Planning a trip to Florida but looking to venture beyond the typical tourist spots? Or perhaps you’ve recently moved to the Sunshine State and are looking for ideas of things to do in Florida other than theme parks? Don’t get us wrong — we enjoy visiting the theme parks and know what an important role they play in Florida’s economy. However, as lifelong residents, we also know this beautiful state has so much more to offer, including unique natural wonders, fascinating historical sites, unparalleled beaches, iconic “Floribbean” cuisine, and a diverse culture. Below we share some destinations and activities that will help you explore the real Florida!
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1.) EXPLORE A STATE PARK
With the recently opened Shoal River Headwaters State Park in the panhandle, Florida now has 176 state parks that showcase the Sunshine State’s incredible natural diversity, native wildlife, and unique geography and also provide plentiful outdoor activities. At state parks you can hike, kayak, camp, fish, take eco boat tours, learn about the state’s history, and more, usually for less than $10 per vehicle. No matter where you are in Florida, there is likely a state park within an hour or two.
Although this list is far from exhaustive, here are a few of our favorite state parks, organized by region.
Panhandle Region
- Florida Caverns State Park: The only Florida state park to offer public tours of dry limestone caves.
- Grayton Beach State Park: Consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, this state park also has coastal dune lakes and a largely unspoiled ecosystem.
- Falling Waters State Park: Home to Florida’s tallest waterfall and also a variety of sinkholes and small caves.
- Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park: Features one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs, an ancient cypress forest, and a historic lodge, and has been a filming location for several classic movies.
North Florida Region
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: Located in Micanopy, this state park is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Florida and the only place in the state where you can see wild horses and bison roaming freely.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: This park consists of an ancient 500-foot wide and 120-foot deep sinkhole that is home to a rainforest-like environment which supports diverse plant and animal life rarely found elsewhere in Florida.
- Anastasia State Park: Situated near St. Augustine, this park includes four miles of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, hiking trails, and a historic coquina quarry.
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park: This park is famous for summer tubing down its six-mile crystal-clear river. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and spotting wildlife like manatees, otters, and turtles.
Central Florida Region
- Blue Spring State Park: A premier destination for manatee viewing, especially from mid-November through March, this park features a large spring run for swimming and snorkeling and offers river boat tours along the St. Johns River.
- De Leon Springs State Park: This park offers a large recreational swimming area and the famous “Old Spanish Sugar Mill,” where visitors can cook their own pancakes at the table.
- Highlands Hammock State Park: One of Florida’s oldest state parks, this park features an elevated boardwalk through a cypress swamp.
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Designated as Florida’s first Dark Sky Park, this park is the premier location for stargazing and protects a vast expanse of native dry prairie.
South Florida Region
- Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: Often called the “Amazon of North America,” this is the largest state park in Florida and home to rare species like the Ghost Orchid and the Florida panther.
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park: This park encompasses 16 distinct natural communities and the 1930’s homestead of Trapper Nelson, the “Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.”
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: As the first underwater park in the U.S., this park is a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Frequently cited as having one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys, this park features crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand.
2.) RELAX AT A PICTURESQUE BEACH
Florida boasts 825 miles of sandy beaches, which means that no Floridian is ever more than 60 miles from a beach. Florida’s beaches are famous for their white quartz sand and turquoise waters and offer great opportunities for shelling, relaxing, water sports, sunbathing, and wildlife viewing. Due to the Sunshine State’s subtropical climate, the weather is mild enough to enjoy beaches year-round. Whether you want to swim, snorkel or kayak or just want to relax and soak up some Vitamin D, we recommend enjoying a beach day during your trip. The following are widely considered to be some of Florida’s best beaches:
- Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota): Known for its pure quartz sand and consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S.
- Clearwater Beach (Clearwater): Known for its lively atmosphere, Clearwater Beach features a bustling promenade and Pier 60.
- Sanibel Island: A world-renowned destination for shelling.
- St. Augustine Beach (St. Augustine): Perfect for those seeking a mix of history and relaxation, this spacious beach is located just minutes from the nation’s oldest city.
- Caspersen Beach (Sarasota): Known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” it is the top destination for finding fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline.
- Caladesi Island State Park: Accessible only by boat or ferry, this secluded island offers a completely natural beach experience away from the crowds.
3.) STROLL A BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Florida is home to over 40 distinct botanical gardens which offer year-round displays of tropical, native, and exotic plants. Florida’s botanical gardens offer peaceful escapes to explore native habitats and vibrant plants, as well as educational programs and opportunities to experience Florida’s natural beauty. Many gardens also have designated kids’ play areas and programs.
Admission prices vary by garden, but many participate in the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Garden Network, providing reciprocal admission to members of other botanical gardens around the country. We take advantage of this perk often when visiting different gardens around the state!
The following are a few of our favorite botanical gardens in Florida:
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables): Has one of the world’s largest collections of tropical plants.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Sarasota): Famous for its bayfront setting and premier collection of orchids and bromeliads.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens (Orlando): A 50-acre oasis near downtown Orlando featuring a large camellia collection and the historic Leu house.
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville): Includes the state’s largest display of bamboo and a giant water lily pond.
- Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales): Features a 60-bell carillon tower, tranquil trails, and scenic views from one of the highest points in the state.
4.) DISCOVER A NATURAL SPRING
Florida is home to the world’s largest concentration of freshwater springs with over 600. These springs are home to a variety of wildlife including manatees, alligators, otters, and a plethora of birds. Many springs offer recreational activities such as tubing, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling, and many also provide educational ecotours where you can learn about the spring and surrounding area.
If you would like to experience the real Florida by exploring a natural spring, the following are excellent options:
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Spring Hill): Famous for its mermaid shows and Buccaneer Bay water park.
- Ginnie Springs (High Springs): Privately owned and renowned for exceptionally clear water, cave diving, and camping.
- Silver Springs State Park (Silver Springs): Known for its historic glass-bottom boat tours and scenic river paddling.
- Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River): A stunning, protected spring known for high manatee concentrations in the winter.
- Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring (Williston): An underground dry cave with an opening at the top where you can snorkel and scuba dive.
- Kelly Park: An excellent spring for tubing. Also offers swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, and a playground.
5.) SAMPLE FLORIDA'S ICONIC DISHES
Florida is unique in the fact that it is technically a southern state, and while some small towns have a traditionally southern feel, most of peninsular Florida does not. Florida’s cuisine is a fusion of many different cultures and flavors, including traditional Southern as well as Caribbean and Latin American influences. Sometimes dubbed “Floribbean” cuisine, Florida’s iconic dishes often blend tropical fruits, spices, and fresh seafood. Wherever you are in the Sunshine State, try to sample some of these delicious staples:
- Key Lime Pie: The official state pie, a sweet and tangy dessert that originated in the Florida Keys.
- Seafood: Fresh catches often include grouper, mahi-mahi, and snapper.
- Conch Fritters: a popular appetizer features battered and fried queen conch.
- Cuban Sandwich: a pressed sandwich with ham, mojo-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Alligator: We honestly have never tried this, but there are many places where you can get fried alligator or even alligator jerky.
- Southern Dishes: Some favorites to keep an eye out for are barbeque, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes.
- Citrus: Grab some oranges, grapefruit, or lemons. Florida is a top producer!
- Publix Subs: Although Publix has now expanded throughout the Southeast, it was founded in Winter Haven, Florida. Publix subs are popular for their high-quality ingredients, customizable options, and fresh-baked bread. There are so many options you are sure to find one you like — if you can’t decide, try the chicken tender sub, one of their most popular sandwiches!
6.) PICK FRESH PRODUCE
Due to its subtropical climate, Florida has an extended growing season, which allows farmers to grow crops much earlier and later than in northern climates. Florida grows a diverse range of crops from citrus and sugarcane to vegetables such as bell peppers and sweet corn and fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. Visiting a u-pick farm is a popular activity that allows guests to pick produce straight from the tree or vine. Some farms also have seasonal festivals and other activities such as petting zoos and farm-to-table treats. Attending a u-pick farm is a fantastic way to obtain fresh produce as well as have family-friendly fun and support local farms. Below are a few fantastic u-pick farms you can check out. Be sure to visit their website first to see what is available because u-pick is seasonal.
- Southern Hill Farms (Clermont)
- Amber Brooks Farms (Eustis)
- Showcase of Citrus (Clermont)
- Keel Farms (Plant City)
- Hunsader Farms (Bradenton)
- Knaus Berry Farm (Homestead)
- Bedner’s Fresh Farm Market (Boynton Beach)
- Green Meadows Farm (Monticello)
7.) EXPLORE THE OLDEST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES
St. Augustine, Florida, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Today, this beautiful city offers a unique blend of history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. In St. Augustine you can visit historical sites such as Castillo de San Marcos, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. You can walk cobblestone streets in the charming downtown, take a ghost tour, or stroll one of the beautiful beaches on the area’s 40 miles of coastline. St. Augustine is also a great destination for families. Kids will enjoy activities like the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum or the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Check out our article about St. Augustine for more about what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in this historic city.
8.) TRAVERSE THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES
Nicknamed “River of Grass,” the Everglades is a unique ecosystem that consists of nine different habitats. It is critical territory for threatened and protected species such as the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatee and also plays a crucial role in filtering water as it moves through the sawgrass prairies and into the ocean. When visiting the Everglades, you can take an educational tram tour at Shark Valley, located inside Everglades National Park, or an airboat ride through the sawgrass. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Everglades is like nowhere else in the world and is a must-see destination when you are in Florida.
9.) TAKE A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE FLORIDA KEYS
The Florida Keys are an archipelago, a chain of islands formed from ancient coral reefs. Stretching about 120 miles, their name is derived from the Spanish word “cayo,” which means “small island.” Known for their easygoing atmosphere, the Keys offer a variety of activities, from scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing to sampling delectable seafood, enjoying scenic views, and learning about ocean conservation efforts. You can drive the Overseas Highway, snorkel the only coral barrier reef along the continental United States, view a variety of wildlife, and indulge in delectable key lime pie. We love the Keys and try to visit once a year–Jonathan and I even got engaged there. For some tips on places to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and what to pack for your trip to the Keys, check out our article about the Upper Florida Keys and our packing guide.
10.) LEARN ABOUT SPACE TRAVEL AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Established in the 1960’s as a launch site for manned space missions, Kennedy Space Center now also includes exhibits, displays, memorabilia, and tours that teach about the history and future of space travel. Here you can walk through the Rocket Garden, stand beneath the colossal Saturn V rocket, and even meet an actual astronaut!
Other activities you can do here include taking a bus tour to view the launch pads, marveling at the impressive Space Shuttle Atlantis, launching into space on the Shuttle Launch Experience, and touching a moon rock! For younger visitors, the new Planet Play area is an immersive, multi-story indoor play area where kids can walk on Saturn’s rings and climb through a wormhole.
Whether you are visiting Florida on vacation or are a resident, the Sunshine State offers beautiful and unique natural sites, world-class beaches, historic cities, and a diverse culinary scene. There is something here for everyone, and we encourage you to explore the real Florida beyond the theme parks!
What do you think is a must-see destination in Florida beyond the theme parks? Share in the comments below!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
