Florida in July. We’re not going to mince words… summer has arrived and it’s hot. Very hot. Very, very hot. So, in an effort to try and cool things off a bit we’re focusing on activities and events to showcase in our list of seven cool ways to travel in Florida in July — coolcations! Take a look and let us help you cool off this month!
Underwater Music Festival, Florida Keys
One way to cool in Florida in July is at the 41st Annual Underwater Music Festival at the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Summerland Key in the Florida Keys July 11 and 12. Grab your mask and snorkel, hitch a ride on a boat and dive into one of the coolest music festivals in Florida in July. Listen to classic rock piped in underwater as you snorkel around Looe Key Reef, the third largest reef in the world.
Natural Springs
We’re lucky to have plenty of beautiful, natural springs throughout Florida. In fact, there are about 1,000 in the Sunshine State! Not only are the springs gorgeous places to visit, but their water temperatures hover in the 70s, making them perfect places to cool off in Florida in July! Go ahead, find the springs nearest you and dive in.
Sharkcon, Tampa
Don’t be afraid to go into the water — take some time to learn all about sharks and their behaviors at Sharkcon, July 12 and 13 at the Florida State Fairgrounds outside of Tampa. Here’s a chance to learn all about these creatures of the sea and their behaviors. Shark experts will give live presentations, not to mention a 50th anniversary celebration of “Jaws.”
Comic Cons
Escape the heat of Florida in July by dressing up in your favorite character and head to Tallahassee or Jacksonville to show your stuff. Infinity Con Tallahassee (July 12-13) features panels on how to make the most of your cosplay, a kids cosplay parade, special guest creators and much more. Across I-10 in Jacksonville, First Coast Comic-Con is scheduled for July 12 and has something for every cosplayer, from kids to adults.
Surreal Summer Nights, St. Pete
Surreal Summer Nights are back at The Dalí Museum in St. Pete this summer, and they’re worth checking out. What are Surreal Summer Nights? Think later hours, reduced admission, live DJs and special cocktails, all in a steady 72-degree temperature that feels lovely in Florida in July. Upcoming dates are July 17 and August 21; be sure make reservations if you plan on going!
Make a splash at a water park
Another way to make a splash this summer is at one of the water parks found throughout Florida. Whether you’re looking for a lazy river or thrilling water-coasters, there’s the perfect water park for you.
In Orlando, check out Universal Volcano Bay, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, or Aquatica. Elsewhere in Central Florida there’s LEGOLAND Florida Water Park for smaller swimmers, Adventure Island and its Aqua Glow nights in Tampa and Daytona Lagoon in Daytona Beach.
On the Panhandle, check out Shipwreck Island in Panama City, Big Kahuna’s in Destin and Adventure Landing across I-10 in Jacksonville. Or, in South Florida check out Rapids Waterpark with selection 21+ nights near West Palm Beach and Paradise Cove near Miami.
Summer Classics Movie Series, Tampa
Not only is the Tampa Theatre one of the coolest places to watch a movie or see a live show, it’s cool temperature-wise, too. The theater has brought back its Summer Classics Movie Series to Tampa again this year and will show fan favorites like “Psycho,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The Wizard of Oz“ on Sundays through July and August.
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