Ah, Florida. The ever-popular destination spot for families seeking everything from amusement parks with animated characters to beaches to history. The state that is basically the size of England and Wales combined packs more diversity within its borders than almost any other state. I challenge you now, as your family travels south to the sunshine for one last vacation this summer, to see someplace new and interesting in Florida (and golf courses don’t count, Dad, although it is cool that Florida has more of these than any other state.) In no particular order, here are my top ten places to visit in Florida (with varying levels of tourist-iness.)

1. Florida Keys

The Keys are a beautiful string of islands off the south tip of Florida, and each island offers something different. In Key Largo, visitors can snorkel in shallow, off-coast reefs and come face to face with sharks, rays, barracudas and jellyfish. Islamorada offers docks where one can feed huge tarpon, and Key West, the southernmost point in the continental States (there's a buoy,) has a crazy number of bars. And, of course, stop and get some Key Lime Pie, named for the small, tart limes that grow best and most abundantly here.

Tourist-y level: High, but it's pretty and worth it anyway

2. Town of Murals (Lake Placid)

Lake Placid is a cute little town near Sebring, and an added bonus is the presence of over 45 large murals depicting mostly local history. Perfect road trip break to walk--or drive--for an hour or so and take pictures. Make sure you stop off at the visitors' center first to get a map and watch a brief video on the history so that you can understand the art a bit better.

Tourist-y level: Low

3. Blowing Rocks Preserve (Jupiter)

A beautiful three-mile hike on Jupiter Island, Blowing Rocks Preserve is full of large limestone foundations that have been worn away by waves. Little caves formed within the rocks are fun to explore with a variety of wildlife living within, and photos are absolutely beautiful. Even the hike to the beach--complete with a tunnel formed by sea grapes--is memorable and cool.

Tourist-y level: Low

4. Wynwood (Miami)

While no one would doubt Miami's character, the Wynwood neighborhood is a contained embodiment of the freedom that one would associate with Miami. In an area where street art was encouraged, visitors walk past colorful murals, hipster restaurants and tea rooms. Fashion also has its place, with a separate district from the art scene to focus on shopping. Wynwood is probably one of the most Instagram-able places you'll find, so don't miss your chance to snap your own pics.

Tourist-y level: Medium

5. Siesta Key Beach (near Sarasota)

Siesta Key is known for its soft white sand, which is actually 99% quartz and therefore stays cool all year round (winner of the Whitest Beach Sand Award!) Sailing and snorkeling are popular activities, and beach-goers looking for a more "natural" experience would be pleased with a noticeably spare number of bars on the beach. Sunsets are otherworldly.

Tourist-y level: Medium

6. Ed Leedskalnin's Coral Castle (Homestead)

Edward Leedskalin, a Latvian man who moved to Florida, built this coral castle as a monument to a girl he loved and lost at age sixteen. Some stones here are larger than Stonehenge, and the most obvious icon of love is a heavy heart-shaped table left behind as a "Valentine." There are many rumors and speculations that the castle was built with psychic or magical powers, ideas that were compounded upon since Leedskalin only worked at night, refused to allow anyone to see how he managed to move such massive stones and published several pamphlets on magnetism that hinted at necromantic workings.

Tourist-y level: Low

7. Sunsets At Pier 60 (Clearwater)

Sunsets at Pier 60 is a nightly crafts fair on the beach in Clearwater where local artists and artisans can come to show off their wares. Hours of operation are from two hours before sunset to two hours after, giving the entire place a beautiful backdrop. Movies are occasionally shown as well to get the whole family involved. Sunsets is every night, so if you're in the area be sure to drop in.

Tourist-y level: Low

8. Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)

Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful, meditative structure on top of one of the highest points in Florida. Surrounding the tower is a botanical garden full of palms and Spanish moss. The door to the tower is brass and depicts the Book of Genesis; within the tower is a carillon, a huge, massively heavy bell-like instrument. The tower also houses a massive library of resources on carillons.

Tourist-y level: Low

9. Sanibel & Captiva Islands (near Fort Myers)

These barrier islands are perhaps best known for the fact that there are no traffic lights at all, but this area is most perfect for sand dollar and seashell collecting. Other rich wildlife such as loggerhead turtles and manatees also call this area home, and humans have tried to keep the area as pure as possible by rejecting any buildings taller than the tallest palm tree. Definitely a beautiful vacation spot, especially to get away from the hustle of a tourist area.

Tourist-y level: Medium

10. Devil's Den Springs (Williston, near Gainesville)

This unique underground cave is so perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling! The water inside this collapsed sinkhole stays at a constant 72 degrees year round (brr) and is a beautiful clear blue. It is privately owned but very inexpensive, and one can rent wetsuits to submerge. Even though it is last on the list, Devil's Den should be on any Florida vacationer's itinerary!

Tourist-y level: Low