Looking to enjoy a sunny Florida getaway but want to avoid the spring break crowds? We’ve compiled the best hidden gems and under the radar destinations, so you can experience the sunshine state in a whole new way. Whether spring-breaking with the family or solo tripping it up, here’s our guide to a low-key escape:

  • For All Ages:
    • Jackson County - Florida Caverns State Park
      • For travelers looking to skip busy beaches and embrace a slower, more scenic adventure– look no further than Florida Caverns State Park. It’s the only state park in Florida that offers guided tours of spectacular, 30-million year old cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites.
    •  Golf County - St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
      • Kayak through seagrass flats, bike scenic coastal trails, explore historic lighthouses, and enjoy wide, uncrowded beaches at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
  • Kid-Friendly Experiences:
    • Ocala/Marion County - World Equestrian Center
      • Experience one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2024. If your family enjoys the prestige of equestrian competition, there is no better place to be. The World Equestrian Center hosts dozens of internationally and nationally rated events, including the renowned Longines League of Nations on March 21. During your stay at The Riding Academy, you’ll enjoy direct access to world-class arenas, scenic trails, and curated on-site programming for the whole family.
    • Tampa Bay - Dinosaur World
      • Daily Passes Start at $19.95 for children; $24.95 for Adults
      • Step into a delightfully offbeat, quirky outdoor park where dinosaurs, hands-on activities, and unexpected surprises await you. This is not your traditional theme park– Dinosaur World is a 22 acre Jurassic jungle where visitors can dig for fossils, mine for gems, and cool off with water sprays at the splash pad.
    • Gulf County - Mermaid Bay Festival
      • April 18th, Free Admission
      • Meet mermaids, watch live performances, and participate in mermaid-themed activities during this one-day only festival.

About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is Florida’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming a record-setting 142.9 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 1.6% from 2023. In 2023, the Florida tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and supported 2.1 million Florida jobs, making tourism a key economic engine benefiting Florida families. The Florida Legislature’s independent Office of Economic and Demographic Research calculates VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI as delivering $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested, making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing investments in state history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, go to VISITFLORIDA.org and follow us on our industry social media channels: LinkedIn and X @FloridaTourism. For travel inspiration and information follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit VISITFLORIDA.com. For media resources, visit VISITFLORIDAMEDIA.com