Endangered elkhorn coral at Biscayne National Park
The state of Florida has 663 miles of sandy coastline, but the enjoying the view from your beach towel is not the only cool thing you can do here. The Sunshine State offers plenty of natural beauty to explore. Here you can find outdoor activities for any taste and any age. Depending on what is that you’re looking for, Florida has it for sure.
If you and your friends are adventure addicts, then this is the place you must visit. Start thinking about adding some active elements to your next Florida getaway and choose your favorite activity.
38 miles west of Miami you’ll find the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park, a great place to start your self-guided bike tour along the Everglades bike trail, where you can enjoy a time for yourself and connect with nature. There is also a two hour open air tram tour along the 15 mile paved loop that enters deep into the park. If you are a wildlife lover, even better.
Along the trail, you’ll get the chance to see alligators in the sawgrass and also great white herons looking for fish in the brackish water. You can visit the 65 foot Shark Valley observation tower for stunning views of the subtropical wilderness.
Manatee tours are available all year round, but the best time to go swimming with these majestic 1200 pound creatures is from October to March. During this period, West Indian manatees congregate 70 miles northwest of Tampa at Crystal River. The constant water temperature of 72 degrees creates a comfort zone for these endangered species. Old-time sailors were known to mistake these surreal animals for mermaids. It’s very recommendable to book a manatee tour at least one month in advance.
Located about 20 miles east of downtown Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is one of the biggest family attractions you can find in Florida, especially for those who like to have a little bit more excitement during the trip. You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the 14 mile park section through marshes where a large population of alligators lives.
Paddling with gators in their natural habitat is an experience that nothing can replace. Of course, the alligators are not the only surprise out here. The marshes provide a fertile feeding ground for bald eagles that you can also see if you’re lucky. For non-gator lovers, the park offers camping, biking, fishing, and airboat rides.
Amelia Island State Park to the north-east of Jacksonville is the best state park in the U.S. when we’re talking about beach horseback riding. A typical trail ride will include a trot through a forest and along the shoreline. You’ll get to see salt marshes, Atlantic Ocean surf activities, and bottle-nose dolphins.
If you want to see the healthiest coral reefs in South Florida, then visit Biscayne National Park. This park is a hidden gem that even Miami natives can’t spot on the map. These virgin reefs are home to midnight parrot fish, angel fish, schools of sergeant majors and barracuda. Snorkeling tours are available from Wednesday to Sunday. The snorkeling boat is often accompanied by dolphins that kids and adults alike are always happy to see jumping around. Bring your camera and make the best Instagram pictures that everybody will envy.
If you are an outdoorsy person with no fresh ideas about the next trip, we hope you like the suggestions that the Outdoor Revival team prepared for you. Choose the adventure you think it’s the most appropriate for you and your family and start packing. Spending quality time in the outdoors is always a good idea, especially when you have someone to share it with. Good luck!
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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoors.
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