Get Outdoors in the USA: South Florida

There’s no place on earth like South Florida. Dangling on the edge of America’s Southeast coast, this tropical oasis marches to the beat of its own drum, grounded in unique history and jaw-dropping nature that’s entirely its own. 

Where some South Florida cities have swamps, others have urban sprawls. There are cozy beach towns and Cuban salsa clubs, skyscraping towers and waterfront bungalows — all just a quick drive from each other.

This summer, we’re looking to the Sunshine State for epic outdoor adventures, like fishing trips across the Atlantic, snorkeling in underwater parks, and kayak tours under the stars. Get outdoors with Independent Collection and uncover the magic of these coastal cities.

Discover Tropical Islands on a Jet Ski Tour of Key West

Key West is a tiny tropical island at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. But what it lacks in size, it makes up with character – and characters. Some of the world’s biggest authors, 20th-century artists, and even U.S. presidents have found their slice of paradise in Key West, Florida. And just beyond the shoreline, there’s even more treasure to behold. 

Days in Key West are almost always spent on the water. In addition to kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing, Key West offers unparalleled fishing in a totally unique location: Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote, 100-square-mile park with seven islands and rich history traced to Ponce De León’s 1513 voyage. Tour the impressive Fort Jefferson, then jump into the water for an incredible sight. 

Below the surface lie storied shipwrecks and parrot fish, silver barracudas and slow-moving turtles, and even the occasional saltwater crocodile. Snorkelers and scuba divers travel from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of these natural wonders. Plan ahead and you might also snag a coveted reservation for overnight camping. Brave the Tortugas’ primitive grounds and you’ll be rewarded with starry night skies like nowhere else on earth. 

Closer to land, Key West offers exhilarating water sports and personalized tours for every kind of adventurer. At Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, guests can hop on state-of-the-art jet skis and cruise across azure waters. Prefer to take things slow? Opt for paddle boarding along the shoreline, then kick back at Parrot Key for poolside cocktails and fresh Caribbean flavors at The Grove, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

Explore Miami’s Wild Side at Everglades National Park

Miami is technically part of the South, but one might argue it’s a world of its own. What once was a sleepy retirement town has transformed into a multicultural metropolis, complete with Michelin-starred restaurants, champion sports teams, and glitzy nightclubs that party well past dawn.

Perhaps the most famous part of Miami is its beaches. Here, Art Deco style meets turquoise blue ocean in spectacular fashion. Take for example Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, a historic retro-luxury resort with European flair.

Kick back in an oceanfront cabana, pick up a game of beach volleyball, lounge by the pool with a tailored spa treatment, or cruise the boardwalk on complimentary bikes for a bit of oceanside exercise. When the sun goes down, the neon lights of Ocean Drive click on. Tour the city’s Art Deco gems, then bike to the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center for a WALLCAST® performance, when live classical music is projected onto the building’s exterior wall.

Need a break from the beach? Trade sand for swamp with a trip to the Everglades. Located an hour west of Cadillac Hotel, Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an international biosphere reserve, and America’s largest subtropical wilderness. There’s plenty to see and do in this unique destination: take an airboat ride with indigenous Miccosukee tribal leaders, bike past alligators at Shark Valley, or join an eco-tour and keep an eye out for pythons, manatees, and more.

Catch a Wave Surfing in Delray Beach

Looking for a quieter beach vacation? Consider Delray Beach, a vibrant ocean town on Florida’s east coast, and just named the #1 Best Beach in Florida for 2025 by USA Today.

This place used to be a local secret, but word’s getting out about Delray’s charm. There are buzzy art galleries and funky cafes, boutique shops, and picture-perfect beaches as far as the eye can see. 

Anchoring it all is The Ray Hotel, an artsy getaway with a fabulous rooftop pool. Lounge it up poolside with fruity frozen drinks and bites from Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back, or take advantage of The Ray’s bicycle rentals to cruise through the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Head to Nomad Surf Shop for fun-in-the-sun adventures like surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Or simply hang back and soak up the sun to the sound of crashing waves.

Play in the Quartz Sand on Siesta Key

Across the state on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota has its own famous beaches. In fact, some say they’re the best on earth.

Siesta Key was voted the #4 Best Beach in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025. The #1 reason? Quartz-crystal sand, an ultra-fine powder that shines like diamonds under the sun. Locals and travelers flock to Siesta Key for family reunions and crystal clear water. But when adventure calls, you’ve got plenty of options – like beach volleyball and pontoon rentals, kayak tours, wakeboarding lessons, and even moonlight drum circles.  

Caspersen Beach is a top choice for birding and easy hiking trails, while Englewood is a favorite for backcountry fishing. Looking for something a bit more rugged? Paddle the banks of the wild Myakka River, or giddy-up for a horseback ride in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. Traveling with kids? Don’t miss Venice, the so-called “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” where pint-sized pirates hunt for megalodon shark teeth buried in the sand. 

Close to all the action is The Sarasota Modern, a brand-new hotel with modern design digs. Enjoy the hotel’s central location to the Rosemary Arts & Design District, treat yourself to a poolside cabana, dial the beach concierge for complimentary umbrellas, or practice cryotherapy with dips in the hotel’s cold plunge. The Sarasota Modern’s resort-style pool also has a hot tub, a ping pong table, and one of the most exciting bars in town: Wink Wink Food and Drink, a cheeky Tiki restaurant and craft cocktail bar. Mai Tais, anyone? We think yes. 

From sandy shores to wetland trails, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures waiting. Looking to roam a little farther? See what’s waiting in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and along the West Coast. And if you’re planning ahead, don’t miss our summer offer: between June 2–30, 2025, receive a $25 bonus gift card for every $100 gift card purchased.