Each region of Florida offers a full spectrum of off-site venues to fit virtually any theme and budget. Some, though, reflect the special character of the area. Following is a sampling of what’s available.
NORTH FLORIDA
In St. Augustine, the Lightner Museum, formerly the Alcazar Hotel, contains treasures from the Gilded Age, including Victorian art glass and Tiffany lamps. Group events can be hosted in the magnificent lobby, a third-floor ballroom or a cavernous ground-floor space that was once the hotel swimming pool.
Mission San Luis in Tallahassee transports meetings back to 1703, when Apalachee Indians and Spanish settlers lived together in a community. One of over 100 Spanish Colonial missions, Mission San Luis is the only one that has been reconstructed and is open to the public. Among the group venues, the elegant Mission Room banquet hall can accommodate 250 seated or 500 standing.
Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum displays more than 150 restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. The museum has 10,000 square feet of function space hosting more than 1,000 people.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Daytona Lagoon is next door to the Ocean Center convention venue and offers 12 waterslides, mini-golf, a go-kart speedway, a rock-climbing wall and laser tag. Event space can hold more than 5,000 people.
Legoland in Winter Haven features more than 55 rides, shows and attractions, along with lush botanical gardens that make colorful settings for group events.
The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals. Events go “under the sea” with special lighting and a spectacular underwater view.
SOUTH FLORIDA
The National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach is billed as the largest croquet complex in the world. A 19,000-square-foot clubhouse and manicured lawns can host groups of up to 600.
Fort Lauderdale’s African-American Research and Cultural Center houses more than 85,000 books, documents and artifacts. Groups may use the auditorium and seminar rooms.
The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens in Key West provides a garden setting for corporate parties of up to 250, with the 1840s house serving as a picturesque backdrop.