There’s nothing quite like hitting the road with your crew for some sun, adventure, and a much-needed break from the everyday hustle. We recently packed up the family and set our sights on sunny Florida, and let me tell you—it was one of those trips that we needed so much and we created so many great memories along the way.  From the wild wonders of the Everglades to snorkeling in the Keys, every moment was unforgettable. And the best part? We cruised through it all in the stylish and ultra-safe Mazda CX-90.

🐊 Everglades Alligator Farm: A Wild Adventure

One of our first destinations was the Everglades Alligator Farm, the oldest alligator farm in South Florida. Home to over 2,000 alligators, the farm offers thrilling airboat rides through the Everglades, giving us an up-close look at this unique ecosystem. The airboat tour alone is worth the trip – fast, loud, and packed with adrenaline. The 360° turns will leave you laughing (and a bit wet), but the views of the Everglades are worth it! The kids were fascinated by the alligator shows, where they learned about these incredible creatures and even had the chance to hold a baby gator! It was an educational and exhilarating experience that the whole family enjoyed.​

To make it even better, the farm helps rescue and care for nuisance alligators that would otherwise be removed from the wild. It’s fun, educational, and such a unique way to experience Florida’s wild side. 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, and memories that stick.

🌊 Silent World Dive Center: Snorkeling in Paradise

We also headed to Key Largo to explore the underwater wonders via snorkeling with Silent World Dive Center. It was a first for us all and it was such a cool experience! We boarded their 51-foot snorkel-only boat, and set off to explore North America’s only living coral barrier reef.  The water was crystal clear, and we were amazed by the vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, coral, conches, barracudas, jellyfish and even a shark. We were even able to see the famed Christ of the Abyss statue! I definitely recommend giving snorkeling a try if you have the opportunity. There’s a sense of calm and wonder once you get your bearings (it’s a bit of a learning curve). The kids did really well too making it a great option for adventurous families! The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for everyone. They even provided reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.​

For my motion sickness friends, definitely use some Dramamine (and according to the captain, take it the 24 hours prior so it’ll work more effectively). I had a bit of motion sickness I had to breathe through, but I’m super sensitive and it was worth it.

🏖️ Hollywood Beach: Sun, Sand, and Boardwalk Strolls

To round out the trip, we headed to Hollywood Beach, where the palm-lined Boardwalk gave us a taste of old-school Florida charm. We walked the beach, did lots of people watching, enjoyed live music, indulged in beachside eats, and let the kids run free on the soft, white sand. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and activity.

🚗 Mazda CX-90: The Ultimate Family Travel Companion

Let’s talk about our MVP: the Mazda CX-90. As a mom, I need a vehicle that works with me—not against me—and this one delivered on every front. The Mazda CX-90 earned the 2024 top safety pick which this mama loves, especially when we were driving in busy traffic and unfamiliar areas!

Family-Friendly Features We Loved:

  • Seating for up to 8 passengers: Roomy enough for our family, cooler bags, and all the beach gear (yes, even the pool noodles).

  • Third-row access that’s actually easy: Getting kids in and out was a breeze—no acrobatics required.

  • Rear-seat USB ports: Total game-changer. The kids stayed charged and entertained on the road.

  • Hands-free power liftgate: Every mom knows how amazing this is when your arms are full of snacks, towels, and stray flip-flops.

  • Quiet cabin: Road noise was nearly nonexistent, which meant less sensory overload and more peaceful  ride for everyone.

Advanced Safety That Had My Back:

Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite includes features like:

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Lane-keep assist

  • Blind spot monitoring

  • Smart brake support

These tools gave me serious peace of mind—especially on busy highways and unfamiliar roads. We could focus more on the journey and less on the stress.

Plus, the plug-in hybrid option is a win for fuel efficiency and the environment—something we’re trying to be more mindful of as a family.

Final Thoughts

Florida gave us sunshine, wild animal encounters, ocean adventures, and so many sweet memories. If you’re looking for a stylish, safe, and super family-friendly ride for your next adventure, the Mazda CX-90 is 100% worth the hype.

Check out more about the family-focused features of the CX-90 here: Mazda Family Car Features

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