Those who follow us, know we have been doing a lot of in-state tourism in Florida for the past several years. To be honest, we’re not big theme park types. Although we have visited Weeki Wachiee Springs and plan to make a run up to Silver Springs.
That being said, we have found Florida to offer just about every kind of tourist experience we could want.
The Gulf Coast
For the expansive beaches, white sand and tranquil turquoise waters you cannot beat Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. We have had the great opportunity to enjoy it from the Suncoast down to the Lee County Coast.
Some of our favorite spots include Tarpon Springs, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice and Englewood. We’ve driven up Manasota Key and Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island.
Moreover, it’s difficult to say enough nice things about the wonderful beaches and shelling at Sanibel and Captiva. There’s the funky and fun Pine Island, home of Matlacha and Bokeelia. And Fort Myers Beach is one of our all time best places.
But now, our plan is to go up the Adventure Coast to the Nature Coast, Forgotten Coast and Emerald Coast. There are places like Homosassa, Cedar Key, Apalachicola, Panama City Beach, Destin and Pensacola we have yet to visit.
The Atlantic Coast
When it comes to the ocean, from the First Coast down to the Gold Coast – Florida’s Atlantic seashores have it all. Of course, we really enjoy the the beaches and the fun of the Space Coast. Our trips to Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Eau Gallie and Historic Cocoa Village really have been something special.
Lately we have learned the enjoyment of the Treasure Coast. We have taken jaunts to Sebastian. Vero Beach, Stuart and Hobe Sound. Our next move is further down into the Gold Coast to visit Lake Worth, Delray Beach and Boca Raton.
The Interior
Florida’s beaches have a great allure (and they do). However, we found the interior of the state can be a wonderful change of pace. Downtown DeLand has a delightful charm. Plus, it’s minutes away from the St. John’s River that can transport you worlds away.
We have hiked the trails of Highlands Hammock State Park, the oldest of the Florida state park system. You can walk, ride bikes or cruise through in your car. There’s also primitive camping or a site with full hook-ups for glamping.
The Hammock is only minutes away from the high speed thrills of the Sebring International Raceway. It seems they have cars on that historic circuit almost every weekend. Many times it’s free to watch.
There’s also Seven, the Sebring Raceway Hotel. That’s perched on the famous “Hairpin Turn” of the historic Sebring circuit and has a wonderful restaurant where you may dine and watch the action.
The Wonders of Florida
And do you know what the best part is? We’re only getting started. My wife and I have a long list of places we have not yet visited. Some are fun and funky, some are exciting. There also are historical sites we have not had an opportunity to investigate.
As things reopen in Florida we suggest that you look into in-state tourism as a way to both have fun and restart the economy. There are plenty of one tank and day trips in your area. However, we suggest an overnighter with a hotel stay. There’s nothing like visiting some nearby night spots. Then, sleeping in then finding a wonderful breakfast place to enjoy. It’s a great start to any day.
And let us know how you’re doing. You can come join the Florida Fun Travel Club on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram or drop us a line at [email protected].