How to Enjoy a Sports Weekend in Florida

There’s always plenty going on in the Sunshine State, whatever your interests, but if you’re a sports fan then there’s even more on offer.

With perfect weather for getting out on the golf course, miles of coastline for enjoying numerous watersports, and a handful of professional teams to go and cheer on, Florida is a sports lover’s paradise. We’re going to take a look at some of the sporting activities that you could get up to this weekend, without having to so much as leave the state.

Catch a Wave From Cocoa Beach

With more than 8000 miles of coastline, Florida is the perfect place for watersports. There are all kinds of options for those who want to get out into the ocean, but surfing from Cocoa Beach takes some beating. This stunning white sand beach benefits from some huge waves thanks to the mighty Atlantic Ocean that borders it, ideal for those who are seasoned surfers. However, there’s also the possibility for those who are newer to surfing to hire a board and get out on the smaller waves near the pier. This is the perfect training ground for playing with smaller waves whilst you get used to what could be your new favorite sport.

Watch a Baseball Match at Sun Life Stadium

If you’re not so much into actually doing the sport and would rather leave it to the professionals then getting your hands on tickets to see one of Florida’s major league baseball teams should certainly be part of your itinerary. The Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays are the only two major league teams in the state, and with the baseball season being in full swing at the moment, it’s the perfect time to see the greatest athletes in action. The Miami Marlins play at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami six days a week, with the play-offs coming up in October which are sure to be packed. 

If you’d like to catch a game for a reduced price then Spring is the season. Each year both the home stadiums of the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays play host to numerous other major league teams and boast massively reduced ticket prices. These games don’t have the same clout as the play-offs but represent a great chance to see top-quality baseball for much less money.

Enjoy Horse Racing and more at Pompano Park

A day at the races is always an occasion and with Florida being the state where the most thoroughbreds are born, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of race courses. We think Pompano Park is a great choice, because not only is there a top-class standardbred racing track, but there’s also a casino if you want to carry on the fun after the racing has finished. The track is well appointed, with great views of the course and bookmakers to place bets. Inside the casino is incredibly elegant, with polished marble floors and a famous World Series of Poker Room where you could be sat around the card table with local poker pros.

If you’re planning a visit to the casino after the horse racing then it’s well worth getting in a little practice online first. All of the top online casinos offer numerous different varieties of poker that can help you to hone your skills so that you feel confident on the day. Three card stud is the best option for the Pompano Park casino though, as there are the most tables offering this variety.

Cruise Miles of Inland Waterways

With 4,500 square miles of inland waters, Florida is a veritable paradise for leisure boaters. The Okeechobee Waterway is a great place to start, as it runs all the way across the state, from Sanibel Island on the West Coast to Stuart on the East.

This means there are plenty of places to hire a boat along its length and take it for a spin. This waterway is unique in that it’s entirely manmade, making it easy for beginners to cruise along, but also traverses some of the most beautiful unspoiled wilderness too.

If you fancy drifting lazily through the Everglades or propelling yourself through wide-open ranchland then you’ll love this trip out in nature.

Similar Stories