One day, you and everyone you know will kick the bucket, so why not start building your bucket list?
And the best part is that Floridians do not even have to leave the state to experience life-changing, impressive, and memorable experiences. Well, maybe they’ll have to venture miles into the waters, but it’s worth it.
Here’s what Florida residents (or some out-of-state fans) can add to their bucket list for 2026.
EAT KEY LIME PIE IN THE KEY WEST
Starting strong, you can’t have a Florida-themed bucket list without eating the state’s most iconic dessert.
Enjoy some Key lime pie in its natural habitat: Key West. There is even a walking tour for those unsure of the best place to get a slice of pie.
Bonus points if you also grab stone crab claws while they’re in season, which is Oct. 15 through May 1.
SWIM WITH MANATEES IN CRYSTAL RIVER
Most, if not all, Floridians already know it is illegal to touch a manatee. Violating this law can result in fines of up to $500 and even jail time.
But you can certainly still swim with them! Crystal River is one of only a few places in the world where you can experience swimming with manatees in their own natural environment. According to its website, in-water guides help participants snorkel alongside these beloved gentle creatures with the utmost care and respect.
Manatee season runs from Nov. 15 to March 31, with several tours and experiences to meet manatees in Crystal River happening year-round. However you decide to hang with manatees, it’s sure to change your life.
TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE ALONG 30A
For those looking for a tranquil, picturesque experience to add to their bucket list, venture up to Florida’s panhandle to go on a drive along 30A.
30A is a 24-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast in South Walton County, which includes several charming beach towns between Panama City Beach and Destin. Get a slice of Europe with Rosemary Beach, check out where The Truman Show was filmed in Seaside, and chill out in Grayton Beach.
TAKE AN AIRBOAT RIDE IN THE EVERGLADES
After your relaxing drive along 30A, why not up the ante with an airboat ride? And not just any airboat – we’re talking a ride in the Everglades.
Everglades National Park protects the southern 20% of the original Everglades in Florida. It is home to more than 2,000 species, including alligators, crocodiles, the Florida panther, and, unfortunately, the invasive Burmese python.
The National Park Service website offers several park tours, including airboat rides.
SEARCH FOR SHELLS ON SANIBEL ISLAND
There’s nothing like a warm, sunny day on the beach and spotting a perfect seashell to nab for a little souvenir. And there’s is no better place to see your desired shell than at the “Seashell Capital of the World.”
Southwest Florida’s Sanibel Island is home to more than 250 species of shells, littering its roughly 15 miles of sandy beaches with millions of treasures ranging in size and color.
Thousands travel to the island every year, armed with buckets and sifters in hope of scoring more shells for their growing collection.
ATTEND A SHOW AT ART BASEL
Experience great artwork and possibly meet some stars.
Art Basel is a global art fair founded in Switzerland in 1970, with numerous satellite fairs in cities such as Miami. According to its own description, its galleries and exhibits feature “significant works by masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as the new generation of emerging stars.”
And while it does attract the rich and famous every year, anyone can go to experience the incredible art. Miami’s fair usually takes place in early December every year. Tickets for next year’s fair will go on sale sometime in 2026.
VISIT CASSADAGA
Roughly 50 miles away from Orlando, one small town is known for having many psychics and mediums, some who even claim they can communicate with the dead.
Over 130 years ago, a medium from New York took the advice of his spirit guides and founded Cassadaga, the south’s largest spiritual community and the self-proclaimed Psychic Capital of the World.
Whatever your beliefs, visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend workshops and seminars, visit the bookstore, and take walking tours, including one on the history of Cassadaga and an “Encounter the Spirits” night tour.
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
Another national park to add to the bucket list, Floridians who have yet to experience Dry Tortugas National Park should definitely add it.
While the national park ranks among America’s least visited national parks, the remote park in the Gulf of America, formerly the Gulf of Mexico, boasts crystalline waters teeming with vibrant marine life amid protected coral reefs. It spans 100 square miles, 99% of which is water. It is 70 miles away from Key West.
Entry costs $15 for visitors aged 16 and up and is free for any kids younger than that.
It is a journey to reach it; it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, neither of which is cheap. Day trips on the ferry cost $200, while half-day seaplane excursions cost $451 for travelers over age 12.
AND FINALLY FOR THE THEME PARK JUNKIES: DO THE 4 PARK-1 DAY CHALLENGE
We had to include something for the Floridian theme park fanatics.
For visitors who dare throw caution and pixie dust to the wind, there’s the “4 Parks in 1 Day” challenge, where you hit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios all in one day. There’s no ceremony or prize, except the knowledge that you succeeded and have the pictures to prove it.
According to USA Today, there are unofficial rules for completing the challenge: At each of Walt Disney World’s four parks, all participants must ride at least one ride, eat at least one snack, and take pictures at an iconic photo spot.
Tickets to any of Disney’s theme parks start at $119; however, prices vary by season and day of the week. They offer multiday ticket packages and discounts for Florida residents, military members, and vacation club members.
