Florida is a paradise for those who appreciate breathtaking scenery; while beach vacations are the most popular, the Sunshine State has a wide variety of other outdoor activities to offer.
There is a limitless assortment of natural wonders in Florida waiting to be found, which is great news if you’re looking to do something a little different during your vacation or just want to get to know the state beyond its surface.
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Explore a national park
You’ve certainly heard of the most well-known national parks in the United States, but did you know there are plenty of other, lesser-known parks in the country?
If you’re looking for someplace truly unique and off the main route, as well as some truly amazing underwater excursions, go no farther than Dry Tortugas National Park. It is a bit of a hike to get there because you have to take a boat or plane, it would be difficult to be bored at Dry Tortugas, with its seven tropical islands and abundant opportunities to explore them in quest of brilliant coral and wonderful marine life.
Take a dip in a turquoise spring
There are more than 700 freshwater springs in Florida, making it the world leader in this category. Visiting one of Florida’s many natural springs is the best way to cool off in the center of nature and enjoy a day spent swimming in glistening emerald greens and azure blues.
We recommend going to Blue Spring State Park, which is a wintertime haven for manatees escaping the frigid Atlantic waters. Rainbow Springs State Park combines natural beauty with ancient history thanks to its 10,000-year-old spring.
The springs of Florida are a sight to behold because of the intricate cave systems beneath the surface and the abundance of unique animals (we’re looking at you, manatees) that call them home.
Go on a beach vacation
Of course, one of the best things to do in Florida is going on a beach vacation. With 825 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect spot to relax in the sun.
If you’re looking for something a little more active than lying on the sand, many beaches also offer excellent opportunities for surfing, fishing, kayaking, and more. And of course, there’s always the option to just sit back and enjoy the spectacular views. Some beaches we recommend visiting are
- Cocoa Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Daytona Beach
We recommend this popular experience HERE.
Go on an eco-tour
If you want to get up close and personal with Florida’s natural wonders, there’s no better way to do it than on an eco-tour. These tours are led by experienced guides who will take you to see alligators, manatees, dolphins, and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitats.
There are many different eco-tours to choose from, so you can pick one that best suits your interests.
Explore the Everglades
The Everglades is a must-see for any nature lover. This massive wetland is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life, including alligators, Florida panthers, manatees, and much more.
There are many different ways to explore the Everglades, from airboat tours to safari tram rides. No matter how you choose to do it, a visit to the Everglades is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
We recommend booking this best-selling tour HERE.
Visit a cave
A trip to Florida Caverns State Park is one that will live long in the memory of any explorer who makes the trek there.
The only spot in Florida where you can go on a guided tour of dry caves is in this incredible national park, which also contains a maze-like network of underground caverns.
Exploring the stunning stalagmites and stalactites that rise and trickle from the ceilings, as well as the flowstones and draperies that look almost alien, is like taking a deep dive into Florida’s environment. Hiking the nearby trails is one option; other outdoor pursuits include boating, geocaching, and camping.
Check out the world’s third-largest barrier rift
In order to get to know the marine life of the United States, you simply must visit Florida, which is home to the only barrier reef in the entire country and the third largest in the world.
Visit Biscayne National Park or John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and snorkel or scuba dive in search of dramatic colorful structures and the colorful marine life that flourishes around it to witness this underwater treasure for yourself.
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Final Note
We hope our guide to Florida’s greatest outdoor destinations was useful in deciding where to go on your next vacation. It would be hard to compile an exhaustive list of the state’s natural attractions, but the places included below are among the best bets for a really unforgettable encounter with the great outdoors.
Do you have any experience with visiting Florida’s natural attractions? Tell us everything about it in the comments below!
