Let me tell you something about Florida that most people don’t realize—it’s so much more than just theme parks and beaches! I was honestly stunned when I stood on the boardwalk at Blue Spring State Park watching manatees glide through crystal-clear water. And don’t even get me started on kayaking through the glowing waters of the Indian River at night—it felt like floating through stars.
From dense mangrove tunnels to spring-fed rivers, the most beautiful places in Florida pack some serious wow factor. After exploring this state from top to bottom, I’ve put together my favorite spots that’ll make you see the Sunshine State in a whole new light. Here are 12 places that surprised even this seasoned traveler.
Best Places to Visit in Florida
Looking for the coolest things to do in Florida? Relax on the stunning shores of Anna Maria Island, explore the underwater wonders of Biscayne National Park, marvel at the unique limestone formations at Blowing Rocks Preserve, and witness the incredible manatees at Blue Spring State Park. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or relaxation, here are the top attractions to visit in Florida.
1. Anna Maria Island
The powder-white sand at Anna Maria Island squeaks under your feet like fresh snow, and honestly, it’s way more relaxing than I expected. This 7-mile barrier island keeps things low-key with beach cottages that actually look like they belong in Old Florida, not some cookie-cutter resort development.
I love that the free trolley runs the entire length of the island, so you can ditch your car and just cruise between the three towns. Anna Maria has the historic city pier where locals fish at sunrise, Holmes Beach is where you’ll find the best restaurants, and Bradenton Beach gives you easy access to Coquina Beach.
Bean Point is hands down the best spot for sunrise photos – get there early because parking fills up fast. The dolphin tours are actually pretty awesome too, though they can get touristy during peak season. I always rent a beach cruiser to explore the quiet residential streets lined with bougainvillea and palm trees.
Pro tip: The island recovered beautifully from recent hurricane impacts and is fully open for visitors in 2025. Summer brings capacity closures on busy weekends, so show up early or plan for some traffic delays. The Tortuga Inn Beach Resort is still the go-to beachfront spot if you want to stay right on the sand.
2. Biscayne National Park
Only 20 miles south of Miami, Biscayne National Park protects 95% underwater territory that’ll blow your mind. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead is your launching point, and it’s open daily 9 AM to 5 PM with no entrance fees.
Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs offer the clearest snorkeling I’ve experienced in Florida. The Biscayne National Park Institute runs daily tours starting around $89 per person, and honestly, these guys know where to find the good stuff. Their snorkel and paddle combo tours are the best bang for your buck.
Boca Chita Key has this cool lighthouse and decent camping if you’ve got your own boat. Elliott Key is bigger with actual facilities including showers and drinking water. The camping fees are $25 per night, or $35 if you need boat docking too.
I’ve done the Maritime Heritage Trail where you can snorkel six different shipwrecks. The visibility here is usually 100 feet, which is insane for East Coast waters. Winter months (November-April) give you the calmest seas, but summer’s warm water temperatures make up for occasional afternoon storms. Book tours through the Park Institute since your money goes directly to conservation efforts.
3. Blowing Rocks Preserve
When waves crash against the ancient limestone at Blowing Rocks Preserve, water rockets 50 feet in the air like natural geysers. This Nature Conservancy site on Jupiter Island is one of Florida’s few rocky shorelines, and the photo opportunities are incredible.
The Coastal Trail takes you right along these dramatic formations. I’ve seen the biggest water spouts during winter months when Atlantic swells are strongest, but honestly, any day with decent surf creates a show. Wear sturdy shoes because limestone can be sharp and gets slippery when wet.
The Indian River Lagoon Trail heads inland through maritime hammock where I’ve spotted gopher tortoises and rare butterflies. This place protects endangered coastal plants you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. The preserve also has tide pools during calmer periods that reveal small marine life.
Best photography happens early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the limestone formations just right. During sea turtle nesting season (April-October), you might catch hatchlings making their way to the ocean at night. The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is your closest luxury option, about 15 minutes south.
4. Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is hands down the best place to see wild manatees up close. The spring maintains a constant 72°F, which draws hundreds of manatees during cold snaps from November through March. The park’s record count hit 932 manatees on January 21, 2024!
The half-mile boardwalk lets you see these gentle giants without disturbing them. I’ve watched mothers nursing calves and seen individual manatees that researchers can identify by their scars. The Save the Manatee Club runs live webcams at ManaTV.org if you want to check manatee activity before visiting.
During manatee season, swimming is off-limits, but that reopened in May 2025 for summer visitors. The spring run is perfect for tubing – you can rent gear at the concession stand and float a quarter-mile downstream. Scuba diving is allowed with proper certification and a buddy.
Park admission is $6 per vehicle, and it opens at 8 AM. Show up early during peak winter for the best manatee viewing – they congregate in large numbers when temperatures drop overnight. The Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival happens January 25-26, 2025 if you want to combine your visit with local celebration.
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5. Boneyard Beach
Getting to Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island requires a 30-minute ferry ride from Moore’s Landing in South Carolina (April through October only). Coastal Expeditions runs the boats, and you’ll often see dolphins during the crossing.
Thousands of bleached tree skeletons create this otherworldly landscape where maritime forest slowly surrendered to coastal erosion. The Boneyard Beach Trail winds through these natural sculptures that photographers absolutely love. The contrast between weathered driftwood, white sand, and turquoise water is pretty stunning.
This is primitive – no facilities exist on the island, so bring water and sun protection. I’ve heard locals mention feeling eerie vibes among the skeletal trees, which honestly adds to the mysterious atmosphere. The ferry schedule depends on weather, so call ahead.
Bulls Island is part of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and you might spot loggerhead turtles, alligators, and over 200 bird species. The Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida makes a good base if you’re exploring multiple coastal destinations. Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic lighting for photography.
6. Crystal River
Crystal River is the only place in America where you can legally swim with wild manatees, and it’s absolutely incredible. The spring-fed waters stay 72°F year-round, creating perfect winter refuge for these gentle giants.
Kings Bay anchors the action with Three Sisters Springs being the main manatee hangout. Tour companies like River Ventures (starting at $59), Fun 2 Dive ($85), and Explorida ($75) offer different experiences. I recommend the smaller group tours – six people max – for more personal encounters.
Homosassa Springs and Rainbow River provide excellent kayaking when you want to explore beyond the main springs. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge protects this critical habitat, and guides are trained to ensure you follow proper manatee etiquette.
Peak manatee season runs November through March, but around 100 manatees hang out year-round. Summer actually offers better swimming conditions with fewer crowds, though you’ll see smaller numbers. Most tour companies provide wetsuits, snorkel gear, and underwater cameras. Book morning tours for the best animal activity and clearer water before afternoon boat traffic stirs things up.
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7. Dry Tortugas National Park
Picture a massive 19th-century fortress sitting on a tiny island 70 miles from anywhere – that’s Dry Tortugas National Park. Fort Jefferson dominates Garden Key with its hexagonal brick walls and fascinating Civil War prison history.
The Yankee Freedom ferry runs daily from Key West for $235 per adult (kids 4-16 are $180). Check-in starts at 7 AM, and you’ll spend 4.5 hours exploring the fort and snorkeling crystal-clear waters. The ferry includes breakfast, lunch, and snorkel gear.
Alternatively, Key West Seaplane Adventures offers half-day trips for $868 per adult. You’ll get 2.5 hours on the island plus amazing aerial views during the 40-minute flight each way. Book the first flight of the day to beat the ferry crowds.
The snorkeling here is world-class with 100-foot visibility around the fort’s moat walls. I’ve seen massive grouper, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish that seem almost tame. Garden Key camping costs $240 per person if you want to stay overnight, but it’s primitive – bring everything including water. The ferry contract runs through 2034, so service is reliable for planning ahead.
8. Falling Waters State Park
Florida’s tallest waterfall plunges 73 feet into a sinkhole that’s never been fully explored at Falling Waters State Park near Chipley. The Sinkhole Trail is only 0.6 miles through forest to this geological wonder.
Winter months bring the strongest water flow and occasionally create ice formations when temperatures really drop. The waterfall creates a misty microclimate supporting rare Florida yew trees and vibrant wildflowers that peak in spring.
Beyond the main attraction, multiple sinkholes dot the landscape throughout the park. The Chipola River Trail offers excellent wildlife viewing where I’ve spotted white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. This is rolling hill country that feels completely different from the rest of Florida.
The park is about an hour north of Panama City, making it perfect for a day trip if you’re staying on the coast. Bring a camera because the limestone formations and waterfall create great photo opportunities. The nearby Comfort Inn & Suites Chipley provides the closest accommodations if you want to spend more time exploring the Florida Panhandle’s unique geology.
9. Grayton Beach State Park
Dr. Beach consistently ranks Grayton Beach among America’s top beaches, and honestly, the sugar-white sand feels like powdered sugar between your toes. This quarter-mile stretch along Scenic Highway 30A offers some of the Gulf Coast’s most pristine waters.
The Grayton Dune Nature Trail winds through rare coastal dune lakes – a geological feature found in only a few places worldwide. Western Lake is especially cool because freshwater meets the Gulf, creating unique ecosystems you can explore by kayak or boardwalk.
The Pine Trail leads deeper into maritime forest where wildlife sightings become more common. I’ve seen everything from painted buntings to bobcats along this path. The beach itself features shallow, clear water that’s perfect for families.
Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse in nearby Santa Rosa Beach captures that authentic Old Florida vibe if you want to stay local. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer brings warm Gulf waters but also the biggest crowds and occasional afternoon storms.
10. Morikami Museum and Gardens
A slice of authentic Japan exists in Delray Beach at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This 200-acre site tells the story of the Yamato Colony – Japanese farmers who tried creating an agricultural utopia in early 1900s Florida.
Six distinct gardens represent different periods of Japanese design, from the koi-filled Paradise Garden to the serene Modern Romantic Garden. The Zigzag Bridge and stone pathways create perfect meditation spots throughout the property.
Weekend tea ceremonies offer authentic Japanese hospitality in the traditional teahouse. The museum houses rotating exhibitions alongside permanent collections of samurai armor and contemporary art. The Cornell Café serves Japanese-inspired cuisine that perfectly complements your cultural journey.
Cherry blossom season (February-March) brings special events and the most beautiful garden displays. October through April provides perfect weather for strolling the outdoor gardens. I always recommend spending at least half a day here – there’s way more to see than most people expect. The Hilton Boca Raton Suites is a convenient base just 15 minutes south.
11. Naples
Naples perfectly combines Gulf Coast sophistication with easy access to raw Everglades wilderness. The iconic Naples Pier extends 1,000 feet over emerald waters, offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views year-round.
Downtown Fifth Avenue South showcases high-end galleries, boutiques, and restaurants ranging from casual seafood to fine dining. The Naples Art District features both local and international artists in galleries you can easily spend hours exploring.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary lies just 30 minutes away, where a 2.25-mile boardwalk winds through ancient cypress forest. You’ll see alligators, wading birds, and possibly black bears in this pristine wetland. For the full Everglades experience, airboat tours from Naples reach prime wildlife viewing areas in under an hour.
The city’s beaches consistently rank among Florida’s best, with soft white sand and calm Gulf waters perfect for swimming. The Ritz-Carlton Naples defines luxury beachfront accommodations if budget isn’t a concern. November through April brings perfect weather but also peak season prices and crowds. Summer offers significant savings but comes with heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms.
12. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island‘s unique east-west orientation creates perfect conditions for shells to wash ashore in abundance, earning it the nickname “America’s Shelling Capital.” The famous “Sanibel Stoop” happens as collectors search for treasures during low tide.
Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass offer the best hunting for rare finds like junonia and lion’s paw shells. Post-storm low tides provide optimal conditions. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum provides context for your discoveries and houses the world’s largest shell collection.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers incredible kayaking through mangrove tunnels where dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species thrive. The Wildlife Drive showcases roseate spoonbills and white pelicans. I’ve even spotted a Florida panther during an early morning drive.
The 3-mile causeway connects Sanibel to Fort Myers, making it easily accessible by car. Sundial Beach Resort provides convenient beachfront accommodations. December through April brings prime shelling season when northern visitors arrive. Summer offers fewer crowds and lower prices, plus it’s when some individual manatees seek out protected waters for birthing calves.
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