What is halfway between Tampa and Pensacola?

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 14, 2022

How long is the drive from Tampa to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Tampa to New Orleans is 658 mi (1059 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 36 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Tampa to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Biloxi, Winter Haven, Mobile, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Shores, and Crystal River and top places to visit like Wekiwa Springs State Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or the ever-popular Epcot.

40 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Top cities between Tampa and New Orleans

The top cities between Tampa and New Orleans are Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Biloxi, Winter Haven, Mobile, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Shores, and Crystal River. Panama City Beach is the most popular city on the route — it's 6 hours from Tampa and 5 hours from New Orleans.

1

Winter Haven

Winter Haven is a city in central Florida, known for its canal-linked Chain of Lakes. Several lakes have waterside parks and eateries, as well as boat ramps and water-sports rentals. On Lake Eloise, Legoland Florida Resort includes Cypress Gardens, a 1930s botanical garden, and Lego-brick attractions, rides and a water park. West of the city, Circle B Bar Reserve has forest trails and alligator-inhabited wetlands.

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We stopped at a friends house for brunch before making our way to Winter Haven, FL. Winter Haven is home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. My kids love LEGOLAND and we had reservations at the LEGOLAND Hotel in the Knight Room.

39% as popular as Panama City Beach

39 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to New Orleans

2

Crystal River

Nature & Parks

Bodies of Water

Crystal River is a coastal city in western Florida. Kings Bay, which is fed by springs, is home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, sheltering manatees year-round. Boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge offer views of the marine mammal and the natural springs. Northwest is Crystal River Archaeological State Park, with remains of an early Native American settlement, including ceremonial mounds.

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Wake up early for a 90-minute drive to Crystal River, a small rural town on the Gulf Coast with a network of warm waterways, like the Three Sisters Spring, that are a favorite of manatees. Spend the morning canoeing or kayaking, keeping an eye out for the sea cows that lumber along just beneath the surface. Afterward, buckle in for the six-hour drive to Destin along scenic, rural US-98. You’ll arrive fairly late, so enjoy a seafood dinner and sunset.

18% as popular as Panama City Beach

24 minutes off the main route, 13% of way to New Orleans

3

Gainesville

Gainesville is a city in northern Florida. It's known for the University of Florida. Set on the sprawling campus, the Florida Museum of Natural History houses fossils and ethnographic exhibits. It includes the Butterfly Rainforest, home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds. Harn Museum of Art has a huge collection of Asian and African works. The Matheson History Museum has a vintage postcard collection.

29% as popular as Panama City Beach

12 minutes off the main route, 20% of way to New Orleans

4

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida. The Capitol Complex includes the restored Historic Capitol, now a museum with displays on political history. The 1970s Capitol tower offers city views from its 22nd-floor observation deck. Nearby, exhibits at the Museum of Florida History cover European colonization, the Civil War and WWII. The city's antebellum mansions include the 1843 Knott House Museum.

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Arrive in Tallahassee in the mid-afternoon, but before checking into your hotel and scoping out the Florida State Capitol, take a dip in the cool, freshwater springs at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Duly relaxed, you’ll be ready to take on the crowds of Florida State University students and government officials crowding the city’s restaurants and bars.

29% as popular as Panama City Beach

11 minutes off the main route, 41% of way to New Orleans

5

Panama City Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beach & Pool Clubs

Beaches

Panama City Beach is a waterfront town and vacation destination in northwest Florida. It's known for miles of white-sand beaches fronting the calm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. St. Andrews State Park, one of 2 protected nature preserves nearby, is bordered by the Gulf and has hiking trails and fishing piers. Pier Park is the main shopping hub and a venue for major events.

Most popular city on this route

55 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to New Orleans

6

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach is a small city in the Florida Panhandle. It’s known for fine white-sand beaches on adjacent Okaloosa Island. The island’s Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is home to dolphins, penguins and alligators. The Indian Temple Mound Museum includes the prehistoric Temple Mound and Native American artifacts. Northeast, the Air Force Armament Museum displays artifacts and aircraft from WWI to the present.

27% as popular as Panama City Beach

35 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to New Orleans

7

Pensacola

Pensacola is a waterfront city in the north of the U.S. state of Florida. It’s separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Santa Rosa Island, and its protected beaches make it a popular holiday destination. The city was one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., and Historic Pensacola Village is a museum complex containing original 19th-century buildings.

64% as popular as Panama City Beach

8 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to New Orleans

8

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a city on Alabama's Gulf Coast. Its Gulf State Park has beaches, trails and a pier, plus a golf course and a zip line over the dunes. To the west, sea turtles and migratory birds thrive among the coastal habitats of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Farther west, 19th-century Fort Morgan guards Mobile Bay. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers hands-on encounters with lemurs, kangaroos and sloths.

26% as popular as Panama City Beach

41 minutes off the main route, 70% of way to New Orleans

9

Mobile

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

Mobile is a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The WWII-era USS Alabama battleship is anchored in Battleship Memorial Park. Floats, costumes and photos at the Mobile Carnival Museum illuminate the city’s centuries-old Mardi Gras tradition. The 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception features intricate German stained glass. International fine and decorative art is displayed at the Mobile Museum of Art.

36% as popular as Panama City Beach

3 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to New Orleans

10

Biloxi

Biloxi is a Mississippi city on the Gulf of Mexico. It's known for its casinos. Biloxi Lighthouse stands next to Biloxi Beach on the Mississippi Sound. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum offers exhibits on boatbuilding and seafood-processing. The Beauvoir estate and Jefferson Davis Presidential Library explore the life of the Confederate leader. Offshore, Deer Island shelters pelicans and loggerhead turtles.

56% as popular as Panama City Beach

9 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to New Orleans

The top stops along the way from Tampa to New Orleans (with short detours) are Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Other popular stops include National Naval Aviation Museum, Panama City Beach, and Epcot.

1

Epcot

Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Crowds flock to this educational Disney theme park to explore the future & other countries.

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An acronym for 'Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,' Epcot was Disney's vision of a high-tech city when it opened in 1982. It's divided into two halves: Future World, with rides and corporate-sponsored interactive exhibits, and World Showcase, providing an interesting toe-dip into the cultures of 11 countries. Epcot is much more soothingly low-key than other parks, and it has some of the best food and shopping.

We had an absolute ball in the theme park capital of the world, hitting Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot at Disney World, plus Universal Studios (Harry Potter’s home away from home!), Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND. It was one incredible trip.

Had an amazing time at Epcot, the weather was hot but there was lots of shade and air conditioned shops. The queue for the rides were average . We had a great time as a family looking for the eggs around the world. There were lots of things to do and see from all cultures around the world. We also tried to find as many of the golden statues as we could and enjoyed the spectacular show at the end of the day! Great time all round

My favorite Disney World park! So beautiful with gorgeous landscaping. Very relaxing to walk around, even when it's busy. I think it has the best overall layout too, and some of the best food options of all the parks. Some very thoughtful and unique attractions too.

First time back to Epcot in over 30 years. Still my favorite park. There are so many delicious things to try at each of the countries represented. Epcot has some nice rides and attractions too. Christmas must be the best time to go there because there's so much more to do. There are also a lot more adult beverages to try for the holidays. Definitely the best park for the grown ups.

4.7(114031)

4.5(26754)

200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

2

Wekiwa Springs State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Guided & self-guided canoe or kayak tours on the Wekiwa River with equipment rental available.

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A popular natural attraction near Orlando, at Wekiwa Springs State Park you can swim in crystal-clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The springs feed the Wekiwa River and lush tropical hammocks where you can canoe or kayak the Wekiwa River. Rentals within the park are available from Wekiwa Springs State Park Nature Adventures – 407-884-4311.

Cool off in the icy spring-fed swimming hole, hike miles of trails and paddle the tranquil, still waters of the Wekiva River. Central Florida Nature Adventures, inside the park, offers 2½-hour guided tours, rents kayaks and canoes (two hours $17, per additional hour $3) and supplies overnight camping supplies. Reserve primitive riverside campsites in advance.

One of the closest natural springs to downtown Orlando is Wekiwa Springs State Park, a really popular weekend destination for locals. Arrive early to slide into the small parking lot, and be prepared to plant your picnic blanket on whatever tiny patch of grass you can find. And if you roll up to a full parking lot?

The highlight of this park is the first magnitude natural spring, but there are more than 25 miles of trails to explore as well. Visitors might spot white-tailed deer, gopher turtles, turkeys, and possibly a bobcat, or Florida black bear. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping are also popular at this park.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of my family’s favorite parks to visit close to home. Our first trip here was for a small hike to explore and get familiar with the park. Since that time we have camped, hiked, and swam, and we have still only scratched the surface of what Wekiwa Springs State Park has to offer.

Close to home, just 25 minutes from Orlando is Wekiva Springs State Park, a perfect spot for a day of kayaking and cooling off in the cold spring. Keep your eyes out for alligators sunning on the riverbank as you make your way down the Wekiva River. Even if you can’t see them, you might be able to hear them.

Take a swim in crystal-clear Wekiwa Springs where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. A large grassy lawn surrounds the swimming area, perfect for a picnic or afternoon nap in the sun. You can bring your own tube or float, individual size flotation devices are allowed in the swimming area.

This serene state park is less than half an hour from downtown Orlando. Upon arrival, its soothing spring waters and luscious greenery will provide welcome relief after traveling there on I-4. Trail options range in length from less than a mile to more than 13 miles.

Wekiwa Springs features refreshing, crystal clear waters that are naturally 72 degrees all year long. 42 million gallons of water flow from the springs to the Wekiva River daily. Wekiwa Springs State Park is a popular place to go camping in central Florida.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the most well-known and popular parks in Florida. It's most famous for the beautiful winding Wekiva River and the cold spring, but locals have a secret. Wekivia Springs has miles of pristine trails to explore.

North of Orlando, Wekiwa Springs is a fun place to experience the great outdoors. It is known for its crystal-clear waters that you can even tube down a short lazy river in. As with many state parks, it costs $6 per car to enter.

Wekiva is a Creek Indian word meaning "flowing water"; wekiwa means "spring of water." The river, springs, and surrounding 6,400-acre…

Nice beautiful state park in Apopka county. The main feature of the park is its spring water pool. Kayaking, canoeing and trails are other features of the park. There is $6 admission fee to the park. Kayaking and canoeing costs $40 for 2 hours and the area is separated from spring pool. The pool is big enough and has clear water. The view around is scenic. People can also picnic around the area near pool. There is restroom available. There is also a small restaurant. The wet to dry trail is beautiful. There is also a 2 mile trail to sand lake which is located at other end of the park. The place is good for all age groups, and the pool also has a section for small kids.

Excellent park! Well-maintained nature, then - almost well-maintained, and then comes wild nature. And it's wonderful! Several hours passed like minutes. Canoeing is something special! We did it for the first time and the impressions were the most memorable ... even the Titanic was remembered when they collided in a pair of logs. Lovely, friendly staff, moderate parking prices. Everything is wonderful, we celebrated my wife's birthday. Thanks guys! See you again.

This place is one of the gems of Florida I'd say. But before I go deep, I must tell you to arrive early during the weekends, we arrived around 9:30 and there was a line of cars waiting to get in. We got in in approx. 20 minutes. You pay for the car and you're in. Prices are reasonable. Ample parking was available, so no issues with that. We headed towards the main area where the springs are. On the way we saw families doing BBQ, music playing and what not. It was pretty nice to see people enjoying and actually happy. Arriving at the springs area was kind of overwhelming due to large number of people, there's no limit to how many people can be in the park at the same time. Apart from that the place is stunning. The change rooms and restrooms are available not very far from the springs. Don't forget to bring a good sun screen cream (SPF 70, I'd say) as it can get very hot. The springs are crystal clear and very beautiful, the average depth is I guess 4-5' but don't take my word for it, practise caution while swimming. Water is moderately warm. There is a kayaking area as well for those who love kayaking. As the day advances, the number of people gets higher and higher, at one point of time, there were at least 500 people in the area surrounding the springs. Due to heavy crowds and no control over that, I'll reserve my one star. Else this is an amazing place to be with kids and adults alike.

4.7(7470)

4.5(686)

1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, USA

3

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Jumbo wildlife park divided into 6 sections with animal encounters, thrill rides, safaris & shows.

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Set apart from the rest of Disney both in miles and in tone, Animal Kingdom attempts to blend theme park and zoo, carnival and African safari, all stirred together with a healthy dose of Disney characters, storytelling and transformative magic. It's the greenest, and most calm, of the Disney experiences. Don't miss Finding Nemo – The Musical, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest. Reserve ahead for the nighttime performance, Rivers of Light, based around animal folklore with lights and effects, of course.

If you are heading to Animal Kingdom for opening time, my advice would be to go straight to Pandora – World of Avatar and ride Flight of Passage because the lines for this attraction build up really fast and usually remain over two hours long for the whole day. If you only have 2 weeks in Orlando, you don’t want to spend a whole day standing in line!

On day 1 Disney’s Animal Kingdom was open early, so that’s where we headed. With minimal crowds we rode the Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids and twice on Expedition Everest (our favourite Disney World ride) before brunch at Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House (our favourite character meal – see our review here).

Great time! Highly recommend if you have little one’s. There is plenty to see and do that everyone has fun. A few playground areas are scattered around the park too so you can sit and watch your kids play or join them in the fun! We did a few rides, but mainly enjoyed the ambiance and the animals. Again it was perfect with our little guy!

Pandora was mind blowing, a floating mountain over your head! Wow. Really impressive, well done Disney. Tree of life is always amazing, wish the food was better. Also pretty crowded and we went on a weekday in May. Didn’t have a chance to get on any rides, and we were at the park at 8 o’clock. We’re not willing to wait an hour for a ride, but apparently lots of people are. We had perfect weather, so didn’t feel the need for AC. Several of the animal habitats were being cleaned, so we didn’t see tigers or antelope. Overall a really nice day

Animal Kingdom is hands down the best of all the Disney Parks. It's stunningly beautiful. The lines move fast and are amazing! The food is so good. So many awesome animals and photo opportunities! Also a ton of places to sit in the shade! We had a wonderful day, and since we gate dropped we did a ton of stuff and even managed a lightning lane for Flight of Passage!

4.7(104593)

4.5(31471)

2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

4

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Water Parks

Vibrant rooms at a colorful Lego-themed property offering a pool, dining & free breakfast.

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Legoland is a joy. With manageable crowds and lines, and no bells and whistles, this lakeside theme park maintains an old-school vibe – you don't have to plan like a general to enjoy a day here, and it's strikingly stress-free and relaxed. This is about fun (and yes, education) in a colorful and interactive environment. Rides and attractions, including the attached water park, are geared towards children aged two to 12. Opening hours vary seasonally. New things are being added regularly.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort includes a 150-acre theme park, 5-acre water park, on-site accommodations with LEGO theming and a world-famous botanical garden. #BuiltForKids Built for kids 2-12 years old, LEGOLAND Florida Resort includes an interactive, 150-acre theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a world-famous botanical garden and the 5-acre LEGOLAND Water Park. On-site accommodations include LEGOLAND Hotel, Read more...

1 Legoland Way Winter Haven (5.6 km from center )Show on map. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort offers three themed accommodation options: the LEGOLAND® Florida Hotel, located 130 steps from the LEGOLAND® Florida theme park entrance, and the LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, with beach-themed, village-style bungalows located on nearby Lake Dexter. A complimentary breakfast buffet is available for all resort guests.

Plan for a day of cool, family-friendly fun on the 23rd (Sat) at Legoland Florida Resort. Spend the 22nd (Fri) on the water with a fishing tour. There's lots more to do: stroll through Clearwater Beach, browse the different shops at Treasure Trove Mini Mall & Consignments, view the masterpieces at Stirlng Art Studios and Gallery, and explore the world behind art at The Ringling.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a fun-filled vacation destination, started in 2011 as Legoland Florida. Spanning a whopping land of 145 acres, the resort is comprised of a theme park, a water park, and on-site accommodations. The LEGOLAND® Hotel, the LEGOLAND® beach retreat, and the LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel which will be startin...Read more

Billiards/Pool Halls1107 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven, FL MoreLess Info. Thirsty customers will enjoy Indigo's Billiards, Bowling & Games that has arcades, pool leagues, billiards, poker nights, and happy hour with over 50 types of beer. Visitors and regulars can join a VIP club for discounts, drink offers and invitations to special events.

The Legoland Florida Resort and Water Park in Winter Haven, is the perfect addition to Central Florida family vacation. We have shared tips for saving money on LEGOLAND Florida tickets. It’s our favorite of all the Florida theme parks, with roller coasters, shows and a new 10th Birthday Celebration coming in 2021.

This IS NOT a LEGO store or Discovery Center, this is a THEME PARK with roller coasters, rides, a water park and three onsite hotels. Built for kids ages two to twelve, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is among the top things to do with kids in Central Florida and has more than fifty rides and attractions.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort features a theme park, water park and three onsite hotels – all built specifically for kids ages 2-12. Between the theme park and water park, visitors enjoy more than 50 rides, shows and interactive attractions. Read more through the links below.

This 150-acre interactive theme park is dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun. Located in Winter Haven, FL just 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa.

We had an absolute ball in the theme park capital of the world, hitting Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot at Disney World, plus Universal Studios (Harry Potter’s home away from home!), Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND. It was one incredible trip.

Why not give yourself a treat with a trip to Legoland Florida, one of the most popular family attractions located 1 mi (1.6 km) from central Cypress Gardens. If you have fun at Legoland Florida, you'll love Indigo's Family Fun Center, located nearby.

Our Orlando Florida vacation included visits to LEGOLAND Florida and Universal Orlando Resort. With our flights all set up we were ready to spend 6 nights/7 days in Orlando, Florida!

Hadn’t been here in 10 years since our son was little. They have made some improvements but this place is still as amazing as it was back then. The food, drinks and rides were great. We were actually there a total of 5 hours and rode 14 rides!! We do Disney regularly and 3 rides is the norm there. We got annual passes so we will definitely be back. This place is so cool. Clean bathrooms and everyone was super friendly.

If your child is into Legos this is a MUST! Pay the extra $ and stay at the resort as well. You can't beat the convenience of having your hotel room steps away from the theme park. The rides were great for my almost 5 year old. He loved all of them and especially loved the building stations they had throughout the park. I think his favorite thing to do was build the cars and race them with other kids at the Imagination building. Every staff we encountered was so nice and helpful. The park was clean and kid friendly. We had dinner and free breakfast at the resort and it was surprisingly very good! Service was great. Room was great!

We got our annual pass back in December 2021, it is well worth it. Been here already 3 times and my little one loves it. We have $299 pass , we love it, no need to pay for parking ( we park in preferred parking) , we are allowed to bring 3 guess per pass in the year. We have use some already. I must confess it is a great park, lines for rides at the most 20 minutes and not all the time.

4.4(23615)

4.0(7498)

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA

5

Magic Kingdom Park

Theme park

Water & Amusement Parks

Disney Parks & Activities

Organized in 6 themed lands, this iconic attraction features rides, costumed characters & parades.

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When people think of WDW, they picture the Magic Kingdom, from the iconic Cinderella's Castle to Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. This is where the nighttime fireworks and light 'spectacular' illuminates the castle and Main Street, USA. For Disney mythology, it doesn't get better, and rides and shows aim squarely at young kids and their parents and grandparents.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom seemed the most obvious choice to visit first because we also wanted to visit Magic Kingdom on day one and the famous fireworks over Cinderella Castle take place in the dark. Therefore it made sense to go to Magic Kingdom after lunch and stay until evening.(Magic Kingdom closed at 10.30pm).

We had an absolute ball in the theme park capital of the world, hitting Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot at Disney World, plus Universal Studios (Harry Potter’s home away from home!), Kennedy Space Center and LEGOLAND. It was one incredible trip.

An absolute must visit for adults and kids big enough to walk on their own. We started on Epcot and moved to Magic Kingdom (two grown adults) we spent over 10 hours in a single day between the two and didn’t even get to see half of magic kingdom (we did no rides just sight seeing and food stops) If you have kids start at magic Kingdom and plan no less then one full day, several if you have the time. As two adults in Epcot eating/drinks as we got hungry or thirsty and without any concern for cost we spent about $300 above the cost of parking and entry tickets. (Adult beverages and two “meals”). A final note, if you go absolutely plan to stay for the firework show. Video and photo do no justice to the visual or audio quality of the display. LED lights in the trees are synced to the projector lights and are synced to the street lights, synced to the projectors on the castle, synced to the choreographed fireworks. All of that on top of an absolutely mind blowing audio set up that resonates from what I imagine is hundreds or thousands of speakers throughout the park. To top it all off you may even see Tinker Belly fly from the castle off into the distance. (Best use of a zip line and LED outfit I have ever seen) Plan ahead so budget isn’t a concern and just plan to enjoy yourself. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. (A hat or umbrella to block to sun would go a long way to increase your sunshine stamina).

Great experience to have with family and friends. Best place to take if you have kids but I went with adults and we had a lot of fun. Prepare for long lines and a lot of walking but the parades were amazing, and the castle was magnificent. 9pm showcased the fireworks and that was pretty cool. Definitely recommend!

This was our first time taking out toddlers to Disney. I love the fact that we were able to bring in our own snacks and drinks in our travel cooler. It wasn't that crowded and the Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lanes help cut down our wait for some ridesnot the popular ones though. I would definitely suggest getting familiar with the app prior to your trip. Make sure to also bring an extra charging pack for your cell phone because you will be using it all day for the app. We only had to order lunch once since we came prepared with our own snacks. The rides we were able to get on with our toddlers were pretty good and they enjoyed them. We loved the shows and parades throughout the day. I am glad we did not get the photo pass and would not suggest getting one. Almost every picture they took of us was awful. You will be better off taking your own photos. Our best photos were taken when we offered other families to take photos of them and then they take one of us. My toddlers had a great time and all in all we enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back.

4.7(181598)

4.5(63950)

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

6

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Expansive vineyard offering facility tours & wine tastings, plus regular music & food festivals.

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Everyone associates wine with California but there are other wineries across the country that are lesser known. Florida, while hot and humid is home to a winery that produces its own label. This is not your ordinary non-Californian winery.

The video and the tour were exceptional. Was quite a surprise to be able to go through that before for the taste test. We sampled seven exquisite wines. Of course I loved the dry reds. The Cabernet was really good and so was the special reserve Cabernet. We ended up picking out a couple of bottles and some cheese to take back to the room with us. Place was wonderful, the staff were helpful and kind, and the wines are a real delight. Stop in, even if it means going out of your way. You will be glad you did. Be sure to check out my photos on google maps as well.

Great experience, we have a stroller and the staff is very helpful in accommodating us because there's a 2nd floor tour. Lovely place! Reasonable wine prices for both in bottle and case. I surely love all of it. Will definitely come back.

Very busy, but we did go on a Saturday afternoon and it would be a wonderful way to spend your afternoon we chose just to check it out. The free wine tasting is neat, a no hassle mini tour. They gift shop has an extensive array of goodies and of course the wine you can buy by the bottle or by the case what ever you want. Tha staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. I hope to come back again and enjoy the outdoor venue, music, and the delicious smelling food booths. Bring your lawn chair and have a relaxing time.

4.7(1184)

4.5(735)

19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715, USA

7

Hollis Garden

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

Lakefront botanical garden featuring neoclassical architecture, fountains & a variety of plants.

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If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet day in a gorgeous surrounding, check out the botanical gardens and arboretums in Orlando. I recommend going to the Mead Botanical Garden, the Harry P. Leu Gardens, or the University of Central Florida Arboretum. You’ll be surrounded by lush trees and bright blooms, and you might learn a thing or two about native flora from the area.

Hollis Garden is a free 1.2 acre botanical garden with over 10,000 different plant species.. The patterned flower beds and ornamental fountains are a beautiful sight to see.

Very beautiful and peaceful. We went on a Sunday afternoon, the weather was great, lots of families all around, but it was not crowded. Beautiful setting right on the lake. Lots of grassy areas for relaxation. It is connected to Barnett Family Playground and Splash Pad, but the playful sounds from the park did not deter from the beauty of the gardens.

Simply beautiful. Quiet peaceful setting just off Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. A perfect place to unwind or take pictures. The plants and flowers are majestic and give off a calming vibe as you walk around. Not huge… but we’ll worth the visit. This place has so many photo opportunities and so much to take in … well worth the trip.

Very nice well maintained garden. We loved seeing the multiple fountains, and enjoyed watching the birds give themself a little bath. My oldest son liked the art sculptures that were there. Also enjoyed the little pond with the koi. I think they would benefit from a bigger area to swim. My favorite part was the gardenia trees, they smelled so good when you walked by them. Would definitely recommend a stroll through the garden.

4.8(1971)

4.5(597)

702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801, USA

8

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures

Boat tour agency

Tours

Boat Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

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Great time!!!! Captain Kyle was awesome. We saw gators big & small, one water snake, lots of turtles of all sizes plus beautiful scenery. Holding the gator at the end is a great bonus!!!! I will do this again highly recommend giving it a whirl.

Captain Steve and the ladies were knowledgeable, and like their jobs. Steve explained pretty much every plant and animal as the tour went on. He also is prideful of the eagles, as well as the rest of the birds in the area. We saw quite a few gators, from a foot long to eight footers. Great for all ages.

Had a great trip with Swamp Fever. Drove out from Tampa and it was well worth the effort to see another side of Florida. Beautiful location, educational and entertaining. Would highly recommend the adventure if you are looking for something a little different to do with your family.

4.9(649)

5.0(849)

4110 NW 42nd Pl Lot 1, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538, USA

9

Silver Springs State Park

Nature park bisected by a river, with trails, a museum, a picnic area, rental cabins & more.

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Silver Springs State Park is a truly magical place to visit just outside of Orlando. It’s thought to be the largest artesian formation in the world, and it’s an amazing place to go kayaking in central Florida. Kayaking at Silver Springs State Park is an eco-friendly and kind way to discover wildlife in its natural habitat without disturbing any of the animals.

Often called Florida’s first tourist attraction, glass bottom boat tours have been running at Silver Springs for over 100 years!. (Random trivia – Over 20 movies have also been filmed here including Creature from the Black Lagoon, and six Tarzan movies). Rental options within Silver Springs State Park include kayaks, clear kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes.

There’s no better way to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park than aboard a glass-bottom boat. These are not ideal waters to swim in, but a voyage is very much the next best thing, with on-deck breezes to keep you cool. Alternatively, you can kayak your way down the river for a picnic under the trees at Ray Wayside Park.

It is also one of the first tourist attractions in Florida, with recorded visitors dating back to the 1870’s. Visitors can enjoy a glass bottom boat tour, kayaking, and numerous other activities while at Silver Springs State Park. Silver River Museum and Environmental Center remain closed due to Covid-19.

Beautiful and only $2 entry fee. Wish CA would provide it's residents such value. Open and not crowded. Great to paddle around or take a hike. Clean restrooms and great staff. Didn't see a manatee but we were a little late.

Found this beauty while exploring the area on a business trip to Ocala. The most beautiful blueish green water. They have clearly defined trails and a beautiful boardwalk area that loops you through the forest. Didn’t get to take the boat tour but it looked awesome with the clear see through bottoms! Lots of parking, well maintained restrooms, and reasonably priced to enter! A must see if you are in the area!

We love Silver Springs. It is amazing to kayak. You see birds, manatees, alligators, turtle, fish, sunken ships and several springs not just Silver Springs. We have not been on the glass bottom boats but have overheard the boat captains and the seem quite knowledgeable. It is $5/kayak to launch your own kayak but parking is free. We have been here in December and saw several manatees and in April and saw the birds in their estuary, amazing both time frames though I think I'm my opinion the Spring was a little better because of all the birds. However, I don't think you can go wrong any time of year.

4.7(7534)

4.0(1500)

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA

10

Gypsy Gold Horse Farm

Horse breeder

Sights & Landmarks

Farm

Gift shop

Historical landmark

Tour operator

Ranches

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If you are planning a trip to Ocala, Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is a Must See! Dennis, the owner is turning 73 and winding down. He currently gives the tour and the story behind this place is historical, memorable and I can muster the words to say positively emotional. The animals are beautiful. You can see the staff interact with them and care for them. The cost per person is nothing for what you get for. Go Now while Dennis is still hosting the tour!

Great place to visit, the horses are all so friendly and beautiful! Aside from the horses they also have goats, donkeys and birds. The staff were all great and really informative about the breed. Definitely worth the tour around the farm!

The owners are great; there is a great story behind this place and the breed and the owners spins a nice tale. Also, these are some of the most beautiful horses I’ve seen.

4.9(270)

5.0(612)

12501 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473, USA

11

Weeki Wachee Spring

Performing mermaids draw a crowd at this natural spring, which also features boat tours & swimming.

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Great way to relax and enjoy nature

I tried unsuccessfully to get the menu for the parks concessions prior to going. It was no where to be found, the park couldn't even tell me. So I am posting it for anyone who may need it. The only vegan items were a salad that they were out of and pita chips and hummus, which they were also out of. Food took forever, it appeared that the restaurant is just not big enough to handle the lunch crowd. Everyone was working hard, just too many people for too small of a place. As for the rest of the park, be aware that each of the attractions has limited times. The boat only runs until 12:30. The line was such that the last boat was filled by 11:00 and those waiting had to wait for an hour and a half to ride the 20 minute ride. The mermaid show has a long line and it fills up as well. Getting there at least 30 minutes before the show is a must. The animal show also gets pretty full and only had 3 shows a day. For as limited of things to do here, it is very difficult to get them all in because of their schedule and the wait times.

4.3(794)

4.0(1895)

12

Rainbow Springs State Park

Serene public park offering natural springs & a river, as well as campgrounds & picnic areas.

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The 100mi (160km) trek from downtown Orlando to Ginnie Springs is well worth the effort – you’re heading to a spring that’s drawn visitors for more than 10,000 years. Unclouded sapphire waters maintain a cool 72F (22C) temperature, so you can soak in comfort, whatever time of year you’re here. No need to hike for miles to see nature’s finest – hunker down in a kayak, and you can glide past jungle waterfalls and aquatic forests.

If you camp at Rainbow Springs State Park, you’ll have the opportunity to take a deep dive into Florida history, so make sure you bring your snorkeling gear. Humans first visited Rainbow Springs State Park over 10,000 years ago. Today, the Rainbow River draws people in for its near constant year-round temperature of 72 degrees.

Located an hour and a half away on the west coast of Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park is a beautiful excuse for a day trip. Hike their trails and marvel at their man made waterfalls, formed during the lands mining days and private ownership. Tube down the river, or swim in the sapphire waters.

The crystal clear water of the Rainbow River is what makes it such a popular destination for kayaking and tubing. Wildlife is abundant and at a 1 MPH flow, you can enjoy a leisurely float or paddle down the river. While you’re in the area you can also check out Rainbow Springs State Park.

One of the most beautiful places ever. The water are crystal clear and have the most beautiful colors. They have a huge lawn where you can just chill, and a bbq area where they also have tables and benches. They also have a small shop at the entrance for snacks and drinks. You can rent a kayak or puddle board for around 17$-27$ per hour (or around 50$ for the entire day). Another huge benefit to this spring is that they have beautiful trails where you can walk about and explore the nature around. GO THERE! Tubes are not allowed. You can bring your own kayak or puddle board as well (don’t know if they charge you an extra fee for that).

Entrance fee is $2 per person collected at a gate house near the spring headwaters about .25 miles from the parking lot. There are some short trails, a swimming area, restroom/changing rooms, pavilions and grilling areas and a lawn area for sunbathing. The visitor center and snack bar were closed on the day of our visit, Tuesday in February. There is a watercraft launch and rental area located just past the swimming area which we used to launch our paddle boards. You will need to carry your watercraft from the parking lot to that area. The water is crystal clear, deep and 72 degrees year round. Paddling was great, next to no obstacles with light currents. I have had more scenic experiences, much of the river is occupied by residential areas on one side. Wildlife is abundant, turtles, fish and birds are everywhere. As in any water source in Florida there are alligators but we did not observe any during out 3 hours on the water. Best of all were the small coves along the river which provided opportunities to pull over and cool off with a swim. There is a campground located 7 miles by road from the spring that has its own watercraft launch. Overall the park was a great experience although I’m sure it would be difficult to have that same option had we gone on a weekend, the park closes the gate at capacity, or had we not taken the watercraft out to explore the river away from the swimming area.

Beautiful state park with a botanical garden with walking paths, canoe/kayak area, restrooms with changing rooms and a swimming area. The parking lot is only a 5-10min walk away. You can tell this is a touristy destination by their gift shop, food stand & how they set up the park. The swimming area is smaller than expected, but still an amazing experience. I saw a sea turtle while swimming! They do charge a $2 admission. The campground is nice, clean and spacious. Check in was easy & staff was friendly. You can see the stars above in the night. The area is quiet & great for families.

4.7(6615)

4.5(746)

19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432, USA

13

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance

Museum

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

State Parks

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The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park also offers the beautiful trails for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking that we love about our parks in Florida. This State Park stands out because it is also a sanctuary to wildlife that can’t survive on their own in the wild. This gives us the opportunity to learn about these beautiful creatures through the parks tours and educational programs.

Amazing place. We really enjoyed it. Adults are $13. Worth every penny! We took a tram ride from the, I guess back. That alone was fun. Lol. Everybody we encountered was so friendly and helpful. Nice gift shop. A few stands with snacks and drinks. We saw lots of manatees and babies! So many different birds. A black bear, a hippo, fox, snakes, so many fish! It's not a huge place. We spent a little over an hour there. Definitely could have stretched it longer. Easy walk. A few places with stairs (and ramps). But to get down to the underwater viewing, only stairs. About 11 or 12. Multiple bathrooms. Just a relaxing day, watching animals. You can't feed any of them. But, there are binoculars around, so bring quarters.

We'd seen several reviews about this place and intended to make it part of our trip. On a tour, someone almost talked us out of it, but I'm so glad we went. First, we love that many of the animals there have been rescued and we got to read about their journey. Second, I appreciated the fact that they had accessible features, including ramps, elevators, lifts into the train, viewing cutouts to see the animals, etc. Third, the staff were very friendly, helpful and informative. Finally, we appreciate their efforts in saving these amazing animals!!

Hidden gem! We are so glad we got lost and went into the visitors center. They recommended this place and so glad we didn't skip it! Definitely a place everyone should go see! If you do not get a chance to see manatees out in the wild..u will at this place and capture some great pic! They have things laid out very well. The hippo gave us an awesome show and we got to see the panther take down a bird...dont worry the bird survived and flew away even after 3 attacks! I would not skip this place at all!! Perfect for any age. Lines to get tickets are long but super quick so do not get discouraged!

4.7(2481)

4.5(2260)

9350 W Fishbowl Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA

14

Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

Many species of butterflies & birds roam free in this Natural History Museum interactive exhibit.

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Whether you're traveling with kids, as a couple, or even solo, a visit to the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History should definitely be at the top of your must-do list. Located within the University of Florida Cultural Plaza, which conveniently houses a number of other important Gainesville tourist attractions, this enthralling attraction can be visited separately from the main museum and can take a few hours to explore fully. The stars here are, of course, the thousand or more butterflies and moths that inhabit the 6,400-square-foot rainforest.

Located at the University of Florida is the Butterfly Rainforest Museum of Natural History. On constant display at the museum are the butterfly rainforest and the indoor butterfly exhibits where visitors can catch a spotting of hundreds of different types of butterflies, some native to Florida and others from different corners of the earth. If you are planning a trip to the butterfly rainforest, make sure you get there in time for their daily butterfly spotlight for a closer look at these delicate insects.

Fans of nature will surely enjoy a visit to the Florida Museum of Natural History.One of the nation’s top five museums will be a pleasant surprise for both little visitors and grown-ups. There you will find collections that feature more than 40 million specimens and artifacts, a life-size limestone cave, and even a mammoth from the last ice age.

You and your date won’t have to travel far for a perfect date. The Butterfly Rainforest, located in the Florida Museum of Natural History, is located right on the UF campus!. Take a trip to the Butterfly Rainforest with your date to admire the beautiful tropical environment filled with a variety of colorful butterflies, birds, moths, and fish.

Gainesville is not without some interesting history, the city is manifested with great historical documentation. This range of history cut across human, animal, and history plants. As a wise visitor heading towards this Florida city, it will be so apt for you to visit where one or two of this form of history are adequately learned.

A visit to the Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History is a must-see for anyone traveling with children, couples, or solo. This captivating attraction is located in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza. It can be accessed separately from the main museum, and it can take several hours to fully explore.

Hundreds of multi-hued butterflies flit throughout a four-story screened world with trails cascading waterfalls lush plants and trees. Be sure to check out the "Wall of Wings " an eye-arresting display of preserved and photographed butterflies and moths. Located at 3215 Hull Road on the west end of the UF campus.

This beautiful landmark is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit that features hundreds of free-flying butterflies (50 species at any given time), birds from all over the world, and an assortment of other animals like turtles and fish. It is a natural environment, ideal for butterflies and plants.

If you are very fond of butterflies, the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville will definitely impress you. Located at the Natural History Museum of Florida, this place offers a path of 6,400 sq. ft. exhibit where you will encounter more than 80 butterflies and other species.

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Butterfly Rainforest is actually an exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The birds and butterflies roam free in the interactive room, where visitors can see them in their natural habitat.

Butterfly Rainforest is on the list of romantic places in Gainesville. The scenic landscape consists of deciduous, evergreen and flowering trees with annual, biennial and perennial flowers. The natural scenery and beautiful butterflies will deeply touch your soul.

Part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Butterfly Rainforest is a hidden gem for those who love winged friends. A 6,400 square-foot building is screened but exposed to the natural Florida elements. Actually, this is truly heaven for butterflies.

3215 Hull Road SW 34th Street and Hull RdGainesville, FL 32611(352) 846-2000. Click Here To See Ticket Price. Part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, this 6,400-square-foot exhibit is one of the city’s most fascinating attractions for kids.

A visit to the Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History is a must-see for anyone traveling with children, couples, or solo. This captivating attraction is located in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza.

We saw a billboard on I75 and decided to stop by. We had the best butterfly encounter. They also had a dino exhibition that we enjoyed as well.. the butterflies though stole the show. We saw 2 butterflies hatch and it was amazing!!! Then we visited the exhibit and it was beyond amazing... They were everywhere. Staff was friendly and I have to say their restrooms were super clean!!!!!

The environment was clean and well cared for with a great variety of plants and butterflies! Visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the little birds and butterflies that roam the environment. Photographs are welcome as well as sitting on the benches throughout to enjoy your day.

This is probably my FAVORITE place in all of Gainesville. The Butterfly Rainforest does not disappoint. They are so active and you get to sometimes see them follow you through the garden. Love the flowers throughout the paths. Lots of parking available on campus.

4.8(1354)

5.0(1073)

3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

15

Three Sisters Springs

Wildlife refuge

Nature & Parks

In the winter, manatees can been viewed from a boardwalk in this wildlife refuge with clear water.

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Amazing little sanctuary. The waters are warm and crystal clear. I see why the manatees flock here. The walk around the springs is amazing with wooden walkways. The park guides are friendly and full of information. Great place to take a nice stroll. The real experience is to enter the springs through the river entrance. The kayak paddle from our B&B only took a short time. Plenty of wildlife and amazing vegetation along the paddle. Once you arrive at entrance you have a designated area to land your kayaks and then you swim into the spring area.

Park seemed pricey to get in especially after we just finished swimming with the manatees! But, it was definitely worth it to see a different side. Great place to capture beautiful pictures and get to see the manatees up top! Hint hint...if u don't like to walk...go left not right from the ticket booth...this will get you to the boardwalk quicker! Manatees blend in with the rocks so pay attention. There is no parking here and need to park at the shopping center. This is not where u catch the trolley either...so make sure u are at the right location for what u want to do!

Overall the park itself and the environment is pretty delightful, with access to hiking trails, views of the spring etc. Volunteers were present to guide which was great. We saw on manatee which was great too. The downside was—you had to park 1mile farther in the city hall and use their shuttle service/or walk to reach the springs. Also the entry fee was on the higher side (20$ per adult). And, there was no access to waters/swimmimg for that price while if you could pay extra for boating, kayaking and swimming through boating companies nearby, wierd for a state owned park? Overall, I would rather go to another spring where we can swim.

4.6(2248)

4.5(1196)

601 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

16

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Park featuring a 6-mi. river with summer tubing through wetlands, wildlife sightings & snorkeling.

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We visited during the winter off season and it was absolutely amazing! There were barely any others visiting, so the river was quiet and pristine. We saw lots of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and even some manatees (they frequent the area upriver of Midpoint). Note that they don’t allow you to bring any disposable items (snacks, bottled water) so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Definitely recommend for all ages and levels of experience. We were in a party of 8 with both adults and pre-teen/teenage children, with little experience kayaking, and it was awesome.

May 13, 2022 a Friday. It was a perfect day with little people traffic. We floated down twice. So peaceful...you heard the birds and just a little talk ftom the people ahead. Water temp was nice-- not too cold like we expected. Highly recommend! Just be sure to spray down with sunscreen and bring water in an aluminum or reusable container. NOT allowed to have disposable containers NOR food on the water!!!! There is a small restaurant that serves burgers dogs, chicken sandwich, fries, sodas at a fair price. Enjoy🙂

What a beautiful place to go see and walk just to relax and see and learn about the blue hole and head spring where you can swim. The water here is also 72 all year round. The blue hole is only open to experienced divers. No free diving or swimming.

4.8(5448)

4.5(568)

12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA

17

All-Star Amphitheater | Wild Adventures Theme Park

Concert hall

Water & Amusement Parks

Event venue

Theme Parks

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Perfect weather for a perfect day. The rides were nice and the lines weren't long. The holiday show the elves performed were fantastic!

We really had a great time all the rides was not open but I would tell you The boomerang does not have to ever worry about seeing me again

Love this place . dont go to all concerts but the ones I do are always great. The sound the stage . everything is set up great.

4.6(77)

4.0(952)

3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601, USA

18

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Riverboat tours, swimming & snorkeling draw visitors to these deep springs of "Tarzan" fame.

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Glowing an otherworldly aqua and overhung with Spanish moss, the natural spring at the center of this 6000-acre state park feels like something from the set of an exotic adventure movie, and indeed parts of Tarzan's Secret Treasure and The Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed here. Gushing 1.2 billion gallons of water daily, the spring is deep and ancient: the remains of at least 10 ice-age mammals have been found. Fair warning – this spot can get crowded.

Arrive in Tallahassee in the mid-afternoon, but before checking into your hotel and scoping out the Florida State Capitol, take a dip in the cool, freshwater springs at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Duly relaxed, you’ll be ready to take on the crowds of Florida State University students and government officials crowding the city’s restaurants and bars.

Known for having one of the deepest springs in the world, this very picturesque and highly recommended park remains relatively untouched,…

We love this place, the water is nice, the park is always clean including the bathrooms and grills. The hotel and gift shop is beautiful andbstaff is friendly. The only negative is if you get the covered tables by the woods you need to watch for ticks.

I stayed at the Lodge and it was lovely! The beds were very comfortable! And breakfast was fantastic. The boat tour was very enjoyable, relaxing and informative. We saw many different birds, turtles, alligators and manatees. Due to the rain we did not get to walk the trails, but hopefully next time.

We loved visiting Wakulla Springs! It's a perfect, quiet place to spend a beautiful day. If we didn't live 300 miles away we'd go on a super regular basis. Sweet little spot.

4.8(3154)

4.5(808)

465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, USA

19

Florida State University

Public university

Sights & Landmarks

Founded in 1851, this research school features varied areas of study & a renowned sports program.

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Florida State University is a wonderful place to come for a stroll, taking in the campus’ beauty, or to stop and explore all that the campus has to offer. Check out the campus library, take in a game at the football stadium, or snap selfies by the campus’ famous fountain. Florida State University gives a glimpse into college life in Florida and is centrally located near the Railroad Arts District, and many restaurants and hotels.

Although Florida State University is a great school, it is important to remember that you don’t have to be a prospective student to enjoy touring the campus. There are plenty of other reasons to visit FSU, whether you’re interested in the athletics program, the vibrant student life, or simply want to explore a beautiful college campus. Regardless of your reason for visiting, Florida State University is definitely worth a look.

Tallahassee is the home to the public research university of Florida State University. It was founded in 1851 and is one of the oldest sites of higher education in Florida. You can walk through the beautiful campus of the university with moss-covered oaks, massive lawns, monumental fountains, along with plant life, including Camellias, Azaleas, and more.

Florida State University is a research university located in Tallahassee, founded in 1851. It’s the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida. Florida State University features 16 separate colleges, and more than 110 centers, labs, and facilities that offer 360 programs of study.

The campus, which is home for more than 32,000 students, sprawls to the north and includes many notable buildings, such as the Doak Camp Stadium. When Seminoles are on, campus and city practically stop. The sound of nearly 80,000 people can make it difficult to hear.

Established in 1851 and awarding more than 3,000 degrees each year, Florida State University has a campus which covers 489 acres with points of interest such as the Heritage Tower and the Dodd Hall library.

Championship conditions, impeccable services, and premier amenities come together in a golf experience certain to entertain players of all ages and abilities. Hours: M-Su 0700-1900. Phone: +1 850-644-2582

Check to see if there are any events at the university while you are going to be there. Many of the campus events are free. Additionally, there are plenty of things to see on campus on a regular day too.

Duly relaxed, you’ll be ready to take on the crowds of Florida State University students and government officials crowding the city’s restaurants and bars. Days 12-14: The Atlantic Coast

Walk around the campus of Florida State University, a top college in Tallahassee. You can attend a sporting event while in the area. Florida State University

Founded in 1851, the 489-acre main campus of the Florida State University is no doubt one of the top things to see in Tallahassee.

They campus is absolutely gorgeous and we had a great tour here. The area is really nice as well. I can't complain about the weather either since I was born and raised in Florida and it beats the freezing cold. They have good academics and are well recognized, at least in my perspective and I can't see a valid reason I personally wouldn't want to go here - meaning I think it would be a great school to attend. It's also in the states capital, which for my major is a huge perk.

This was a great campus to go to. I went here on a field trip and it was the most beautiful campus. The scenery was nice and the buildings were clean and spacious. I highly recommend taking time to go see this university.

Wonderful institution with highly renowned and quality professors. Most beautiful campus in the state scattered with aged live-oaks, historic buildings, and an incredible landscape design. Unmatched access to the Florida State Capitol. Tours available through the FSU Visitors Center at the stadium.

4.5(387)

4.5(750)

600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA

20

Florida Caverns State Park

Cave offering guided tours, plus trails, freshwater springs & golf games on rolling terrain.

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My family and I visited here last weekend on May 23rd 2022. We had never been here, as well as never even knew Florida Caverns State Park existed but had the best time doing the cave tour with our Tour Guide Tim. Also the Owls and the museum were really neat to see. I definitely recommend this place as it was a family fun place. We'll definitely be coming back to do the Cave Night Tour as well as some of the nature trails and get to experience what we couldn't on our short day trip!! 5 stars all the way. Highly recommend. Kid friendly.

We added this stop on our road trip and so glad we did. It was a reasonably priced great stop for our family. We went on an hour tour with Lou through the caves , it was beautiful and the tour was unique and informative! The pictures don’t really do it justice, and the gift shop was well stocked and offered ice cream and snacks . We were towing a trailer and had room for us to be able to park. This isn’t far off the interstate so be sure to add it to your Florida trip!

Had an Amazing Time! Lou our tour guide was very informative! He did an excellent job. We look forward to coming back for the VIP Tour just off his recommendations and thorough tour skills! Lots of other families small children were with us on our specific tour but Lou still made it enjoyable for all! Ask Lou to show you the Titanic!

4.7(2810)

4.5(903)

3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA

21

Panama City Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beach & Pool Clubs

Beaches

Panama City Beach is a waterfront town and vacation destination in northwest Florida. It's known for miles of white-sand beaches fronting the calm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. St. Andrews State Park, one of 2 protected nature preserves nearby, is bordered by the Gulf and has hiking trails and fishing piers. Pier Park is the main shopping hub and a venue for major events.

Most popular city on this route

55 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to New Orleans

22

Gulf World

Tropical gardens plus shark feedings, dolphin encounters & sea lion, parrot & dolphin shows.

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While you won’t exactly be swimming alongside dolphins in the open ocean, Gulf World offers a great opportunity to get up close to these amazing creatures. Gulf World houses dolphins who were either rescued and deemed non-releasable or were born in human care. In addition to bottle nosed and rough-toothed dolphins, Gulf World is also home to a variety of sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, tropical birds, stingrays, and African penguins, so this is an ideal venue for those who enjoy wildlife.

Discover a colorful underwater world at the Gulf World Marine Park. Fill your day with animal shows and exhibits as you explore the indoor and outdoor tropical gardens, pet the stingrays, swim with dolphins or even become a trainer for the day. Enjoy world class illusions and special effects at a night show in the Tropical Garden Theatre or book your kids into a day camp for a little bit of adult time!

A whole new watery world can be found at Gulf World Marine Park, which allows you and your loved ones to get up close and personal with your favorite marine animals. During the park’s interactive sea lion and dolphin shows, you’ll learn all about these fascinating creatures of the sea. If you really want to delight your kids, however, you’ll sign them up for one of the park’s dolphin encounters.

Pictured above is a group of children enjoying a dolphin encounter at Gulf World in Panama City Beach. Gather up the kiddos and head on down to Panama City Beach’s beloved Gulf World Marine Park for dazzling dolphin choreography and oh, so much more!. Always a blast, get up close and personal with a variety of local wildlife species like seals, stingrays, and sharks!

Come to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, and see shows featuring dolphins, sea lions tropical birds and reptiles. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, alligators, sea turtles, and much more. Stop by our sting ray petting pool to get up close to these fascinating creatures.

Aquariums15412 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32413MoreLess Info. There are daily shows at the Gulf World Marine Park, wits animals such as dolphins, sea lions, and tropical birds. There are also special programs, such as swimming with dolphins, the meet-and-greet sea lion program, and the trainer for a day program.

Tropical gardens plus shark feedings, dolphin encounters & sea lion, parrot & dolphin shows. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, alligators, sea turtles, iguana and more. Interactive programs include Swim with a Dolphin, Trainer for a Day, Animal Encounters, Meet N` Greets and many more!

Offering up-close experiences with a variety of marine life, Gulf World Marine Park is one of the best family activities in town. They offer free daily shows and interactive activities that will give you a front-row seat to dolphins, sharks, alligators, manatees, and more. One of the highlights is the stingray pool.

Get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing sea creatures at Gulf World Marine Park!. You can swim with dolphins, interact with stingrays, see penguins and sea lions, and even meet a real mermaid. There's also a variety of shows and educational presentations throughout the day.

If you are traveling along with the family, you can't miss visiting Gulf World Marine Park. Exhibits include marine life from Florida and beyond, plus an underwater viewing area where you can see sharks and stingrays up close. You can also swim along with the dolphins, sea lions and otters.

If you are looking for a more intimate experience with marine animals like dolphins, Gulf World should be on your to-do list. It provides daily shows featuring sea lions and dolphins and is one of the best places to visit for a fun and educational experience with your kids in Panama City.

Gulf World ranks among the top Panama City Beach kids attractions for its up-close encounters with marine life. This indoor-outdoor park features gardens that provide a home to exotic birds, penguins, flamingos, gators, turtles and more. After seeing animals, get a seat for a live show.

Gulf World Marine Park is one of Panama City Beach's top fun family attractions. The park has all kinds of sea life and free daily shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of birds. Park residents include alligators, penguins, sharks, and many other exciting critters.

If you are a fan of dolphins and other sea creatures, you must visit the Gulf World Marine Park. The marine park offers exciting live shows and interactive tours for the entire family. Meet the dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, and tropical birds during the daily live shows.

Do your kids want to get up close and personal with the marine life of Panama City Beach?. Head to Gulf World Marine Park!. This attraction has been a local staple since 1970 and provides educational and exciting experiences for guests young and young at heart.

Entertainment meets education at this beautiful marine park!. Enjoy close encounters with dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, exotic birds, and other animals. Directions from the Holiday Inn Resort: Head northwest on Front Beach Road/US 98 ALT.

Welcome to Gulf World in Panama City Beach,Florida, a place for the whole family to explore. Swim with Dolphins – Live the Experience of a lifetime!. Enjoy daily live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, reptiles and tropical birds.

Not only just an aquarium, Gulf World also doubles as a wildlife rehabilitation center for strayed creatures of the Gulf of Mexico. The park does three shows a day that demonstrates the parks birds, dolphins and sea lions.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy all that Gulf World Marine Park has to offer. Take in daily live shows with various marine life, experience a live shark and turtle feeding, visit the Stingray Bay petting pool, and more.

Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida is a great place for the whole family to explore. Enjoy daily live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, reptiles and tropical birds. Or just swim with dolphins!

Want to add a little family fun to your Panama City Beach itinerary?. Interact with the marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. The popular aquarium offers an interactive experience for kids & parents alike.

These are just some of the interactive activities for kids at Gulf Marine Park. You can even go swimming with the dolphins. This is the perfect place for any marine-life lover.

Really great shows! The dolphin show was my 5 year old's favorite. Well done and the animals seem to well cared for. It's a great place to hit up in PCB if you have small ones or are an animal lover.

We have never been to Gulf World and thought this time we should check it out while in Panama. I would not ever want to be there during a crowded season. It's a very small place compared to any zoo or aquarium we have visited. Being an off season now when we went it was fine. It was more expensive than for what we could normally get from other experiences at zoos or aquariums but it is still very enjoyable. I liked how you can pay for extra interactions and photos with the animals. We only needed two hours there so it is also good for a stop without it taking up an entire day of your vacation. It was pretty clean also. The dolphin show was fantastic and that's where I consider I mostly got my monies worth so if you don't see it you might as well just wait until you are sure you don't miss that.

What an amazing experience! We did the dolphin royal swim. Everyone I have talked to that has swam with dolphins anywhere else says they just get to touch them and that’s about it… Here we got to swim out in their tank 2 different times and they gave us rides. We also got to enjoy sea lion shows and a dolphin show with our tickets. Highly recommend. This was the best day ever. I am always hesitant about places like this but ALL of the animals here are very well taken care of and everyone we met were there for the right reasons and their main focus was keeping all of the animals healthy!

4.2(4131)

4.5(2280)

15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA

23

Pier Park

Traditional mall layout with department stores, boutiques & many dining options, plus a beer bar.

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600 Pier Park Dr Ste 125 Panama City Beach, FL (850) 236-9974Pier Park Stores is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment megaplex, with just about everything imaginable including over 120 stores, the Grand IMAX movie theater, laser tag, live music, amusements rides, plenty of dining options, sweet treats, and retail shopping to meet every need. This incredible outdoor shopper’s paradise and entertainment megaplex has over 1 million square feet of specialty shops, retailers, and restaurants, all of which welcome over 1 million visitors each year.

There’s no shortage of things to do at the premier shopping center of Pier Park, where visitors can spend the day shopping, eating, and checking out cool attractions. The park has 124 stores to choose from, offering sporting clothing, home goods, jewelry, shoes and more with a blend of name brand and boutique options. Whether you’re looking for a snack at Auntie Anne’s, fast food at Five Guys, fine dining at Longhorn Steakhouse, a few drinks at Margaritaville, or fresh seafood at Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House, Pier Park has got you covered.

Of all of Panama City’s destinations, Pier Park is probably the most complete because it offers guests incredible views of the sea, beautiful walking areas, and several dining and retail establishments that have been known to keep visitors occupied for hours on end. The mostly outdoor complex includes more than 100 stores like Old Navy and American Eagle Outfitters. For those who’ve worked up an appetite or just need a shot of caffeine to get them through the day, there is a Starbucks, Red Robin, and Red Brick Oven Pizza.

As the top shopping and entertainment destination in PCB, Pier Park offers plenty of options for either spending a pretty penny or stretching your vacation budget a bit further. If you prefer a frugal experience, simply browse the various stores, keeping an eye out for sales. Pier Park regularly hosts special events, so stop by during a holiday or festival — you just might get the opportunity to sample beer or local cuisine on the cheap.

The Pier Park Shopping Center in Panama City Beach is like your one-stop shop for all things “beach.” It is 1.1 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can dig up just about anything that you can take to the water in the many local boutique shops here as well as conveniently located retail stores that you are familiar with in this fun shopping area. You can also grab a quick bite and take it to the beach.

Famished, these two landlubbers set out to reel in some breakfast at Pier Park, a 900,000-square-foot entertainment and shopping complex across from the Panama City Beach Pier. When you ask previous visitors what to do in Panama City Beach, they'll usually point you in this direction. A couple of soy vanilla lattes and chocolate croissants later and we were ready to take on the town, or rather, the links.

After the drive from Houston, we were ready for an early dinner so we drove the short distance to Pier Park. Pier Park is an over 1 million square foot open-air shopping/dining/activities center. It’s in the heart of PCB and has every kind of shop and restaurant you can imagine. We found a table outside at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and my husband and I promptly ordered a couple of margaritas.

Pier Park is a can’t-miss stop for any getaway in Panama City Beach!. This 900,000 square foot shopping center is home to 124 stores, an IMAX movie theater, restaurants, bars, and a small amusement park. Visitors will find the perfect mix of big name stores, like Bath & Body Works and JCPenny, and local boutiques, such as Emerald Coast Olive Oil and Andi’s at the Pier.

Pier Park is one of the most popular places to hang out in Panama City Beach. Known for housing the famous “Panama City Beach” sign, this location features restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities. Margaritaville, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Dave and Busters, The Grand Theatre, Dillard’s and so much more are all located within this huge open air shopping center.

Home to more than 120 stores, Pier Park is "often referred to as Panama City Beach's unofficial downtown," Lee Ann Leonard, spokeswoman for the park, wrote in an email. The outlet mall sits across from the Russell-Fields Pier and hosts a variety of local events, including the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop. It also boasts the SkyWheel, which opened in 2018.

The iconic Pier Park sign tells you everything you need to know about this place. The beachball surrounded by sun rays perfectly captures the sunny, fun vibe of Panama City Beach’s premier shopping and entertainment destination. This sprawling outdoor complex features 124 stores, with everything from clothing and jewelry to home good.

Pier Park, directly across from Russell-Fields Pier, more commonly known as City Pier, is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, with a tourist-oriented twist. If you are looking for a break from the beach, Pier Park is a convenient and pleasant distraction. It's also the best place to visit on a cold or rainy day.

Packed full of shops and things to do, Pier Park ranks as one of the top spots for entertainment in Panama City Beach. Couples can browse their favorite brands and visit locally owned businesses for special treats and souvenirs. Before leaving, visit the amusement park, ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy scenic Gulf views.

Pier Park truly has something for everyone, from shops to restaurants to entertainment and more. Start by picking out something new for your wardrobe at a shop like Target, Old Navy, or Francesca’s. Then, grab a snack from Auntie Anne’s or sit down to a meal at Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House or Margaritaville.

Once you’re happily sun-kissed and perfumed by the ocean’s salty musk, head into the city to take advantage of the area’s numerous attractions. If you want to shop, see a movie, or listen to live music, Pier Park is where you should be!. This sprawling outdoor center is a village unto itself.

Among the 138 stores, Pier Park features Target, Ulta, Dillard`s, JCPenney and Ross. Our outdoor property boasts many dining and entertainment options: A movie at the Grand IMAX Theater... Dining at the famous Paula Deen`s Restaurant...or live music at Tootsies...games at Dave & Busters.

This shopping center houses over 124 retail stores such as Target, Marshalls, and Dillard's. Visit the mall and purchase a nice piece of jewelry or a new swimming suit. If you don't feel like riding in a cab, take the Town Trolley from the beach to Pier Park.

If your husband or wife is a shopaholic, Panama City is a great place to go!. There are tonnes of great shopping opportunities available. Whether you are looking for a souvenir to bring home, luxury or discount fashion – this town has it all!

Shopping and dining on your Panama City Beach sightseeing list?. Take a break from the blue waters at Pier Park. Located blocks from the beach, Pier Park is one of the best places to go in Panama City Beach for shoppers and foodies alike.

Home to over 100 shops and restaurants, featuring lots of entertainment options, movie theatres, arcade games, putt-putt mini golf course and batting cages. There's something here for everyone!

Amazing visit in PCB! There are so many restaurants, shops, and fun things to do and try! Great for all ages, and right next to the beach! It's a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of swimming, and I must say, the view at night is absolutely divine! You can get a wristband to walk out on the pier at night, and to look back at the lights and listen to the ocean takes you away and makes you feel free. The scenery is amazing, and during the day, the atmosphere is fun and inviting! You'll want to spend a whole day exploring and enjoying everything Pier Park has to offer and you're sure to find plenty of souvenirs to take home!

This place was a great visit for me and my family. There is pretty much everything in here from clothing to surf/skate boards and to food and deserts. Also easy access to the pier on the water. Could not find a “public. Bathroom” without going into a store to use. Great visit along with a movie theater also!

Awesome fun! My granddaughter and I have dubbed it, The Greatest Playground in PC. If there had been a place to pitch a tent, we would still be there.

4.6(17351)

4.5(2529)

600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA

24

Santa Rosa Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Santa Rosa Beach is an unincorporated community in Walton County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

5.0(757)

25

Henderson Beach State Park

State park

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Beach haven offering a boardwalk, a pet-friendly nature trail plus a playground & campground.

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Featuring more than a mile of sparkling beach set along the Gulf’s shimmering waters, Henderson Beach State Park is located on Emerald Coast Parkway and is a must-visit attraction for those who’ve come to Florida for its beaches. Though the beach is the park’s centerpiece, there is also a nature trail and a playground, as well as showers and restrooms. The beach is relatively close to a number of restaurants, but many guests choose to pack their own grub and make a day of it.

As one of the last coastal scrub landscapes in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park offers unmatched views from end to end. The way the bright green waters hit the sandy beaches is always a true sight to behold, but that’s not all you get to enjoy. While walking along the shoreline, you’ll get to see 30-foot dunes made from the same brilliant white sands covering the entire beach.

However, you want to make sure it’s as gratifying of an experience as possible. Henderson Beach State Park is an opulent attraction that will appeal to you if you want to bring your love for nature and recreation together. With the Gulf of Mexico nearby, Henderson Beach State Park immediately announces itself as one of the most beautiful parts of Destin.

Henderson Beach State Park is 200 acres on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Home to a nature trail where you can see some of the last remaining endangered coastal scrub communities in the panhandle, it’s a lovely stroll. The park serves as a haven for shore birds and is also home to endangered or protected plant species.

Henderson Beach is one of the best public beaches in the area. The sparkling water and white sands run for more than a mile. In addition to that, there’s a nature trail and playground.

I live across the street from Henderson Park and as such I go there just about every morning and walk the beach I get Early Access so I get to see the Moon Over the beach and I get to see some really great sun rises and some sunsets. This is a wonderfully managed State Park I particularly like Alex who always has a smile on his face. If you can get an RV campsite here you will not be disappointed. However, the campground beach access boardwalk will be closed for repairs from September 2021 through March 2022. Still, it's spectacular and the next state park that you'd should try if you like being on the beach would be Topsail which is about 12 miles down the road but Henderson is easier and a much better day use Park. Topsail which is further down you have to take a tram to get to the beach and I prefer being able to park and walk right over at Henderson

We couldn’t believe we’ve just driven past this beautiful place dozens of times. We got there before 11am on a Saturday and it was very quiet. The beach was beautiful and we felt like we had it to ourselves for a while. The restroom and picnic facilities were very well kept. Definitely worth the six dollars for parking. We will be back.

Absolutely loved the beach! The sand was so white and soft. There is a fee to enter as it is a state park. There was a little wait to enter but it was well worth it. The water was so pretty and the beach was extremely clean. I will be returning.

4.8(6316)

4.5(2103)

17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, USA

26

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Sights & Landmarks

Marina

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Bustling destination for bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, boating & tourist attractions.

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Vacations have an annoying way of going through cash like a buzz-saw through a wet log. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is one of those free area attractions that’s the perfect place to spend a few hours when funds are in short supply. The boardwalk stretches along the harbor and is a favorite evening destination for those looking to capture a remarkable Florida sunset.

If you’re looking for something free to do, head to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. It’s filled with shops and restaurants, and it’s a great spot to take a stroll, people watch, and watch the sunset. It’s touristy, but we suggest grabbing drinks from Harry T’s, because it has a great view.

One of the top free things to do in Destin, Florida is to walk around the Destin Harbor. The Harbor Boardwalk lets you see the harbor and its pristine beauty and plenty more. You can also come here for great entertainment and terrific activities.

Really great place to have fun and relax. There's so much for couples and even more for families! Food is all around you and with zip lining, rock walls, mini golf, escape rooms, and axe throwing, there's never a dull moment. It isn't the least expensive place but you should know that walking in. Lastly, hit those charters and get some rod bending action while you are out here!

What a wonderful place to have fun with the family. There are small train ride for little kids, jumping zone, zipline, free fall etc. you can take dolphin boat tours or charters. Fast food options like french fries, grilled cheese, funnel cake are there. Great fish restaurants. Definitely you should go. It is best in the evening time!

Great little outdoor boardwalk with plenty of entertainment for the kids. Some good food places and definitely fresh, delicious adult beverages. You even get to see the fishermen with their daily fish hauls

4.6(7290)

4.5(2138)

102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, USA

27

Navarre Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

5.0(1452)

Pensacola Beach, FL 32566, USA

28

Pensacola Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Pensacola Beach is a Florida resort community on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa. White-sand beaches include Opal Beach, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Pensacola Beach Boardwalk has shops, eateries and, nearby, the Pensacola Beach Pier stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. Both are on the Pensacola Beach Eco-Trail, which spotlights local wildlife such as sea turtles. West is the 1834 Fort Pickens.

4.5(2891)

29

National Naval Aviation Museum

Attractions include over 150 restored military aircraft, a flight simulator & an IMAX theater.

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Naval Air Station Pensacola lays claim to the world’s biggest naval museum and one of the most popular museums of any kind in the Sunshine State. Encompassing more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, the National Naval Aviation Museum shows off better than 150 lovingly restored flying machines: amazing artifacts of engineering as well as American history. They include the SPB Dauntless Bureau Number 2106, a dive bomber that proved hugely significant in the Battle of Midway; the H-34 Seabat/Seahorse military helicopters; and the dazzling A-4 Skyhawks in the Blue Angels Atrium.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is a military and aerospace museum dedicated to the history of naval aviation, including that of the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. The Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit aspects of the development and historical heritage of United States Naval Aviation. Over 150 aircraft and spacecraft are on display, including historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft both inside the Museum’s exhibit space and outside on the Museum’s 37-acre (150,000 m2) grounds.

A visit to Pensacola is not complete without a trip to this enormous collection of military aircraft muscle and artifacts. Adults and children alike will be fascinated by the range of planes on display: more than 150! That's before we even get to the high-tech stuff like flight simulators and an IMAX theater. You can watch the Blue Angels practice their death-defying air show at 8:30am most Tuesdays and Wednesdays between March and November.

One of the most popular vacation destinations in the Pensacola Bay area, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must-do activity. In this museum you’ll find a replica aircraft carrier to explore, more than 150 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, a 3-D flight simulator, artifacts, and a film in their theater. General admission is free, and it’s open daily.

I'm a huge fan of naval aviation so 2 days in the car to visit this museum was perfectly fine with me. Unlike a number of aviation museums, this one allows you to get right up to the aircraft. As an avid model builder, the opportunity to crawl under some of these aircraft or stick your head up inside the wheel wells was amazing. There are many unique and historically significant pieces here as well as incredible models and artifact displays. While multiple Tomcats were awesome to see, the highlight for me was the opportunity to place my hand on the only surviving aircraft from Midway. It was a very moving experience for this naval aviation fan.

I’ve gone here twice since moving here and still haven’t seen all there is to see. We bring family here every time they come to visit! There’s a diner inside, as well as some flight simulations. The front desk and guides are all very helpful and knowledgeable. My kids love coming here!

This place is great I’ve been going here for years and will visit again in the future. Covid making it harder to get it, but if you get to know a few locals this normally isn’t an issue. The museum is great and how many times over the years I’ve ran into someone volunteering and it turning into a 15 minute conversation about one of the displays telling a story from their life. I’ve meet nothing, but the best here. The shows always bring a crowd and it’s worth it, but also it’s definitely worth stopping on an off day to get the true experience of this wonderful place.

4.8(7111)

5.0(5914)

1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, USA

30

The Wharf

Water & Amusement Parks

Amphitheater

Waterfront area with shops, a marina, restaurants, rides, miniature golf & an amphitheater.

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Guests of SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf will find it hard to decide which is best: the excellent location or the superb accommodation. The amenities on offer (including a 24/7 convenience store, 3000 square feet of meeting space, a resort-style pool, a state of the art fitness center, a golf course, and a complimentary breakfast) are guaranteed to deliver everything you could need for a memorable stay, while its prime location offers easy access to all of Gulf Shores’ most popular landmarks, including The Wharf and Marina and the Wharf Amphitheater.

The Wharf is a touristy spot, sure, but it’s also a place for locals because there’s so much here. Their two-story outdoor mall includes souvenir type shops, specialty food shops, a dog boutique, a Build-a-Bear Workshop, and the Kentucky Mist Distillery. Coastal Zen has all the crystals, incense, candles, wind chimes, and dream catchers you need, and the Gulf Coast House of Jerky has the usual jerky flavors, but they also have specialty jerkies like alligator, python, elk, kangaroo and more.

With a state-of-the-art marina which offers a fishing and boating activities, shopping, dining and entertainment, you will be spoiled for choice. Children are catered for with a Sound and Light Spectacular, one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the Deep South, a mini golf course, arcades and even a zipline course!. Some of the country’s hottest bands also perform here in The Wharf Amphitheatre, so be sure to check out upcoming events before you arrive.

When visiting Orange Beach, an afternoon at The Wharf is practically a right of passage; be sure to make time in your itinerary for this top Gulf Shores area point of interest. When wandering along The Wharf’s boardwalk, you’ll be faced with oodles of hip and happening attractions. Whether you want to attend a concert, ride the Ferris wheel, or depart on a dolphin-watching cruise, The Wharf is the go-to destination for entertainment on the island.

In 2012, Jimmy and Jaime McPhillips – along with a bit of help from Jimmy’s sister, Carol – opened The Southern Grind Coffee House at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Jaime’s interior design background is evident throughout the coffee shop with gorgeous décor and immensely comfortable furnishings. With sturdy tables and steady Wifi, The Southern Grind is a perfect place to work for a few hours – or the entire day.

The Wharf is Orange Beach’s premier entertainment district, so there’s no better place to be a part of the action while also enjoying a cup of joe or a scoop of gelato than Southern Grind. You’ll be dazzled by not only their coffee and cuisine but by their curated collection of coastal-inspired décor. Southern Grind also has another location inside Hotel Indigo in Orange Beach (pictured here).

Head down the shore to Orange Beach to experience The Wharf, a shopping and dining pavilion that’s an experience all its own. While there is certainly the opportunity to spend money here, you can have just as much fun window shopping and enjoying live music and a breathtaking view. The Wharf Amphitheater holds some incredible concerts, while the Marina gives you the best access to the water.

If you are going to be here on a Sunday, stop by the Wharf in Orange Beach for Ginny Lane’s champagne brunch. Southern-style eggs Benedict, Cajun omelet, biscuits and gravy, crab cake Benedict, steak ‘n eggs, Southern comfort, and shrimp and grits are on the brunch menu. Come for lunch or dinner, and you’ll find everything from bayou grouper to crab cakes and bacon-wrapped shrimp.

The Wharf in Orange Beach is perfect for everyone any time of year. You’ll find everything from food and shopping to entertainment and more, all with the beautiful backdrop of the water. Both local and national brands can be found here, and the food options range from seafood to classic American fare and the best desserts.

The SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf is an all-suite hotel in Orange Beach located close to the coast. It is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment in the area and a short drive from the beach. The studio suites include a mini refrigerator and microwave, and some suites come with a balcony.

The Wharf is one of this seaside community’s most happening spots. It offers unique shopping, entertainment, dining, a marina (with a watersports outfitter), and an amphitheater where headliners are quite the draw. A little town of its own, The Wharf is designed for you to park your car and walk or bike around.

If you have not taken your kids on a ferris wheel yet then I would highly recommend this one…at night!. It has the absolute coolest colored lights when it’s dark outside!. Our kiddos were super impressed with this giant ferris wheel (it is actually one of the largest in the southeast).

Besides all the great shopping and attractions, The Wharf also hosts a bunch of tasty restaurants that are great for kids. Ginny Lane has a beautiful patio overlooking the intercoastal waterway. Local Life serves up New Orleans cuisine.

If you love shopping and activities, SpringHill Suites is a great option. You have restaurants and retail all within walking distance of your hotel room. The hotel is beautiful and has a great pool to relax by.

I visited here the day after Christmas. The place had two laser shows at 6 and 7pm which were fun and beautiful. There were not many people and only a few shops were open around that time. There are plenty of parking spaces at no cost. It’s very easy to access.

Had a great time at the Wharf for New Years. Shops were very welcoming and the crowd was having a great time. Live music, open shops more than willing to welcome customers in, ferris wheel staffing busy and just an overall great experience.

We went to an old car show there. It was perfect for the car lovers and gave the people that wasn't car crazy a place to shop. You could also walk a long where the yachts were docked. There were a lot of people but it wasn't so crowded you couldn't get around. Great atmosphere and a very good Pina Colada at the Daiquiri Bar. Only a hand full of people had on mask.

4.5(6216)

4.0(1285)

23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA

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