Silver Springs - Silver Springs is a park in which you can enjoy nature and see the crystal-clear waters. More than 550 million gallons of water erupts from the headwaters of Silver Springs each day, creating the Silver River and the foundation for Florida's beautiful National Landmark.
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument - The Castillo de San Marcos, built 1672-1695, served primarily as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States, and also protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish , who remained in power in Florida until the area was purchased by the United States in 1821.
Timicuan Ecological and Historical Preserve - The 46,000 acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve was established to protect one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast and to preserve historic and prehistoric sites within the area. The estuarine ecosystem includes salt marsh, coastal dunes, hardwood hammock, as well as salt, fresh, and brackish waters, all rich in native vegetation and animal life.
Canaveral National Seashore - Canaveral National Seashore is situated on a barrier island and includes ocean, beach, dune, hammock, lagoon, salt marsh, and pine flatland habitats.
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Gulf Islands NS consists of eleven separate units stretching along 150 miles from West Ship Island in Mississippi to the eastern tip of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. There are sparkling blue waters, magnificent snowy-white beaches, fertile coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Also in the seashore are prehistoric shell mounds and fortifications dating from the 1820s up to the 1940s. Nature, history, and recreational opportunities abound in this national treasure.
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Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
3400 SE 15 Street, Gainesville, FL Gainesville, FL 32641 352-466-3397      |
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Peacock Springs State Park
18081 185th Road (Administration Office - NOT park entrance.) Live Oak, FL 32060 386-776-2194     |
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Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Pl. Rd. Dunnellon, FL 34432 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550      |
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Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G White Springs, FL 32096 386-397-2733    |
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Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
3400 N. Museum Pointe Crystal River, FL 34428 352-795-3817 |
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On-Going Events:
If you have a flair for the supernatural, check out Ghost Tours of St. Augustine! Licensed, professionals wearing period dress, light your way with lanterns through the ancient streets of St. Augustine. The walking tour takes about an hour and a half, and you'll hear strange and unusual tales of centuries past, legendary stories, folk lore, and ghostly experiences. Voted the number one guided tour in Florida! Call 904-461-1009 or 1-888-461-1009 for information, or check out their website at www.aghostlyexperience.com.
Visit Old Town in Kissimmee! 8 affordable restaurants, 75 shops and 15 amusement park rides line the streets of Old Town. There's a variety of merchandise and fun for the whole family. On Saturday nights, enjoy a free rock concert and parade of 300 vintage cars. Old Town is located at 5770 W. U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee.
Jacksonville's very own casino cruise ship, LaCruise, offers both day and night gambling cruises. The cruises offer a variety of games, including slots, blackjack and roulette. Live music and food provided. A dockside restaurant also serves up a wide range of items. LaCruise is located next to the Mayport fishing village, just north of Jacksonville. Admission is $18. For information and cruise times, call 904-241-7200.
Visit the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. The gardens feature over 10 thousand plants! Located in the Pinewood Cultural Park, 12175 125th St. N., Largo. The park is open 7am to 7pm daily, admission is free. Call 727-582-2200 for information.
"Sunset on the Pier" Festival in Clearwater Beach. Every night, the beach holds a celebration at sunset with vendors, food, and music. The event is free to the public. The beach is located at the end of HWY 60 in Clearwater.
Visit the Mayport Naval Station, the second largest aircraft carrier basin on the East Coast, in Jacksonville. Residents may tour the base and visit ships at no charge on Saturdays and Sundays. The base features some of the nation's most impressive aircraft carriers, frigates, and destroyers. It is located just east of downtown off Mayport Rd. (State Road A1A). For information and hours, call 904-270-5226.
Take a tour of Port Tampa for free! SeaPort Adventure Boat Tours departs Monday-Friday at 9:30am at Cruise Terminal 2 at Channelside in Tampa. The Bay Spirit catamaran features deck seating, an air-conditioned cabin, and beverages for sale. Reservations are required, call 813-905-5131.
