When the World Cup arrives in Florida this summer, fans from across the globe will travel to Miami to watch the matches. And if you’re already making the journey, why not turn the trip into something bigger? After all, life’s a game—and a World Cup vacation is the perfect chance to keep playing.
Just north of Tampa in Pasco County, Florida’s Sports Coast offers a Gulf-side escape filled with outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and unexpected experiences you won’t find inside a stadium. It’s the perfect basecamp if you’re looking to extend a match-day trip into a quintessential Florida summer vacation.
So, after cheering on your team in Miami, head west across the state and see what the Gulf side of Florida has in store!
For a refreshing break from the action, start with a visit to Epperson Lagoon in Wesley Chapel. Florida’s first “man-made sparkling lagoon” features clear, blue waters perfect for swimming, a 30-foot water slide, kayaking and paddleboarding, bumper boats, and even a floating obstacle course.
Whether you choose to lounge on the beach, grab a drink at the swim-up bar, or enjoy beach volleyball, Epperson Lagoon offers seven acres of entertainment for all ages. And, if you’re looking to make your getaway extra special, you can splurge on a cabana with seating for eight and access to an exclusive private bar and pool in Cabana Cove.
If you’re attending one of the matches in July, you’re visiting at the perfect time to take part in a summer tradition on Florida’s Sports Coast: scalloping season, which begins July 10.
Snorkeling for bay scallops in the Gulf is similar to going on an underwater Easter egg hunt! Equipped with a mask, snorkel, and mesh bag, visitors search the shallow seagrass beds for scallops, spotting them by the reflection of their bright blue eyes.
Once you find one, scoop it up and drop it in your bag. No experience is required—just curiosity and a love of being on the water. It’s a fun family outing that combines swimming, snorkeling, and maybe even a little friendly competition!
Have you ever fed a giraffe? For a completely different kind of outing—one that you might not have even expected to find in Florida—head to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.
This working wildlife preserve spans hundreds of acres and offers guided safari tours where visitors may encounter giraffes, camels, hippos, and other animals roaming open landscapes. Choose from guided safaris by vehicle, camel trek, Segway, or a drive-through experience, all led by expert guides who share how conservation happens here every day.
Looking to try an activity that raises the stakes? On Florida’s Sports Coast, you’ll have access to one of the most famous skydiving centers in the United States: Skydive City in Zephyrhills.
Known as “Z-Hills,” Skydive City attracts seasoned skydivers from all around the world to train and compete. But even first-time thrill seekers can check skydiving off their bucket list, thanks to tandem skydives with experienced instructors.
If you want to feel like you’re flying—but would rather stay a little closer to the ground than skydiving—don’t miss TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park. This treetop challenge course features ten color-coded climbing routes and more than 100 elements, including swinging bridges, suspended platforms, and zip lines that carry you through the forest canopy.
Every visit begins with safety training before climbers head into the trees, and courses range from beginner-friendly routes for kids to more demanding climbs for experienced adventurers.
After the exhilarating experience of being in the stadium, nothing beats a relaxing day on the water. Conveniently, Florida’s Sports Coast is home to plenty of places to kayak and paddleboard. For example, at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, you can paddle your way through mangrove tunnels, tidal creeks, and expansive salt marshes.
Another option is to head to James E. Grey Nature Preserve, one of the best places to explore the Pithlachascotee River (also called “the Cotee”). Located just minutes from downtown New Port Richey, you can easily launch down 4.5 miles of natural river.
For the ultimate relaxing adventure, take a ferry out to Anclote Key Preserve State Park, where the whole family can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, collecting seashells, and sunbathing on white sand beaches.
A trip to Miami for the World Cup already puts you in the perfect position to keep exploring. And visitors looking for things to do beyond the stadium will find plenty of outdoor adventure on Florida’s Sports Coast.
So spend one day cheering at the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup and the next heading to the playful side of Tampa — where skydiving, kayaking, climbing through treetops, and snorkeling for scallops awaits. Life’s a game—and Florida’s Sports Coast is your go-to spot to keep the fun going!
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