This Day Trip Will Take You To The Best Wine And Waterfalls In Florida

While you might not immediately think of waterfalls when you think of exploring Florida, you'll be pleasantly surprised what is hidden throughout the state, and you can view lots of them on the following day trip in Florida! What if we leveled up the entire waterfall experience and added some of Florida's best wineries and vineyards? Sounds like one of the best day trips in Florida, if we do say so ourselves.

The entire Florida Wine & Waterfalls Day Trip below takes about 6.5 hours to complete in terms of travel time, so if you're feeling like you want to stretch it out over a weekend, that is entirely up to you. Depending on how long you want to stay at each location, it might make for the perfect weekend adventure with friends. Before doing anything else, don't forget to take a look at this map for directions to these wineries and waterfalls near me, which are also some of the best day trips in Florida.

1.

Copp Winery & Brewery

We’re kicking this party off right with a stop at Copp Winery & Brewery near Crystal River, Florida. Interestingly, this is the only winery and brewery in Citrus County. Come try both the beer and wine, all made on-site, and enjoy a few snacks before you begin your road trip.

2.

Rainbow Springs State Park

A little bit of wine, a little bit of waterfalls—that’s how this trip will go. Head on over to Rainbow Springs State Park for one of the most beautiful waterfalls around. Sure, this might be a man-made waterfall, but it’s been a hit since the 1930s and it's easy to understand why.

3.

Bluefield Estate Winery

A family-owned winery smack dab in the middle of north central Florida is the next stop on this trip. Bluefield Estate Winery bottles all of their wines onsite and specializes in sweet muscadine and blueberry wines. This winery has stunning views of the vineyards, and it's the perfect place to relax and grab your bearings before heading off to the next waterfall.

4.

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a beautifully unique spot in Florida that is filled with lots of natural wonder. This state park has been around since the mid 1800s, with people visiting even well before it was a state park. It is best to visit Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park right after a heavy rainfall so you can see the waterfall in all of her glory.

5.

Dakotah Vineyards & Winery

Editor's Note: Dakotah Vineyards & Winery is permanently closed.

Next stop, Cheifland, Florida to visit one of the best hidden gem wineries in the state. Dakotah Vineyards & Winery has quite the variety of wines offered onsite, and guess what…you can sample all nine of them for free!! With a mix of sweet table wines to ports, and even a dry chardonnay or merlot, you might just want to sit and try them all.

6.

Steinhatchee Falls

While you might not see gargantuan waterfalls here (sorry Niagara Falls fans), Steinhatchee Falls in Florida is still impressive in its own right. Steinhatchee Falls includes more than 1,700 acres of protected land tract in Florida, which means hitting a few trails and walking off that wine is a good idea. You’ll find a nice blend of swamps, forest, pine, and mixed hardwood throughout this area. Check out this small-but-mighty FL waterfall, courtesy of YouTuber Abom Adventures:

7.

Falling Creek Falls

One of the gems within the area, and the last waterfall of our trip, Falling Creek Falls is quite a beauty. When water levels are normal in the county, the waterfall is over 10 feet high, flowing under Falling Creek Road and down a deep ravine until it disappears entirely underground. How cool is that? For reference, On The Move captured this amazing video of the falls:

8.

San Sebastian Winery

What starts with wine, ends with wine. Is that a famous quote? If not, it definitely should be. We’ve finally reached our final stop on this unique day trip and it couldn’t be more perfect. San Sebastian Winery features such a wonderful mix of wines, you will be in heaven. As Florida’s second-largest winery, you can take a complimentary tour any day of the week and sample wines when you are finished.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to gather up some friends and hit the road to discover these "waterfalls near me?" Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. As always, because this day trip involves both wineries and driving, be sure to have a designated driver with you.

Did you know that this isn't the only road trip we offer in Florida? If you're looking for more excuses to hit the road, take a look at this deliciously epic 3-day restaurant road trip.