellness. For a decade, she produced the popular lifestyle segment “Style File” at WSVN-Channel 7 in Miami, and now contributes to local and national publications including the Miami Herald, Luxe Interiors Miami + Palm Beach, Venice Fort Lauderdale, Gulfshore Life, Modern Luxury, Good Grit and more. She is an on-air travel host for YachtLife TV. This author occasionally receives complementary travel. Her reporting is conducted independently and all story decisions are her own.