The best way to take care of your mind is to relax, while the best way to take care of your body is to enjoy leisurely exercise. If the words leisurely and exercise sound like they don’t mix, you clearly don’t understand the Florida lifestyle. However, don’t worry because the relaxing atmosphere and active lifestyle welcomes everyone. Take part in some of these three activities during your vacation to Florida, to feed your body, mind, and soul.
Surf
Surfing is a great way to connect with nature, soak up some vitamin D, and workout your whole body. Florida’s east coast offers beaches nested on the Atlantic Ocean with rolling waves. Some of the best surf sports are located near Cocoa Beach.
A favorite of locals is Sebastion’s Inlet State Park. You can catch waves at the First Peak where the waves curl near the pier. However, if you’re a beginner save this spot for the seasoned veterans. If you just want to check out the surf check this spot out to see where Kelly Slater started. There’s also consistent waves at the New Smyrna Inlet, Ponce Inlet, and Daytona Beach.
If you’re in the area, St. Augustine is only an hour drive from Daytona Beach. There, you’ll find less crowded beaches with beautiful, curling waves almost anytime of day at Anastasia Island. Though the surf is superb, you won’t have to fight to catch a wave.
South Florida also offers surfing near West Palm Beach. With clear water and hot weather, the waves can get big here. The partying here can be tempting, but if you’re looking to relax on your vacation, you should avoid the Miami club scene.
Yoga
Whether you’re new to yoga or you’re a bona-fide yogi, Florida offers some of the most peaceful outdoor yoga spots in the country. Various studios and teachers offer classes or private lessons on the beach or in a park. Flow through sun salutations as the golden sun kisses the blue horizon during sunset yoga. If you’re on the east coast, start your day early with sunrise yoga on the beach.
Florida also offers yoga classes on stand-up paddle boards, or SUPs. These classes challenge your balance and your sea legs. Enjoy being surrounded by sea life as you dip into chaturanga. You’ll work on your tan and your muscles during these challenging classes. Yoga can also be a very beneficial option for those who are recovering from substance abuse. Combining Yoga with the 12 Keys Florida Alcohol Treatment can help you to establish peace of mind.
Hiking
Hiking lets you free the mind, experience natural wonders, and exercise your body. Besides long strolls on the beaches, Florida also offers extensive State Parks with numerous hiking trails. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve nestles in the deep greens of the Florida panhandle. You’ll find dirt or boardwalk hiking trails along natural wetlands with fresh springs and rivers. Florida offers some of the most diverse habitats which can be seen in this park, including hardwood forest, bayhead, freshwater wetland, overwash plain, and the estuary. Local towns in the panhandle include Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Panama City Beach.
If you’re searching for a good hike in Central Florida, you’ll find Bear Creek Nature Trail, Blue Spring State Park, Caladesi Island State Park, and Ocala National Forest, just to name a few. These are all only a few hours drive from Tampa Bay and Orlando.
The South allures many travelers with its exotic beaches and tropical climate. Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Swamp boast some of the most scenic trails along one of the United State’s largest wetlands, where the prairies and the tropics intertwine.
Enjoy the beaches and the weather during your Florida vacation, but make it a priority to take care of your mental and physical health in this beautiful state.