15 Things To Do To Make The Most Of Your Socially-Distant Summer In Florida
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

15 Things To Do To Make The Most Of Your Socially-Distant Summer In Florida

These Florida activities make it possible to be socially-distant AND trendy this summer.

581
beach entrance at naples beach

Summer 2020 is finally here, but unfortunately, the coronavirus has not gone away. Thankfully, though, if you're spending your summer in Florida, maybe things won't be so dismal.

Florida is known for its array of fun, outdoor activities, like tubing, beach days, and kayaking, making it the perfect destination to have socially-distant fun all summer long! I've listed fifteen of my favorite things to do, places to eat, and ultimate shopping destinations from around Florida that all let you be socially-distant while still allowing you to adventure on!



1. Bioluminescence Kayaking - Merritt Island

This definitely earns the #1 spot. Kayaking in glowing, bioluminescence waters on Florida's east coast is definitely an Instagram-worthy summer move. Plus, you'll be socially-distant and safe in your own personal kayak.

2. Off The Hook Comedy Club - Naples

Comedy Club sign

Unsplash

A night of comedy is just as (FUN)ny as it sounds! Laugh until your stomach hurts at this local comedy club, and be sure to catch some of the famous comedians who are known for making appearances here.

3. Empower Adventures Ziplining - Tampa

Ziplining - IN FLORIDA. Literally one of the coolest experiences. Zip through the trees at high speed, and when you reach the highest mount, enjoy a gorgeous view of the Tampa Bay area. I personally did a nighttime ziplining tour, and it was 100% as cool as it sounds.

4. Eat On The Beach - The Salty Crab, Fort Myers Beach & Pier

shrimp tacos

Jessica Schmidt

Fort Myers Beach is one of my personal favorite beaches. The pier has such a summertime vibe to it, with restaurants, surf shops, and ice cream parlors lining the streets. One of my favorite times to go is in the evening - most of the restaurants allow you to sit on the beach, sinking your feet into the soft sand while enjoying a delicious meal right before sunset. The Salty Crab is definitely the best choice if you want good foods and good views.

5. Watch The Sunset - Fort Myers Beach & Pier

silhouette of girl at sunset on beach

Jessica Schmidt

After enjoying dinner at The Salty Crab, I highly recommend sticking around a little longer to catch the sunset. It really is a beautiful, Florida-esque sight to see. As the sun sets over the silhouetting waves, it turns the sky into shades of purple, pink, and orange that just don't look as aesthetic from your bedroom window.

6. Snorkeling - The Keys

I HIGHLY recommend taking a trip to Florida's lowermost part if you really want an ocean experience. Hop on a snorkeling tour and visit the best spots in the Gulf of Mexico to see an array of sea creatures and lost statues in sparkling blue waters. This experience is what not only made me fall more in love with Florida and the ocean, but also made me realize I get sea sick pretty easily... However, I would go snorkeling down there again in a heartbeat!

7. Fifth Avenue - Naples

Naples fifth avenue

Pixabay

Ever been to the Fifth Avenue in NYC? I have. And I have to say, the one in Florida literally gives it a run for its money! Let's just say, I've made purchases from NYC's Fifth Avenue stores, but I can't say the same for the one located in Naples. However, it's a must-do for a day of luxury window-shopping (and maybe even splurging) and delicious dining. The small-town feel of this luxurious avenue makes it the perfect destination for a stroll, and not to mention, it's less than a five minute walk from another pristine Florida beach - Naples Beach.

8. Dunedin Causeway - Tampa

cars on beach at sunset

Jessica Schmidt

I rant and rave about the Dunedin Causeway ALL THE TIME! Being able to drive my car right up onto the beach is not only convenient but also super fun. Plus, it makes for a pretty cool sunset spot in the evenings.

9. Oxford Exchange - Tampa

girl with coffee

Jessica Schmidt

Oxford Exchange is one of the most unique restaurants in all of Florida (outside of Disney, of course). The vintage library setting of the cafe and fairytale garden aesthetic of the dining room is more than picture-worthy. It also has its own bookstore and eye-glasses store. Many celebrities, including Shawn Mendes, have even been spotted here.

10. Sanibel Island - Fort Myers

beach entrance

Jessica Schmidt

Sanibel Island makes you feel like you really are on your own island getaway. Several of the beach entrances look like pathways to paradise, island-style restaurants can be found around every corner, and renting bikes to travel from the beach to get milkshakes and back to your hotel/Airbnb makes the whole place feel like a getaway adventure.

11. Naples Zoo and Gardens - Naples

girl feeding giraffe

Katie Peles

Naples Zoo is probably one of the best zoos in Florida. Its entire focus is to educate its visitors on how to protect wildlife, which is highly commendable, and their "Feed the Giraffes" tour is the perfect way for an up-close and personal experience while still learning about how to protect these beautiful animals.

12. Disney World - Orlando

Toy Story Land at Disney

Jessica Schmidt

How could I not add this to the list? If you're in Florida, and have never been to Disney World, it is a MUST-DO. Disney truly is one of the most magical experiences you will have on this Earth (not to be too dramatic). I personally love Disney, and I have been visiting for as long as I can remember. And now, with their limited entry numbers and required mask rule, you can still enjoy the magic while staying healthy!

13. Miromar Outlets - Fort Myers

fountain at outdoor shopping mall

Jessica Schmidt

Hands-down, one of my favorite shopping destinations in Florida when I'm looking for a good deal. To put it simply, I can get twice as much for the SAME price from the American Eagle here as I can from one at a typical shopping mall. People literally come to Fort Myers just to shop here.

14. Flagler College - St. Augustine

flagler college fountain

Jessica Schmidt

Flagler College is a sight to see itself. The old architecture holds so much history and beauty that you can't help but snap photos left and right. And it's central to some of Florida's trendiest restaurants (likes ones solely dedicated to biscuits and another to popsicles), St. Augustine beach on the windy east coast, and Castillo de San Marcos - a must-see in the area for any history buffs!

15. Tubing - Rainbow River

I mentioned a lot of saltwater activities that you have to try, but Florida has some great freshwater activities, too. (Just be wary of our native alligators!) Tubing at Rainbow River is incredibly relaxing... just lay back in your tube and ride down the gentle, crystal clear river for a few hours, letting your worries fade away.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51559
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33101
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956081
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181011
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments