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If you're an adrenaline junkie and live in the Sunshine State, you're in the right place, as Florida ranks high on a list of the best destinations for thrill seekers.
A lot of people are drawn to things that make their heart race. The rush you get from your dopamine and endorphins going full tilt is a feeling many love. Also, when you're in the moment, you forget about everything else going on in life, so it's a great escape. I used to be a major thrill seeker, and the older I get, I still like doing some things like zip lining and cliff jumping, but you can count me out for things like roller coasters, sky diving and bungee jumping.
But think of all the options if you're looking for a thrill- racing, rock climbing, MMA, ghost hunting, just to name a few. And right here in Florida, you're in the right place if adrenaline rushes are what you crave.
Florida Ranks High On List Of Best Destinations For Thrill Seekers
Buycycle recently did a study on the best destinations thrill seekers in 2024. To put together their list, they looked at all sorts of things that get your blood pumping like hiking trails, climbing routes, amusement parks, bungee jumping centers, and hot air balloon locations. And Florida came in at #2 on the list.
Florida got a score of 53.5 out of 100 as a thrill seeking destination. Obviously we have plenty of beaches and waterways for kayaking, but we also have many great theme parks with roller coasters that will drive your adrenaline through the roof. Plus, almost 39,000 cycling routes and mountain bike trails, providing ample options for cyclists. Florida also ranks high for skydiving centers and bungee locations.
If you're looking for the best spot to go, a thrill seeking vacation maybe, California takes the top spot.
Florida is home to a few theme parks that have made a list of the most loved in America. From roller coasters to water rides, between Tampa and Orlando, there is something for everyone in Florida's theme parks.
Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With some of THE best roller coasters like the Iron Gwazi, SheiKra and Montu, there's never a dull moment. If you're more of a laid-back animal lover, Busch Gardens has more than 200 species. Can't forget about SeaWorld in Orlando too. Not only do they have coasters, but also is home to penguins, dolphins, orcas, beluga whales and more.
If you want to be a part of your favorite movies, Universal Studios has got it all. Universal is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can visit Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Castle. You can also ride some intense roller coasters next door at Islands of Adventure, like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
And of course, you can't forget about Walt Disney World. A place a visited as a child coming down from Illinois and a place where families come from all over the world to visit. Pretty crazy that people save up for years to bring their families here, while for us it's just a short drive away. How lucky are we?!
We can't forget about the water parks! Florida is home to some of the best water parks in the world, like Adventure Island, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Universal's Volcano Bay. They all offer a variety of water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools to keep you cool on hot Florida days.
How did these parks make the list?
If you're taking a vacation, or a local taking a long weekend, you may wonder what they very best theme parks are so you can make the most of your time. AirportParkingReservations.com put together a list of the most loved theme parks in America. They looked a variety of factors like ticket prices, the number of rides and social media popularity.
Top 10 Most-Loved Theme Parks in America:
10. Cedar Point Amusement Park- Ohio
Cedar Point is on a sandy beach and offers 72 rides, 15 of them rollercoasters.
9. Knott's Berry Farm- California
Knott's Berry Farm has 48 rides, including Banzai Falls, a huge 41 foot waterslide.
8. Disneyland Resort- California
There's lots to explore between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park from the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World to the Avengers Headquarters and the Sorcerer's Workshop.
7. Busch Gardens Virginia
Busch Gardens Virginia is home to 9 rollercoasters including Alpengeist, one of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in the world.
6. Six Flags America- Maryland
Six Flags in Maryland makes the list due it's affordable ticket prices at just $29.99 and 54 rides including the Joker’s Jinx and Voodoo Drop.
5. Dollywood- Tennessee
Not only does Dollywood have 50 rides, but also a theater with a variety of shows and great views of the Smoky Mountains.
4. Kings Dominion- Virginia
Kings Dominion is the only place in Virginia with both a theme park and a water park. Tickets for a day cost just $39.99.
3. Carowinds- North Carolina
Carowinds is very affordable as tickets cost just $39.99 with both a theme park and a water park right on the border of North and South Carolina.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
Walt Disney World
Tickets may be pricy, but this iconic resort has 4 parks and 173 rides.
