16 Perfect Places To Go In Florida If You’re Feeling Adventurous
When you live in Florida, you likely will take advantage of as many outdoor adventures 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 places in Florida to experience. From a giant sinkhole in Gainesville to hiking through the Everglades, take a look at these 16 perfect places to go if you’re up for an adventure.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. 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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: Everglades, FL
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 5390 NE 180 Ave, Williston, FL 32696
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. 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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
"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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 10115 Sinton Dr, Pensacola, FL 32506
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 19158 SW 81st Place Rd. Dunnellon FL 34432
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: Crystal River, FL
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667
14. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Copeland
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.
Click here for more information about this Florida adventure attraction. Address: Ocala, FL
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 sound off in the comments section!
Address: 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
Address: Everglades, Florida, USA
Address: 5390 NE 180 Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA
Address: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, USA
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USA
Address: Crystal River, FL, USA
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA
Address: Florida, USA
Address: Ocala, FL, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Adventurous Places In Florida
August 15, 2020
Marisa Roman
What are the most well-known parks in Florida?
When you’re tackling some outdoor adventures in Florida make sure to check out the numerous state and national parks. If you’re looking for the more popular parks to start building your bucket list, then check out Silver Springs, Bahia Honda, Myakka River, and Wekiwa Springs to name a few.
What are the most unique outdoor adventures in Florida?
There are so many exciting things to do in Florida in the great outdoors, many of which are entirely unique to the state. Really, where else can you join a sea turtle patrol to protect turtle nests or swim with manatees?! Check out these 13 epic outdoorsy things to do in Florida that are totally unique to the state.
What are the oldest attractions in Florida?
There are plenty of places to go in Florida that offer a little bit of history thrown into the experience. Some of the oldest attractions in Florida can be found in the historic city of St. Augustine. Otherwise, if you want to check out these 14 historical landmarks in Florida, you might just find a few old gems thrown into the mix.