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Lake Eola Park. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
5 things to do in Florida that go beyond the beach
January 2, 2024
Florida is blessed with miles of sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. While these beaches are some of the best in the nation, lounging in the sun isn’t the only way to enjoy The Sunshine State. There is a world of natural wonders, vibrant wildlife, historic sites and rich cultural institutions to explore. Here are five ways to experience Florida that don’t require a swimsuit.
1. Experience one of the state’s 1,000 natural springs
Florida has one of the highest concentrations of natural freshwater springs in the world. You can enjoy the clear, 72-degree waters by swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or tubing. In Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs, you can ride a glass-bottom boat while watching manatees float gently beneath the surface. Or, visit the gorgeous Rainbow Springs, whose promises of healing have attracted visitors for more than 10,000 years.
2. Tour the collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings
Did you know that Florida Southern College has the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world? Collectively known as Child of the Sun, the campus can be explored through several architecture and design tours—like a 2 ½-hour in-depth walk through six buildings, including the T. Roux Library and the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. If you’re pressed for time, you can take a half-hour tour of the Usonian Faculty House, which was designed in 1939 but only recently completed.
3. See wildlife at Everglades National Park
Located at the southern end of mainland Florida, Everglades National Park is known as a “river of grass”. This network of wetlands and forests is full of wildlife like alligators and crocodiles, black bears, manatees and even the critically endangered Florida panther.
4. Go museum-hopping in St. Petersburg
Known for its renewed pier and killer microbrewery scene, St. Petersburg has also become a major museum town. The biggest attraction is the Salvador Dalí Museum, which is in a surrealist building that combines concrete lines with bubble-shaped glass. Nearby, the Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of works by Monet, Gauguin and many more. Other places to go include the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, the Chihuly Collection and the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement.
5. Explore street art in Wynwood
Miami’s artsy Wynwood district is just north of downtown. Head over to enjoy some of the best locally roasted coffee shops, microbreweries, galleries and boutiques. One of the most popular attractions is Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art museum. There, you’ll see 35,000 square feet of murals by more than 100 artists.