The most beautiful natural places in Florida you never knew existed

Apalachicola National Forest

Bristol
As Florida’s largest forest, there is an abundance of freshwater streams, rivers, lakes and natural springs at Apalachicola National Forest. This spot is home to Leon Sinks, an unusual area of geological area of wet sinkholes, caverns, tunnels natural bridges and a disappearing stream. In the Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway, you’ll be able to see flourishing wildflowers, such as orchids, pitcher plants and sundews.
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Devil's Millhopper

Gainesville
This National Natural Landmark takes the form of a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leading down to a miniature rain forest. Water trickling down into the linkstone sink allow for lush vegetation to grow in the area, even in dry summers. Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida’s history from the fossil shark teeth, marine shells and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in this natural landscape.
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Blowing Rocks Preserve

Hobe Sound
On 73 acres of peaceful, barrier island sanctuary, Blowing Rocks Preserve allow red, black and white mangroves, gumbo limbo trees, Jamaica caper and many more beautiful flora. Along the lagoon harbors, healthy seagrass host urchin, blue claw crab and the endangered Florida manatee. If you’re lucky you’ll also be able to see loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles nesting on the north end of the beach.
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Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve

Liberty County
As a part of one of five geological hotspots, Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve protects rare steephead ravines and streams habitats. The 3.75-mile hike takes you through what local legends believe is the original Garden of Eden. Once your trek is complete, the trail opens up to Alum Bluff, the largest natural geological exposure in the state, which expands 135 feet above the Apalachicola River.
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Big Shoals State Park

White Springs
Experienced canoers and kayakers will enjoy Big Shoals State Park, which features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Limestone bluffs tower 80 feet above the banks of the Suwannee River allow you to take in beautiful vistas of the surround land. With 28 miles of wooded trails hiking, biking, horseback riding there’s many wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Devil’s Den

Williston
As one of North America’s most prehistoric places, this underground spring inside of a dry cave is home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age, which are on display at The University of Florida's Museum of Natural History. You can snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear water that stays 72 degree year-round. There’s plenty of photo ops in the underground oasis that houses ancient rock formations with stalactites.
Photo via ecook126/Instagram

Captiva Island

Sanibel Island
Captiva Island is an ideal place so walk on sugary white sand as you collect the pastel colored seashells that litter the shore. Aside from swimming in the pristine blue water, fishing and boating opportunities are ample. On the drive over you can take in scenic views of giant cactus, colorful bougainvilleas and other tropical flora.
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Carlin Park

Jupiter
As an active outdoor paradise, Carlin Park has beautiful beach landscape and amenities to cater to anyone’s need for adventure. In addition to fishing and swimming, the space offers the Seabreeze Amphitheater exercise courts, a softball field, playgrounds, volleyball court, tennis court and more.
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Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria
Anna Maria is a picturesque island of great restaurants, bars and rental properties all surrounded by beautiful blue waters. Whether you opt to go it alone or join a fishing charter, you’re bound to find a great catch. There’s also lots of golfing courses with lush green turf.
Photo via Anna Maria Island/Facebook

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Collier County
Nicknamed the Amazon of North America, this state park is home to rare and endangered tropical plant species. This is the only place in the world where bald cypress trees and royal palms share the same landscape. The area is the orchid and bromeliad capital of the continent, with 44 native orchids and 14 native bromeliad species. Black bears, eastern indigo snakes, everglade minks, diamondback terrapins and endangered Florida Panthers can also be found here.
Photo via meaganmarie013/Instagram

Blue Spring State Park

Orange City
Covering more than 2,600 acres, manatee population hits its peak mid-November through March at this refuge. The crystal-clear, 73 degree water is a growing home to a growing population of West Indian Manatee. There’s no shortage of aquatic activities here with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Photo via ryanri/Instagram

Falling Waters State Park

Chipley
Home to huge trees, fern-covered sinkholes and Florida’s highest waterfall, Falling Waters State Park is a quite a site. Here, a stream of water falls 73 feet into the bottom of the 20-foot wide Falling Waters Sink. Have a family picnic, take a dip in the lake or watch for native and migratory butterflies in the butterfly garden. In the amphitheater, park rangers also host interpretive programs.
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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Gainesville
Along the 1 ½ miles paved walkway lies 24 collections of beautiful flowers and plants. The area includes the state's largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast, making it a perfect spot for picnicking. During Moonlight Walks, the venue is transformed with special laser lights, 1500 luminaries and live music.
Photo via kanapahagardens/Instagram

Little Talbot Island State Park

Jacksonville
There’s a plethora of outdoor activities and beautiful natural sites to take in at Little Talbot Island State Park. Five miles of beach allow for fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, surfing and picnicking opportunities. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island provide plenty of time for hours of relaxing nature studies on a hike. In the park’s diverse natural habitat you’ll be able to see river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a mix of native and migratory birds.
Photo via riptidewatersports/Instagram

Morikami Gardens

Delray Beach
Built to help preserve and spread Japanese culture, Morikami Gardens includes 16-acres of landscape with a world-class bonsai garden, cherry blossoms and lakes filled with koi fish. The two museum buildings modeled after traditional Japanese design, feature rotating exhibitions with thousands of Japanese artifacts and tea ceremonies.
Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Rainbow Springs State Park

Crystal River
As Florida’s fourth largest spring, with use dating back 10,000 years ago, Rainbow Springs is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. Tubing is another fun activity you can enjoy on the beautifully clear water. The cooler weather allows you to take advantage of the site’s campgrounds and pavilions for outdoor grilling.
Photo via home_homeontheroad/Instagram

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

Chipley
At this preserve you can truly take a walk on the wild side as you become one with a pack. Call ahead to make a reservation for the Saturday tour, which allows you a rare chance to interact with Gray, Arctic and British Columbian wolves. On your 21/2 - 3 hour journey will take you through acres of land, where you’ll be able to pet the fierce canines and pose for photos with them. At the end of the tour, you’ll also be allowed to play with skunks, touch foxes and feed raccoons.
Photo via whiskywildman/Instagram

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks
Over 70,000 acres the refuge provides wintering habitat for migratory birds. In the colder months the refuge supports over 20 active American Bald Eagle nesting pairs, as well as 60 rare Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers. On clear, cool days you can also spots bobcats, deer, bears, kestrels, waterfowl and river otter. St.Marks Lighthouse, built in 1842, is also available on the landscape and used to this day.
Photo via zjanewkirk/Instagram

Topsail Hill State Park

Santa Rosa Beach
Majestic dunes over 25 feet tall on 3.2 miles of secluded beach allow for shoreline fishing that yields bass, bream, panfish and catfish. A variety of wetlands, lakes, old-growth longleaf pines and sand pine scrub provide relaxing bird watching and hiking activities.
Photo via nikina917/Instagram

Withlacoochee State Trail

Citrus Springs to Dade City
Walking, running, cycling and skating are all encouraged on this 46-mile paved trail, one of the longest in the state. Wildlife and natural plant viewing is available along the area, which also has sections on unpaved trails running parallel to it. The journey varies as landscape runs across three counties through small towns, ranches and six distinct natural communities.
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