Originally posted on June 6, 2019 @ 9:15 am
Everyone loves a good beach trip in the heat of the summer sun, but sometimes it can be hard to choose where to go. Florida is a peninsula, so you have more of an opportunity to make that beach trip a reality.
Though the beach isn’t the only thing you may want to do this summer, it’s a good start. Florida is a travel hotspot for various reasons (like Disney World and the Keys), and summertime makes it even better.
Check out some of the best spots to visit in Florida when summer is in full swing, and start planning your next vacation today.
Amelia Island
The barrier islands which run parallel to the eastern coast of Florida are home to a place called Amelia Island. Amelia Island is the beach you go to when you’re seeking out a quaint and quiet respite in the summer sun.
The Island also plays host to Fort Clinch. The Fort was built in the American Civil War, and remains as a tourist site today. Go back in time, and tour the whole of Fort Clinch State Park.
Lakeland
If you’re a fan of great modern architects, then you’ll want to make a stop along your drive in Lakeland, Florida. Check out what Florida Southern College has to offer. The campus has the largest display of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture anywhere in the nation.
See why the master was labelled a master of his craft, and experience Frank Lloyd Wright in real life. You can drive around the campus, but why risk having an accident in Lakeland while you’re sightseeing? Take one of the tours offered by the college, and enjoy the passenger’s seat for a while.
Ocala
If you want to get away from all the tourist and stick to a budget, then you want to choose Ocala as your destination. Ocala offers a side of The Sunshine State that most travelers miss.
You can go horseback riding in Silver Spring State Park, see a range of native wildlife in the wetlands of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area, or even check out some fine art at the Appleton Museum of Art. Wherever you choose to roam, Ocala will keep you wrapped in its warm sunshine and gorgeous landscapes.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is known for its uncanny ability to make your beach dreams come true. This area of the peninsula boasts white sands met by the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. Fort Walton has over 20 miles of pristine shoreline to explore, and it’s a family friendly spot too.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of the most beautiful gems to uncover while visiting Florida. The city is the oldest in the country, and has a rich spanish colonial history. You can learn about explorers like Ponce de Leon, and visit the Castillo de San Marcos.