There’s nothing like hitting the road with your crew for sun, adventure, and a break from the daily grind. We recently took the family to sunny Florida, and it was exactly what we needed—full of great memories. From the wild Everglades to snorkeling in the Keys, every moment was unforgettable. Best of all, we did it all in the stylish, super-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. Home to over 2,000 alligators, the farm offers thrilling airboat rides that bring you up close to this unique ecosystem. The ride is fast, loud, and packed with adrenaline—those 360° turns had us laughing (and a little wet), but the views were worth it. The kids loved the alligator shows and even got to hold a baby gator. It was both educational and exciting for the whole family.
The farm also rescues and cares for nuisance alligators that would otherwise be removed from the wild, which made the visit feel meaningful as well as fun. Highly recommend if you want adventure, wildlife, and lasting memories.
🌊 Silent World Dive Center: Snorkeling in Paradise
We went to Key Largo to snorkel with Silent World Dive Center—our 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 the marine life was stunning: colorful fish, coral, conches, barracudas, jellyfish, and even a shark. We also saw the famous Christ of the Abyss statue. Snorkeling is a little of a learning curve, but once you settle in it’s calm and magical. The kids did great, so it’s a fantastic option for adventurous families. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and they provided reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.
If you get motion sick, take Dramamine—the captain said to take it 24 hours before for best effect. I felt a bit queasy at times, but I’m sensitive and it was totally worth it.
🏖️ Hollywood Beach: Sun, Sand, and Boardwalk Strolls
We wrapped up the trip at Hollywood Beach, where the palm-lined Boardwalk had that old-school Florida charm. We strolled the beach, people-watched, listened to live music, enjoyed beachside food, and let the kids run wild on the soft, white sand. It was the perfect mix of chill time and activities.
🚗 Mazda CX-90: The Ultimate Family Travel Companion
Our trip MVP was the Mazda CX-90. As a mom, I need a car that makes life easier, and this one did just that. It earned the 2024 Top Safety Pick, which gave me peace of mind driving in busy areas and unfamiliar places.
Family-Friendly Features We Loved:
– Seating for up to 8: Plenty of room for family, cooler bags, and beach gear (yes, even the pool noodles).
– Third-row access that’s actually easy: Getting kids in and out was a breeze—no gymnastics required.
– Rear-seat USB ports: Kept the kids charged and entertained on the road.
– Hands-free power liftgate: A lifesaver when your hands are full of snacks, towels, and flip-flops.
– Quiet cabin: Road noise was minimal, so the ride felt calmer for everyone.
Advanced Safety That Had My Back:
Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite includes:
– Adaptive cruise control
– Lane-keep assist
– Blind spot monitoring
– Smart brake support
These features gave me real peace of mind, especially on highways and unfamiliar routes. The plug-in hybrid option is also a win for fuel efficiency and the environment—something our family is trying to be more mindful about.
Final Thoughts
Florida gave us sunshine, wildlife encounters, ocean adventures, and so many sweet memories. If you want a stylish, safe, and family-friendly ride for your next trip, the Mazda CX-90 is totally worth the hype.
Check out more about the family-focused features of the CX-90 here: Mazda Family Car Features
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