Heading to Florida for an extended trip and want to make the most of your stay? Here are my Florida top 10 places to visit, you should add these adventures to your list! From theme parks, to art, to becoming one with nature, Florida offers a variety of experiences for each type of person. I tend to be more nature oriented, so I must say my list is a little biased towards the outdoors. Even if you’re not an outdoors person, while you’re in Florida, you should experience natural Florida while you have the chance! Since I recently moved away from Orlando, this will be my last post on Florida. I decided a good way to go out is to list my top ten ‘not to miss’ places in Florida. Enjoy:

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park has by far been my favorite adventure in Florida! It’s located in the Florida Keys and is only accessible by a ferry or private plane. I recommend camping if you go since the ferry only allows you on the island for a few hours. It’s enough time to explore the fort or go snorkeling in the stunning waters, but I wish I had had more time. I’m not a big camper, but next time I visit I’ll be camping. For more information on Dry Tortugas National Park, read about my experience here

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Titusville

Going on a bioluminescent kayak tour is one of the coolest things I’ve done. In the warm summer months bioluminescence lights up in certain areas in Florida. I went on a bioluminescent kayak tour in Titusville. If you go, mind the moon phase calendar and book the latest tour in order to get the best and brightest bioluminescence experience. Read about my trip here

Disney World

Let’s be honest, you can’t make a trip to Florida without going to Disney! With four theme parks to choose from (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios), an outdoor shopping center (Disney Springs), resorts, and water parks, Disney is a must! My favorite rides in each park are listed here

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in America. There is history and culture everywhere. The buildings are beautifully designed, there are forts to see, beaches to go to, a lighthouse to climb, and lots of food to eat! There’s so much to do in this town. I’ve been multiple times and the glimmer still hasn’t worn off. St. Augustine truly is a treasure. If you want some ideas on what to do, see my list here and a not to miss tour here

Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River

One of the things I love most about Florida is being able to see manatees in the winter! Yes, you can get lucky and see manatees year round, but during the winter hundreds of manatees flock to the warmer waters of the springs in Florida. And you can swim with these gentle sea cows in Crystal River! I am adding this onto Crystal River, once you finish your swim, head over to 3 Sisters Springs to check out the alluring spring and see more manatees! You can also swim with them in here. Check out my trip here

Universal Orlando

Another theme park! But both parks are so much fun! I love the water rides and, of course, both Harry Potter areas. City Walk is another great place, it has shopping and restaurants, and at night you can go dancing. During Mardi Gras season Universal Studios has concerts and themed food for the event. For Harry Potter fans, there are events throughout the year. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite rides here for you to check out.

Vizcaya Gardens

Vizcaya Gardens is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve been. It was built in 1859 and today it’s a National Historic Landmark. Vizcaya was inspired by estates in Europe, focused mainly on Italy. The house was built in 1914 and completed in 1916 and the gardens were completed in 1922. As I walked through the gardens I felt like a Disney princess! Everything is beautiful and detailed. I could have spent an entire day walking around the gardens, inspecting every little nook and cranny! Unfortunately you can’t take any pictures inside of the house, but it’s just as beautiful and ornate as the gardens are. There are guided tours and there are also plenty of employees who are happy to answer any questions you may have as you tour the home.

Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground cave. You can snorkel or scuba dive inside. The temperature stays at 72 degrees, so you can go in the winter, but it’s not warm! In the cold mornings steam rises from the den, giving off a hellish vibe. Snorkeling in the Devil’s Den was such a great experience, I highly recommend making a trip. And while you’re out in the area you can check out nearby springs! Here’s a link to my post with a little more information on the Devil’s Den.

Wynwood Walls

Wynwood walls is a huge outdoor street art exhibit. There’s a certain area off the road that you can only access during site hours, but you can walk around the streets any time and take in all of the art work. When I went I thought I would just see a few and go to my next stop, but I ended up going twice and spent hours both times gaping at the amazing art. It’s also the perfect place for some photos!

Everglades

The Everglades are such a huge part of Florida! Go and see true Florida nature. From airboat rides, to walking paths, to tram tours, there are plenty of ways to explore the Everglades. The plants and wildlife you’ll encounter are awe inspiring. I chose to go on a tram tour in Shark Valley – read about it here

These are my recommendations for your Florida trip! Please let me know which places are on your ‘not to miss’ Florida list.