Florida is a state many, many people vacation to. Typical families pay visits to Disney World or Universal, but when the Florida Bucket List below is a complete list of things that my family has researched and added to our ‘must see’ list! If you love food, make sure you check out the Foodie Bucket List for Florida. Enjoy.
Things To Do In Florida
1. Three Sisters Springs: This unique and critical natural warm-water refuge for the endangered Florida Manatee has crystal clear water. Plus, if you go during the winter months you get to swim with Manatees. 
2. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: If seeing mermaids has always been something you wanted to do, Weeki Wachee is a must see. For almost 60 years, the fun, family oriented park has lured in visitors with beautiful mermaids who swim in the cool, clear spring waters with manatees, turtles and bubbles.
3. Florida Caverns State Park: Most of Florida’s caves are underwater, so this one is very special. Dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies fill the entire cave. There are guided tours of that last about 45 minutes.
4. Duval Street: Yeah, yeah, yeah I know it’s a cliche, but Key West honestly has something for everyone. It’s scenic, historic, fun and charming all rolled into one. There are even plenty of things for young kids to do if you look hard enough.
5. Spook Hill: Some believe it’s the haunted site of an epic battle.. Most believe its an optical illusion. No matter what team you are on you have to agree that Spook Hill is a weird spot. Put your car in neutral at the bottom of the hill and it will appear to roll uphill.
6. Rainbow Springs State Park: Florida’s fourth largest spring is popular for swimming, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking because of its crystal blue waters. It’s nearly impossible to find natural waterfalls in Florida, but the man-made ones at this park are a lovely.
7. Devil’s Den With crystal clear water, year round 72 degree water temperatures, ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds dating back 33 million years, and much more diving or snorkeling in Devil’s Den is something that can’t be replicated. 
8. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: Most famous for its formal gardens, and gorgeous live oaks, the park holds one of the largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean, creating a picturesque boulder-strewn beach perfect for beach walking.
9.Coral Castle: Built single-handedly in the early 1900’s using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve numerous stones weighing many tons the Coral Castle is a sight unlike any other. It’s monolithic structure made to look like a castle, complete with huge furniture and sculptures.
10. Dry Tortuga: The remote Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles away from Key West and only accessible by boat. The 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. The park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequent the area.
11. Kennedy Space Center: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind..” Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is where rockets launch and inspiration begins. Located one small step from Orlando, arrive early for a full-day experience at the greatest space adventure on Earth!
ive been to florida several times but there are still some places ld love to go
I still haven’t visited Florida – so on my bucket to do!
thanks for the info
I visited Weeki Wachi when I was 12, it was such an awesome experience. I would love to go
back. It’s been 40 years since I went.
STILL AWSOME….awesomER (if only that was a word)
Only stayed in Miami 4 years ago. Was barely getting into traveling. Now, Ive been so into traveling (addicted), just learned about the Devil’s Den. OMG, a must check out when I return. This is great! Definitely will write this down.
Visited Devil’s Den last year whilst on vacation. It’s so beautiful, and the staff are really friendly. It’s only about an hour north of Orlando, and it’s great for divers and snorkellers, whether you’re experienced or not.
Nice selection of the state’s natural beauty. I don’t think I realized that swimming with manatees was a winter activity!
There are only two places where you can view manatees in the water. Kings Bay Area and Crystal River. You are closely monitored as manatees are an endangered species. You can only touch one if it approaches you and you can only use one hand. If you happen upon some in the wild, the same rules apply. There are stiff penalties and fines if you are caught violating these laws. They go to the springs in the wintertime bc the water stays at a constant 72°. They truly are gentle giants. Magnificent creatures. 🙂
Thanks to conservation efforts manatees are no longer considered endangered and while they can be viewed many places around Florida in the water you’re only permitted to swim with them at the three sisters spring in Crystal River which is located in Kings Bay.
You actually can see them in Blue Springs State park…we were there a couple years ago and swam with them
They are everywhere down here. I just saw two cows and a calf about three hours ago near Tampa bay. I love sea cows! My favorite! They do however congregate into the rivers when the cold weather hits.
We actually have Manatees at Wakulla Springs State Park where there are boats that park rangers take folks out on. It is one of the largest and deepest fresh-water springs in the world and the cruise is spectacular because of the wildlife in this “wild” part of Florida. It also has a lodge (run by the hospitality school of Florida State University) that was built in the 1930s by a DuPont heir that is absolutely spectacular…a walk (boat ride?) back in time!
Wow, absolutely loved this article. They all seems to be some hidden gems. I think I need to book tickets to Florida!
I visit Florida ALL the time and haven’t been to Three Sisters Springs. After seeing that photo, it is definitely on my bucket list now 🙂
Okay wow!! All these photos are making me want to visit,ASAP! Especially devils den and three sisters springs!!
I now really want to make it to Florida! Three Sisters Springs, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Devil’s Den have been added to my travel wish list. Thank you.
Lots of excellent outdoor adventures in this post! I’m loving it! Devil’s Den has always looked so appealing to me too!
Wow – awesome list! I’ve always wanted to visit Florida to dive the Tortugas, but you’ve just given me so much more reason to go!
I love this you wrote this. I feel like Florida is really an underrated state. I have some family there but haven’t explored it as extensively as I’d like to eventually. These photos are lovely!
Fantastic list! I haven’t even heard of most of these places, but they look amazing. Three Sisters Springs, Florida Caverns State Park and the Devil’s Den would all compete for first stop on the trip. But really, I’d love to see them all!
Wow I never really thought that Florida was a place I would like to visit but after reading this Spooky Hill and Devils Den are two places I would like to see.
Please look up Rainbow Springs swimming area and pictures of the canoeing. We loved it and will be visiting other sites in this list!
Headed to Florida for the first time February 2017. Will be staying at Key West! So excited to cross the 7 mile bridge! Thank you for this list I will be adding these points to my journey!
We went years ago and I absolutely loved Florida. Well, I loved the beaches. I am not overly fnd of alligators, I dont know why they freak me out. Alligator alley was scary, I wouldnt even get out of the car 🙂 The beaches are so pretty though, and I loved visiting there.
Bankshot is being built in Hallandale Beach…great fun, great game for family and kids…also play Bankshot in Tampa at the Grand prix and in Orlando …see the Bankshot.com website….especially for special needs kids for drop-in participation. no one left on the sidelines.
I live in Florida, three sisters is right next to my house lol. I’ve been to over half of these places and I would definitely recommend. (:
I am a Miami native who spent 8 years in Tampa Bay. This is a good start. I’d add the Everglades! Definitely a MUST!
love your article and the focus on natural beauty travel and attractions. Not commercialized cartoon portrayed Florida.
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Highly recommend Dry Tortuga!!! We knew nothing about it until we were wandering around Key West after visiting the cats at Hemingway’s House, and kept seeing all these ticket booths advertising it. After investigating, we booked a trip right away. It was the best thing we did the entire week, which included Everglades, Pennekamp State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, Sombrero Reef (all for snorkeling, which was fantastic)
I love this list! I’ll be taking a Florida road trip soon. I didn’t know the manatees come into the springs only during the winter though. That’s a bummer, but I guess it’s a good excuse to take a second Florida trip again later!!