My top places to go in Florida (besides the theme parks)
I have been lucky enough to visit Florida a lot as we used to have a holiday home there but it never ceases to amaze me how many people only ever go the theme parks. Don't get me wrong I completely get the magic of Disney but there is so much more to experience.
I thought I would compile a list of my favourite places. I tried to limit it to only ten but it was impossible. Yes you may notice that there is a bit of west coast bias here and that's purely because I prefer the beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Keys.
Tarpon Springs
Situated on the west coast of Florida near Tampa this town has a large greek community as you will see from the numerous tavernas. Famous for its sponge docks and picturesque town full of victorian houses you are transported to an historic Florida.
Picture: holeinthedonut.com
Picture: pinellaspeach.com
Picture: i.imgur.com via Pinterest
Photo: My own
Sombrero Beach - Marathon
Another local secret. This is a lovely beach with great facilities and is perfect if you want to have a go at Stand up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking or even fishing.
Photo: My own
I could go on but I also have plenty left to explore. Is your favourite place in Florida here? Why not share your little secret places to escape too.
The post My top places to go in Florida (besides the theme parks) appeared first on www.blogger.com/Seren&Belle Copyright 2015
I thought I would compile a list of my favourite places. I tried to limit it to only ten but it was impossible. Yes you may notice that there is a bit of west coast bias here and that's purely because I prefer the beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Keys.
Tarpon Springs
Situated on the west coast of Florida near Tampa this town has a large greek community as you will see from the numerous tavernas. Famous for its sponge docks and picturesque town full of victorian houses you are transported to an historic Florida.
Picture: oldhouses.com via pinterest
You would be forgiven for forgetting you are on the coast which leads me on to.....
Fred Howard Park - Tarpon Springs
This is quite a locals secret so make sure you keep it Shhhhhhhhh. Drive through the park itself onto a sandbank and the beach itself. There are toilet facilities but no refreshments so make sure you take everything with you.
Picture: foursquare.com
Hillsborough State Park
Located inland this park is beautiful and is a fantastic way to view wildlife. You can hike through the woodland or canoe down the river. If you cant make it down to the Everglades this is also a great place to see Alligators. Just be careful though as you are not chaperoned like in the Everglades.
Photo: My own
Weekiwachi River
Located just north of Orlando on the west coast Weekiwachi is great to canoe or kayak down. It's so peaceful floating down the backwater - you may even come across a manatee. Alternatively, you could always take in the popular Mermaid show or visit the water park.
Picture: yakangler.com via pinterest
Indian Rocks
Most people tend to head for Clearwater beach but I find it too crowded. If you carry on a little further down the coast you come to Indian Rocks, Reddington Shores, Madeira beach and all of these are less busy and just as nice.
Photo: My own
John's Pass - Treasure Island
This is a boardwalk on the intra coastal full of shops, restaurants and fishing charters. It has a lovely atmosphere and is great for a mooch about.
Picture: hotmamatravel.com via pinterest
Fort DeSoto State Park
You do have to pay for entry to the park but the beaches are totally worth it. Lovely white sand and facilities. The beach does have a lifeguard on duty unlike some of the other beaches along the coast.
You could explore the fort or go on one of the nature walks.
Photo: My own
Anna Maria Island
Yet another beautiful beach location. This is also popular with locals and parking can be tricky.
Picture: Paradiserealty.com
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
You are spoilt for choice on these islands the beaches are beautiful there are lovely places to stay, although some can be quite pricey. You also have to pay for parking which is $2 per hour. Also worth a mention is Fort Myers beach which is the gateway to the islands and has some great hotels and beach too.
Picture: Sundial Beach Resort and Spa on Flickr.com
John Pennekamp - Key Largo
A visit to the Keys is a must in my view, they have such a different feel to the rest of Florida. John Pennekamp State Park is a great first point of call to visit the reefs in the keys. You can snorkel or go on a glass bottom boat.
Picture: baysidekeylargo.com
Bahia Honda - Marathon
Another state park with a lovely beach. It's also a great place to camp and the old Henry Flagler keys railway bridge is a famous landmark.
Photo: My own
Another local secret. This is a lovely beach with great facilities and is perfect if you want to have a go at Stand up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking or even fishing.
Key West
The southernmost point in the US. I love it here, it has history and personality as well as watersports, shopping, restaurants, live music and sunsets .....
Photos: My own
The post My top places to go in Florida (besides the theme parks) appeared first on www.blogger.com/Seren&Belle Copyright 2015
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