When you live in the Sunshine State, you likely will take advantage of as many outdoor adventures in Florida as you can participate in. Being outside and enjoying the near-perfect weather is a true gift for anyone who lives in the state. No matter what season you're exploring, there will always be some incredible adventurous things to do in Florida to experience. From exploring a giant sinkhole in Gainesville to hiking through the Everglades, take a look at these 16 perfect places to go if you're seeking fun things to do in Florida.
1. Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville gives guests the opportunity to hike into a 120-foot sinkhole with a mini-rainforest, small waterfalls, and lush foliage.
More information about this Florida state park.
Address: 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
This park on Key Biscayne is home to the Cape Florida Light (the oldest standing structure in Miami). It was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and has one of the best beaches in the country.
More information about this Florida lighthouse park.
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
3. Everglades National Park
Most outsiders think of Florida and they think of Disney World and crowded beaches, but residents know there's a more wild side of our state. All of the unique wildlife and landscapes that make our state special shine the brightest within this national treasure.
More information about this national park in Florida.
Address: Everglades, FL
4. Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, Williston
This underground swimming hole in Williston (near Gainesville), is a rare natural wonder that will blow you away (if you know at least the basics of diving). It's only open for scuba diving or snorkeling, no sightseeing tours, unfortunately. But it still checks in as one of the most adventurous places in Florida.
More information about this prehistoric spring in Florida.
Address: 5390 NE 180 Ave, Williston, FL 32696
5. Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
Falling Waters is home to the tallest waterfall, and one of the very few in the state, period. It can be quite impressive after a heavy rain, as the water rushes down 73 feet of limestone into a huge sinkhole.
More information about this waterfall park in Florida.
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428
6. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is located 14 miles south of Tallahassee and is home to one of the biggest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Not only does the beautiful park contain a natural landmark surrounded by unique Florida wildlife and old-growth forests, it is also home to a 1937 lodge with a dining room that overlooks the spring.
More information about this natural wonder in Florida.
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
7. USS Oriskany, near Pensacola
"The Great Carrier Reef" has become one of the most popular diving destination in the United States. The 911-foot ship sits stern first in over 200 feet of water, so the reef is accessible from 80 to 212 feet down. This means some of the ship can be explored by beginners, but additional training is necessary to see the entire reef.
More information about this diving destination in Florida.
Address: 10115 Sinton Dr, Pensacola, FL 32506
8. Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
Not only is this park the only one in Florida to offer cave tours, visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking and camping, as well as fishing, boating and canoeing on the Chipola River or Blue Hole Spring. It is often recognized for its nice and well-kept campsites.
More information about this cavern park in Florida.
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
9. Big Shoals State Park, White Springs
Big Shoals is located approximately a mile east of White Springs, FL, and home to the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. If thrill-seekers come at the right time, they can kayak down the Suwanee in class III whitewater rapids. It's also a terrific hiking spot.
More information about this unique Florida park.
Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096
10. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
This park in Dunellon has been drawing visitors for decades with its crystal blue waters. It's nearly impossible to find natural waterfalls in Florida, but the man-made ones at this park are a lovely substitute.
More information about this natural area in Florida.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Place Rd. Dunnellon FL 34432
11. Torreya State Park, Bristol
Torreya is a real gem. This scene probably looks unusual for Florida, and that's because it was taken from a 150-foot high bluff. This park in Northwestern Florida is also home to the tree for which it is named. Challenging trails, high bluffs and the extremely rare Torreya tree can be found here.
More information about this Florida park that's perfect for hiking.
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321
12. Crystal River
Manatees flock to Crystal River and its springs seeking warmer waters in the winter. This is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with the manatees, and the practice is strictly regulated for their protection. If you want to swim with these incredible creatures, the best time to do so is from November through about mid-March.
More information about this Florida river.
Address: Crystal River, FL
13. Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
Of all the adventurous places in Florida to visit, this one is a real gem. This National Natural Landmark near Gainesville is a beloved spot for wildlife viewing, with alligators, horses, and even bison. This park will definitely become one of your favorites.
More information about this dreamy park in Florida.
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667
14. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Copeland
Forested swamp featuring diverse wildlife, including panthers and black bears. Also the home of the legendary ghost orchid. Pictured is the Big Cypress Bend boardwalk.
More information about this wondrous state park in Florida.
Address: 137 Coast Line Dr, Copeland, FL 34137
15. Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
More than 60,000 people visit the park every year to tour Fort Jefferson and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, saltwater fishing and even camping.
More information about this bucket-list worthy destination in Florida.
Address: Dry Tortugas National Park
16. Ocala National Forest
The Big Scrub is 360,000 acres of hiking heaven. Ocala’s 75-mile section of the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail is widely considered one of the best and most beautiful. Here you'll find bountiful hills, ponds, pine forest, and boardwalks through cypress and gum swamps. Don't forget to visit some of our most beautiful springs within the park, as well.
More information about this Florida forest.
Address: Ocala, FL
There are plenty of fun and adventurous things to do in Florida - far more than we could list here. Have you been to any of these adventurous places in Florida? What are your favorite things to do in Florida when the right season hits? Make sure to let us know your favorite adventures in Florida in the comments section!
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