Written by Laurin Gray
When you think of Florida, what do you think of?
If you are like the vast majority of people out there, you think of Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. But what about the small towns that spread across the state with their crystal-clear waters, pristine white Florida beaches, and old remnants of forts once built to defend the state?
Let’s dive into a few of those areas and I’ll show you that there’s more to explore in Florida than just theme parks.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are made up of five unique destinations: Key West, the Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo just 5 1/2 hours south of Disney World.
The Florida Keys provides the perfect vacation spot for young adults, families, adult-only getaways, weddings, honeymoons, and everything in between.
While vacationing in the Florida Keys, you can visit local art galleries and museums, feast on fresh seafood, venture out on a local fishing charter, or simply just unwind and relax in a hammock on the beautiful Florida beach. Make sure you head to Mallory Square each night to witness the most beautiful sunsets and enjoy some live entertainment (you will not be disappointed)! You also won’t want to miss these Top 10 Key West activities while visiting.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is situated in the northeastern corner of the state and is known as the nation’s oldest city.
Visitors can enjoy walks down the brick-lined streets of the historic district, board the 76-foot Schooner Freedom for a relaxing sunset cruise, or experience the diverse culinary scene with flavors ranging from Spanish to British to Brazilian to Cuban.
History lovers would have no shortage of museums, monuments, or historic sites to visit while exploring this coastal town. Castillo de San Marco (the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.), Fort Matanzas National monument, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum are just a few of the must-see places to visit while in St. Augustine.
If history isn’t your cup of tea, do not worry! Swimming with dolphins, beautiful Florida beaches, Biplane Rides, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park are sure to provide enjoyment for the entire family to enjoy.
The Florida Panhandle
The Florida Panhandle is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the United States and is made up of all the cities that lie west of the Apalachicola River.
Larger tourist areas such as Pensacola, Destin, Highway 30A, and Panama City Beach are the perfect destinations for families, young adults, retired couples, weddings, honeymoons, and quick weekend getaways.
The Florida Panhandle is the ultimate vacation providing you with energized nightlife, white sandy Florida beaches, endless shopping, historic parks and museums, top-notch dining, and so much more!
Whether you are looking for relaxation on the beach or want to add some adventure, you will have plenty of options to choose from in the Florida Panhandle.
If you are looking for the perfect accommodations for your next visit to Florida I’d love to help. Email me at laurin@lotmv.com for a Florida vacation quote.
Pin this for your next Florida vacation!
