We usually like to visit nature rather than cities. South florida is mostly popular for big city such as Miami. Miami attracts thousands of tourists to its beaches, latin and carribean cultural attractions and big downtown. About 3 hours west to Miami is a beautiful treasure of Florida, the Florida Keys.
Florida Keys
Famous for beaches, sunsets and water adventure, the Florida keys consists of several small islands connected by highway 1. The furthermost point of the keys is a beautiful small town, Key West. Several tourists visit this small town every year to experience the tropical climate, and the southern culture. The town has very less free park spots. Thus, it is recommended to find paid public parking spaces. While you walk through the town, enjoy little souvenir shops, coffee shops, bookstores, and shopping centers. You will notice stray chickens every where in the keys which is quite intriguing. The popular stops in the Key west are Earnest Hemingway house, the southernmost point, shipwreck museums, ship museum, mallory square and so much more. However, if you are looking to experience beach life, grab your swim suits, sandals and enjoy dipping your feet in the beautiful sands at Bahia Honda State Park. Keys is fully surrounded by the water, thus, has beaches every where.
Everglades national park
Everglades national park is the America’s largest subtropical wilderness park in the United States. This is a wetland of international importance and a part of world heritage site. Some of the most famous areas to visit in the Everglades are the Shark Valley. Rent a bicycle and enjoy riding the shark valley loop. Shark valley has 65 foot tall observation tower. Enjoy looking at the vast never-ending marsh lands of everglades from the top. Speed boat tours are another famous activities to do in the rivers of Everglades. Enjoy alligators and other other exotic birds and animals.
USA’s smallest USPS post office- Ochopee Post Office
The I-75 route may be the fastest, however, scenic backroad, the Tamiami trail has a lot to offer. Spare your 5 minutes to visit the USA’s smallest USPS post office located in the scenic Tamiami trail. USPS post office. Read about the history of the place in the little board posted in the site.
Fort Myers
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers is one of the most popular places in Florida for its beautiful beaches. If you are interested in automobiles, visit Edison Ford Winter Estates. Located in Fort Myers, the estates is a museum that consists of the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The beautiful 21 acre botanical garden remains next to the stunning Caloosahatchee River. Join the guided tour, or have a self-guided tour. The home dates back 1885, when Thomas Edison purchased the property to build a vacation home in Fort Myers. Apart from history homes, you can also take a visit to the well preserved laboratory from ages ago.
Naples
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
If you are stopping Naples for 2-3 hours and looking for a place to relax, However, put Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in your GPS. The park has 2.5 mile long boardwalk over the swamp. The boardwalk takes you to through wet prairie, marshlands, bald cypress forests, and many other vegetations. Take your binoculars with you to watch alligators, white-tailed deers, otters and turtles more closely.
Sarasota
The Ringling
Wherever you go in Florida, beaches are the most popular attractions. However, Sarasota has a famous museum to offer you. Don’t miss out John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. You could spend a whole day if you are interested in learning about beautiful ancient arts. The Ringling has varieties of wonderful bayfront gardens that are instagram worthy. On top of that, do not miss out visiting Ca’ Da’ Zan’, the home of the circus king and his wife. Another must visit museum in the Ringling campus is Circus campus. You can walk the write, take pictures with faux tiger, observe and study about the beautiful parade wagons, cannons used during circus to shot performers in the air, and their costumes. Do not miss out on visiting miniature museum. The slideshow can give you idea of miniature museum.
Myakka River State Park
Visit Myakka River State Park if you plan to camp, hike, do boat tours, picnic, bike ride in Sarasota. Myakka River State Park is the oldest state park of Florida and offers wide variety of vegetations and landscapes. Travel to this state park mid of May to experience between yellow wild flowers. Deers lurk and play in the wild flowers field. There are two swallow lakes- Upper Myakka lake and Lower Myakka Lake. You can take your own canoe, rent canoe or take a boat tours. The alligators and exotic birds can be easily spotted near the lake. Enjoy the sunset, and you might even want to camp there. However, make reservations via park’s website beforehand.
Panda Backpack 