As you might expect, this part of the Sunshine State offers a plethora of adventures just waiting to be enjoyed! Although the warmer days and nights may make you forget the season, Christmas travelers will soon discover that the holiday may appear a little different, but it still holds the warmth and love that makes it special to all who celebrate. This guide to the top Florida winter activities you can enjoy during your stay in our RentTheKeys winter escapes will ensure that every minute of your stay will be fun and exciting!
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
You will more than likely see minnows swimming around your feet as you walk along the shore’s edge, and you will probably see a variety of sea creatures if you choose to go snorkeling, but if you want to be guaranteed to see the biggest and most interesting water creatures of them all, a visit to Mote Aquarium needs to be added to your itinerary! Offering exhibits that educate, including one about fossils and skeletons of ancient sea creatures, and the opportunity to see manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and so much more, this fantastic aquarium is the shining star of all aquariums, and Sarasota is rightly proud of what they offer.
Go on a Shark’s Tooth Hunt on Venice Beach
For a more organic experience and an opportunity to stay close to the Gulf, a visit to Venice Beach, located just a short distance from your RentTheKeys escape, will definitely end up being the most thrilling part of this adventure for your kids. Venice Beach is a beach known for shark’s teeth, and Venice, Florida is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World! Walk along the sandy beaches, staring down at your toes and scooping up your own collection. For those who are gifted with patience, pick a spot and start digging and sifting through the sand. These winter activities in Florida are the best way to find megalodon teeth, something that will REALLY excite the kiddos!
The Groves Golf Course, 3101 Longmeadow in Sarasota
Yes, you definitely read that right! Sunny days and warm temperatures bring golfers from all the over the world to our doorstep for the opportunity to hit the links in what are traditionally the coldest months of the year. The Groves Golf Course is just one of many public courses that will make your winter that much sweeter. Designed by Arthur Hills, its 18 holes are short but challenging and set upon 50 of Florida’s most scenic acres, offering well-manicured tees and serenely beautiful fairways intertwined with natural water hazards, and of course, the dreaded sand traps. When the last putt has been completed, gulping cold beer and devouring giant burgers at the Center Court is the best way to finish up your day on the course. Don’t forget, if you get a hole-in-one, you have to buy drinks for everyone in the bar!
Anna Maria Princess on Anna Maria Island
If you have ever thought a paddleboat ride would be fun, your Anna Maria Island vacation will allow you that experience! Offering music cruises, comedy cruises, and the most beautiful views in the state, the Anna Maria Princess is a reproduction paddle boat built in 2002 and is designed with all the period touches of the originals. (While also carefully adding the modern amenities we love today!) Sip beer, enjoy a light meal, and laugh at the jokes of local comedians or listen to the music played by local performers and when the sun sets? You will know that you have found your own personal paradise with these winter activities in Florida!
Mixon Farms, 2525 27th Street E in Bradenton
Winter is when the citrus trees are ready to be picked, and Mixon Farms is where you can go to pick your own, but there is so much more you can do while there! Offering alligator encounters, tours of the groves, and a gift shop in which you can buy a variety of products, there is nothing more fun than spending a few hours of your winter vacay on the grounds of Mixon Farms. Try your first taste of orange ice cream, pick up a bag of roasted sweet nuts for stocking stuffers at Christmas, or enjoy a taste of Mixon Farm’s finest wines. Your favorite bottles can be shipped to your home (in the states that allow alcohol to be shipped) so you can enjoy a sip or two long after you have returned to real life!
Find Your Joy With These Florida Winter Activities
Florida in the winter is one of our favorite times of the year and it can be yours too; reserve your favorite RentTheKeys winter escape today!