Last Updated on February 22, 2023
When we take time to discover various authentic Florida destinations, we often find hidden amenities. These new opportunities have a wonderful way of meeting our personal goals to exercise more and spend less while having fun.
Authentic Florida Destinations
Here are six authentic Florida destinations to visit.
1. Get Into the Woods: Ocala National Forest
Looking for natural Florida’s quiet pine forests, sandy scrubs, thick palmettos, and towering oak hammocks? Central Florida’s Ocala National Forest is one of the top authentic Florida destinations.
The second largest National Forest in the U.S., north of Orlando, is home to miles and miles of wilderness, and four major springs, referred to as the “jewels of the Ocala National Forest.”
These bubbly, aqua clear springs of Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen, and Salt Springs offer unique and lovely retreats. The surrounding Forest, known as “The Big Scrub” by virtue of its dense Florida scrub vegetation, provides year-round recreation for hiking, biking, and equestrian sports.
The diverse forest ecosystems offer unique habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals and are also home to the largest concentration of black bears in the U.S. If you have just one day in the Forest, consider paddling Juniper Creek.
The run is an unforgettable, scenic kayak trip down one of Florida’s most breathtaking waterways.
Don’t miss A Visit to Ocala National Forest and An Authentic Day Trip Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.
2. Get Out of Town: Cedar Key
Cedar Key, located fifty miles southwest of Gainesville, would be considered remote by even modern-day standards. Most visitors don’t “happen” upon Cedar Key. Once you’re there, you’ll discover why. The island is filled with “old Florida” charm and a feeling that time stands still or at least has slowed down considerably.
Cedar Key’s rustic uniqueness is unmistakable. More than one island, the Cedar Keys sit at the end of a causeway and across bridges three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. They are part of a chain of barrier islands and a national wildlife refuge.
A thriving new business of clam aquaculture has successfully emerged in recent years, and Cedar Key has become the leading supplier of farm-raised clams in Florida. Try Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, home to renowned clam chowder, featuring Cedar Key clams.
While in the area, check out Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key and don’t miss the Delightful Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival.
3. Get Younger: St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth
Only one American city can hold claim to the title of “oldest city”, and that is St. Augustine. Situated on Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine’s rich history is well chronicled by the landmarks that bear witness to its cultural past.
One such landmark tucked away within a quiet neighborhood not far from the famous Old Town, is Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
While the Fountain of Youth refers to a place of legend, the park provides a glimpse into the real history of St. Augustine’s earliest settlement. The 15-acre waterfront property is thought to be the original location where Ponce de Leon landed in 1513.
The property includes the original “spring” or “fountain of youth”, and a mix of reconstructed period settings that bring St. Augustine’s past to life. Visit with a Franciscan priest, Timucuan interpreter, and weapons soldier – all costumed re-enactors, sharing their stories of the time.
Don’t miss Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine.
4. Get Down Under Florida’s Caverns
Located northwest of Tallahassee near Marianna, the Florida Caverns State Park is a one-of-a-kind adventure for a “down under” experience. But wait, Florida has caves? Surprise! It’s true. Millions of years ago the state was covered with water and over time, the rise and fall of the ocean created carved out caves, sinkholes, springs, and sinking streams from Florida’s limestone foundation.
At the park, a ranger guides groups down an easy flight of steps into the caves while sharing information about the geology of caves and speleological facts about mineral deposits known as stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, and columns.
These dry caves were made passable through the dedicated work of the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps helped create one of the most authentic Florida destinations and a legacy for our state.
Learn more: A Visit to Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna.
5. Get Wild: Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is ideal for anyone interested in finding the “real” Everglades. A visit to this park will help you appreciate the complex mosaic of varied ecosystems, stunning wildlife, and scenic beauty.
If you have just one day, head to the Royal Palm Hammock just southwest of Homestead. Three trails are accessible from the main area but the popular Anhinga Trail is a must.
An easy boardwalk will lead to a freshwater marsh teeming with wildlife. There you will see nesting anhingas, cormorants, green herons, moorhens, wood storks, herons, turtles, and alligators of all sizes. If you have more time, drive on down the road to Flamingo, the southernmost community on the Florida peninsula.
Founded in the late 1800s by gator poachers, plume hunters (when flamingos were plentiful), and moonshiners, Flamingo not only has an “end of the road” feel but literally is the end of the road. Oh, and you won’t want to miss the crocodiles near the marina.
Check out Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades.
6. Get Birding: The Corkscrew Swamp
Named after a nearby crooked river, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located in southwest Florida, northeast of Naples. Originally established to protect one of the last remaining stands of bald cypress in North America, this is one of the authentic Florida destinations that also serves as a critical sanctuary and nesting area for threatened birds and wildlife.
The history dates back to the late 1800s when it was fashionable for women to wear hats with large feather plumes. To satisfy the insatiable consumer demand, game hunters ventured deep into Florida’s frontier killing thousands of beautiful prized birds while decimating huge nesting colonies.
Luckily, public outcry and later, the National Audubon Society, stepped in providing the needed support and protection for the sanctuary. Walking along the two-mile boardwalk, there are numerous Florida habitats within the sanctuary: pine Flatwoods, wet prairie, pond cypress, lettuce lakes, and the bald cypress forest.
There are many bird species and wildlife for viewing. The experience of being immersed in natural Florida is almost spiritual.
Don’t miss A Visit to Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp.