Florida

If you’ve ever dreamed of striking it rich—not with gold, but with dazzling natural treasures—then Fort Drum Crystal Mine in Okeechobee, Florida should be at the top of your bucket list. Tucked away in a quiet pocket of central Florida, this unique mine offers a hands-on, mud-splattered, crystal-hunting experience that feels equal parts treasure hunt and time machine.

Picture yourself cruising with the windows down, the salty breeze tangling your hair as turquoise waters stretch endlessly on both sides. Welcome to the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile marvel of U.S. Route 1 that leaps across 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West, Florida, often called the “Highway that Goes to Sea.” This isn’t just a road—it’s a sun-soaked adventure through the Florida Keys, where every mile marker unveils coral reefs, quirky pit stops, and views that make your heart skip a beat. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or dreaming of snorkeling in an underwater paradise, this iconic drive delivers a slice of tropical magic you won’t soon forget.

Stepping into Congo River Golf East Orlando isn't just about playing a round of miniature golf; it's like embarking on a mini-vacation to a lush, exotic jungle. Forget your preconceived notions of windmills and clown mouths – this isn't your average putt-putt course. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in a vibrant, tropical world designed to whisk you away from the everyday hustle and bustle of Orlando.

Some places lift your spirits the moment you step inside—and this little tropical escape in Key West does exactly that. Imagine hundreds of butterflies fluttering around you, landing softly on your arm as classical music drifts through the air and a pair of flamingos casually strut past a bubbling waterfall. It sounds like a dream, but it’s very real—and it’s one of the most unexpectedly enchanting spots on the island.

When most people think of Florida, they picture beaches and palm trees—but just an hour south of Miami lies a landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet. Welcome to a place where the river moves slow, the trees grow sideways, and the silence is often broken by the bellow of an alligator. Everglades National Park isn’t just a national treasure—it’s a living, breathing, waterlogged wonder unlike anywhere else in the U.S.

There are places where people shop, and then there are places where people strut. Lincoln Road in Miami Beach falls solidly in the second category. This iconic pedestrian promenade is a world away from your average mall—think sun-drenched palm-lined walkways, outdoor cafés humming with conversation, and a parade of stylish locals and visitors treating the sidewalk like a runway.

Step onto the Anhinga Trail and you’re suddenly in the heart of one of Florida’s most fascinating frontiers—where prehistoric reptiles, vivid water birds, and whispering marsh grasses come together for one unforgettable stroll. No need to be a rugged explorer. This short, easy trail lets you see the Everglades at its boldest, most alive, and most photo-worthy—without ever getting your shoes muddy.

There’s something about a Saturday morning market that just feels right—and in Sarasota, it feels like pure joy. Nestled in the heart of downtown along N Lemon Avenue, this weekly event isn’t just a place to grab your greens. It’s a full-sensory experience filled with sunshine, smiling faces, sizzling food stands, and the kind of local flavor you can’t package or ship.

Tucked along the sparkling shoreline of Charlotte Harbor, Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda is part open-air shopping center, part marina, and all-around coastal escape. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable dinner attire and every corner seems to hold a souvenir shop, seafood scent, or steel drum serenade.

If your idea of a Florida animal experience involves long lines and theme park crowds, it’s time for a wild rethink. Tucked into the quiet outskirts of West Palm Beach, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a refreshingly personal and heartfelt encounter with some of nature’s most majestic—and mischievous—creatures. It’s not a zoo. It’s not a petting farm. It’s something much more intimate.