Florida
Nature|National & State Parks

The One Park In Florida With An Off-Shore Shipwreck Truly Has It All

Sebastian Inlet State Park in Florida offers treasure hunting, surfing, fishing, and family-friendly activities.

Published Jul 25, 2019

Written by 

Angie Slayton

One of the coolest aspects of visiting Florida involves coming across snippets of history that you normally wouldn't expect. It probably isn't common for visitors to this particular beach to be aware of the 1715 Spanish fleet that is wrecked just offshore. But alas, if you're a treasure hunter on a mission, then this is the main reason you'd visit this park. Yet, there is still so much more of this park in Florida to explore than what meets the eye.

Whether you’re an avid fisherman, an aspiring surfer, or just someone looking for a relaxing place to set up shop one sunny afternoon, Sebastian Inlet State Park has it all.

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Google

This wonderful park in Florida features clear blue water that you’ll see during your entire drive along A1A up to the park.

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TripAdvisor Steve W.

We won’t bury the lead here—one of the main reasons visitors come to this spectacular park is to try their hand at treasure hunting thanks to the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that sunk off of the coast.

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TripAdvisor Tom C.

The Capitana, as it was known, sank back in 1715 after a hurricane destroyed the Spanish fleet that made their way past Florida on their way back to Spain.

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TripAdvisor stellerette

Treasure hunters who were exploring the shipwreck off the coast centuries later, ended up finding 350 gold coins that were valued over $4.5 million.

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Wikipedia

While treasure hunting is still a coveted activity within the state park, there are plenty of other reasons to visit, too.

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TripAdvisor stellerette

Surfers come to Sebastian Inlet State Park to ride waves that they wouldn’t normally find along the coast otherwise.

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TripAdvisor Toosie_13

Fisherman head to the pier in order to snag the gargantuan fish that frequent the area.

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TripAdvisor Jemlnlx

But most importantly, families visit the park with their umbrellas, blankets, and towels to enjoy a day in the sun and surf.

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TripAdvisor donnakay413

No matter what your reason to visit this state park is, we guarantee that it’ll be a day you will cherish in Florida.

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TripAdvisor mike2309

Address: 9700 S Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

To learn more about Sebastian Inlet State Park, as well as to reserve a campground spot in the area, visit the website. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for other types of fun along the water’s edge, check out this secluded waterfront restaurant which is a tropical paradise.

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Nature|National & State Parks

There’s A Cave In Florida That Looks Just Like Carlsbad Caverns, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna offers a unique underground cave experience with guided tours showcasing stunning calcite formations.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

If you’re from Florida, then you probably are already familiar with Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. But outside of the Sunshine State, hardly anyone knows it even exists! That’s because it's hard to compete with caves like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. But with one trip to this giant cave system in Florida, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing out on all along. So, if you're a cave enthusiast or if you've ever wondered, "Are there caves in Florida" we have just the place for you!

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Florida Caverns State Park in Florida is an underground wonder that most Americans hardly know even exists.

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Google Local Bert

Located in the Panhandle near Marianna, this is the only state park in the state with air-filled caves that are accessible to the public.

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Google Local Jessica Gibson

Visiting the caves for the first time, you’ll certainly be in for a treat. A tour of this underground system takes about 45 minutes and will give you a glimpse into how this natural beauty was made.

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Google Local Pete Ciechanowski

A park ranger accompanies each tour group through the caverns, as you cannot explore the system alone.

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Google Local Paula Rees

Make sure to dress warmly! The cave system is at 65 degrees year-round. Wear comfortable sneakers, too. You’ll walk down 350 feet to the cave entrance and then down 35 steps using a handrail.

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Google Local Cindy G

The caves are truly special, averaging around 45 feet below the surface and 65 feet at their lowest point. When the colorful lights begin to reflect off the calcite formations, that’s when the show really begins!

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Google Local Amanda Hall

Enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more, when you explore the majestic depths that create Florida Caverns.

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Google Local Deepak Kumar Biswal

Have you ever been to Florida Caverns State Park before? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section! Cavern tours are offered Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Guests can purchase cavern tour tickets at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) on the day of arrival. Tour tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Florida Caverns State Park website.

Also, if natural wonders are in your wheelhouse, you'll love this adventure. Take the ultimate natural wonders road trip through Florida!

Prefer to stay above ground? Come with us as we explore the Florida Everglades!

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Nature|National & State Parks

This State Park In Florida Is So Little Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun despite its smaller size.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When it comes to hidden gems in Florida, oftentimes visitors think the bigger, the better. However, such is not always the case. Take this little-known state park in Dania Beach as the perfect example. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is around 310 acres but offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun.

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While you might think that 310 acres for a state park is quite large...in comparison to other parks in Florida (Hello, Everglades, 1.5 million acres) it remains on the smaller side.

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Google Nicole Allum

However, that doesn’t mean that Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is lacking in any way. In fact, the size is probably one of the main reasons why you SHOULD visit.

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Google User

Formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, this beachside spot is located just south of Port Everglades.

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With an undeveloped coastal ecosystem, people flock to this park for some reprieve from the day-to-day city life of Broward County.

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The park is a popular spot for people to swim, fish, shell, boat, bike, picnic, snorkel, and hike - allowing guests to disappear into nature for the afternoon.

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Those who visit between November through May are treated to a rare sighting of the endangered beach Jacquemontia, a white-pink flower that doesn’t come around too often.

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Birding is also a popular pastime here throughout the year, as guests are treated to a variety of birds who roost, rest, and feed along the sandy shorelines.

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Google Dave Steinlauf

But even if you just come to wade in the warm waters and bask in the sunshine, this state park is worth the visit.

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Google Garrett McFarlane

Have you ever visited this state park in Florida before? What were some of the fun things you enjoyed while there? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about one of the best hidden gems in Florida, including current fees to enter and hours of operation, then check out the Florida State Parks website.

Also, while you happen to be in the Dania Beach area, make sure to stop over at this delightful ice cream shop for a sweet treat:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/long-line-fl/

Looking for more Florida fun? Come explore the Everglades with us!

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