Our home state, explored properly

Florida

Florida beyond the theme parks: tiki bars, springs, beaches, weekend escapes and road trips. Central Florida is home base, but the best adventures usually start with a drive.

This is where the Florida Tiki Trail lives, alongside the springs, the beach days and the backroads that make an ordinary weekend feel like a trip.

Inside the Florida hub

01Florida Tiki Trail

Tiki bars, tropical hideaways and coastal stops worth making a detour for.

Explore ↗02Orlando & Central Florida

Attractions, nightlife and non-park adventures close to home, starting with the Orlando tiki guide.

Explore ↗
03Springs & water adventures

Crystal-clear springs, paddling and lazy rivers.

Coming to the trail
04Beaches

Beach guides and day trips on both coasts.

Coming to the trail
05Weekend escapes

Short trips that feel longer than they are.

Coming to the trail
06Road trips

Florida drive itineraries with good stops along the way.

Coming to the trail

Tiki Tim series

Series in this hub

SeriesFlorida Tiki Trail

Tiki bars, coastal hideaways and tropical stops worth the drive.

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From the field notes

Latest in Florida

Illustration of tacos, sides, and a tropical drink on a string-lit Central Florida restaurant patio at sunset.
October 19, 2026

🍽️ Hidden Gem Eateries – The Magic You Won’t Find on Tourist Blogs

Skip the obvious tourist picks and explore hidden gem restaurants near Disney World that offer local flavor, atmosphere, and worthwhile dining experiences.

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Cinematic illustration of a nautical tiki lounge filled with hanging glass floats, carved figures, glowing lanterns, and a flaming tropical drink in a tiki mug.
October 19, 2026

Controlled Chaos, Classic Tiki, and Legendary Drinks at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto mixes tiki drinks, immersive effects, and Disney storytelling. Here’s what makes this Polynesian Resort lounge so memorable.

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Cinematic illustration of a thatched Polynesian-style lounge with carved wood, woven seating, warm lanterns, and a pineapple tropical cocktail.
October 19, 2026

Classic Tiki, Lagoon Views, and Old-School Magic at Tambu Lounge

Tambu Lounge delivers old-school Polynesian atmosphere, cocktails, and easy resort access. Here’s why it remains a favorite stop at Disney World.

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Samoan-style fire dancer in a red lavalava swinging a flaming staff at sunset, with Tahitian dancers and drummers behind him, under the title Toa Afi Orlando: Inside Central Florida's Pacific Islander Fire Knife Festival
October 18, 2026

Toa Afi Orlando: Inside Central Florida’s Pacific Islander Fire Knife Festival

Explore Toa Afi Orlando, Central Florida's Pacific Islander festival featuring Samoan fire knife dancing, hula, Tahitian dance, food and culture.

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Illustrated editorial scene of carved tiki mugs, tropical cocktails, bamboo, and a Florida waterfront sunset, with the title Florida’s Real Tiki Bars.
October 12, 2026

Florida's Real Tiki Bars: Where to Find Authentic Tiki Culture in the Sunshine State

Not every Florida bar with a thatched roof is a real tiki bar. Discover the historic institutions, immersive cocktail lounges, and modern tropical hideaways worth exploring.

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Tiki cocktails on a candlelit bamboo bar overlooking a lagoon with torches, palm trees and a Polynesian-style lodge at sunset.
October 9, 2026

Orlando Tiki Bars & Experiences: The Ultimate Central Florida Tiki Guide

Your guide to Orlando tiki bars, from Trader Sam's at Disney World to Aku Aku, Permanent Vacation, hidden tropical lounges and the events that bring Central Florida's tiki community together.

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