Florida

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.

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves fresh air, flower fields, and the occasional goat photobomb, Sweetfields Farm in Brooksville, Florida, is calling your name. Nestled in the rolling countryside just north of Tampa Bay, this seasonal farm adventure feels like a postcard come to life—equal parts family fun, rustic charm, and sunflower-filled serenity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating alongside a gentle manatee in turquoise water so clear it looks like glass, Crystal River is your kind of paradise. Tucked along Florida’s Nature Coast in Citrus County, this small town with a big personality is the only place in North America where you can legally swim with wild manatees—and that’s just the beginning of its natural wonders.

Even if you’ve never quoted Yoda or dreamed of wielding a lightsaber, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will sweep you into another galaxy faster than you can say “hyperspace.” This sprawling, sensory-packed land is more than just a theme park area—it’s a full-on cinematic experience where you don’t just visit the Star Wars universe… you live in it.

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.

If you think Central Florida is all theme parks and roller coasters, think again. Just north of Orlando sits Winter Park, a storybook town where brick-lined streets, mossy oaks, and a chain of sparkling lakes invite you to slow down and soak it all in.

If your dream day includes diving into cool spring water, flipping pancakes at your own table, and spotting gators from a boat, De Leon Springs State Park is calling your name. This underrated Florida gem packs history, adventure, and breakfast into one delightfully quirky destination.

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.

If you’ve ever wished for the charm of Charleston with the breezy ease of a campground retreat, the Mt. Pleasant/Charleston KOA just might be your new happy place. Nestled under whispering pines and beside a private, tranquil lake, this laid-back spot serves up a blend of Lowcountry beauty and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.