Top 10 Places To Visit in Florida
By : Jazmine Montgomery
When most people think of Florida they think of Disney World , or South Beach , but there is more to Florida than Mickey Mouse , and Fat Tuesday’s on South Beach . Florida is state full of fun and beautiful hidden treasures that will make you forget that you are even in Florida .
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10. St Augustine
St.Augustine is one of the oldest cities in Florida , and probably one of the places that people forget about the most when it comes to Florida . The town is full of rich history and beautiful places . St.Augustine Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the US ,it is a great place to visit to take a trip back in time to see how Florida’s history began . St.Augustine has great places like Marineland , one of the oldest attractions in St.Augustine where you can get the chance to swim with dolphins , and see more marine life . With St.Augustine right near the coast it is also a great place to visit the beach as well . If you have a serious sweet tooth , and love chocolate you will enjoy the Whetstone Chocolate tasting tour . So if your looking for a trip to learn about Florida’s history , swim with Dolphins , hang out along the beautiful northern florida coast , and even satisfy your sweet tooth , then I recommend booking a trip to St.Augustine .
9. De Leon Springs
Pancake Park also known as De Leon Springs . De Leon Springs is one of Florida’s state parks , the area is mainly known for the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant which is a place where you can make your own pancakes at your table . There is a griddle in the middle of your table , you are given a pitcher of pancake batter , and for an extra fee you can add extra ingredients like fruit , chocolate chips , and so much more. The beautiful area also offers beautiful natural springs for you to cool off in or kayak in . It’s a four dollar entrance fee per car , and four dollars and 50 cent per person to make your own pancakes . This is a cheap great time for the family to enjoy nature , and pancakes . If you enjoy pancakes and nature then I recommend taking a trip to De Leon Springs
8. Tampa
Tampa is one of those towns that most people forget about when they come to Florida . It is a great city about an hour out of Orlando , so perfect for a day trip if you happen to be in the Orlando area . There is plenty to do while visting the city of Tampa . If you love roller coasters , and jungle animals you will enjoy Busch Gardens a sister park to Sea World . Busch Gardens has five roller coasters for all of you thrill seekers , that will have your heart racing the whole time . Busch Gardens also has a water park called Adventure Island , which has 10 water slides , a wave pool , and a half mile lazy river to relax in ! If you a looking for a more laid more adventure you will enjoy going to Florida’s Aquarium located in Downtown Tampa filled with wonderful aquatic animal exhibits , a dolphin cruise , and if your bringing the kids along they will enjoy a 2-acre water zone , where the kids can cool off and enjoy live shows . Tampa sits right off of the Gulf coast of Florida , and has plenty of beautiful beaches to visit . So take a trip to Florida’s beautiful West Coast city for a great time !
7.Clearwater Beach
Clearwater is a 45 minute drive from Tampa , and is basically it’s own little city that sets it self apart from the Tampa area . The little beach town was voted by USA today for one of the top beach towns in Florida as well . The beautiful Gulf Coast town is a great summer weekend getaway , and if you like seafood Clearwater is known for their seafood with their fresh daily catches . If you are on a romantic weekend getaway their are sunset dinner cruises to enjoy the inter coastal view of the area . The beach is a must while visiting the area , and has beautiful resorts along the beach for you to enjoy as well . So if you are looking for a simple couples weekend or a relaxing weekend for the family Clearwater is the place to be .
6. Barefoot Beach
If you love the beach then you will love one of Florida’s many hidden treasures . When most people think of Florida beaches they think of Daytona or South Beach . If you are looking for a quiet family friendly beach I would recommend Barefoot Beach .
The quiet Gulf Coast beach is not too crowded , and the place is so beautiful that you will forget that you’re still in Florida . If your looking for a family beach vacation and want to avoid the hustle and bustle , then Take a trip to Barefoot beach , you can relax and enjoy great family time .
5. Destin
Destin as another forgotten Florida treasure the beautiful town has plenty for everyone in the family to enjoy . This beautiful area is located right near the pan handle , on the northern coast of the Gulf . Destin is known for it’s beautiful white sandy beaches , and crystal clear waters . If you are looking for something unique to do as a family , then you should definitely try taking sand sculpting class by professional sand sculptors company called Beach Sand Sculptures . They will meet you at any beach within the Destin area , and teach you and your family how to make a sand sculpture or if you are celebrating a birthday , anniversary or proposal the company will help you by designing a sand sculpture for you . If you want to take a break from the beach and enjoy some more fun in the sun , you should check out Destin’s very own water park Big Kahuna where you can hang out in the lazy river , or wave pool or ride a few water slides . It’s not a big park , but the family will enjoy it as they beat the summer heat .
4. Fort Lauderdale
The beautiful little city of South Florida , has plenty to offer with it being about an hour out of Miami . You can’t make a trip down south without visiting the beach , Fort Lauderdale has seven beaches within driving distance for you to choose from . If you are looking for a beach that’s less crowded Dania beach is a great one to choose , if you like to fish then you will enjoy the fishing pier that they have to offer . After a long day at the beach , why not stick around for wonderful fresh seafood at the pier , while watching the beautiful South Florida sunset . Now if you are bringing the family along the best beach to go to is Hollywood beach or Fort Lauderdale beach . Hollywood Beach has a 2 1/2 mile boardwalk for you to enjoy with plenty of cafes , and restaurants , and if you bring your dog along with you it also has a dog beach . Fort Lauderdale beach has small shopping area for you to enjoy , along with wonderful restaurants . So you can catch some rays , shop a little , and then end the day dining at one of the surrounding restaurants in the area .
3. Marco Island
This another one of those Florida hidden treasures . The island is right on the edge of the Everglades , but with it’s tropical feel you would never guess that you are that close to the marshy swamps . The island caters to everyone if you are couple celebrating an anniversary or a family of four on vacation . The island has plenty of beach resorts for you to choose from , and if you a frequent golf player there are plenty of golf courses for you to choose from . Marco Island has beautiful resorts some that sit right along the beach , and Marco Island’s sunsets & sunrises are absolutely gorgeous , and worth every penny . The island offers excursions to take a tour of the island , and Naples Botancle Gardens is just a short drive away . If you just want to relax , and enjoy the beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters then you love the beautiful beaches that Marco Island has to offer .
2. Siesta Key
Home to the World’s finest sand aka Siesta Key is one of Florida’s hidden gems , and one of the little islands that sit right on the beautiful Gulf waters of Mexico . The little island gives you that tropical island feel that makes you forget that you are still in Florida . There is always something to do when you are surrounded by water , if it’s just relaxing on one of Siesta Key’s many beaches or kayaking while taking a tour around the island . Siesta key has plenty of resorts , condos , and hotels around for everyone to enjoy . If you are on a couples trip or on vacation with the family you will enjoy your time in Siesta Key .
1. Sanibel Island
This beautiful little island also known as one of Florida’s little secret places . Sanibel island is located on the southwest side of Florida right on the Gulf of Mexico . If you love to hunt for seashells you will love to visit Sanibel , because the beaches are full of them . The island has 7 beautiful sandy white , and crystal clear blue waters for you to choose from . There’s plenty to do on the island from cruise line tours around the island , where you just might get the chance to see some manatees or even the chance of some dolphins . If you like a good nature walk you will enjoy walking around Lighthouse Park , and see one of the islands oldest treasures .
