Jacksonville FL

What if you could enjoy all the perks of a tropical island—turquoise water, white-sand beaches, fruity drinks in hand—without ever leaving the mainland? Welcome to MetroLagoon Southshore Bay, a splashy paradise tucked into Wimauma, Florida, where a massive manmade lagoon delivers serious vacation energy just 30 minutes from Tampa.

Looking for a place in Orlando that’ll get your heart racing before you’ve even stepped inside? Say hello to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a sprawling, high-octane wonderland where the thrills are turbocharged and the fun is as electric as the karts themselves.

Looking for something wildly different to do in Florida that doesn’t involve sand between your toes or theme park lines? Imagine being high up in the treetops, inching across rope bridges, zipping through the forest, and shouting “woo!” as you conquer obstacle after obstacle—all while squirrels look on like you’re the show.

If your idea of a perfect night includes eerie ambiance, spine-chilling cocktails, and a side of campy fun, Cocktails & Screams in downtown Orlando might just be your dream haunt. Equal parts horror movie set and upscale bar, this spooky speakeasy delivers a devilishly good time that’s far from ordinary.

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a storybook tropical escape—where pirate ships loom, mermaids twirl, and water slides twist through palms—Buccaneer Bay in Weeki Wachee, Florida, is the real-life splash of fantasy you didn’t know you needed. Located within Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, this quirky little waterpark is soaked in old-Florida charm, natural beauty, and just the right amount of mischief.

Most folks don’t think “waterfalls” when they think of Florida—but Falling Waters State Park isn’t most places. Tucked away near Chipley in the Panhandle, this hidden gem is home to the tallest waterfall in the state, and it's as surprising as it is beautiful. Here, clear water tumbles down a deep limestone sinkhole, vanishing into the earth like some kind of natural magic trick.

It’s not every day you get to stroll beneath a supersonic fighter jet or stand in the shadow of a 1940s dive bomber—but at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, that’s just the beginning. This soaring tribute to the U.S. Navy’s aviation history is part museum, part air hangar, and entirely awe-inspiring.

Tucked into the quiet backroads of Ona, Florida—population small, charm enormous—you’ll find something utterly unexpected: a castle made of aluminum, rising like a mirage from the swampy landscape. Solomon’s Castle isn’t just a roadside curiosity—it’s a full-blown, self-built fortress of recycled materials, groan-worthy wordplay, and offbeat artistry.

There’s a place on Florida’s east coast where the ocean doesn’t just meet the shore—it erupts through it. Welcome to Blowing Rocks Preserve, a stretch of wild, wave-battered coastline in Hobe Sound where Atlantic swells surge through ancient limestone crevices, sending salty spray high into the air like a natural geyser show.

If the idea of sipping a latte while a purring tabby curls up in your lap makes your heart melt, then you need to know about Orlando Cat Café. Tucked just west of the city in Clermont, this feline-friendly oasis is equal parts coffee shop, cozy lounge, and kitty playland—and yes, you can take one home (after proper vetting, of course).