Florida stands out among other sun states due to its year-round sunny weather and vibrant culture, but what really stands out are its sprawling national parks.
The Everglades offer nature enthusiasts an oasis of swamps, pine flatwoods, and mangrove marshes spread out across 1.5 million acres teeming with alligators, birds, and endangered species – the dream landscape for nature enthusiasts everywhere.
Ocala
Ocala offers all of the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation experience. With historical landmarks, beautiful parks, natural springs and amazing outdoor activities – not to mention friendly residents – Ocala provides something for everyone in this small Florida town. Spend your day visiting Fort King National Historic Landmark or exploring Scott Springs Park; kayak or cruise through Silver Springs State Park’s crystal waters on glass-bottom boats before watching an Ocala Civic Theater production for some entertainment!
Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours offers an exciting adventure, featuring flying high above Florida’s only canyons! Perfect for adrenaline junkies as well as nature lovers alike.
Visit one of the region’s 1,200 horse farms – known collectively as “Horse Capital of the World.” Attend a polo match or take part in a guided trail ride at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm to witness these majestic creatures first-hand and experience them up close and personal!
Ocala is widely recognized for its amazing outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking on more than 600 miles of trails to boating and fishing at Ocala National Forest – this huge conservation area hosts rare and endangered animals as well as crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and streams.
After an exciting day of exploration, head into downtown Ocala for food, drink and shopping. This walkable historic district is filled with local businesses and eateries located around a town square adorned with an historic gazebo paved octagon paved. Enjoy classic pub bites at The Lodge Brick City Craft Pub & Eatery or indulge in southern specialties at Ivy on the Square before sipping locally-crafted beer from Infinite Ale Works or browsing upscale local shops like Marley Mae Market & Paperie for one last visit before browsing upscale local shops like Marley Mae Market & Paperie before returning home!
History enthusiasts should make time to visit Ocala Historical Museum and Village to witness a living timeline of the Seminole Wars, or learn about Fort King National Historic Landmark during the Second Seminole War. Art enthusiasts will find much to enjoy at Appleton Museum of Art while aspiring artists can participate in studio art classes or workshops at Reilly Arts Center.
St. Augustine
Florida may be most famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches where you can enjoy the view with a game of slot on any of your favorite site reviewed on the yoakimbridge.com, but this Sunshine State offers much more than sun and surf. From charming towns to off-the-beaten-path attractions, every municipality in Florida holds something special to show visitors.
St. Augustine is one of Florida’s most intriguing and captivating getaways, boasting Europe-inspired architecture like centuries-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages and hidden courtyards. Visitors who wish to discover more of St. Augustine should take a trolley tour and learn its fascinating past while simultaneously viewing some of its most beloved landmarks and attractions.
St. Augustine offers plenty of attractions for visitors looking for things to do during their coastal town stay, with beaches being top on that list. While exploring, choose one of many scenic beaches such as Crescent Beach or popular St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park (a great spot for families to gather and play volleyball) during your stay or explore more secluded stretch such as tranquil Anastasia State Park which boasts gorgeous beach areas with protected wildlife habitat and sand dunes.
Beachgoers and history buffs alike can take advantage of this charming town’s wide array of attractions, from art enthusiasts to families with young children. Art lovers will delight in visiting the Lightner Museum, with its eclectic and extensive art collections from across various eras and countries; while pirate and treasure museums will keep younger kids occupied; for nature-lovers there’s the St. Johns County Wild Reserve as well as other natural spots nearby.
Shopping is another favorite pastime in St. Augustine and visitors can find plenty of opportunities throughout its historic district and numerous malls. Riverside Center provides competitive pricing on big-ticket items while also providing fast-casual eateries and services, while boutiques and antique shops provide unique gifts for loved ones back home or a treat just for yourself while on vacation.
Key West
Florida’s southernmost point offers a delightful blend of sun and sea, vibrant nightlife, beach culture and historical landmarks. Watersports, lively bars and restaurants on Duval Street – including Sloppy Joe’s which was frequented by novelist Ernest Hemingway (you can visit his house to view his six-toed cats!) – and water sports make for an exciting vacation experience.
The Hemingway Home and Museum provides visitors with insight into Hemingway’s life and works, as well as what life was like in Key West during its early 1900s heydays. Visitors are free to tour Hemingway’s house and its surroundings while learning about Hemingway’s literary work as well as Key West history through photographs, paintings, artifacts and historical documents.
Mallory Square in Key West offers many exciting activities during the day, but at sunset is when its true magic lies. Mallory Square serves as the town center, housing attractions such as its waterfront playhouse theater and monument garden which features sculptures commemorating Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams and others as well as plenty of spots where one can sip cocktails while watching a breathtaking sunset.
Attractions not to miss include the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, where visitors can witness over 50 species of butterflies and exotic birds freely flitting around in its climate-controlled conservatory. There’s also an educational center, art gallery, and gift shop.
Visitors looking for a more adventurous experience should take a boat ride out to Dry Tortugas National Park and admire its turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Situated approximately 70 miles southwest of Key West, this remote park features incredible coral reefs that boast incredible visual appeal.
Visit Florida in the fall is often more pleasant than summer due to being outside hurricane season and temperatures being slightly lower. Visitors will still be able to take advantage of Key West beaches, nightlife, and attractions, but will find that crowds have reduced.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is an essential destination for history enthusiasts. Here, visitors can explore Florida’s longstanding exploration and adventure story through artifacts and interactive exhibits. Families traveling with kids will also love visiting this museum for its interactive activities that provide educational fun!
Sarasota
Florida’s southwest coast offers beach-lovers plenty of culture. Siesta Key stands out with its crystal white quartz sands and turquoise waters as the main draw, but there are also museums and fine dining experiences available, including Sarasota Opera. Art lovers will also be drawn to John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s incredible collection of Old Masters paintings as well as its circus museum that hosts Ringling family memorabilia as well as one of the world’s largest collection of circus wagons and machinery – something Siesta Key cannot match.
Miami is a global city with lots to see and do. Art Deco District provides an electric atmosphere bursting with creativity and style, while Wynwood Walls feature murals in place of high-rise office buildings. And Miami Beach provides ample room for sunbathing or strolling along its long outdoor path along the coastline.
Clearwater Beach is one of the premier beaches in Florida, and also plays host to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival – an art event which showcases monumental sand carvings on Florida beaches. If you stay at Opal Sands hotel during this festival, your beachfront room offers unparalleled views of this magnificent event!
St. Petersburg is an iconic Florida tourist destination, boasting excellent museums and waterfront parks as well as lesser-known art and cultural centers like the Dali Museum. But what truly distinguishes St. Petersburg as an exceptional vacation spot are its pristine beaches – making this destination one of the must-visit Florida vacation spots!
Madeira Beach and Caladesi Island beaches in Tampa offer sandy shores and tranquil coves respectively, and don’t forget Busch Gardens for rollercoaster thrills or Clearwater Marine Aquarium to view an underwater world!
Jacksonville may not receive as much attention for its urban attractions, parks and museums as theme park-rich Orlando or beach city Tampa; but this city boasts plenty to offer visitors. Its revitalized downtown boasts some of the state’s finest restaurants while the riverwalk entices both runners and bicyclists alike.
