Summer Activities in Florida

Explore America’s oldest city
The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, was established in 1565, as the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. There’s lots to see and do – from living history museums like the Castillo de San Marcos to swashbuckling adventures and specialized tours in the air, on the sea, and in the heart of the historic district.

Play at the beach
Florida has about 1,350 miles of coastline, much of it lined with sandy beaches. Enjoy a swim, walk, or bicycle ride – along with glorious views of sand and water. Find great beaches near you.

Meet an astronaut
At the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral, you can see a launch pad, get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and experience a simulated launch. Time your visit to meet an astronaut, or even watch a real rocket launch.

Catch your own meal in St. Joseph Bay
Scallop season starts in July, and there are plenty of places you can catch the edible mollusks by snorkeling in shallow grassy areas. Scalloping is easy for beginners and a fun way to spend the day.

Visit Hollywood on the East Coast
Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen, and jump into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios Florida, the country’s top movie- and TV-based theme park, with a working production facility. If you’re a Hogwarts fan, check out the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and get immersed in a fantasy world.

Get surreal in St. Petersburg
The Dali Museum, housed in an iconic building, contains the most extensive collection of paintings by surrealist Salvador Dali outside of Europe. From here, walk along waterfront parks to explore downtown St. Petersburg.

Attend a Local Festival
As temperatures heat up it’s a great time to get outside and explore the community around you. Check out this list of upcoming Florida festivals. There is everything from outdoor concerts, food trucks, garden shows and craft fairs.

Walk through Miami’s Art Deco district
Just off famed South Beach, you’ll find one of the country’s most impressive collections of beautiful, pastel-colored 1920s and 1930s architecture. Join an official tour with the Miami Design Preservation League, or take this National Geographic tour on your own.

Celebrate the day’s end in Key West
The southernmost city in the U.S. holds a party every evening. During Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Dock, you’ll find artists, tightrope walkers, fire-eaters, and food carts. As the sun sets into the sea, feel free to join the crowd in cheers and applause for a day well spent.

Volunteer in your local community
Whether you prefer to walk the dogs at an animal shelter, serve food at a soup kitchen, or plant a tree with a conservation group, there are many ways to volunteer in your local community. You’ll find plenty of other opportunities at networkforgood.org/volunteer/ or volunteermatch.org/. Be sure to tag #cieegivingback when you post your photos!

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