Five Places to Take Your Family Off The Beaten Path In Florida

I will admit that when most kids hear the words “family vacation to Florida” they are automatically thinking amusement parks with maybe a beach or two thrown in if they have time. But Florida is a diverse state with all kinds of different attractions and areas to explore. There are many historical places as well as lakes, rivers, quiet, friendly towns, islands and beaches. If you want to relax there are plenty of sleepy islands and quiet beach towns. If you are seeking more action, unique activities such as swimming with manatees, rafting, or canoeing with alligators are just some of options. These hidden spots offer travelers a different and unique experience in Florida:

Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County – Beautiful white sand beaches on the Northwest coast make this area a beautiful place to take your family. Florida’s Emerald Coast features beautiful green-blue water and abundant wildlife such as dolphins, which is sure to please any traveler. It is easy to travel to Pensacola and then rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Dixie County – Dixie offers shallow, protected waters, multiple rivers, islands and water sports. It is a great place for fishing or kayaking or canoeing. Scenic Horseshoe Beach offers a quiet, beautiful coast with reefs. The sleepy towns offer a friendly glimpse at Old Florida.

Sebring, Highlands County – Sebring is best known for its racetrack, Sebring International Raceway, which hosts the 12 Hours of Sebring race. It is also a great place to explore Highlands Hammock State Park. A beautiful park with an elevated boardwalk through old trees and abundant wildlife.

Gasparilla Island – Located in the Southwest of Florida, Gasparilla Island is famous for its fascinating folklore history as a base for the pirate captain Jose Gaspar or “Gasparilla.” Gasparilla Island State Park offers a great place for visitors to snorkel, swim and enjoy animals such as manatees, tortoises, and birds. Boca Grande is city on Gasparilla Island and offers a cute place for visitors to rest and to enjoy the tarpon fishing capital of the world.

Blowing Rocks Preserve – This unique beautiful coastline on Jupiter Island offers amazing views. Interesting limestone rock formations on the beach make a great place to watch the waves crash. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this preserve is protected. The beach that isn’t rocky is home to different kinds of sea turtles who build nests in the sand.

Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. Beyond the amusement parks, big cities and southern beaches, there are many beautiful places to explore and things to do in Florida. There are old cities that give visitors a chance to experience living history, gorgeous state parks with unique flora and fauna and undeveloped quiet beaches. It truly is a place that has something for everyone.