Want to stay at the beach but still see some great Florida parks, arts, and wildlife? Check out the 10 most popular day trips to see more of what the area has to offer! Whether you’re looking for something adventurous such as a canoeing trip, exploring the caverns, or a boat tour where you can spot an amazing amount of alligators, or something more cultural with art, music, and wine, there are trips you can take to enjoy it all that range between a half hour drive to a two hour drive.
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 Guided river boat tours are offered daily to provide a view of how unspoiled, natural Florida may have appeared. Alligators and turtles bask in the sun at arm’s length, while birds feed on the native vegetation. Glass-bottom boat tours offer the visitor a unique opportunity to observe the underwater habitat.
A two hour drive – US 231 N to SR 20 to SR 267
For more information visit http://www.wakullacounty.org/wakulla-5.htm or call 850.224.5950 |
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 This area is home to an eclectic variety of shops & restaurants that sit on charming cobblestone streets. Spend the day with some shopping or on the quiet white sandy beaches – or a little of both!
Only a 45 Minute drive down Hwy. 98 W to CR 30A
For more information call 850.732.7433 |
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 Famous for great scalloping on St. Joseph’s Bay during July – September! This area is also the historic old capitol of Florida, the site of the State Constitution signing and the Constitution Convention Museum.
Located a one hour drive – E on Hwy. 98
For more information visit http://www.cityofportstjoe.com/ 850.229.8029 |
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Ponce De Leon Springs State Park |
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 This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513-as legend has it-in search of the "fountain of youth." Visitors can take a dip in the cool, clear waters of Ponce de Leon Springs where the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush forest, have a picnic at the park, and spend the day enjoying the outdoors.
Located a one hour drive – SR 79 to 20 W to 81N
For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/PoncedeLeonSprings/default.cfm or call 850.836.4281 |
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Florida Caverns State Park |
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 The only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public! The cave has amazing formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. Florida Caverns is also popular for swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, boating, hiking, and bicycling.
Located a one and a half hour drive north – US 231 to SR 167
For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/ or call 850.482.1228 |
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Falling Waters State Park |
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 Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line Sink Hole Trail, the boardwalk that leads visitors to Florida's highest waterfall. Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. See beautiful native and migrating butterflies in the butterfly garden, take a swim in the lake, have a family picnic, or go for a Hike and experience the verdant, gently sloping landscape of North Florida
Located only a one hour drive north – SR 77A
For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters/default.cfm or call 850.638.6130 |
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 The focal point is a stately post-Civil War southern mansion among moss-draped live oak trees surrounded by lush gardens. Guided tours of the house are available hourly Thursday through Monday (including holidays). Visitors can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and picnic area daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.
Located on a 30-minute drive west – US 98 to CR 395
For more information visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/EdenGardens/ or call 950.231.4214 |
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 A delightful day of culture, arts & crafts, and of course, wine! Visit this beautiful winery and learn about the grapes, winemaking, and more while enjoying a day with a loved one. Located in in Defuniak Springs, Florida only a one hour drive – HWY 98W to 331N
For more information visit thier website at http://www.chautauquawinery.com/ or call 850.892.5887 |
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 Econfina Creek Canoe Trail is one of Florida’s designated canoe trails where wildlife is plentiful and adventure awaits. This trail is a beautiful, swift-flowing creek with high limestone walls, sand bluffs, and lush vegetation. The upper section is narrow with tight curves and several fast-water chutes. The lower section is spring-fed and slower.
For more information call 850.488.3701
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 The Chipola River, the largest tributary of the Apalachicola, boasts 63 fresh water springs, the largest number of any rivers in Northwest Florida. This river spreads over 52 miles through high limestone bluffs, past caves and exciting rapids.
For more information call 850.482.4948 or visit http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/chipolariver.html |
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