Florida sports offer the fan or casual fan a wide range of opportunities to take advantage of at any time of the year. From watching spectator sports like spring training baseball games and national league hockey games, to participating in a fishing tournament or visiting a famous race track, any sports fan is sure to create a dream vacation. year after year. Read on for some great ideas for incorporating Florida sports into your next trip.
Florida Professional and College Sports
During the regular seasons of major spectator sports, the state of Florida offers the opportunity to watch its professional teams battle. For soccer fans, Florida offers three teams: the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. There are also two Florida sports teams in the National Hockey League: the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers; two teams in the National Basketball Association: the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic; and two Florida sports teams in Major League Baseball: the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Any time of year, no matter when your vacation is scheduled, you can purchase tickets to watch one of these great Florida sports teams play. And don’t forget about the college teams that play in the state, including the Gators and Seminoles. Join one of these games because you love spectator sports, or just to watch the extreme fans cheer on the home team.
More Spectator Sports: Spring Training for Major League Baseball
Baseball fans have one additional Florida sports attraction to consider. Before the official season begins, many teams have statewide spring training and their scrimmages are open to the public. With the laid-back atmosphere and intimate ballparks, this is a great way for kids to collect autographs from their favorite stars. Go see the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays and other great teams participate in the Grapefruit League. Sit in the sun with your family while you check out the teams that will be playing throughout the year. Keep in mind that not all of these spectator sports are played in Florida – other MLB teams participate in the Cactus League, which is held in Arizona – so be sure to check your favorite team’s website to make sure. that you can see them.
Golf: play and watch
For the true spectator sports fan, a visitor to Florida will find an overwhelming number of opportunities to watch a golf tournament. Those who prefer to participate can play a few rounds across the state. For a bit of history, Florida sports fans can start with a visit to World Golf Village in St. Augustine, home to the Golf Hall of Fame. Visit the museum and see who has recently been inducted into the Hall. Then find out if any PGA or LPGA tournaments are taking place in the state during your visit. Do you prefer to play? There are hundreds of golf courses throughout the state where you can play 18 holes and enjoy the beautiful weather Florida is known for.
Car race
For Florida sports fans who enjoy auto racing, there are plenty of ways to watch or even participate in a race (or at least feel like you’re participating). If you prefer spectator sports, watch a thrilling race at the famous Daytona International Speedway while you’re in Florida, or take a tour of the race track to learn behind-the-scenes stories and secrets. If you want a hands-on experience, you can sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience and drive a car around the track yourself, or with a guide if you prefer. For more Florida sports excitement after seeing all that the Daytona track has to offer, travel to Gainesville Raceway, known as one of the fastest tracks on the National Hot Rod Association speedway.
deep sea diving
Prefer to get your feet wet? How about your whole body? Not interested in spectator sports? The state offers Florida sports enthusiasts incredible deep-sea diving opportunities. Start in the southeastern part of the state, where you can snorkel along the coast and see a wide variety of fish and other wildlife. You can also immerse yourself in and around Spanish galleon wrecks, exploring the ships and the treasure that may still be inside. Be sure to take an experienced guide with you when you dive and you are sure to have a memorable time.
To fish
Fishing fans and Florida sports fans won’t want to miss the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, held every October. Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Town” and more than 30,000 anglers gather each year to participate in this exciting tournament, one of the great spectator sports. At other times of the year, the entire Florida coast offers fishing opportunities, whether you’re looking to catch marlin and other big game fish or just want to enjoy a lazy afternoon on a boat.
horse racing
If you like horse racing and spectator sports, you can see where it all begins in Ocala, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” where there are more than 450 thoroughbred farms. Florida sports fans can continue with a visit to one of the state’s racetracks, including Calder Race Course, which is conveniently located in Miami, next to Dolphin Stadium (where the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins play). Other tracks you might want to check out include Pompano Park and Tampa Bay Downs.