Need a summer bucket list that doesn’t involve flying? Sometimes, I think we get so caught up in seeing everyone go to exciting destinations that we forget everything Florida offers. A simple road trip, properly planned, can allow you to visit several cities and sights and get to know new areas of the Sunshine State. It seems crazy it’s already July, and in the blink of an eye, summer will be over, so take that PTO and plan a safe and local summer excursion of places that have always been on your bucket list. If you don't have time to pour over Trip Advisor posts or bookmark ideas on Pinterest, here are some ideas to help get the vacation juices flowing for your Florida summer bucket list trip

Stay at a unique AirBNB

While AirBNB’s are no longer quite as cost effective as hotels, if you search for them, you can find fun and unique stays for a local staycation. I still prefer AirBNB’s over hotels for privacy and quiet, but it makes it even more exciting when you find an AirBNB that serves as more than just a place to sleep.

Visit a local Watering Hole

Sometimes the beach is just too crowded, or maybe you aren’t a fan of getting slammed by waves and being paranoid about sharks. If that sounds like you, it might be time to look into the many natural springs that Florida has for swimming tubing, and kayaking. Florida is so unique in it’s number of crystal clear waters in the middle of the state miles from the ocean.

Visit a Garden

Thanks to our tropical climate, visiting a botanical garden all-year long is an option for Floridians. While we have some options here in Orlando, the rest of the state has some really spectacular gardens worth making a trip out of.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville

Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden in Delray Beach
Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg
Mckee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami

Visit a State Park

Florida has 175 state parks, you could spend all year checking them off a list. From canopy walkways, gardens, and rocky beaches you get to see some of the best landscapes our flat state has to offer.

Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast
Myakka State Park in Sarasota

Visit an Iconic Instagram Spot

We can’t all head to Bryce Canyon for an iconic summer bucket list photo, so find something a little less breathtaking, but closer to home.

Visit a Foodie Destination you haven’t tried yet

A summer bucket list should absolutely include foodie destinations. Create a road trip based on that one foodie destination you keep seeing everyone else enjoy.

Born and Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland
Yalaha Country Bakery in Yalaha
Armature Works in Tampa
Delray Beach Market in Delray Beach
Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach

Get some much needed culture at a museum

Frost Museum of Science in Miami
Perez Art Museum in Miami
Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale
Ca' d'Zan in Sarasota
Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach

All photos are property of LemonHearted Creative unless otherwise noted. These are all from personal trips I’ve taken to explore what Florida has to offer. No mentions are sponsored or should be taken as promotion, just personal suggestion.

Florida Travel Summer Bucket List