Your 2021 Bucket List
This is a new year, a fresh start, and a jumping off point for all adventurers; the new year offers us a different perspective on the world, and a chance to change that perspective comes from your annual bucket list. What is it that you want to experience this year? Is it sinking your toes in the crystalline sand of America’s number one beach? Is it sleeping in an underwater lodge? Or, swimming with dolphins? Here are our recommendations for your 2021 bucket list.
Race Through the Everglades
Everglades
Imagine racing through the swamplands of the scenic Everglades, skimming across the surface on a speeding airboat, the warm Florida breeze whipping through your hair and the gentle spray of the water misting across your face. The airboat slows down as your guide tells you, through your headset, about the beautiful plants and birds you see. Maybe you’ll even spot an alligator! Is there a more thrilling way to tour the Everglades? We think not. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours is one of many fine airboat tour groups that can take you on a wild ride through the Everglades to see alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and unique tropical plants. Captain Mitch himself comes from a long line of airboaters, which was actually the original way that the pioneers of the swamplands got around back in the 1930s and ‘40s. He and the other abbot captains in his company will take you on private tours, thanks to their own private property being adjacent to the Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee State Preserve - this means you’ll just see lots of nature, not other tourists!
captainmitchs.com
Hunt for Pleasure on Treasure Island
Treasure Island
While just a short drive from the bustling urban environments of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is an ideal beach destination, with expansive beaches made of sugary white sand and warm, gentle Gulf waves. A recently-renovated beach walk lines the sands, perfect for making your way to nearby beach bars, restaurants, and shops. You could certainly lay out in the sun all day, but we recommend checking out the local watersports like parasailing, boating, and Jet Skiing. Having long been a beach vacation destination, Treasure Island has a charming collection of classic hotels and vacation rentals that are interspersed with luxurious resorts. The Thunderbird Beach Resort is a beachfront hotel and historic landmark, and has been a beachfront favorite since 1957. While the their retro neon Thunderbird sign still presides over the resort, the rooms themselves have been updated and include all the modern amenities. In the pool area is the Ikki Woo Woo’s Tiki Hut beach bar with live music and entertainment just about every day.
treasureislandflorida.org
Take in the View From the Top of the Tallest Lighthouse in Florida
Ponce Inlet
While there are several intriguing lighthouses to see in Florida, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is one of the last complete large light stations remaining in the U.S., and has been kept beautifully intact for you to experience what it was like to live and work at the lighthouse; in fact, the lighthouse remains a working private aid to navigation to this day. It was completed in 1887, and is the tallest lighthouse in Florida. You can even climb the 203 steps to the top (we hope you stretched first!) for an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean, inlet and inland waters. Tour the old keeper’s quarters, now the lighthouse museum, to see exhibits on lighthouse history, the US Life Saving Service, Fresnel Lenses, Lighthouses for Airplanes, and much more. Don’t miss a visit to the gift shop for a souvenir to take home.
ponceinlet.org
Attend the Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square (safely!)
Key West
When visiting Key West, you may hear friendly passerby say, “See you at sunset!” - this is because each evening, hundreds of people gather in the iconic Mallory Square two hours before sunset to begin a celebration of the day - the Key West Sunset Celebration. A tradition and view that has been witnessed by the likes of Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams, this is a can’t-miss festival that includes the talents of magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, and artists, and offers delicious food from local vendors. Watch as the sun sinks below the horizon and the Gulf of Mexico, transforming the sky and waters into a myriad of vibrant colors. There’s no better way to end the day! Don’t forget to respect everyone’s space and maintain a six-foot distance from people not in your party - and, as always, best safe!
mallorysquare.com
Live in a Dolphin Lover’s Fantasy
Key Largo
If you thought that only fantasy princesses swam with dolphins - you’d be wrong! You, too, can take a dive into adventure with these friendly finned creatures when you visit Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo. Located on the bay side (Gulf of Mexico) of the island, this attraction lets you interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a unique and stimulating environment. Perfect for dolphin lovers of any age, you can choose between a structured swim and a shallow water encounter. The swim takes you into deeper waters to experience the speed and agility of the dolphins as you swim, enjoy dorsal tows, “handshakes,” and even kisses! The shallow water encounter is best for smaller children and non-swimmers, and takes you waist-deep into the water to meet the dolphins up close. There are also dockside encounters, letting you interact with the dolphins while you sit on the floating platform - have a dolphin kiss, paint with a dolphin, and more.
dolphinsplus.com
Observe Orlando from 400 feet in the Air
Orlando
A visit to the shopping, dining, and entertainment center at ICON Orlando 360 is a thrill in and of itself, even if you didn’t ride its towering observation wheel - which is essentially an enormous ferris wheel, built specifically using an A-frame structure that will not block a single view for riders (hence the addition of “360” to its title - referring to the experience of 360-degree views). The center features shops offering clothes, accessories, gifts, and more. Eateries range from the burger joint Shake Shack to high-end dining like Yard House and even the American brasserie Sugar Factory. Rides and attractions include the heart-pounding 7D Dark Ride Adventure, the famous wax museum Madam Tussauds Orlando, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, an Arcade, and more! Of course, the main attraction is the 400 foot tall observation wheel, which is the tallest on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The wheel provides you with unobstructed views of the center, International Drive, and downtown Orlando. At night, the wheel is illuminated in multi-colored lights as it turns slowly over the city.
iconorlando.com
Choose a Whole New Wardrobe
Naples
As part of the Paradise Coast, it’s safe to say that Naples lives up to the area’s reputation as heaven on Earth. While the pristine beaches and fabulous golf resorts are what draw some visitors, it is Fifth Avenue South in Downtown Naples that calls to the avid shoppers, retail aficionados, and bargain hunters. The historic architecture of Old Florida lends to the charm of this retail area, and having long been shopping destination, many of the stores here are locally owned and operated. Looking for the perfect outfit during your fantastic vacation? Try one of the boutiques like Jami’s or Marilyn’s. This is an excellent place to choose a piece of fine jewelry, perhaps to celebrate a birthday or anniversary - stop in to Kristoff Jewelers or make an appointment at Schmitt Jewelers. You can also shop for antiques, home furnishings, beauty products, gifts, and so much more. Has all this shopping worn you out a bit? Rejuvenate at a spa like Hidden Oasis Salon Spa (at Salons by JC). If you can’t see all the shops in one day, don’t worry - you can always come back! In fact, shopping here is so popular that some hotels and resorts even offer shopping packages.
fifthavenuesouth.com
Visit America’s #1 Beach
Siesta Key
Anyone visiting the Bradenton-Sarasota area must make a trip to Siesta Key, one of the most iconic Gulf Coast island getaways. Its beach, Siesta Public Beach, is so stunningly beautiful that it has one numerous awards, including the nation’s best - more than once! Huge expanses of powdery white sand will squeak beneath your feet, and a slight gradient from beach to waves makes it perfect for wading and for small children. The kids will also enjoy the new playground located at one of the two recently-renovated beach facilities, which include concessions. This beach is surrounded by all kinds of accommodations, and is just a short walk or bicycle ride from Siesta Village. The Village is packed with shops, ice cream stores, grocery stores, gift shops, and of course, restaurants. The Village also hosts a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, as well as art shows throughout the year. Siesta Key itself is quite a long island, but don’t worry about getting around! The Siesta Breeze trolleys can cart you around the island - for free - every day of the week from 8 a.m. to midnight. Not only does Siesta offer the traditional island accommodations like hotels and cottage rentals, it also takes things to the next level with luxurious vacation home rentals, for those who like to vacation in style
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Solve the Mystery of the Coral Castle
Homestead
Just a short drive south of Miami is Coral Castle in Homestead. Perhaps one of the most unique and mysterious places you will ever visit, the castle is shrouded in rumors and speculation about how it came to be built in the first place. Coral Castle features enormous sculptures made of coral rock - totaling over 1,100 tons - and was constructed by the very elusive Ed Leedskalnin, who built it at nighttime, in secret, from 1923 to 1951. There were no witnesses to tell how this small man, brilliant as he was, put together such structures as the castle’s nine ton gate, or huge Polaris telescope. Featured on many network channels including The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, BBC, and more, experts still debate about how the castle came to be. Visit the Coral Castle for yourself, and see if you can solve the mystery!
coralcastle.com
Sleep Underwater
Key Largo
In the lagoon of the Key Largo Undersea Park is a very unique hotel - because you can only get to it by SCUBA diving! Imagine sleeping under the sea in the unforgettable Jules' Undersea Lodge. Truly submerged, you must dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea to get to the lodge, which is like entering a cozy cabin beneath the waves. There is a stocked kitchen, hot showers, books to read, and an Amazon Fire stick to watch movies. The lodge’s comfy beds are situated beneath windows that let you watch the fish swim by outside. Make this incredible stay even better with special packages like the couples’ retreat that includes a pizza delivery dinner, breakfast the next morning, and secured privacy (meaning no people can swim in the lagoon while you stay in the lodge - although you will have to share your night with the fishes). The lagoon at Key Largo Undersea Park has something to offer the snorkeler or diver with SCUBA lessons, tours of the tropical mangrove habitat, a marine archaeology exhibit, the MarineLab underwater research and education habitat, and more!
jul.com
Meet Salvador Dalí
St. Petersburg
The Dali Museum cares for and shares an expertly curated collection of Salvador Dali works to delight and educate their visitors and to provide unique inspiration for events, programs and special exhibits. The Museum contains the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Europe, housed in a completely unique facility whose facade resembles a Dali work itself. In addition to the famous works by Dali, the Museum serves as an active resource in the cultural life of the St. Petersburg community and the world at large. Special events encourage the community and visitors to engage in hands-on art projects, particularly for children and families. Perhaps one of the most unique features is the chance to meet a hologram of Dali himself!
thedali.org
Stay Where the Presidents Have Stayed
Boca Grande
When it comes to accommodations, there is one at the forefront of the mind of anyone has visited Boca Raton before: the Gasparilla Inn & Club, built in 1911 and meticulously maintained to preserve its elegance. Accommodations at this resort range from rooms at the inn, to cottages, and their brand new Sharp Houses. Wherever you choose to stay will be decorated in a cheerful island style, and comes with great amenities and first-class service. The main attraction here is the golf course; designed by the renowned Pete Dye, there are water views from every hole, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor. Many golf lovers, including presidents like Bush father and son and Obama, have come to enjoy the island-within-an-island course.
the-gasparilla-inn.com
Visit Miami’s Sister Island, Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne
A trip to the Miami area isn't complete without a stop in Key Biscayne, just a short – and gorgeous – drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway from the big city. From sunny beaches to the Ritz-Carlton resort, Biscayne offers all the allure of South Florida on a tiny sliver of land. Key Biscayne has terrific beaches and the added appeal of being sandwiched between two major parks – Crandon Park to the north and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south. Biscayne also offers a nearby coastal barrier reef and the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the United States: the Maritime Heritage Trail, which offers experienced divers the chance to explore the remains of six shipwrecks. Diver’s Paradise is one of the outfitters that offer boat trips out to the dive sites, and they also have a dive facility for those interested in pursuing SCUBA certification. While most visitors to Key Biscayne opt to stay in Miami, there are several accommodation options on the island itself; this includes Beach Haus Key Biscayne, which offers fully-furnished, modern apartment rentals that let you create a home-away-from-home during an extended stay.
miamiandbeaches.com
