10 Picture Perfect Places To Escape The City In Florida

These gardens first opened in 2015, but their creator had spent the previous 20 years turning an abandoned quarry into the charming oasis you see today. The pathways lead over the man-made lakes and take visitors past hundreds of species of plants.

These lush gardens were planted in a drained lake more than a century ago. The paths here are surrounded by waterfalls and more than 50,000 flowers and tropical plants.

Fort De Soto Park, located in Pinellas County, consists of five different keys connected by either bridge or causeway. Visitors flock here to explore scenic beaches, shallows, piers for fishing, and the historic remnants of Fort De Soto.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has been a beloved tropical oasis of palms, flowering vines, and many other tropical plants in South Florida since 1938. Visit during one of the unique festivals for a special treat.

These gardens have been in Sarasota for 40 years, with a focus on educating the public. Don't miss this collection of more than 5,000 orchids.

If you want to get away from the crowds and see what a natural beach looks like, you will love Cayo Costa. This island gives a glimpse of Florida as it appeared long before modern times. It can be reached only by boat or ferry, so it feels like a private island.

This park near Palm Coast is a local treasure. It features both formal gardens with towering live oaks and a pretty shoreline dotted with unique coquina formations.

This real working farm near Gainesville shows the evolution of farming over a period of 100 years, from the mid 19th to the mid 20th centuries. It features 18 restored historic buildings, including a farmhouse, with its original furnishings. Staff dress in period clothing to bring history to life. You can watch them performing daily duties and running various events throughout the year. Visiting hours for the farmstead are 9:00 to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

The highlight of this park and historic district in Tallahassee are its many azaleas and camellias. Thus, the best time to visit is early spring, though activities such as biking, hiking, boating, and fishing, are available year round.

This park in Pinellas County is open weekdays 7am until sunset, and admission is free. It's hailed as an "urban oasis." Bring your friends, family and even your dog for a picnic or a stroll.