Warm Your Soul With These 7 Florida Vacations

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands spanning from Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon down to the Lower Keys and Key West. Not only will you wake up to turquoise waters but you can explore the Gulf Stream with a private charter, rewarding fishing trip (which was ranked second in the nation!), or breathtaking snorkeling excursion. There are aquatic activities aplenty for the water babies in your life.

Florida Panhandle

Whether you pick Destin, Tallahassee or Panama City Beach for a winter retreat, your kiddos will thank you for endless experiences in the Florida Panhandle. Spend lazy mornings at any of its popular sugar-white beaches, but we vote St. Andrew’s State Park for beautiful waters, daytime fishing and evening camping!

You can also take a cruise through Destin to spot pods of dolphins, climb up 177 steps at Pensacola’s Lighthouse & Museum or get up close with marine life at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Jacksonville

As the largest state in Florida, Jacksonville is brimming with 22 miles of pristine shoreline, rich history and awe-inspiring experiences that allows for nonstop excitement. Not sure where to start? Cool down at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, set your sights on manatees and giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens or test your need for speed at AutoBahn Indoor Speedway & Events for ultimate go-karting.

Carve out time to take a quick road trip to St. Augustine, which is a short 45-minute drive from Jacksonville. Not only is it considered the oldest city in the nation (giving way to its "Ancient City" moniker), but it's also home to the oldest masonry fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Make a stop at  Anastasia State Park for miles' worth of white quartz sand beaches and to spot numerous bird species. Wherever you turn in this region, there’s an adventure waiting for the entire family.

Orlando

As the theme park capital of the world, Orlando does not disappoint with entertainment–and say goodbye to cries of backseat boredom! From amusement parks like Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Fun Spot America and Disney’s Magic Kingdom and water activities in Aquatica and Discovery Cove to animal encounters at SeaWorld and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll be booked with things to do the moment you arrive.

If you want to escape the amusement park hustle and bustle, Orlando also offers incredible ecotourism, such as natural springs for snorkeling and fishing, airboat rides for a unique swamp excursion and kayaking and canoeing through Shingle Creek, which known as the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Every day of your trip, excitement awaits.

South Florida

While South Florida is known for its bumping nightlife, the region is a cultural haven–both on land and at sea. Featuring eclectic art, diverse gastronomy and nature-filled escapades, there is so much for parents and kiddos to explore at every corner.

Our favorite must-see is Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts the largest nesting population of loggerhead turtles in the U.S.

Southwest Florida

Home to inspiring American visionaries, such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford (whose estates can be visited!), Southwest Florida draws in families from all over. Collect seashell treasures at Siesta Key Beach, revel in Western Everglades adventures at Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and connect with nature at the Naples Botanical Garden.

Tampa Bay

Sparkling beaches are the name of the game in Tampa Bay, no matter if you stay in Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg or Sarasota. Layout the towels, dig your toes in the sand and build the largest sandcastle possible at these soothing beach towns. Your little ones can spend each day by the water as mom and dad soak in the sun—and the memories.