Things to Do

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Experience a Real Florida day hike through a variety of undeveloped ecosystems, with plenty of wildlife viewing and solitude at Terra Ceia. Less than an hour from Tampa, the surprisingly wild Terra Ceia Preserve State Park features 9 miles of trails through mangrove swamps, creeks, estuaries, wetlands, uplands and more. This 2,000 acre park is …

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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a 68-acre botanical garden in Gainesville, FL that is home to Florida’s largest public display of bamboo and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Wind your way along the 1 1/2 miles of accessible paved pathway and explore the 24 unique plant collections found throughout the gardens. Some of these …

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Must Visit Tampa Bay Parks

Typically state parks get all the love, but there are a bunch of other parks around the Tampa Bay area that are just as fun. From boardwalks and observation towers to mangrove coastlines and even a birds of prey sanctuary — these lesser known Tampa Bay parks are worth a visit! Lettuce Lake Conservation Park …

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Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Sweetwater Wetlands Park offers a unique way to experience nature in Gainesville, FL, but is also important to the health of Florida’s water and other ecosystems. The park was created in 2015 to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. It consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands …

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Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a park in St. Petersburg that offers a variety of fun activities and ecosystems to explore. Hike around Lake Maggiore through swamp, willow marsh, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub and hardwood hammocks ecosystems. Also be sure to keep a lookout for alligators, birds, snakes, butterflies, gopher tortoises and more. Birds …

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Visiting the Ringling Museum and Ca’ d’Zan Mansion

Spend a day exploring the extensive Ringling Museum, a 66-acre museum complex in Sarasota, FL. You’ll find incredible examples of art, historic memorabillia and architecture at the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan mansion, Bayfront Gardens and more. John Ringling was one of five brothers who founded and operated the famed Ringling Bros. Circus …

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How to See Manatees in Florida

Manatees are one of Florida’s most beloved animals, and many people visit Florida hoping to see manatees during their trip. These gentle giants spend most of their lives grazing and floating around Florida’s springs and rivers. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of our State Marine Mammal, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to …

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