It is that time of year. School is out, the sun is shining, and for those lucky souls who find themselves unencumbered by summer jobs or internships, there are three glorious months of unscripted freedom to be filled. If you happen to find yourself way down south in the Sunshine State, there is a whole host of things to do and places to explore. Even locals who are busy with work and school during the summer months can take advantage of these potential day trips.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs is one of Florida's best kept secrets. With crystal clear water that remains a refreshing 72 degrees year round, Rainbow Springs is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, diving and tubing. The river is fed by a freshwater spring and filled with plant and animal life of all sorts. Campsites are located just a short walk from the river. Have some drinks that you want to keep cold while you float down the river? Put them in a bag and let them sit in the water.
Bahia Honda
Without a doubt, this is one of the best beaches in Florida. Go ahead and try to stay out of the water in this pristine tropical paradise. Go on. Try it. You'll be splashing around like a duckling in the shallows in no time. Bahia Honda is home to fantastic snorkeling and renowned for incredible sunsets. If you're into camping right on the beach, Bahia Honda is the place for you.
Santos Campground
Santos Campground is a mountain biking park located in an abandoned quarry outside of Ocala. The park has mountain biking trails of varying intensity, ranging from a stroll through the woods to a heart-pounding ride along a cliff edge. You can bring your own bikes or rent them from the shop across the street; either way, make sure they can withstand some serious twists and turns.
Devil's Den
Devil's Den is cool as hell. End of story, pun intended. Devil's Den is a karst window, which is formed when the ground collapses over a subterranean river. In this case, the result is an unparalleled scuba diving spot that allows visitors to get a taste of cave diving. While casual swimming is not permitted, diving and snorkeling is encouraged in this unique geological feature.
