If you’re dreaming of a weekend packed with sunshine and wild animal encounters, Florida’s got you covered in the coolest way.
We’re talking up-close moments with giant sea creatures, reptiles, and maybe even a furry surprise or two.
Whether you love the ocean, the swamp, or something in between, there’s a place in Florida where the animals practically come to you.
Keep reading, because this weekend trip is way more than just beaches, it’s packed with adventure and wildlife.
1. Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is a crystal-clear group of natural springs located in Crystal River, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Tampa.
This spot is famous for its winter visitors: hundreds of West Indian manatees that swim into the warm, 72°F spring water to escape the chilly Gulf.
You can see these gentle giants up close from the boardwalk or join a guided snorkeling tour in the Crystal River area and observe them in the water.
Besides manatees, keep an eye out for turtles, otters, and all kinds of birds like snowy egrets and great blue herons.
Check out this super highly rated kayak tour which allows you to get up close and personal with the manatees at Three Sisters Springs.
2. Clearwater Beach
If you’re more into dolphins and beaches, Clearwater Beach is the place to go.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this spot is famous for its soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and boat tours where wild dolphins love to show off with flips and jumps.
You can hop on the Sea Screamer or a dolphin cruise from the marina and almost always spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming right alongside the boat.
Stick around for sunset at Pier 60, where pelicans glide by and street performers turn the pier into a nightly mini-festival.
Check out this highly rated dolphin tour at Clearwater Beach that takes you out into the water to see dolphins up close.
3. Myakka River State Park
For a totally different kind of wild, head inland to Myakka River State Park, about 30 minutes from Sarasota.
This massive park is home to alligators. Lots of them.
You can spot dozens sunbathing along the Myakka River or floating just below the surface while you cruise by on a boat tour.
There’s also a super cool canopy walkway that lets you walk 25 feet above the ground through the treetops, where you might see hawks, vultures, or even a bald eagle.
Keep your camera ready, this park is crawling with wildlife, from wild pigs and deer to roseate spoonbills and sandhill cranes.
This e-bike safari through Myakka River State Park is one of the best ways to explore the park and see as many animals as possible.
4. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
If birdwatching is your thing, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is basically paradise with feathers.
This place is packed with over 245 species of birds, including roseate spoonbills, white ibises, herons, and brown pelicans.
You can drive, bike, or hike the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, and if you’re lucky, you might also spot a bobcat, river otter, or even a manatee hanging out in the mangroves.
Tide matters here, so go at low tide for the best bird action when they all crowd the mudflats for snacks.
5. Everglades National Park
And if you want the full Florida wildlife experience, you can’t skip Everglades National Park, just an hour from Miami.
This place is a giant, slow-moving river of grass, and it’s one of the only spots in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side.
Hop on an airboat tour through the sawgrass marshes to spot gators, turtles, and wading birds like wood storks and glossy ibises, or walk the Anhinga Trail for close-up views without leaving dry land.
Don’t be surprised if you see a python or a panther because this park is full of surprises, and some of them have sharp teeth.
This Everglades boat tour is one of the best and gives you the chance to spot sea turtles, dolphins, alligators and maybe even flamingos.
6. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
For a totally different kind of wildlife adventure, head down to Key Largo and dive into John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
This place is all about what’s underwater, with the first underwater park in the U.S. and coral reefs full of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the famous Christ of the Abyss statue.
You can snorkel, scuba dive, or hop on a glass-bottom boat to spot everything from angelfish to barracudas swimming through the colorful reef.
It’s like swimming in a giant aquarium, just with saltwater and a few surprise jellyfish here and there.
For the best experience, book onto this highly rated snorkel tour which takes you to 2 shallow reefs where you’ll see a ton of wildlife.
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