If you’re planning a trip to Florida, there are a number of unique activities you can explore beyond the amusement parks and beaches of the city.
On this occasion, we share our recommendations for you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Florida.
Juniper Springs, a Spring Immersed in the Forest
Located in Ocala National Park, Juniper Springs is one of the state’s natural springs, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the natural environment that surrounds it.
Juniper Springs is an excellent destination for swimming, kayaking, and hiking through the trails. The park is a subtropical forest where visitors can enjoy the native flora and fauna in an immersive way.
On-site, visitors can explore historical structures like the old waterwheel house, which offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
Additionally, the area has picnic areas for those who wish to enjoy a meal before continuing to explore Juniper Springs.
Bok Tower Gardens, a Botanical Paradise
Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a botanical garden created by the Dutch editor and philanthropist Edward Bok, as a gift of thanks to the United States for his successful professional life in the country.
The garden is meticulously designed to showcase the diversity of subtropical and temperate flora, with areas highlighting different ecosystems and botanical collections.
At the site, visitors can discover the carillon bell tower, known as the Singing Tower, a colorful tower over 200 meters tall in the art deco style, decorated with stone sculptures. Around this tower, concerts and recitals are held daily.
Those visiting this park can participate in gardening workshops, outdoor yoga sessions, and music festivals. For the more adventurous, the nature trails offer the opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, butterflies, and native plants.
Dry Tortugas National Park, a Slice of History in Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is a destination accessible only by sea. This park houses Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick fortifications in America, where guided tours narrate the role of this building during the Civil War and its subsequent use as a military prison.
The crystal-clear waters of the park are ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, with coral reefs and fish swimming around the ancient shipwrecks that surround the island.
In addition to underwater adventures, visitors to this destination can observe all types of seabirds that nest in the area, such as frigates, terns, and pelicans.
Visiting this island, you can camp and spend the night under the stars in one of the most remote and beautiful places in the United States.
The Ringling, Circus Art and History
In Sarasota, Florida, The Ringling is a cultural complex for art and circus history enthusiasts.
The jewel of the complex is Ca’ d’Zan, the mansion that was home to John and Mable Ringling, circus entrepreneurs. Designed as a Venetian palace, visitors are transported to a time of splendor and ostentation.
The art museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from Europe, Asia, and America. The galleries are arranged in a way that narrates a visual story of artistic movements through time, highlighting pieces from classical antiquity to the 21st century.
The Ringling also features a circus museum, where carriages, costumes, and artifacts that belonged to the Ringling family’s circus, pioneers of the industry worldwide, are displayed.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Encounter with Marine Fauna
This place is a research and public exhibition center dedicated to marine conservation and environmental education, offering visitors the opportunity to explore marine life.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has aquatic habitats where more than 100 species of marine life are displayed, including an outdoor tank that houses an impressive collection of sharks.
Additionally, the touch pools allow direct interaction with rays and other marine animals, providing a tangible educational experience especially valued by the youngest visitors.
Looking for accommodation in Florida?
For those planning to visit Florida, the Smart Brickell Hotel offers luxury, location, and comfort.
Located in Brickell, this hotel provides unparalleled access to all that South Florida has to offer.
Make your reservation today and start planning your adventure in one of the most exciting destinations in the United States.
