There are vacations, and then there are unforgettable adventures—those rare moments that combine thrilling experiences, magical encounters, and cherished family memories. This past August, our family embarked on one such journey, exploring the best of Florida, from theme parks to natural wonders.
With a little help from Delta SkyMiles and an incredible RV from Outdoorsy, we kicked off our adventure in Orlando, Florida. Each night, we parked at unique Harvest Hosts locations, adding charm and variety to our stay. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our magical trip—and tips to help you plan your own.
Day One: Universal Thrills and Donuts for Dinner
Destination: Universal Islands of Adventure
Our adventure began with a visit to the legendary Universal Islands of Adventure, a dream for thrill-seekers and kids alike.
- Seuss Landing: A whimsical haven where our five-year-old, Blayre, reveled in the colorful world of Dr. Seuss.
- The Velocicoaster: Burke, just tall enough to ride, braved this dino-themed rollercoaster. His priceless reaction—equal parts thrilled and terrified—was unforgettable.
- Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure: William and I couldn’t resist this Harry Potter-themed ride, which turned out to be an exhilarating scream fest!
After a day of laughter and adventure, we unanimously decided to have donuts for dinner—a sweet ending to an action-packed day. Ready to experience the magic? Book your tickets to Universal Orlando today!
Day Two: Swimming with Gentle Giants
Destination: Crystal River
Day two brought us closer to nature as we headed to the serene Crystal River, famous for its gentle manatees. Instead of booking a guided tour, we rented a pontoon boat (find your rental here) and explored on our own.
Floating alongside these peaceful giants was a surreal experience, made even better with our snorkeling gear and wetsuits from Scheels. The kids, prepped with YouTube tutorials, eagerly pointed out manatees. We hopped in and had the most incredible experience as they would come up from underneath and allow us to gently touch them. Dolphins surprised us at this location, and was neat to see them work as a pod to push mackeral to shore and feast. Also notable was watching a large alligator lounging in a backyard. The tour guides, where we rented the pontoon, said they don’t habitat in the tributaries, they seemed surprised to see our video footage of them.
Day Three: Beach Bliss and Dolphin Watching
Destinations: Clearwater Beach and Venice Beach
The soft, powdery sands of Clearwater Beach were perfect for some morning swim time. A visit to the Ron Jon Surf Shop was a fun stop for all of us. The highlight of our day was the Little TootDolphin Adventure, where we watched dolphins leap and play alongside the boat.
Later, we visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to rescued sea creatures like Winter the dolphin. The kids loved hearing stories of their rehabilitation and release.
In the evening, we ventured to Venice Beach for some fossil hunting. Armed with sand sifters we rental from a beach store, we searched for megalodon teeth. While the elusive megalodon teeth remained hidden, we found plenty of smaller shark teeth as keepsakes.
End your beach day with unique overnight stays through Harvest Hosts, just like we did!
Day Four: Everglades Excursion
Destinations: North Naples Beach and the Everglades
We began the day at North Naples Beach, where the kids discovered sand dollars—a delightful treasure.
Next, the legendary Everglades awaited. Zipping through the swamps on an airboat tour was a thrilling experience, with alligators popping up at every turn. The highlight? Jelly Bean, a young gator, who stole the kids’ hearts during a cuddle session.
We wrapped up the day at Turn 2 Brewing Company, a Harvest Host stop where William and I sampled delicious craft brews.
Day Five: LEGO Mania
Destination: LEGOLAND Florida
Our grand finale was a visit to LEGOLAND Florida, where Blayre and Burke were in LEGO heaven. From interactive exhibits to thrilling rides, the kids couldn’t get enough. William, our superhero dad, braved the dizzying rollercoasters, while I soaked in the joy of watching their excitement.
Before heading home, we visited the park’s shop to pick out some LEGO sets—perfect souvenirs for our builders-in-training.
Tips for Your Own Adventure
Want to plan a trip like ours? Here’s how:
- Flights: Use travel rewards like Delta SkyMiles to save on airfare.
- RV Rentals: Check out Outdoorsy for family-friendly RV options.
- Unique Stays: Book through Harvest Hosts for one-of-a-kind overnight experiences.
- Tickets and Tours: Save by booking in advance through platforms like Viator.
- Gear Up: Bring essentials like snorkel sets and wet suits for activities.
Gratitude and Reflection
This unforgettable journey wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our family, who cared for our pets and gifted us early Christmas presents to fund parts of the trip. The memories we created—laughing, exploring, and adventuring together—have inspired us to make this an annual tradition.
Time doesn’t wait, and neither will we. Whether you’re seeking thrills, serenity, or both, Florida offers the perfect family getaway. We’re already dreaming of where the road will take us next—are you?
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