A question people often ask on vacation: Where do the locals go? We like to get a sense of a place by fitting in, trying our best not to look like an outsider.
So, if you were to ask me – a Floridian, born and bred – where I’d go for a vacation in my home state, I’d probably recall stories from the supersized outings I experienced as a kid (I’m the youngest in a family of six). They usually involved being outside, since I grew up in the country, and we were always barefoot.
Here’s what it might look like today.
1. Hear the Sand Squeak
My childhood beach was the Gulf. My husband’s was the Atlantic. We honeymooned on Sanibel Island. What beach do you claim? Consider experiencing another coast. I’ve never seen seashells like Sanibel’s, and I still love the squeaky sound of the Emerald Coast sands in South Walton County. Maybe it’s time to explore a new sandbox. visitflorida.com/beaches
2. Lace Up Those Boots
Artists and writers try to personify our state, but Florida defies definition – from the Panhandle to the Keys, you’ll find a variety of different vibes. But one thing our communities share is a lot of open public spaces in the way of greenways and trails. Region-spanning options include the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop and Capital City to the Sea Trails. And our terrain and climate are made for hiking and biking. No matter what part of Florida you call home, chances are there’s a green space waiting for you to explore. (As we know in the South: Don’t forget the bug spray!) To get started, check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Online Trail Guide.
See more: Discover 10 Must-Do Hikes on the Florida Trail
3. Dive Into a Snorkeling Adventure
Every kid needs to experience their eyes open underwater: It’s an entirely new universe. Snorkeling opportunities throughout the state can range from exploring the shallows of a freshwater spring to a shipwreck in Key Largo, “the dive capital of the world.” My takeaway from one trip: realizing that barracuda are as scary as dolphins are adorable.
4. Rock the Docks
The best antidote I know for curing a salty mood is to stroll down a Florida dock. You’ll find them in fishing towns, unloading the day’s catch, or at the end of a trail on a coastal dune lake. Tiny Cortez Village in Manatee County dates to the 1880s, and you’ll find the fish houses there warm and welcoming. Other historic fishing towns in the state include Apalachicola, part of the Forgotten Coast and famous for its oysters, and Fernandina Beach, best known for shrimping.
5. Hose Off the Jon Boat
Cool, sparkling springs are some of the best memory makers for family outings. We enjoyed canoes as kids, but kayaks are fun too. Find a way to get your family out on the water, even if it means renting a boat or scheduling a fishing charter. Florida has the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world, many with public accessibility, like Ginnie Springs in North Central Florida or Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon. And don’t forget the rivers and inlets and lakes — oh, my!
6. Play at Pup-Friendly Parks
Admit it: You have more photos of the dog on your iPhone than any other family member. And that’s OK! But it’s time to coax Fido off of his memory-foam bed to meet new friends. The bonus: therapy for his human. The coolest dog park I know is Dog Wood Parkin Jacksonville, which features 42 acres of fenced property, 10 acres of hiking trails and a lake. There’s also Paw Playground at Fort De Soto, which spans 3 acres and encompasses a dog beach allowing pups to play in the surf. Don’t forget the treats! Bribery may be required to get your fur baby home.
7. See a Manatee
Have you ever seen a manatee? You can’t experience the awe of these gentle sea cows through YouTube. They’re kind of like the whale: mesmerizing. Manatees appear in different parts of the state throughout the year, so be sure to check around for viewing opportunities. In the summertime, you can catch them in Naples, as well as on the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers in the Florida Panhandle.
8. BYOB: Bring Your Own Baskets
Like our waterways, Florida’s agriculture is diverse. Maybe it’s time to discover a different crop. One way to do that is by visiting some newer farmers markets in your region – or grabbing your baskets and visiting U-pick farms in other parts of the state. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services tells you everything you need to know, including what’s in season and where. You’ll also find locators for markets, farms and festivals. Pull up Google Maps and start plotting some tasty road trips.
freshfromflorida.com/farmersmarkets
See more: Red, White & Blues Farm Offers Visitors a Sweet Experience
9. Peek Into the Past
I still remember the rough texture of that stone wall on the old fort in St. Augustine. And there’s a scrapbook photo of my brother and me, necks and hands cuffed in an old stockade. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but I was walking the path of four-centuries-old Florida – before statehood. St. Augustine is the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the U.S. Consider taking your own historic stroll in this more than 450-year-old town.
10. Catch a Wave
Since I was a gulfside girl, I didn’t appreciate the big waves until later in life. I soon learned that witnessing the acrobatics of surfers is thrilling. I’ve never braved those waves on a board, but I have visited “the world’s largest surf shop,” Ron Jon’s, in Cocoa Beach several times. It’s a great way to catch the fever, and just might plant the seeds of a surfer in your family.
So that’s my list. As with any travel plan, be sure to check the website of your destination for COVID-19 restrictions, hours of operation and helpful hints. Here’s hoping the enticement of outside adventures will allow you and your family to experience more of what Florida offers this summer.
About the Author: Julie Strauss Bettinger is a Florida farm girl who writes about people and places of the South from her home in Tallahassee.
More Travel Inspiration:
In addition to the links provided in the article, find more in-state travel inspiration at visitflorida.com.
Explore Like a Local:
Get Florida travel advice from locals who know their cities best at visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/local-experiences.html.
Thanks for sharing!
love all the ideas! i drive a charter bus n get to see some really cool places! don’t forget Bok Towers. there are 2 really cool zip line adventure parks. one in dade city. TreeHoppers. the other in Bradenton. don’t remember the name. There’s a Lift Adventure Park in Port Richey. Epperson Lagoon in Wesley Chapel is awesome to cool off n a lot of activities for all ages. so many!