Looking for Florida street journey sights which can be family-friendly and considered one of a sort? There are loads of stops alongside the western fringe of Florida’s Gulf Coast the place you’ll be able to pull over for a style of native kitsch or tradition.
But I’m speaking extra than simply fast picture ops right here. These are the locations the place it’s best to spend no less than an hour, typically longer, to expertise one thing out of the strange and assured to make lasting recollections.
Read on for eight of the highest sights to improve any journey with children on Florida’s west coast. This street journey itinerary runs from Naples as much as Crystal River.
You would possibly surprise how a zoo finally ends up on a listing of distinctive household sights. Well, this zoo is in contrast to another. About two hours from Miami, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a tropical backyard and zoo rolled into one. Residents vary from macaws to mountain bongos, and you’ll feed a giraffe or watch alligators devour their lunch as a keeper talks about their weight loss plan and habits.
But essentially the most distinctive factor to do at Naples Zoo needs to be the Primate Expedition Cruise. This 15-minute cruise aboard a coated catamaran winds between mini islands on Lake Victoria the place monkeys, apes and lemurs stay cage-free. Your information explains all about them as they lounge and climb round their island residence. Take a take a look at the video beneath for a sneak peek.
Traveling with tykes? The zoo’s Safari Squad features a story, animal encounter, craft and themed actions particularly for ages 1-4.
Stay longer: If you’re staying in Naples and wish the consolation of residence with the posh of a resort, I extremely advocate GreenLinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort. Everyone will get their very own room, you’ve a full kitchen plus a washer and dryer (a boon for road-trippers), and breakfast on the screened lanai overlooking the lake or golf course is pure bliss. We particularly loved the resort pool. They additionally supply cribs and highchairs on request.
Bubble Room on Captiva Island
Want to dine in a trolley automobile or underneath a miniature practice using across the ceiling? Of course you do! The nostalgic and generally wacky decor of the Bubble Room on Captiva Island makes it a should for any go to to the Gulf Coast.
Its signature options embrace toys from the ’30s, signed pictures of movie stars, Christmas elves and coloured lights galore. The restaurant was just lately broken in a hurricane, however the Seventies landmark nonetheless stands. When it reopens, ensure that to go for a scrumptious Carmen Miranda (that’s rice and shrimp in a pineapple bowl) or perhaps the Pita Fonda (a rooster, avocado, pepper jack wrap). Ending with a mega slice of cake is compulsory.
Der Dutchman
Der Dutchman is far more than a spot to eat. It’s a vacation spot with procuring, tradition, award-winning meals and hospitality within the coronary heart of Sarasota’s Amish group, Pinecraft. They draw guests from all over the world, and when you attempt considered one of their well-known do-it-yourself pies, you’ll perceive why.
When you enter the restaurant, you’ll see some folks in conventional Mennonite and Amish gown, however all are welcome right here, and the vibe is informal, heat and family-friendly. The child’s menu even teaches snippets of Pennsylvania Dutch like “groombadda mush” for mashed potatoes.
While you’ll be able to order á la carte, it’s onerous to beat the buffet. Hearty consolation meals like roast beef, potatoes and recent bread make any day really feel like Thanksgiving, and their well-known broasted rooster, completely seasoned and moist, is a should. The buffet has some superb desserts, however for considered one of their legendary pies, you’ll want to select from the dozen-plus flavors on the menu.
If you don’t have time for a full meal, go to the bakery for some fudge, pastries or different treats to go. Then head upstairs to the Carlisle Gift Shop. It’s a wonderland of crafts, garments, cookware, linens and extra particularly fitted to items and souvenirs. Staying longer within the space? You can get pleasure from extra Amish hospitality on the charming Carlisle Inn close by.
Zen Glass Studio
From Sarasota, head to St. Petersburg and its superb artwork scene. From music to murals, St. Pete has all of it, however most surprising is the colourful glass artwork. There’s an astounding variety of glass museums and galleries right here (together with the Chihuly Collection), however if you wish to get hands-on, hit up Zen Glass Studio.
This working studio affords glassblowing hotshop workshops, excellent for teenagers and adults, the place you may make your very personal decoration, pint glass or paperweight. First, decide your colours. Then pay attention as your artist teacher explains find out how to create your piece. You’ll swirl the molten glass, coating it with colour, and hold it spinning as you soften it within the furnace. We picked the decoration, and it was unbelievable to blow into the metallic pipe and watch the globe broaden. You can decide up your customized piece the following day — it wants to chill in a managed surroundings in a single day.
The teacher covers every part from security to science, and youngsters as younger as 13 might be fascinated. But adults may also get pleasure from being a “guest artist” on the studio as you form the glass into one thing considered one of a sort. I assure it will likely be essentially the most distinctive factor you do in St. Pete, and also you get a home made memento!
More warmth: They even have “Flameshop” workshops, the place you may make glass artwork on a torch, proven above.
The solely attraction on this record that’s seasonal, Enchant has shortly turn into an area Christmas custom. Unlike different gentle shows, it’s indoors, so it’s dim sufficient to benefit from the sparkles any time of day, and also you’re not freezing outdoors — it will get chilly after sunset in winter, even in Florida.
And what a lightweight show! We have been blown away by the creativity and high quality of the preparations, from flowers and snowflakes to the 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. There have been lights that modified colour as you stepped on them (nice for teenagers), lights you’ll be able to match between (nice for selfie-loving teenagers) and a lightweight flickering on the backside of your spiked cocktail (Mom and Dad, this one’s for you). It’s each merry and shiny.
The primary draw is the sunshine maze, purportedly the biggest on this planet. A themed story with clues guides you to the tip, though it’s probably not the form of maze you get misplaced in. It’s extra the type the place you cease each couple minutes to snap one other picture.
Around the maze, there’s ice skating (an add-on), a vacation village, procuring and snacks, and a stage with leisure. Little ones can meet Santa and go to Little Elves Play Place for video games and tales with Mrs. Claus.
Tip: If you’re bringing the household, reap the benefits of the household four-pack and the kids-free evening every Wednesday. They do timed entry, however when you enter, you’ll be able to keep so long as you want.
Tip: Read this story for extra concepts on what to do in St. Petersburg.
Florida has some stunning springs, however none are fairly like these at Weeki Wachee, proven within the characteristic picture above. Mermaids first started performing right here in 1947, they usually nonetheless do as we speak, although the positioning has since turn into a state park. Arrive early to get a very good seat. Seeing the Weeki Wachee mermaids is an absolute should once you’re in Florida, and also you don’t wish to miss it.
After the present, head over to Buccaneer Bay, included with park admission, to get pleasure from swimming within the springs, floating down the lazy river, and using the water slides. There’s concessions, a sandy seaside and even kayak and paddleboard leases. And children six and youthful have a devoted wading pool and play space, Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove, only for them. Given how lengthy you’ll be able to spend and the way little it prices as compared, this is among the finest offers round.
Tip: Get there early. The park closes entry when it reaches capability, which regularly occurs throughout the summer season. You can textual content them to seek out out in the event that they’re closed.
Brooksville is a little bit of a detour from U.S. 19 as you drive north alongside the coast, but it surely’s value it. Not solely is town charming, particularly the downtown, however there are many sights. The finest for households who’ve been cooped up in a automobile is the FLG X Adventure Course & Zip Line.
Climb and swing by means of the timber, cheering one another. It’s a fantastic team-building exercise as you overcome challenges collectively, and the sense of accomplishment on the finish of the course is palpable. The obstacles are color-coded for various ages and talents to verify junior climbers (ages September 11) can discover safely. There’s even a Little Ninja course so adventurers aged 5-9 can be a part of within the thrills at floor stage.
For the final word adrenaline rush, end with a zipper line race down two parallel 600-foot strains. It’s a rush, and a pleasant segue for a physics debate as you drive to your subsequent cease: Why do adults at all times zip sooner than children if objects fall on the similar charge no matter mass? Or could also be that’s simply us.
Three Sisters Springs
If you suppose seeing mermaids is magical, simply wait until you see the OG sea maids. I’m speaking about manatees, after all, and Three Sisters Springs is among the finest locations within the state to see them.
Go on a chilly day from mid-November to late March when the cool temperatures within the Gulf drive tons of of manatees to the hotter springs. Known for his or her clear water, you’ll be able to simply see into the blue swimming pools to admire the manatees as they float, frolic and infrequently floor for air. We even noticed child manatees.
To get to the springs, take the handy trolley to the refuge, the place you’re dropped off proper by the boardwalk that results in a number of viewing platforms.
The springs are a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for fowl life (over 100 species) and biodiverse wetlands, so there are many mountaineering alternatives if you wish to spend a bit longer. We particularly loved speaking with the volunteers, who’re a fount of manatee data. They’ll fortunately clarify manatee habits and habitat to you and your children, and also you’ll depart understanding why Floridians love these mild giants and the way necessary it’s to guard them.
About the Author:
About the Author:
Cheryl Rodewig is storyteller, marketer, and award-winning characteristic author specializing in journey. Her Venn diagram contains minimalism, waterfalls, French, and the em sprint. Find her at cherylrodewig.com or on Twitter at @cherylrodewig.