Florida

Ever dreamed of standing eye-to-eye with an elephant, feeling the breeze from its flapping ears, or watching it splash joyfully in a mud bath just feet away? At Myakka Elephant Ranch in Myakka City, Florida, those dreams come to life—and they’re even more heartwarming in person.

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.

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.