Is there anything better than springtime in Florida? The sun is shining, beautiful flowers are blooming, and an adventure is waiting around every corner. Try one of these unique adventures and take in all that springtime in the Sunshine State has to offer.
- Kings Bay Lodge, Crystal River
If you’ve been hoping to get up close with Florida’s favorite gentle giants, now is the time to do it. Crystal River draws manatees like a magnet, especially in November through March. This charming Old Florida resort is the perfect place to stay while you’re in town.
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami
This enchanting oasis of palms, flowering vines, and other tropical plants grows more and more lovely every day of spring. This 83-acre garden has been an attraction in Miami since 1938. Visit during the annual Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale on April 8th and 9th for a real treat.
- Volcano Bay, Orlando
This epic new waterpark is scheduled to open May 25th, and we can’t wait to check it out. This 30-arce resort will feel nothing like your average waterpark, with 18 exciting features, including a winding river through a volcano.
- The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies, Sarasota
Visiting this cafe in Sarasota is like walking into a fairy tale. The decor is stylish yet whimsical both indoors and out in the garden, including bathtubs overflowing with flowers. It’s especially beautiful in the springtime.
- Horseback Swimming, Pinellas Park
This unforgettable adventure where the horses wade into Tampa Bay, out to a sandbar, and then swim back to shore, is offered by Cypress Breeze Farm Trail Riding of Pinellas Park. You might think this experience would only be for expert riders, but that’s not true. It’s open to riders of all skill levels, ages 12 and up, including beginners.
- Salt Therapy Grotto, Naples
If you struggle with springtime allergies, a visit to a salt cave could be just what you’ve been searching for. This beautifully-designed salt cave in Naples resembles a secret beachside grotto. This is one of the prettiest salt caves we’ve seen, but there are salt therapy rooms popping up all over the state.
- Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg
This oasis hiding in the middle of St. Petersburg is more than 100 years old. The gardens became a tourist attraction in the ’20s and ’30s, making this one of the oldest roadside stops in the country. Here you’ll find over 50,000 plants, many of which are exotic species from around the globe. Enjoy strolling through the cactus garden, Japanese garden, butterfly garden, and more on a spring day.
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
At this magical park, mermaids are real, and the water is so clear that boats seem to float on air. There’s also a spring-fed waterpark on site called Buccaneer Bay.
- TreeUmph! Adventure Course, Bradenton
This sprawling park covers over 14 acres of lush Florida scenery. With several courses at different levels of difficulty, thrill-seekers can climb over suspension bridges, swing on Tarzan ropes, and fly through the air on Zip-lines, up in the pine and oak canopies.
- Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest
These lush tropical gardens have a fascinating history. This was the original site of the Parrot Jungle park, a popular attraction from the mid ’30s through the early 2000s. Bring family or friends for the perfect spring day enjoying the gardens, petting zoo, butterfly exhibit, and more.
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
Not only is this the state art museum of Florida, featuring both fine art and circus memorabilia, the on-site gardens are a must-see attraction all on their own.
- Ravine Gardens, Palatka
You might think our state is totally flat, but the natural landscape at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka shows that’s not true. The park’s two natural ravines reach depths of 120 feet, sloping down at 45-degree angles. Early spring is the perfect time to visit this park because its thousands of azaleas are in bloom.
HAVE YOU VISITED ANY GREAT UNUSUAL PLACES IN FLORIDA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK THAT YOU WISH TO SHARE WITH US? IF SO, PLEASE EMAIL ME AS I WOULD LOVE TO DO ANOTHER ARTICLE INCLUDING THESE PLACES. THANKS!
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