The subtropical climate of the Sunshine State means the weather is never too hot or too cold to head outside and savor the outdoors. Plus, with an abundance of wide open spaces, perfect for social distancing, you’ll be able to discover Florida’s outdoor adventures and activities without a care in the world.
During a holiday here, you’ll be able to choose between getting a good dose of fresh air while exploring scenic trails, enjoying incredible recreational activities within award-winning state parks, searching for vibrant wildlife, relaxing on one of the pristine beaches, or having an adventure of your own in wide open Florida.
State Parks
The best way to appreciate all the natural beauty Florida has to offer is to explore any of the (almost) 200 award winning state parks from Pensacola to Key West. These beautiful landscapes are steeped in as much history as they are nature. They showcase 100 miles of Florida’s best beaches, as well as over 800,000 acres of freshwater springs, mysterious cave systems, mangroves, maritime hammocks and historic lighthouses and forts.
These natural theme parks are great settings for popular outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and equestrian trails, as well as swimming, diving and fishing in rivers or springs. However, there are some surprising things you can do including meeting a mermaid in the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or becoming at one with nature by enjoying a yoga class.
Beaches
Florida’s coastline comes complete with 825 miles of idyllic golden sandy beaches voted among some of the best in the world. From sprawling family-friendly stretches to romantic coves and surf spots perfect for catching waves, each beach has its own identity and appeal.
Rivers and Springs
Florida has more than 300 freshwater springs (that we know of), all of which boast mesmerisingly clear water and offer cool comfort as you drift downstream. Humans and manatees alike have enjoyed these natural waterways for decades, and will continue to do so for many years to come thanks to the protection of the state’s award-winning state park system.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for being the deepest naturally formed spring in the whole of North America, but also for its live underwater shows where ‘mermaids’ replicate the famous scenes in ‘The Little Mermaid’, adding a sprinkle of fantasy and magic to your family holiday. Other popular freshwater springs include Rainbow River and Springs, Ichetucknee River and Fanning Springs which feeds the legendary Suwannee River.
Forests
Florida boasts a collection of four impressive National Forests: Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Ocala and Osceola. Each one offers a completely different experience, with features ranging from acres of enchanting woodland to meandering streams and mysterious underwater cave systems. There is also plenty of history, geographical and otherwise, to be explored, including civil war battlefields and ancient Native American shell mounds.
Wildlife
Get up close and personal with Florida’s resident wildlife, 760 species of which exist nowhere else in the world. Animals here come in all shapes and sizes and if you’re lucky, you may be able to see many of them during a single day. The enchanted forests are a haven for black bears, panthers and bobcats, and if you look up, you may catch a glimpse of an exotic bird. Away from dry land, you may spot sea turtles or manatees, and you’ll find plenty of crocodiles and alligators in the parks and refuges.
Gardens
The tropical climate in Florida is perfect for a vast array of flowers, plants and trees, and where better to showcase this natural beauty than in a botanical garden. Holidaymakers can admire the beauty and enjoy the wonderful scents by taking a stroll through the different walkways, both indoors and outdoors.
