As someone who has traveled extensively across Florida, I’ve always been drawn to its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and endless attractions. In this blog, I’m going to take you through the best 3 indoor things to do in Florida, based on my personal experiences. On my last trip with my friend Jenny, we found ourselves exploring something a bit different—Florida’s top indoor activities.
To make your adventure even more unforgettable, I’ll also share some of the best hotels in Florida, including luxury vacation rentals. So, let’s dive into my top recommendations for indoor activities in Florida! Don’t wait—start planning now to explore the beauty of Florida!
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Best 3 Indoor Things to Do in Florida
On our last trip to Florida, we discovered some amazing indoor activities that totally blew me away. If it was the scorching heat or just a desire for some indoor fun, we stumbled upon three unique spots that should be on your radar if you’re looking for great indoor activities. We found ourselves immersed in hands-on experiences that were both fun and educational activities that we’ll never forget.
1. Frost Museum of Science
Situated in the heart of Downtown Miami, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is an outstanding destination for anyone interested in science, nature, and technology. The museum is a stone’s throw from Bayfront Park and the American Airlines Arena, making it super accessible if you’re already exploring Miami.
How to Go Frost Museum of Science
Getting to the Frost Museum is quite easy. Jenny and I took an Uber from our hotel in South Beach, and it was just a 15-minute drive. If you’re staying downtown or nearby, public transportation is also an option. The Miami Metrorail and Metromover both have stops within walking distance of the museum.
Things to Do in Frost Museum of Science
The Frost Museum isn’t just your run-of-the-mill science museum; it’s an experience. We started our visit by checking out the Aquarium, which spans three levels and offers a deep dive into South Florida’s marine ecosystems. The jellyfish display was mesmerizing, and we even saw hammerhead sharks swimming right above us!
Next, we made our way to the Planetarium, one of the coolest parts of the museum. The 3D journey through space was incredible—it felt like we were floating among the stars. If you’re into astronomy, you’ll truly love it.
But what impressed us was the MeLab. This interactive exhibit focuses on health and wellness and lets you explore the science behind how your body works. Jenny loved the brain activity displays, and I was fascinated by the VR simulations that show how different environments impact your physical state.
2. The Dali Museum
For something a little more uncanny, we head to The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Dedicated to the life and works of Salvador Dalí, this museum offers a truly mind-bending experience. Located near the city’s picturesque waterfront, it’s a perfect spot for a mix of art, culture, and stunning views.
How to Go to The Dali Museum
Jenny and I drove from Tampa to St. Petersburg, which took around 30 minutes. If you’re staying in Tampa or even Sarasota, this museum is worth the short drive. There’s ample parking nearby, but public transportation options are available as well, including the SunRunner and local bus services.
Things to Do in The Dali Museum
If you’ve ever been intrigued by surrealism, this is the place for you. The Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Europe, and the exhibits are truly captivating. We started with a walk through the Masterworks Gallery, which features Dalí’s monumental paintings. The detail and symbolism in his work are mind-blowing.
One of the coolest parts of the museum is the Virtual Reality experience called “Dreams of Dali.” We strapped on VR headsets and were instantly transported inside Dalí’s artwork. It was surreal, to say the least, walking through his famous “Archaeological Reminiscence of Millet’s Angelus” painting in a 3D world.
The Avant-garden is another highlight. This outdoor space is as artistic as the museum itself, with sculptures and beautifully manicured landscapes. Jenny and I spent some time thereafter at the exhibits, soaking in the view of the Tampa Bay waterfront.
3. Orlando Science Center
Situated in Orlando, just a few miles from the bustling downtown area, the Orlando Science Center is a family-friendly attraction packed with hands-on learning and discovery. If you’re visiting Orlando for the theme parks or not, this place should be on your itinerary.
How to Go Orlando Science Center
We took a quick drive from our hotel near International Drive to the Orlando Science Center, which only took about 20 minutes. Public transportation is another viable option, with the LYNX bus service stopping close to the center.
Things to Do in Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is geared toward all ages, but Jenny and I were impressed by how much fun adults can have too. The NatureWorks exhibit kicked off our visit, featuring live animals native to Florida. We saw alligators, turtles, and even some exotic birds, all while learning about Florida’s unique ecosystems.
The Kinetic Zone was a huge hit for both of us. It’s an interactive space where you can experiment with physics concepts like magnetism, electricity, and even rocket science. We spent a good chunk of time there, building our mini rockets and testing them out.
For anyone into stargazing, the Observatory is a must-see. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate on the day we visited, so the telescope was closed, but the exhibits inside still offered plenty of astronomical insight.
Best Places to Stay at Night in Florida
After all the fun of exploring these fantastic indoor attractions, you’ll need a cozy spot to unwind. We stayed in Hilton Orlando, which is an amazing hotel for a stay. This stylish hotel offers modern amenities, a pool, and proximity to downtown Orlando, perfect for leisure stays. Me and my friend enjoyed lot to stay this hotel.
Florida has no shortage of great places to stay, but if you’re looking for some luxurious options, here are my top recommendations-
- Cavalier South Beach Hotel – Historic boutique hotel on Ocean Drive, blending vintage charm with modern comfort, steps from the beach.
- 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami – Luxurious eco-friendly oceanfront resort offering stunning views, upscale amenities, and a rooftop pool for the perfect Miami getaway.
- Red Roof Inn Tampa Bay – Affordable, pet-friendly lodging with convenient access to Tampa Bay’s attractions, offering comfortable rooms and free parking.
- Serenity by The Sea Beach House – A tranquil beachfront retreat offering a serene, private escape with beautiful sea views and cozy accommodations.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando – Family-friendly all-suite hotel near ICON Park, offering spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Orlando attractions.
Conclusion
Florida may be known for its beaches and theme parks, but its indoor attractions shouldn’t be overlooked. My last trip to Florida with my friend proved that the Sunshine State has plenty to offer even when the weather takes a turn. These experiences added a unique touch to our Florida adventure, and if you’re planning a visit, don’t overlook these fantastic indoor activities. As someone who’s experienced them firsthand, I can say they’re worth every minute of your time.
FAQs
Orlando is the most visited city in Florida, largely thanks to its world-famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.
Florida is known for its seafood, particularly stone crab, grouper sandwiches, and key lime pie.
The Florida Keys, particularly Key West, are often considered the prettiest places due to their clear waters, stunning sunsets, and relaxed vibe.
South Florida, particularly Miami and the surrounding areas, is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural diversity.
Walt Disney World in Orlando is the number 1 tourist spot, drawing millions of visitors from around the world every year.
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