Kickoff your next unforgettable family trip on Florida’s Sports Coast. With five amazing cities to explore, we’re an unbeatable destination to #GetBackToAdventure. Whether you’re exploring your wild side during a safari-style tour, testing our limits on one of our aerial obstacle courses, or you’re enjoying your next paddling adventure on the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll discover endless ways to play in our year-round warm weather.

While there’s no limit to the one-of-a-kind attractions and unique experiences you’ll find on Florida’s Sports Coast, we’d like to recommend a few time-tested favorites that have been drawing families to our adventurous location for years.

Your playbook for three days of fun and sun.

Friday

Dine Alfresco

After a long day of traveling (or short day if you’re coming from somewhere nearby), most families are looking to start their three-day weekend with good food and a relaxing night out. There are many great restaurants and breweries nearby, but Gill Dawg’s outdoor patio area is a winning choice for first-time visitors. Here, you’ll sit back and relax while enjoying locally inspired dishes, signature cocktails and great live performances. The acts change weekly, so depending on the night, you’ll enjoy anything from classic country to modern rock.

Saturday

Grab an amazing breakfast

Rise with the morning sun and enjoy a great cup of coffee at The Breakfast Nook in Lutz, Florida. Known for their down-home cooking’, your family will enjoy savory Southern plates made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Note: You may want to have second; you have a BIG day ahead of you.

Do some early morning exploring

After you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast, you’re ready to enjoy your first family adventure at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Here, you’ll discover 8,000 acres of untouched land that’s perfect for hiking, biking and camping. Home to several playgrounds and a variety of multi-purpose trails, you’ll enjoy your first morning on Florida’s Sports Coast with scenic views and exciting adventure in Mother Nature.

Cool off at our Aqua Park

Once you’ve worked up a sweat at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, head over to The Lift Adventure Park to cool off. Located on a beautiful man-made lake, this exciting aqua park offers something for every member of the family. From thrilling cable wake boarding for older members of the family to the park’s inflatable, floating jungle gym, you’ll find an unbeatable location for a refreshing outdoor adventure.

Take a walk of the wild side

When you finish playing in the Aqua Park, swing over to the Giraffe Ranch for some wild adventures. Here, your family will enjoy an intimate safari-style expedition led by experience guides on 4-WD safari tour vehicles. The tours are a hands-on experience and your family can get up close with giraffes and other exotic animals. Whether you’re taking a guided tour, camel expedition or Segway safari the Giraffe Ranch is an unbeatable destination for family fun.

Explore our waterways

Now that you’ve experienced our exotic animals, swing over to Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park for our local wildlife. A well-known destination for paddling and fishing, this untouched nature preserve is home to hundreds of native animals, 177 species of birds and beautiful mangrove shorelines. And with four miles of beautiful coastline and salt springs as deep as 351 feet, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is the perfect place to paddle or kayak into your next family adventure.

Enjoy a family dinner

Finish the day with an amazing meal at Craft Street Kitchen. Located in Trinity, Florida, this amazing restaurant is home to a playful and fun menu that offers delicious options like Buffalo Cauliflower, Smoked Old Fashioned and Mr. Rib Sandwiches. Known for using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients, Craft Street Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy an amazing family meal that’s straight from the sea or fresh off the farm.

Sunday

Spend a full day on the Gulf

No trip to Florida’s Sports Coast is complete without exploring the Gulf of Mexico. All along our coastline, you’ll find great options for boat charters and fishing guides, but for first-time visitors, we recommend heading over to Windsong Charters & Rentals. They offer great rates on full-day charters, guided fishing excursions, island tours and snorkeling voyages. And if you don’t feel like packing a lunch, you can opt for the Beach BBQ Package. With this package, your family will enjoy a freshly prepared meal of your choosing on a private island!

Swing by Ottoway’s before you leave

Once you’re back on dry land, swing by Ottoway’s Parkside Ice Cream Parlor for a final delicious test of Florida’s Sports Coast. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of an amazing three-day weekend with your family.