Tampa 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.

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.

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.

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.