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.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville
Flickr/Rain0975 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
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
Flickr/Ines Hegedus-Garcia 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
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
- Everglades National Park
Flickr/Rick Schwartz 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
Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
- Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring, Williston
Facebook/Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring 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
DEVIL’S DEN, 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA
- Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
www.floridastateparks.org 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
Falling Waters State Park Campground, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
- Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs
www.floridastateparks.org 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
Edward Ball Nature Trail, Florida 32514, USA
- USS Oriskany, near Pensacola
www.wikipedia.org “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.
30° 2.555’ N, 87° 0.397’W
- Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
www.floridastateparks.org 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
Florida Caverns State Park, Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL, USA
- Big Shoals State Park, White Springs
Flickr/B A Bowen Photography 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
Big Shoals State Park, Southeast Co Road 135, White Springs, FL, USA
- Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife 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
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
- Torreya State Park, Bristol
www.wikipedia.org 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
Torreya State Park, 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USA
- Crystal River
Flickr/benji2505 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
Crystal River, FL, USA
- Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
James Roth/Google 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
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, FL, USA
- Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Copeland
Eleanor Ackerman/Google 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
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Coast Line Drive, Copeland, Florida, USA
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
Jesse Swanson via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor 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
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA
- Ocala National Forest
Flickr/Phil’s 1stPix 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
Ocala National Forest, Florida 32179, USA
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!
Flickr/Rain0975
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
Flickr/Ines Hegedus-Garcia
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
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA
Flickr/Rick Schwartz
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
Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Facebook/Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
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
DEVIL’S DEN, 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA
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
Falling Waters State Park Campground, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
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
Edward Ball Nature Trail, Florida 32514, USA
“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.
30° 2.555’ N, 87° 0.397’W
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
Florida Caverns State Park, Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL, USA
Flickr/B A Bowen Photography
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
Big Shoals State Park, Southeast Co Road 135, White Springs, FL, USA
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
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
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
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
Torreya State Park, 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USA
Flickr/benji2505
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
Crystal River, FL, USA
James Roth/Google
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
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, FL, USA
Eleanor Ackerman/Google
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
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Coast Line Drive, Copeland, Florida, USA
Jesse Swanson via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
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
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA
Flickr/Phil’s 1stPix
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
Ocala National Forest, Florida 32179, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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.
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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
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.
