Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is a hub for vacationers from all around the world.  Visit Florida estimated Florida had 111.8 million visitors in 2018. I am a Florida resident. I was born and raised in the Sunshine State. Even having lived here for over four decades, there is still much of the state I have not had the opportunity to explore.  Florida, famous for Disney and beaches, is chock full of unique travel locations; many you have never heard of. 

I asked celebrated travel experts, influencers, and bloggers from all walks of life with a passion for travel to weigh in. Where did they visit while traveling to Florida that was most memorable?  This is a complete guide to Florida travel destinations you may not know existed outlined by travel experts from across the globe. But don’t take my word for it, here is what they had to say:

Number 1: SunWest Park, Hudson, Florida

“There are so many wonderful off the beaten path attractions you should visit while in Florida, it was hard to choose one.  As the author of Tourist With Tots, my pick for this article was SunWest Park located in Hudson, Florida. Why? This park offers fun in the sun for not only kids but adults as well.  In the hot summer months, you need a place where you can cool off and the SunWest Park offers a spring fed lake with a beach. If lounging at a beach is not wonderful enough, they offer water sports to include an inflatable water park, wake boarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking all for a minimal fee. Want to wear out the kids for less than $20 bucks, this is the place to do it!

For more information on this incredible experience and others in Florida, visit my website: https//:www.touristwithtots.com

Number 2: The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida

Ranked as the top aquarium in North America by USA TODAY, The Florida Aquarium is the Traveling Blondie’s choice for a must do Florida travel destination. Why choose The Florida Aquarium? In addition to daily zoo keeper talks and a 4-D movie theater, there are ten animal habitats to include Wetlands Trails, Moon Bay, and Dragons Down Under. In addition, there is an outdoor water play area to keep you cool in the hot Florida summer.

The Traveling Blondie is a blogger with a significant appreciation for travel, photography, and food while exploring the United States and cruising to international countries. Check out her adventures at: https://www.travelingblondie.com

Number 3. Weeki Wachee State Park, Springhill, Florida

“Opened in 1947, Weeki Wachee State Park is Cynthia from Mackintosh Travels pick for a hidden gem destination in Hernando County, Florida. Unique to other attractions in the area, Weeki Wachee is the home of the world-famous mermaid attraction.  The mermaids are mesmerizing to watch. They put in an unknown amount of practice to give us a show like none other. This state park is situated on natural springs now called Buccaneer Bay. Here you will have the best time sliding down large slides into the cool water. In addition, you can leisurely raft the natural springs. Around the park you can also enjoy the restaurant, wildlife, playground, and souvenir shop. With so much history here, you have the best of both worlds– history coupled with modern amenities.”

Mackintosh Travels is a family travel blog documenting vacations. They believe life is short, finances shouldn’t matter, whether it’s a staycation or not. Come & explore at https://www.mackintoshtravels.com.

Number 4. Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, Florida

“Heather from The Inspired Nomads recommends if you’re in the Boynton Beach area to spend a few hours at the Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands. It’s free for the whole family! You’ll enjoy walking along a 1.5 mile raised boardwalk through the natural habitat all around you. Note – the walkway is not covered so sunblock and a hat are highly advisable. If it’s a hot day, morning is the best time to go.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch an alligator sunning itself below you and in April, you may see adorable baby birds in the nests along the walkway. Apart from the crowds to see those babies, it never feels overwhelming. Some of the birds you’re likely to see are; Common Gallinule, American Coot, White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and Brown Pelicans. You’ll also see iguanas, sometimes huge, frogs and if you take your time, many other birds, fish, and insects.

All along the boardwalk are explanations about the habitat you’re walking through. The educational experience is complimented by the indoor nature center which has further explanations about the wetlands and live animals to admire. The most fascinating part about the wetlands is that every time you go, you’re guaranteed to see something different.”

Heather Markel is a seasoned entrepreneur who, after a long corporate career, quit to pursue her passion of traveling the world which she blogs about at www.HeatherBegins.com. She created The Inspired Nomads (www.TheInspiredNomads.com) video and podcast series to encourage other mid-career professionals to pursue their own passion.

Number 5: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

“April Berry from Minivan Adventures chose Universal Studios as her go to spot in Florida for a vacation. Though this is a larger theme park, the reason she chooses this location is because her family is HUGE fans of the Harry Potter books and movies.  Their favorite location within Universal Studios is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Of course!

You can cast spells like real wizards and witches, experience the chill down your spines as a dementor passes by, tour the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, admire mythical creatures as you fly alongside Hagrid on a motorbike, ride the Hogwarts Express train, and enjoy a refreshing frozen Butterbeer.”

She says, “A few of our family’s favorite moments at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter include:

• My son had a wand choose him while shopping at Ollivanders!
• Everyone chatted with a goblin at Gringott’s Money Exchange
•  We found three secret spell locations – locations that weren’t even on the maps!
• We used magic to make a skeleton dance.
• Flew through a quidditch match and the Forbidden Forest.
• Run through a brick wall and magically found ourselves standing on Platform 9¾!
• Enjoy two tasty versions of Butterbeer – iced and frozen. (We loved them both but frozen was our favorite.)”

Yes, Universal Orlando and its Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a favorite Florida destination. If you and your family have seen the Harry Potter movies or read the books, then your family would love it, too.”

April Berry is a travel content creator, wife and mom. In addition to geeking out over Harry Potter stuff, April and her family enjoy traveling the United States in their minivan in search of unique destinations, quirky roadside attractions and waterfalls. Check out  https://MinivanAdventures.com to read about her family’s latest hikes and road trip stops.

Number 6: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville, Florida

When asked which of the many Florida travel destinations were her favorite, Portia O’Laughlin from When I Wander , answered Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. The gardens are located in Gainesville off I-75 at exit 384, FL-24 W/SW Archer Rd.   “More than likely, you’ve been right here before and never knew about this treasure.  If you’ve been driving for a while, this is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and take in some beautiful scenery. 

The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are open every day of the week except for Thursday and the admission cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-13, and children under 5 are free.

From the small waterfalls to the children’s garden and the sinkhole overlook, this is a uniquely interesting place worthy of a visit.  Many go there just to see the giant lily pads in the water gardens or walk through the bamboo garden and catch a glimpse of someone’s future wedding setup.

The gardens are a great place to let the kids walk off some pinned-up travel energy while identifying different plants, trees, or favorite foods and herbs growing. It’s also a great time for a short scavenger hunt: ladybug, spider, clouds, stones, bee, wasp, snail, ginger, gecko, green anole.  There’s so many more you could add to this list! If you look very carefully, you might very well see one of Florida’s biggest spiders hanging out here. “

Portia O’Laughlin is a professional travel planner with a passion for photography.  When she’s not helping others with their travel dreams, you’ll find her posting her latest explorations with her family to inspire you to wander a little more. Check out her website at: https://www.wheniwander.com.

Number 7: Sugar Sand Park, Boca Raton, Florida

Darla Slade from Fun Fitness Family chooses “Sugar Sand Park as her favorite place to visit with children when visiting Boca Raton, Florida. This park is free and there is a lot to do indoors and outside. She has been taking her children here for years. Sugar Sand Park is a 132-acre site with a huge, Florida themed outdoor playground complete with splash pads, climbing structures, swings, and even a brain game! There is also a carousel ride. Tickets are $1 per ride. For days when it is too hot or rainy to play outdoors, there is also a Children’s Science Explorium with two rooms of STEM-based hands-on fun and traveling exhibits that rotate twice a year. While the Explorium is geared towards kids 5-12, it is fun for kids of all ages. The entry is free although there is a suggested $5 per person donation.

The park is open every day except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. The grounds also include a covered picnic pavilion, baseball and hockey fields, an indoor gymnasium with open plan times (fee for non-residents), and a 115-seat theatre that offers mainstage productions, music, dance, variety, and children’s shows.”

Darla Slade and her family are a travel and adventure obsessed family of four that love to experience and share everything from local activities in our ever-growing suburb of Columbia, Maryland and neighboring cities of Baltimore, Annapolis, and D.C. to ocean voyages, city visits, and offbeat destinations. She has a digital magazine covering fitness and workout tips, nutrition, and inspiration for healthy families! They can be found at https://www.funfitnessfamily.com

Number 8: Miami, Florida

“If you’re in the mood for a colorful, cultural immersion, look no further than Miami, Florida. Miami is an excellent balance of beautiful beaches, exciting recreation and outdoor activities, global cuisine and LOTS of art and architecture.”  Here are a few of Megan Zink’s, from Moderately Excited, choices for family fun in Miami.

Food:

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

“What do you get when you cross a speakeasy with street tacos? Bodega! This spot definitely gets an award for one of the most unique concepts in the area. Grab the kids and head there during the day for lunch; step up to the ‘food truck’ and be sure to try a few different tacos. Ditching the little ones for the night? That’s when it gets interesting at Bodega – check out the ‘port-o-portal’ – it’s not quite what you think!”

Activities: 

Rent Bikes & Cruise the Boardwalk on a Beach Day

“Miami has a beautiful elevated boardwalk that runs along the beaches, which makes it ideal for strolling or biking. If you have the kiddos, you may want to rent bikes with seats on them – but if you’re on your own, you can easily rent Citi Bike Miami bikes for as long or short as you please!”

Take the Hop On, Hop Off to Wynwood

“Need a place to store your luggage for the day so you can continue to explore Miami? Lo and behold, not only did the Hop On, Hop Off bus tour offer that service, it also acts as a public transportation system that allows you to hit both South Beach and Wynwood in the same day AND get a ride to the airport – all included in the ticket price! Jump on in the morning and stop in Wynwood for a life-size art walk. You can stroll through at your own pace or take a guided tour. This is a great activity if the little ones are in tow – no need to use indoor voices! “

Megan Zink is a content strategist and marketer by day, and a published travel photographer and writer wherever and whenever she can squeeze it in. She created her colorful travel site, Moderately Excited, in order to share her inspiration, curiosity, (puns/dad jokes) and optimism for active travel, culture and food with others – you can see more at https://www.moderatelyexcited.com!

Number 9: Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, Florida is located on the gulf coast of Florida. There are several things to do while visiting and Pam, author of Directionally Challenged Traveler, highlights a few of the family-friendly adventures to be had while visiting Sarasota.

What To Do:

“Siesta Key beach: This is is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing as it provides calm gulf water for kids to play in while adults relax on the flat soft sand not too far away.

For the nature loving family, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium or the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary allow you to get up close to animals, even providing the opportunity to interact with some of them! In addition, you will learn about conservation efforts for the animals.  If your family prefers to see animals in the wild,  take the Myakka Wildlife Tour to learn about Florida’s inhabitants and keep an eye out for alligators! Another option includes the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, home to over 20,000 plants which also has a play area for kids.

Sarasota has so much to offer without the crowds of a big city – who knows what your new family tradition will be?”

Pam is the author of the travel website Directionally Challenged Traveler.  She fell in love with getting wonderfully lost all over the world and has traveled to 35 countries and 7 continents so far.  The Directionally Challenged Traveler features the good and bad of travel – focusing on the beauty the world has to offer. Her adventures can be found at: www.directionallychallengedtraveler.com

Number 10:  Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and Ecoadventures, Anna Maria, Florida

Trisha and Charlene, co-authors of Perhaps This Is travel blog, recommend Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and Ecoadventures in Anna Maria Island.  “If you are looking for a way to connect with the natural beauty of Florida, you must take a tour with Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and Ecoadventures!  

Their family visited Anna Maria Island earlier this year and joined Happy Paddler on their Coastal Island Tour.  The tour allows you to explore areas of Sarasota Bay, Bishop Bayou, and Beer Can Island. Beer Can Island is a beautiful untouched, undeveloped island full of seashells and colorful barnacles climbing the trees.  There was so much native wildlife along the journey to include dolphins, birds of every color, and brown pelicans! 

This experience is a hit for the whole family and was a great way to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Florida.  Not to mention, get some exercise!  Grab your paddles and discover why we highly recommend Happy Paddler Kayak Tours.”

Trisha and Charlene are “Irish twin” sisters born 11 months apart.  They are both stay-at-home moms that homeschool and love children’s books, travelling and paying-it-forward.  You can review their adventures at https://www.perhapsthisis.com

Number 11: Key West, Florida

For those looking for a hidden family-friendly Florida travel destination in Florida, Steph, owner of Just A Day In Paradise, feels “the best vacations involve taking in some history, connecting with nature, and enjoying local cuisine. To check all those boxes, she recommends a road trip through the Florida Keys. While traveling to Key West, you’ll find visiting the roadside attractions are an adventure in and of themselves.

Recommendations:

• Robbie’s Marina: You can hand feed tarpon at Robbie’s Marina located on IslaMorada. This is such a unique and thrilling experience. Don’t forget the camera on this one!
• Sea Turtle Hospital. The sea turtle hospital on Marathon Key allows children to learn the importance of respecting our beaches and wildlife. If you plan ahead, you might even be able to visit on a day they’re releasing a rehabilitated sea turtle back into the ocean.
• Big Pine Key: Be on the lookout for Key Deer as you pass through Big Pine Key! This endangered species it the smallest deer in North America.

Ending up at Key West is the icing on the cake. The coral reef system off the island is the largest in the continental United States and there’s nothing like taking the family out on a snorkeling adventure. Stephanie has experienced several boat charters and excursions while in Key West,  but she recommends Fury Water Adventures as her favorite. You can spend a full or half day out on the water and they have several trip types for all ages and abilities.

End the day at the sunset celebration in Mallory Square. Local artists and performers all come out to put on a show. For parents looking to enjoy a night out on Duval street, consider staying at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort in New Key West. Not only do they offer warm chocolate chip cookies in check in, they also offer childcare services.”

Steph, owner of Just a Day in Paradise, builds the Florida vacation of your dreams. Unlike travel agents, who are incentivized by commission, we make recommendations and build itineraries based on your own desires and tastes.  Check out their website at https://www.justadayinpardise.com

Number 12: Disney Springs, Kissimmee, Florida

Disney Springs is a fantastic place to visit in Florida if you’re traveling with kids or just a Disney lover at heart. Margie, the owner of DQ Family Travels, says, “One of my favorite things about Disney Springs is that it has plenty to do for everyone and you still get some of that Disney magic without paying a premium for a theme park ticket.

If you are visiting with younger kids, there are so many free/cheap things you can do at Disney Springs. There are two splash pads, a carousel, a train, a dinosaur fossil play area, and  Lego building stations. In addition, shopping (or window shopping) opportunities are pretty great, as well as photo opportunities with Disney statues or a lake-front backdrop.

The food choices are also spectacular. Some of our favorites include Sprinkles cupcakes, Indiana Jones Hangar Bar, Ghirardelli, and the food trucks.

There’s also a bowling alley, live concerts, movie theater, tethered balloon rides, and a chance to ride in an amphibian car. Overall, spending a day in Disney Springs  provides unique shopping, music, entertainment, and a glimpse of the Disney magic.”

Margie DQ is the owner of DQ Family Travel, a site that records her family travel adventures around the U.S. Her family is currently working on their travel bucket list of visiting all 50 states before the kids enter high school. Their adventures are detailed at https://www.dqtravel.net.

Number 13: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida

Alina from The Happy Kid chose Kennedy Space Center as her family’s favorite place they visited during their trip to Florida. “She recommends you plan a full day to visit Kennedy Space Center. The admission to the center costs $57 for an adult.

Suitable for both kids and adults, Kennedy Space Center offers a great educational journey through the history of space exploration. There are additional activities like astronaut training, shuttle launch simulator or dine with an astronaut.

Alina spent about six hours at The Kennedy Space Center with her 3 year old son. The experience was a bit overwhelming for him, so he took a quick nap during the bus tour to the Apollo section. Though there was much to see and do for everyone, her son was too young for most of the kids related activities. Alina recommends taking children who are at least 5-6 year old so they are able to participate in all of the amazing attractions at the Kennedy Space Center.”

In 2018, Alina from “The Happy Kid” decided to take a break from their busy lives and embarked on a year-long adventure around the world, with our 3 years old son. We’ve seen extraordinary places and made life-lasting memories visiting 17 countries on 4 continents. Check out their travel review at https://www.thehappykid.blog

Number 14: Biscayne National Park, Miami, Florida

What Florida travel destination does Danielle from Wanderlust While Working recommend? “Just south of Miami in Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park is an underrated Florida treasure.

Biscayne National Park was actually dedicated as federally protected land due to the high number of species that live within its ecosystem. As a result of this incredible biodiversity, you can see tons of wildlife including jellyfish, stingray, fish, and a whole host of birds. There are also manatees, dolphins, and other larger animals in the shallower waters along the lagoon.

The park is free to enter, but at around 95% water it’s essential to explore by boat tours to make the most of the trip. The most popular ways to explore the park are the island tours, paddle boarding, and snorkeling tour options operated by the Biscayne National Park Institute. Danielle says, “We booked a few tours during our time at Biscayne and it was the highlight of our vacation! We spent our days exploring the northernmost Florida Keys at Boca Chita Island with it’s gorgeous lighthouse on one tour and a guided paddle boarding tour through Jones Lagoon on the other. The rangers and tour operators were extremely knowledgeable about the history of the bay as well as the plant and animal life that lived within its waters.”

Danielle is an avid hiker, beer enthusiast, and bookworm. Check out my adventures through the 50 U.S. states and beyond at https://www.wanderlustwhileworking.com/

Number 15: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

What Florida travel location does Jen from Three Kids and a Car recommend? She says, “There’s really nothing better than setting out as a family and finding a place to love that both keeps you entertained and serves a greater purpose. Ft. Walton Beach’s Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park does just that. And the bonus? It’s located on the beautiful white sand shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast.”

Just an aquarium?

“On the surface, the Gulfarium appears to be a coastal aquarium where families can come to learn about marine life. They offer exhibits, shows, encounters and chats with trainers and marine specialists geared toward both entertaining and educating the public. The facility is of a manageable size, so it doesn’t require an entire dedicated day to get through the space. In fact, just a few hours is all you need to get a glimpse of a wide variety of species. They have turtles and stingrays and sharks and alligators and snakes and otters and penguins. The list is enormous, and the opportunities to learn a bit more about each species are abundant.”

Much, Much More

“Dig a little deeper though, and you’ll find that the Gulfarium is far more than just a facility meant to entertain and educate. They are accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammals Parks and Aquariums, which is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals. The conservation efforts of the Gulfarium appear throughout the space, in signage as well as in the educational chats hosted in the exhibits. The conservation focus is not only on the animals but also on how we can protect the fragile environments of the animals. 

In a more specific way, the Gulfarium has the “Gulfarium Sea Turtle CARE (Conserve, Act, Rehabilitate, Educate) program. This program works to rehabilitate and release various species of sea turtles found injured along the Gulf Coast. At any given moment, you can find them working to rehabilitate an injured turtle in order to reintroduce it to it’s natural environment. These conservation efforts don’t go unnoticed by the younger crew at the Gulfarium; in fact, the facility offers a number of ways in which young children through adults can work to better the environment. “

Jen is a family travel blogger located outside of NYC. She spends her time writing about tips and destinations as well as some travel fails when she isn’t busy wrangling her three little ones. Her travel adventures can be found at: https://threekidsandacar.com/

Number 16: Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida

Ask Kelley from People. Places. Memories. where she recommends for family friendly Florida travel and she responds with the Bluewater Bay Resort. “The name is misleading because they no longer offer an onsite hotel, but the Bluewater Bay Resort in Niceville, Florida is a fantastic golf getaway near Destin and Eglin Air Force Base.

Bluewater Bay is a golf and tennis community with single-family homes, condos, and senior living communities. The golf resort offers three beautiful 9-hole courses at affordable rates (including a cart!), including all day military discounts and special weekend rates for Florida residents. It’s a great place for youngsters to learn how to golf, too. They have onsite lessons with the knowledgeable and patient club pro, and free play for kids under age 15 with a paying adult.

The courses are challenging for experienced golfers, but still manageable for a novice. Kelley and her husband learned to golf here as kids, and now her son is learning on the same courses! They love the views of Choctawhatchee Bay, and having lunch or dinner in the Sports Bar after they play.

Because it was designed for people of all ages, Bluewater Bay is one of Kelley’s favorite places to take a multigenerational trip with kids, parents, and grandparents. Spend a day here practicing your golf swing and then visit nearby Destin or Fort Walton Beach for fun in the surf and sand!”

Kelley is a working mom, and the writer and photographer behind the travel blog: https://www.peopleplacesmemories.com. When she’s not traveling, Kelley lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and son.

In summary

When I asked travel experts, influences, and bloggers to weigh in on their favorite Florida travel destinations, the response was a resounding, “How can I choose just one?” Florida travel destinations are plentiful. This list is just a few of the many hidden gems found in the Sunshine State. In addition to theme parks and beaches, the state has a host of National parks, wildlife, and outdoor adventures to entertain every age.

Have you traveled in Florida? Did you have a favorite Florida travel destination? I would love to add your recommendation to the list. Drop me a comment!

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission and/or points/incentives should you click on a link and make a purchase or sign up for a free service. This blog is independently owned and the reviews of any product and/or travel destination here are my opinion.

Recommended links:

Other Florida travel destination recommended by Tourist With Tots;

Dade City Wild Things–A Hidden Gem

Five Reasons To Book The Holiday Inn Resort Suites and Water Park

An Affordable Afternoon at Kissimmee Go-Karts