Top Things to do in Florida
Top Hotels in Florida
- 1. The Goodtime Hotel
- 2. Mondrian South Beach Hotel
- 3. Havana Cabana at Key West
- 4. Nautilus by Arlo
- 5. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
- 6. 1 Hotel South Beach
- 7. Postcard Inn
- 8. B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale
- 9. Margaritaville Beach House Key West
- 10. Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Countries
10 State Parks in Florida That You Shouldn't Miss
Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Restaurants in Florida
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,804 reviews
A beautiful state park that features land and undersea adventures.
Reviewed By TimeToGoInNC - North Carolina, United States
Whether you’re spending months or just hours in the Keys, this spot should be on your “must do” list. There is so much to do - aquarium, glass-bottom boat trip out to Molasses Reef, kayaks to rent, short trails to explore, a small beach for relaxing, ... Staff is extra friendly and helpful. All facilities are clean, well maintained and clearly marked. We especially enjoyed the boat trip out to the reef. Capt. Cathi’s knowledge and enthusiasm were contagious. GO!
2. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,798 reviews
Historic site of a Civil War-era fort, currently being excavated; also has a beautiful beach for swimming and snorkeling.
Reviewed By dansD4938BT - Key West, United States
Fort Taylor has the best beach in Key West the friendly staff that runs the park is excellent they do have a nice concession stand on the beach and chairs and umbrellas to rent highly recommend if you’re going to Key West to spend the day at this place
3. St. Andrews State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,262 reviews
Reviewed By O2486MWelizabethh
We love St. Andrews, the pier provides great fishing and is spacious, the jetties have great snorkeling opportunities and help create the kiddie pool which is my favorite part of the park! Calm, clear water tucked behind the jetties, the water stays nice and shallow allowing everyone, even the younger kids, the chance to enjoy the Gulf. We also enjoy standing on the alligator lake watching the gators drift through their swamp.
4. Egmont Key State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Visitors to this island can visit its great beaches and explore the ruins of Fort Dade, a Civil War fort.
Reviewed By redfaine701 - Storm Lake, United States
On October 24th (perfect weather), I & a friend booked a 5-hour adventure (10 am to 3 pm) with FLIPFLOPS-SAILING.COM---with Egmont Key State Park as our destination. We boarded Captain Kit's 30 foot motorized catamaran on Anna Maria Island, Keys Marina---in Holmes Beach. Captain Kit offers 5 sailing options, but this is the only trip that takes 5-hours, with Egmont Key as a destination. THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE WAS FANTASTIC!!!! After a 1 1/2 hour relaxing sail on Kit's roomy, immaculate boat...with many seating options...bathroom facilities...& an ample kitchen with large refrigerator, we arrived at Egmont Key. We were allowed 2 hours on the island to snorkel...swim/sunbathe...walk the interior & explore the ruins of Fort Dade...visit the Tampa Bay lighthouse...get "up close & personal" with the Gopher Tortoises...& go "shelling" on the Key's pristine white beach. A sub sandwich, chips & a drink (ample amounts of water are furnished) was provided on our return voyage. For $99.00, per person, this is the best way to experience multiple things during a 5-hour period---with an informed, amicable, entertaining captain, at the helm of a beautiful sailing vessel!!!! Visit his website---www.FLIPFLOPS-SAILING.COM. & his "facebook page" with this title---to view comments & pictures! Kit truly loves his job!!!!
5. Honeymoon Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,771 reviews
This barrier island state park offers numerous nature-based activities. 5 miles of beaches, 3.5 miles of wooded hiking trails, nature center with gift shop and scenic views, 2 cafes, a new playground and wildlife including gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatee, eagles, owls, osprey and 100 of species of birds.
Reviewed By Redvette69
Interesting history, as is much of FL. "a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island, a barrier island across St. Joseph's Sound from Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. The park is 385 acres in land area with 2400 acres submerged and 4 mi of beach. It lies at the western end of Causeway Boulevard, which becomes Curlew Road east of Alternate US 19. Its address is 1 Causeway Blvd. Consistently receiving more than one million visitors each year, it is the most-visited state park in Florida." FOUR MILES OF BEACH!! Your certain to get a good spot of sand to relax on. There is also a section of beach that you can take your pet. Two snack bars provide food, beverages and rent beach umbrellas and chairs, kayaks and bicycles. Well maintained, with weddings happening while you enjoy the sun. $8.00 fee for entrance and parking.
6. Caladesi Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,334 reviews
One of Florida's few remaining undisturbed barrier islands.
Reviewed By Kellylroche - Saint Joseph, United States
This was a simple morning paddle for our family of 4 (8 & 10 yr olds). We rented two double kayaks from Sail Honeymoon for 2 hours ($45/kayak) which was long enough to paddle over, explore the Caladesi Island and paddle back. The tide was low and we even found an area of live sand dollars on the way. Highly recommend!
7. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,492 reviews
Rehabilation center for injured animals, with a broad selection of birds and reptiles, including the manatee.
Reviewed By scalise12 - Homosassa, United States
A very beautiful place to visit, located on HWY 19 4150 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida The park is officially named Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in honor of Elmyra Felburn Schiller (1943 – 2009), a benefactor of the Florida state park system. The park is about 75 miles north of Tampa & 90 miles northwest of Orlando. HERE IS A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT HOMOSASSA SPRINGS!!! Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State park has been a tourist attraction since the early 1900s, when trains stopped to let passengers off to walk the short trail to the first-magnitude spring. The tracks ran alongside what is now Fishbowl Drive. While passengers enjoyed a view of Homosassa Spring and its myriad of fresh and saltwater fish, the train's crew were busy loading their freight of fish, crabs, cedar and spring water aboard the Mullet Train. The 50-acre site and surrounding 100 acres was purchased in the 1940s and was operated as a small attraction. In 1964, the Norris Development Company bought the property and expanded it as Homosassa Springs "Nature's Own Attraction," with an emphasis on entertainment and with a variety of exotic animals and some native species. Ivan Tors Animal Actors housed their trained animals at Homosassa Springs Attraction for several years. These animals were trained for television shows and movies. When they were not performing they were kept at Homosassa Springs. One of the most popular of these animals was Buck who was a stand-in for Gentle Ben in the famous television series. Lu, a hippopotamus, was one of the Ivan Tors animals and still resides at the park after being declared an honorary citizen of the State of Florida by then Governor Lawton Chiles. Norris owned the attraction until 1978. From 1978 until 1984, the land went through several changes in ownership. The Citrus County Commission purchased the attraction to protect it as an environmentally sensitive area until the State of Florida could purchase the property as a Florida State Park. Modern thinking about captive wildlife has influenced how the park is now managed. Both visitor safety and animal welfare are of utmost importance at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. With Florida's Wildlife in mind you will -Discover the wild-side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolves, manatees and whooping cranes, plus black bears, bobcats and of course, alligators. One of the most interesting encounters is a floating observatory, where you descend into a wall of glass encloser where you can view hundreds of Fish and Florida's Endangered Manatees, this natural springs water is a very comfortable year around temperature of 72 degrees and can be observed at close range 365 days a year. There are many wildlife to see on the walking trails. From - Alligator's, Back Bears, Florida Panther, Hippo & of course Manatees. Here is a footnote on Lu the Hippo - Lu is the oldest hippopotamus in North America, and the only animal in the park not native to Florida. Lu was born at the San Diego Zoo in 1960. He appeared in the TV shows Daktari and Cowboy in Africa and he has lived in the park since 1964. Lu's Birthday is 26 January. Along the trails, you will also find resting places, picnic tables & bathrooms... Homosassa Springs Wildlife - also offers, Educational Programs on Manatees, and Florida's Wildlife. Children's Education Center, offers variety of hands-on activities, & Boat Tours... Homosassa Springs is a quiet, relaxing, beautiful place to enjoy a full day of fun and learning experiences all rolled into one for the whole family, friends & visitors from other parts of the World... People in wheel-chairs,scooters & even new moms with baby strollers, will not have any problem getting around inside the park as it offers paved trails & boardwalks. For parking - plenty, also for Handicap!!! Park Hours are - every day from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM The ticket counter closes at 4:00 p.m. All schedules are subject to change, weather permitting... Park Prices - Adults (age 13+) $13, Children (ages 6-12) $5, Children 5 and under, free... Please note: Florida Temperatures are Warm & Sunny during the day and cool at night in the Winter Months . In the Summer Months Florida is Very Hot, Steamy & Humid all day & night. Drink Plenty of Water and a wear a Hat or Visor while you visiting Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park! No Smoking, No Swimming, & Do Not Feed the Animals, Park Rules.... This is worth your time to adventure out and enjoy mother nature;s gift. Hope to see you there, Till later, Be-Safe, Happy Traveling!! John & Jackie Scalise/Homosassa, Florida
8. Fort Clinch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,492 reviews
This state park preserves Florida's history.
Reviewed By SkipsTexasKiss - Lancaster, United States
Beautiful drive in, very nice historical museum explaining fort history and background, very well maintained fort. The cannons were a hit with my youngest. Gorgeous views.
9. Cayo Costa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Accessible only by boat, a ferry can take you to this island nature reserve known for its beautiful beaches and great collection of shells.
Reviewed By lobojen - Chandler, United States
Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. If you want to collect some amazing shells hop on a boat out here from Captiva (we took Captiva Cruises - excellent). When you get to the dock you'll walk just a minute or two until you get to the beach. Take a LEFT and start walking - and I mean WALKING about a mile down the beach - away from everyone else. We found amazing shells and sand dollars. Up your game by getting a scooper and a bag. It was chilly the day we went (60's, but I am from Arizona so anything less than about 75 is cold to me!) but the water was actually warmer than on Sanibel. Do not miss this place if you want some amazing shells.
10. Lovers Key State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,997 reviews
Park is not associated with Bonita Springs Dog Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, shelling, fishing, hiking, bicycling, wildlife watching, canoeing/kayaking, geocaching and more.
Reviewed By A832KAhannahh - Fort Myers, United States
My Dad and I visited back in October and there were so many dead sand dollars, we couldn’t fit them all in our hand. We suspected it was a phenomenon brought on by the red tide outbreak we had this year. Fortunately, the day we went it did not affect us. The beach is long, wide and has a lot of nature to observe along the trails, walkway, and on the shoreline. “Amenities include a two-mile (3 km) long beach on Lovers Key. Black Island has over five miles (8 km) of multiuse trails; bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals, gazebo, picnic areas, boat ramp, and two playgrounds.” It is a beautiful place to see the sunset and get married. They had a huge tent set up complete with chandeliers right on the beach! There is a tram to carry you out to the beach or you can walk a long distance to the end. The tram leaves from the parking lot. There is a building that provides bathrooms and a gift shop with various small snacks & drinks. The park is open from 8:00 am till sundown year-round. There is a cost to get in is $8 unless the mode of transportation is larger or smaller than a standard vehicle. Well worth the trip!
