Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET IN FLORIDA
HOW TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLORIDA IN ONE DAY
Thought Florida was all about theme parks and packed beaches? Think again. The diverse state is home to vast natural landscapes bursting with rare wildlife such as manatees, dolphins and various species of colourful birds. Its cities boast a vibrant culture and creative cuisine. And a journey along the Space Coast will reveal a fascinating space exploration heritage. There is so much more to Florida than first meets the eye. Here’s how you can spend a whole day getting under the skin of Florida and exploring a more authentic side to the Sunshine State…
1 See the sunrise on Florida’s Space Coast
Rise early (around 6.30am) to head down to one of the pristine beaches along East Florida’s 115km Space Coast to watch the sun paint the morning sky hues of pastel pinks and purples. Canaveral National Seashore is an ideal spot, where the beauty of the sand dunes has been left untouched, just as Mother Nature intended.
2 Visit Merritt Island
Next, head south to explore Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which dates back to 1962 when NASA acquired 140,000 acres of land, water, and marshes adjacent to Cape Canaveral to establish the John F Kennedy Space Center. NASA built a launch complex and other space-related facilities, but development of most of the area was not necessary. The refuge was established in 1963 to protect migratory birds. The vast natural space encompasses a huge diversity of habitats including coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks, providing a home for more than 1,500 species
of plants and animals including manatees, otters, alligators, deer and even bobcats.
3 Take a journey through the stratosphere
End your morning at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for an immersive and hands-on experience of the past, present and future of space exploration. It was from here that Neil Armstrong was launched into space to take man’s first steps on the moon, and you can learn about this incredible mission as well as others during your visit. Enjoy real rockets, the space shuttle Atlantis, educational exhibits and IMAX® films, alongside astronaut appearances and the shuttle launch experience.
4 Cool off in Wekiwa Spring
From Kennedy Space Center it’s around an hour-and-a-half’s drive west to Wekiwa Spring, where emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River are bound to entice you in for a dip. The powerful spring expels some 163 million litres of water a day and the crystal-clear waters are a refreshing 22°C all year-round. Don a snorkel mask or hire a kayak to swim or paddle past gentle manatees.
Don’t forget to explore on land, too, though. The waters are surrounded by shady tropical hammocks that are dotted with hiking trails from where you can spot wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, gopher tortoises and even the Florida black bear.
Alternatively, head to Silver Springs, the largest and one-of-the-most-iconic of all of Florida’s freshwater springs. It is surrounded with primeval forest and its waters are bursting with life including alligators, turtles and a rainbow-spectrum of fish.
5 Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
Leave the spring at 2.30pm to drive two hours west to Tampa Bay, where you can enjoy a late afternoon stroll or cycle along the fourkilometre Tampa Riverwalk. The walkway links some of downtown Tampa’s most popular sites, such as its museums, galleries, foodhalls and parks. It’s also a great place to soak up Tampa’s personality. You’ll see impromptu art installations, bands jamming out as the sun sets and kayakers paddling down the Hillsborough River. Alternatively, hire your own chartered e-boat to peacefully sail alongside the striking Tampa Riverwalk.
6 Enjoy a sundowner
Head to the popular food hall Armature Works at the end of the Riverwalk. Located inside is M.bird, the place to hold a tropical cocktail in one hand and your camera in the other as you enjoy sunset views over downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River.
7 Eat & sleep
Once the sun has disappeared, refuel at one of the restaurants at Armature Works, or hop aboard the Pirate Water Taxi to Sparkman Wharf, another popular food hall constructed from old shipping containers. Here, you can feast on a fresh spin of Tex-mex at JOTORO, the new restaurant helmed by Michelin-star chef, Joe Isidori. Another good option is Ulele on the Riverwalk which celebrates Florida’s Native American heritage by cooking a vibrant fusion of ingredients on a barbacoa grill.
Spend the night at the newly opened JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Hotel, located just off the Riverwalk, for a welldeserved luxurious night’s sleep after your memorable day exploring the Sunshine State.