Even though summer in Florida is hot and crowded, there are so many exciting activities and places to visit that are best enjoyed this season. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite activities and places to visit for those seeking adventure during the hottest months of the year.

~ Spend a Day at the Beach

With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida provides endless options for beachgoers seeking fun in the sun. While it seems all of Florida is packed during the summer, the beaches are still far less crowded than the springs. For this reason, I would suggest visiting the beach over a spring during peak season. So pack your sunscreen and spend a day at the beach and enjoy what Florida is most famous for.

Recommendations: Dry Tortugas, Ponce Inlet & Lighthouse, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, Fort De Soto, Destin, Cocoa Beach, Anastasia State Park, Daytona Beach and Pier, Flagler Beach and Pier, Bahia Honda State Park, Sanibel Island, Marco Island

Trip map created using Wanderlog, a road trip planner

~ Snorkel, Scuba or Free dive

I don’t know about you, but due to the heat, I don’t want to be very far away from water in the summer. There is so much to be seen under the surface from reefs, to caves to statues of Jesus. If you are looking for a ‘cool’ adventure, grab your mask and hit up a few of these spots: Christ of the Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Bahia Honda, Crystal River, Point of Rocks, Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail, Twin Ledges, Peanut Island, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Venice Beach, Coral Cove Park, Bathtub Reef Park, Fort Pickens, Alligator Reef, Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Biscayne National Park, Regina Shipwreck, Fort Zachary Taylor, Indian Key, St. Andrews State Park, Navarre Beach Marine Park, Shell Key, Sombrero Beach, Red Reef Park.

~ Visit a Waterpark

If you’re feeling up to braving the crowds, but not the heat, water parks are fun for the entire family and have something for folks of any age to enjoy. My recommendations: Adventure Island, Aquatica, Disney's Blizzard Beach, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, LEGOLAND, Buccaneer Bay, Daytona Lagoon, Big Kahuna, Rapids Waterpark, Volcano Bay, Sunsplash, Shipwreck Island, SailFish Splash, Island H20, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Grapeland Water Park.

~ Set up Camp

Camping is a guaranteed good time year-round. A lot of the springs have camping as well as state and national parks. Here are a few resources to help you find and reserve the perfect campsite: Reserve America, Hip Camp, Florida Hikes, Visit Florida, Florida Backroad Travel

~ Swim with Dolphins

We had a blast during our dolphin encounter at Marineland, which I share more about in this post. If you ask the kids, it’s tied with snowtubing in North Carolina as their favorite adventure yet, and we have been on many! Nothing screams summer vacation in Florida like swimming with a dolphin!

~ Kayak or Tube Down a Lazy River

Kayaking and tubing are great ways to sight see, enjoy nature and socialize while still remaining close enough to water that you can jump in to cool down throughout the day. Hunt for a private launch spot or pick one of my recommendations below.

Kayaking: Winter Park Chain of Lakes, Tampa Bay, Shell Key Preserve, Tarpon Springs, Jupiter, Crystal River, Rainbow River, King’s Landing, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla River, Little Talbot Island State Park, Ocklawaha River, Bulow Plantation Ruins, Tomoka River State Park, Juniper Run, Santa fe River, Silver Springs, Three Sisters or try Paddle Florida