With the coronavirus still on everyone’s mind residents of the Palm Beaches need to still make an effort to social distance and avoid travel whenever possible. The current pandemic, however, will not last forever and there’s no reason you can’t start planning a trip or two for later this summer. The main thing is that you want to choose places where you can be outdoors and avoid unnecessary levels of human contact. Thankfully, Florida offers many of those! Here are a few fun places you and your family can take a day trip to later this summer!
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs is more a park than a city but one well worth making a special day trip from Tallahassee. Located fewer than 20 miles from Tallahassee’s city center Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park features one of the largest and deepest natural springs in Florida. That may be why “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” was filmed here! Take a boat tour to see local critters such as alligators turtles and birds. Of course you won’t be able to resist dipping into the refreshingly cool springs too.
Blackwater River State Forest
Escape the city and head to one of Florida’s National forests. With its neighboring areas Blackwater River State Forest has the largest population of longleaf pine trees in the world. Explore the natural landscape by foot on a hike by canoe or on horseback. Float down one of the waterways and stop for a picnic on the shimmering white sands of a sandbar.
Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island is a golf and spa haven while Fernandina Beach to the north is a quaint historic town known for its artwork antiques and boutiques. Both are great day trips from Jacksonville. Some must-see attractions on Amelia Island are Fort Clinch State Park which served as a military post during the Civil War the Spanish-American War and World War II; Amelia Island Lighthouse which began operating in 1839 and still operates today; and American Beach which was founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis Florida’s first African-American millionaire.
Ormond Beach
Located just north of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach offers a few quirky local attractions for a Florida day trip. Tour The Casements the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller that now serves as the city’s cultural center. Spend some quality time outdoors at North Peninsula State Park with more than 2 miles of sandy beaches. Visit Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens for nature trails fish ponds and fountains set amid lush tropical gardens. The best part? All of the attractions are free.
Big Cypress Reservation
Explore Florida’s biggest attraction the Everglades at Billie Swamp Safari. Learn the history of the Seminole Tribe and try a swamp buggy tour an airboat ride alligator show and more. Sample frog legs or alligator tail at the Swamp Water Café. If you’re so inclined you can even stay the night in an authentic native-style chickee hut.
