There’s nothing like hitting the road with your people for sunshine, adventure, and a break from the daily grind. We recently took the family to sunny Florida, and it was exactly what we needed—so many great memories made. From the wild Everglades to snorkeling in the Keys, every moment felt special. And the best part? We did it all in the stylish, ultra-safe Mazda CX-90.
🐊 Everglades Alligator Farm: A Wild Adventure
One of our first stops was the Everglades Alligator Farm, the oldest alligator farm in South Florida. With more than 2,000 alligators, the place offers thrilling airboat rides through the Everglades that give you a real sense of the ecosystem. The airboat is fast, loud, and full of adrenaline—the 360° turns had us laughing (and a little wet), and the scenery was incredible. The kids loved the alligator shows and even got to hold a baby gator. It was both fun and educational for the whole family. The farm also rescues nuisance alligators that would otherwise be removed from the wild, which made the visit feel even more meaningful. Highly recommend for anyone looking for adventure and wildlife—10/10.
🌊 Silent World Dive Center: Snorkeling in Paradise
We headed to Key Largo and tried snorkeling with Silent World Dive Center for the first time, and it was amazing. We boarded their 51-foot snorkel-only boat and explored North America’s only living coral barrier reef. The water was crystal clear and full of life—colorful fish, coral, conches, barracudas, jellyfish, and even a shark. We also saw the famous Christ of the Abyss statue. Snorkeling has a little learning curve, but once you get your bearings it’s peaceful and awe-inspiring. The kids did great, so it’s a fantastic option for families. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and even provided reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ecosystem. If you get seasick, take Dramamine—apparently it works best if you start 24 hours before, according to the captain. I felt a bit queasy, but it was worth it.
🏖️ Hollywood Beach: Sun, Sand, and Boardwalk Strolls
To finish the trip we visited Hollywood Beach. The palm-lined boardwalk has that classic Florida charm. We walked the beach, people-watched, enjoyed live music, sampled beachside food, and let the kids run on the soft, white sand. It was the perfect mix of chill time and activity.
🚗 Mazda CX-90: The Ultimate Family Travel Companion
Our MVP of the trip was the Mazda CX-90. As a mom, I need a car that works with our family, and this one checked all the boxes. It earned the 2024 Top Safety Pick title, which made me feel much more relaxed driving in busy or unfamiliar areas.
Family-friendly features we loved:
– Seats up to 8 passengers, with room for coolers and all the beach gear (yes, even pool noodles)
– Easy third-row access—no acrobatics needed to get kids in and out
– Rear-seat USB ports—kept the kids charged and entertained
– Hands-free power liftgate—a lifesaver when your arms are full
– Quiet cabin—minimal road noise meant a calmer ride for everyone
Advanced safety that had my back:
Mazda’s i-Activsense® package includes:
– Adaptive cruise control
– Lane-keep assist
– Blind spot monitoring
– Smart brake support
These features gave me real peace of mind on highways and unfamiliar roads. The plug-in hybrid option is a nice bonus for better fuel economy and a smaller environmental footprint—something our family appreciates.
Final Thoughts
Florida gave us sun, wildlife encounters, ocean adventures, and a ton of sweet memories. If you want a stylish, safe, and family-friendly vehicle for your next trip, the Mazda CX-90 is totally worth the hype. Learn more about the CX-90’s family-focused features on Mazda’s site.