Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is known for its iconic mermaid show and water park. The gorgeous spring-fed river is also a great place for kayak and SUP rentals, although the route from the park has been shortened.
Historic
Florida Rambler is always on the lookout for places that capture the Florida that is being lost to expressways and development. We include historic destinations, Florida landmarks and places where the past lives on in big and small ways. Here’s a scene from Micanopy, located right off I-75 near Gainesville.
Kingsley Plantation: Moving tale of slavery unique to Florida
Black History Month: A story of slaves and slave holders that may surprise you.
7 tips for seeing the stunning Miami Beach Architectural District
The Miami Beach Architectural District preserves the biggest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. It’s full of history, beauty & fascinating stories. We offer tips to help you plan a great outing to appreciate the Art Deco district.
Tour historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park
The historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park is a well-preserved relic of the 1960s Cold War. See a restored Nike Hercules missile during the winter season.
Hutchinson Island’s Elliott Museum: For old car lovers — and everyone else
The Elliott Museum has an extensive collection of antique cars, but the museum also has everything from wedding dresses to baseball cards. On Saturday, Nov. 18, it will host a free event to celebrate the opening of its modern ebikes exhibit. Visitors can test-ride ebikes and get free admission.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a beauty for lighthouse, views, butterflies, flamingo
What will you see at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge this fall? There’s a flamingo who has been spotted regularly for several years; monarch butterflies migrate through as do many varied types of birds. It’s a vast place with scenic vistas and a historic lighthouse — a hidden gem in the Big Bend region.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Beaches that wow, rare old forts in Panhandle
Florida Panhandle’s greatest treasure might be Gulf Islands National Seashore, with an unspoiled barrier island, sand as white as snow and a rare Civil War fort whose spooky spaces you can wander.
National Navy SEAL Museum: A long history of heroics
The Navy SEALs are the backbone of U.S. Special Forces, and Floridians have a unique opportunity to explore their history at the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, birthplace of Navy frogmen.
Coral Castle: 15 things to amaze you at mysterious ‘work of art’ in Homestead
Coral Castle is a 100-year-old site made of 30-ton blocks of limestone somehow arranged by a lovesick eccentric into a Stonehenge-like work of art.
Like a lot of original Florida tourist attractions, it can be corny, playing up a mystical angle. But it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and is strange and wonderful in its own way.
The CCC in Florida State Parks: History you can touch from a simpler time
As you travel Florida and explore its award-winning state parks, take special note of buildings, trails and amenities we enjoy because of work by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can learn more at Highland Hammocks State Park, which has a museum about the CCC in Florida.