When people think of Florida, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Disney World. However, there’s so much more to this state than just theme parks. If you’re looking for places to visit in Florida, as a Floridian born and raised in the state, I’m here to show you why Florida is one of the most beautiful states and possibly one of the best places on earth.
Florida Keys!
Starting off with one of my favourite parts of Florida, the Florida Keys This 125-mile-long chain of islands begins just south of Miami and is known for its beautiful waters. The Keys are famous for boating, sport fishing, scuba diving, and, of course, seafood.
One thing that makes the Florida Keys so special is the culture you experience while visiting. Due to its proximity to Central America, it’s rich in culture from Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Growing up in Florida, I had neighbours from Cuba and Haiti, and it was amazing to learn about their different cultures
Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is an underground spring that got its name from early settlers who saw steam rising to the surface from a sinkhole. The warm spring water mixed with the cold winter air caused the steam to rise, thus giving it the name “Devil’s Den.”
It’s now operated as a scuba diving training and recreational facility and offers a unique experience to visitors. The underground river has a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, making it a refreshing escape from the heat of Florida.
Key Lime Pie
If you’re in the Florida Keys, make sure to try the Key Lime Pie. The pie gets its name from the small key limes that are native to the region and has become a staple dessert in Florida. It’s a tangy and sweet treat that will change your life and is a must-try when in the area.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a beautiful place that I spent a lot of time growing up in because my family is based here. It is rich in surf history, including producing the 11-time world surfing champion, Kelly Slater.
If you ever find yourself in Cocoa Beach, make sure to check out the world’s largest surf shop, Ron Jon’s. This shop is insane, and there is nothing better than Florida’s white sandy beaches, especially for sunrise. Cocoa Beach has some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, and we always go on walks on the beach during sunrise whenever we are visiting.
Carson’s First Day at the Beach
One day, while at the beach, they had to pull everyone out of the water because there was a shark somewhere in the way. However, some silly surfers were still out there, and we got shacked in the water.
Wekiva Springs
Wekiva Springs is a place that I always bring people who haven’t been or if it’s their first time in Florida because it has so much to offer. Wekiwa Springs is a natural spring that is 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year, very similar to Devil’s Den. The water is crystal clear, and it is so much fun to dive down into the spring and explore, along with seeing all the fish.
One tip, though: if you plan on diving down into the spring, bring fins because the water will shoot up, creating a strong current. On the other side of the gate connected to the spring, there is kind of like this river thing, and you can rent kayaks and canoes. There are lots of turtles and alligators, which is really awesome. Don’t worry, the alligators 9 out of 10 times don’t care about you and are very safe, and you can actually swim in that part of the river as well.
Key West
Key West is a part of the Florida Keys archipelago and is Florida’s southernmost point, located roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. It is mostly famous for its pastel-hued conch-style houses, along with its coral reefs and destinations for diving and snorkelling. It is also home to Ernest Hemingway, or at least one of his houses.
Lucky for you, a new video is coming up next week that is going to be a deep dive into Key West, sharing some history, the best food spots, and the inside of Hemingway’s house and all of his cats, which is very exciting.
Conclusion
Florida is a state that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from beautiful beaches to unique natural wonders and cultural experiences. The Florida Keys stand out for their stunning waters, rich cultural heritage, and delicious seafood, while Devil’s Den and Wekiva Springs offer refreshing escapes into natural wonders.
Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s paradise with beautiful sunrises, and Key West boasts pastel-hued houses, coral reefs, and historical landmarks, including Ernest Hemingway’s house. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Florida is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Key West is a part of the Florida Keys archipelago and is Florida’s southernmost point, located roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. It is mostly famous for its pastel-hued conch-style houses, coral reefs, and destinations for diving and snorkeling. It is also home to Ernest Hemingway, or at least one of his houses.
The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful waters, making it an ideal destination for boating, sport fishing, scuba diving, and enjoying seafood.
Devil’s Den is an underground spring in Florida that is now operated as a scuba diving training and recreational facility. It gets its name from the steam rising to the surface from a sinkhole caused by warm spring water mixing with cold winter air.
The must-try dessert in the Florida Keys is the Key Lime Pie. It’s a tangy and sweet treat made with small key limes native to the region and has become a staple dessert in Florida.
