As a native Floridian, I've seen things I love and hate about Florida. Warm weather 10 months out of the year? Love. Excessive rain storms in the summer? Hate. The gorgeous scenery is a major plus. One big problem I have are snowbirds, walking around in shorts and t-shirts while I'm shivering away in a sweatshirt and jeans in 50 degree weather, driving under the speed limit, thinking it's beach weather in the middle of winter—but I can't complain about how restaurant business picks up, especially if you're a server or waitress. Summer is when I really love Florida, though. I love the heat, although the temperature in my car may be a little outrageous. Despite some of its faults (hurricanes, sink holes, people who drive too slow), it's still a beautiful state, and I love all of the places I have the opportunity to visit.
1. Springs
Natural springs. They're so stunning. Ice-cold and crystal blue, they're some of natures best work. There are many to choose from in Florida. Ponce de Leon is a popular choice, with its restaurant where you can make your own pancakes on a griddle at your table. Juniper is a little more built up, Alexander and Ginny are more natural and great for snorkeling, and Madison Blue Springs has a platform to cannonball. Wakulla Springs, located near Tallahassee, is where the old movie "Creature of the Black Lagoon" was filmed, and offers glass-bottom boat tours and has a swimming area Or, you could go tubing around Rainbow Springs or the Itchnatucky. Take a canoe around the Silver River to Silver Springs, and you'll see monkeys in the trees along the bank.
2. Caverns
Marianna Caverns in upstate Florida are natural marvels. Florida Caverns State Park is the only one in Florida to offer public cave tours. Along with the caves, there's a beautiful park to be explored above-ground, with hiking paths, fishing areas and even a golf course. I've only been there once before, but I really like caves and the critters that dwell in them, so to me the caverns are one of the best parts of Florida.
3. The Florida Keys
Everyone knows about the Florida Keys. Considered a paradise and a major vacation destination, they're easily some of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Any beach bum would have the time of their lives down there with the clear water and snorkeling opportunities, and the party people can get their kicks on Duval Street on Key West. Visit the Southernmost Point of the US, Dry Tortuga National Park or Fort Zachary Taylor. Or if you're not the sweating type, which, I hate to say it, is all you'll do in the Keys in the summer, lounge out by one of the many beachside resorts. There's something for everyone.
4. Orlando
The land of amusement parks. I'm not a big amusement park, because I think they're ridiculously overpriced and don't understand any rational adults who have a Disney obsession, because it's just strange, but when I finish reading the "Harry Potter" series, I really want to go to the Wizarding World in Universal (but one half is in one park, and the other, in the other park, meaning you have to buy a park hopper to see all of it, which is again, an outrageous ploy for money. But anyway). There are so many options to choose from in Orlando: Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot; Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; the Holy Land Experience; Wet 'n Wild; and SeaWorld ("Blackfish," anyone?). Whether you love roller coasters, fancy a trip to Hogwarts or want to find yourself the best water slide out there, Orlando has it all.
While these are just some of the attractions that Florida has to offer, amongst many others, such as the beaches simply in general, fresh seafood at many restaurants around the state and mild weather year-round (watch out for that humidity, though). I personally enjoy the springs and cooking my own pancakes (you can put as many chocolate chips as you want in them, FYI), although some days the water is just too cold. As I said before, I like the heat. But the main benefit to springs are that there is no sand. No sand! What could be better than that? Florida is filled with amazing opportunities for adventure and fun that shouldn't be passed up.
