5 to Try: Adrenaline Surges

1801 NW 1st St, Dania Beach, FL 33004 (map)

South Florida is sadly devoid of a regional amusement park, so this is as good as it gets. Tucked behind the Boomers indoor arcade and its collection of miniature golf courses, the Dania Beach Hurricane is a wooden roller coaster. Riders go as fast as 50 miles per hour, as the initial 95-foot drop leads to serious airtime bumps along the 3,200 feet of wooden track. If you manage to catch your breath, re-ride tickets are a bargain.

40001 State Rd 9336, Homestead, FL 33034 (map)

Don't settle for a leisurely stroll of the wildlife. Hop on an airboat tour and skip along the sawgrass and wide-jawed gators at dizzying speeds. No, you can't drive the airboat itself, but experienced captains with a zest for adventure will find you holding on tight between breaks in the action to snap some photographs.

PO Box 487, Key Largo, FL 33037 (map)

Snorkeling through the country's only underwater national park is a real thrill. Official expeditions leave every three hours, taking novice and experienced snorkelers to spots that come alive with colorful fish as they cavort along the coral reefs. Certified scuba divers can get even closer to the action by booking scuba tours.