10 Most Beautiful Places in Florida
Escape to Florida's Most Beautiful Locations
The Sunshine State has a wealth of different sights and scenery, and the most beautiful places in Florida are as varied as they are breathtaking. You won’t find Florida’s beauty spots just on the land, but also underground and underwater as well.
Explore coral reefs, astonishing caverns and lush forests. Discover Florida’s native wildlife and take photos of panoramic ocean views from stretches of pristine white sand. Whether you’re interested in interacting with the wildlife and scenery, enjoying the sunshine within reach of civilization or exploring the deeper, more unusual sights, this list will have an option for you.
1. Blue Spring State Park
Making friends with manatees
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Take a kayak onto the beautiful waters of Blue Spring State Park and make friends with the manatees that live there. These gentle aquatic giants, also known as sea cows, love to swim in the park’s warm waters, especially in winter when the water temperature elsewhere drops. Wildlife lovers will be overjoyed to get to see these animals so close up, while photographers will find them excellent subjects.
The rest of the park is almost as beautiful as those amazing creatures, so take a walk to soak up the peace and quiet of nature. Come earlier in the day to avoid the worst of the heat, as in places (especially on the water) there’s not much shade.
Localização: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Telefone: +1 386-775-3663
Blue Spring State Park
2. Devil’s Den
Ancient underground pool, great for swimming
Ideal para: Foto, História, Viagens alternativas
Concealed beneath the earth, you’ll find the almost mythical cavern of Devil’s Den. This secluded prehistoric spring has an opening high above but is otherwise surrounded by rock. Swim in the clear water past rock formations and beneath stalactites and, if you’ve got your scuba certification, grab some gear to see beneath the surface. Ancient fossils have been found here, so keep an eye out to see what you can find.
The park around the spring is just as beautiful and has campsites for those who want to sleep beneath the stars and really relish the tranquillity of this natural wonder.
Localização: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696, USA
Telefone: +1 352-528-3344
Devil’s Den
3. Captiva Island
Stunning beaches and blue seas with convenient shops and restaurants
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On the west coast of Florida, just off the shore from Fort Myers, you’ll find Captiva Island. Its beautiful white-sand beaches and sea views. But the island isn’t just to look at, you’ll find it packed with activities. Snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing are just 3 of the many options available out in the water. You might even meet a dolphin out there.
Meanwhile, on land, there are shops and restaurants to enjoy when you’re taking a break from the beach. The island is easily reached by car, as there are bridges, so there’s no excuse not to go.
Captiva Island
4. Florida Caverns State Park
Otherworldly landscape underground
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Inland, in the north of Florida, you’ll find the breathtaking underground landscape of Florida Caverns State Park. Above ground, you’ll find lush, green scenery, with wild birds flitting from tree to tree and the blue Florida sky peeking between the branches, but an entirely different world lies beneath the surface.
Stalactites drip from the ceilings, some joined together forming odd stone curtains hanging down through the caves, and natural stone pillars rise from floor to ceiling. Be sure to bring your camera as this cool, alien landscape offers a beauty unlike what you’ll find elsewhere.
Localização: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Telefone: +1 850-482-1228
Florida Caverns State Park
5. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Elegant and artistic gardens with a fascinating museum
Ideal para: Foto, História
The stunning 15 acres of Japanese gardens around the Morikami Museum are exquisitely designed and kept. Carefully shaped and designed paths lead you under arches of leaves and by bonsais, to ornamental koi ponds and the serene structure of the raked rock gardens. Beyond them are 200 acres of parkland. Stroll past trickling waterfalls to find statues dotted about and photo opportunities in every direction.
The Morikami Museum itself is modelled after a Japanese villa and hosts exhibition halls, a theatre and an authentic Japanese tearoom. Explore the buildings to discover thousands of Japanese artifacts and artworks, as well as learn about the connections between Florida and Japan.
Localização: 4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446, USA
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +1 561-495-0233
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
6. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Underwater adventures in the Florida Keys
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Right at the tip of the Florida Peninsula, on Key Largo, lie the underwater wonders of John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park. Take a trip beneath the waves to explore this fascinating watery world. The tropical waters provide a welcoming home for brightly coloured fish and coral in all shades of the rainbow.
Swimming and snorkelling will allow you to see the residents of this state park in their natural habitat. Swing by the visitor centre and check out the saltwater aquariums to learn about some of the fish before you see them in the wild.
Localização: Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Telefone: +1 305-676-3777
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
7. Dry Tortugas National Park
Remote islands in the Gulf of Mexico
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The remote Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of 7 islands in the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding sea. On the islands, you’ll find the imposing red brick walls of Fort Jefferson as well as sensational ocean views and tons of wildlife. It’s a great place for birdwatching and kayaking, and you can stay overnight as well.
The warm gulf waters are wonderful for snorkelling and swimming when you want to glimpse the coral reefs beneath the surface. While the park is only accessible via ferry or seaplane, there are several campsites available so you can make the most of your visit.
Telefone: +1 305-242-7700
Dry Tortugas National Park
8. Ocala National Forest
Beautiful forest with over 600 lakes and ponds
Ideal para: Foto, Famílias, Casais
Ocala National Forest is the second largest protected forest in Florida, and it’s an idyllic wilderness featuring over 600 lakes and ponds. Hike through the woodland and across bridges and marvel at the crystal-clear waters and lush trees, teeming with wildlife. You might see an alligator, some manatees or spot a rare plant.
It might sound fairly simple, but these forests and lakes provide some stunningly beautiful sights that you’ll want to remember forever, so don’t forget your camera. A walk through the Ocala National Forest will leave you in awe of the wonders of nature.
Ocala National Forest
9. Falling Waters State Park
Florida’s highest waterfall
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As you might guess from its name, the main attraction at Falling Waters State Park is Florida’s highest waterfall. Water cascades 22 metres down the cliff face into a sinkhole below. Stand on the viewpoint as the water tumbles past you and watch it disappear into the ground. Where it ends up, no one is sure.
Winding paths, steps and slopes take you around the rest of the peaceful park. It’s an excellent place for a bike ride or a hike between the towering trunks of the trees. The strength of the waterfall depends on rainfall, so go after a spell of wet weather to witness its true majesty.
Localização: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Telefone: +1 850-638-6130
Falling Waters State Park
10. Boneyard Beach
Eerie landscape of sand and bare trees
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
The Halloween-style name of Boneyard Beach doesn’t refer to actual bones, you’ll be pleased to know, but to the eerie bare trees that you’ll find there. The dramatic, jutting shapes of the blasted trunks and branches give this beach a totally different atmosphere from any other beach you’ve been to.
The unique beauty of this landscape is well worth capturing on film, so bring you camera. Stock up on bug spray before going as the mosquitoes love Boneyard Beach as much as we do.
Localização: Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA
Boneyard Beach
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