TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Adventures takes many forms in Florida and are not limited to a single attraction or age. Leisure travelers and adrenaline lovers alike can reach new heights and discover news thrills at lesser-known locales across the state. From the Panhandle down to the Keys, from the Gulf Coast to Daytona Beach, there are plenty of discoveries for every kind of adventure seeker to experience throughout the year.

Need for Speed

Newly opened in spring 2018, The Great LEGO Race at Legoland Florida is a thrilling new virtual-reality roller coaster experience unlike any other. This incredible ride combines cutting-edge virtual reality technology with the exhilarating twists and turns of a roller coaster, transforming the park's former Project X ride into an immersive adventure where riders are surrounded by a cast of wacky LEGO mini-figures. Learn more at www.LEGOLAND.com/the-great-legorace/

For adrenaline junkies, speed limits do not exist at Daytona Beach's Richard Petty Driving Experience. Speed demons can race the clock against other drivers in a lap around the real NASCAR world famous 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. Guests can ride solo in the “Rookie” experience, or ride shotgun with a driver during a real NASCAR race for the ride of a lifetime. For more information visit: https://www.drivepetty.com/race-tracks/daytona-international-speedway/

Catch Some Waves

Maverick surfers know Florida's east coast is a lesser-known (but equally as exciting) year-round surfing destination. Nestled in the northeast corner of the state just outside of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach's aquamarine waters offer mellow waves for novice surfers in the summer months.

For those who wish for a smoother time on the water, paddle boarding in Neptune Beach, one of Jacksonville's three beach communities, offers calm crystal blue waters with stunning coastline views. Jacksonville Surf & Paddle provides rental surfboards and paddle boards in Neptune Beach. More details can be found at https://jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com/

Power Paddles

The best view of Jacksonville is from the water. Kayakers can row through Simpson Creek to explore Florida marshes, or paddle over to the sandy white beaches to discover tide pools, exotic shells and indigenous sea creatures. Kayak Amelia offers kayak rentals and tours. For more information visit http://www.kayakamelia.com/

Kayaking is not limited to Florida's East Coast. The Panhandle also has an abundance of kayak trails in rivers, marshes and along the Gulf of Mexico. Wakulla Springs provides travelers with rental kayaks for all ages and skill levels. For more details visit http://www.visitwakulla.com/Things-to-Do/Kayaking-and-Canoeing

Put the Pedal to the Trails

About two hours north of Miami is Martin County, home to 22 miles of scenic coastlines. Cyclists can find plenty of trails through secluded beaches and lagoons. Indian River Drive and coastal A1A Highway provide multiple elevation changes and connect to beautiful Bathtub Beach, known for its tranquil shores and turquoise waters. To discover more visit https://discovermartin.com/

For a shady ride through the trees, Martin Grade offers a scenic, tree-covered ride to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. While there, cyclists can catch sweeping views of the lake from the vantage point of the Herbert Hoover Dike.

Clear Skies Ahead

Adventurers can get a new perspective by taking a journey above the sunshine with Bob's Hot Air Balloon Rides. Flights take off early in the morning when mist is resting over the city, and the world is peaceful and quiet. The experienced pilots take riders over the requested destinations — if the wind allows for it! Customized flights are available out of the Orlando and Davenport areas. Each flight ends with a champagne toast and brunch.

Travelers looking for a bird's eye view of Orlando can take a hang gliding aerial tour of the area with a  Discovery Tandem Flight with Wallaby Ranch. By taking to the skies with one of their expert flyers, thrill seekers can float among the clouds and spot Orlando's Lake Eola, Walt Disney World, and much more from the sky. To learn more visit http://www.wallaby.com/

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Media Contact:

Greta Vanhersecke

(310) 341-2868

VISITFLORIDA@dkcnews.com

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About VISIT FLORIDA:

As the Sunshine State's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 112.4 million visitors in 2016. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors spent $108.8 billion and supported 1.4 million Florida jobs. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA – the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida – $3.20 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 12,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: SunshineMatters.org, Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.

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