My Florida Bucket List
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Apart from my short stint in NYC, I have lived in Florida my entire life. I am happy to call myself a local Floridian and know how lucky I am to have grown up here. The Sunshine State truly has so much to offer. People instantly think of the beaches and amusement park, but we are so much more than tourist spots. Since being away from home, I learned how much of Florida I have yet to see. Now that I’m back, my goal for the upcoming year is to get out and explore. Although this list could be a mile long, here are the top ten things on my Florida bucket list.
Swim With The Manatees
This goal stems back to my childhood. Manatees are my favorite animal. They are friendly, gentle, slow-moving sea cows that love to spend their winter vacations in Florida springs. While they can be found all around the state, their favorite hangout is Crystal River. It’s a small town, about 90 miles north of St. Pete, but manatees are their business! Here, you can book a tour and take a swim with the manatees. Of all the things on my list, this is the one I want to check off this year.
Take A Tour Of The Everglades
While we’re on the topic of outdoor pursuits, I have to mention the Everglades. It spans the entire width of the state at the southern tip and is diverse ecosystem only found in Florida. While an airboat tour is an option, it is often gimmicky to entertain the tourists. A quieter alternative, and much more up my alley, is to take a guided kayak tour. Visiting historic Everglades City is also part of the bucket list trip.
Get Lost In The Sunken Gardens
This is right in my backyard and there’s simply no excuse as to why I haven’t been yet. Just a few blocks away from me in St. Pete is the oldest museum in town, over 100 years old. Back in the day, it was one of the biggest roadside attractions in the area. Here, you can see natural Florida at its best with gorgeous flora and a happy family of resident flamingos. If you plan on making a trip to St. Pete, make this a destination.
Eat Key Lime Pie In Key West
I think people don’t quite realize how big Florida actually is. While it is narrow, the drive from Pensacola to Key West will take you well over 12 hours. For some perspective, that’s about the same amount of time it would take you to drive the length of California. That being said, I’ve yet to ever go to the Keys and I know I’m missing out. While I want to bar hop and pay my respects to the great Ernest Hemingway, my number one priority is to eat a slice of fresh key lime pie. This dessert is a Florida must and a personal favorite.
Spend A Long Weekend On Miami
I was kidding when I said there was so much in Florida that I haven’t experienced. One of those places is Miami. Floridians joke that it’s practically another state compared to the rest of Florida, but still part of our identity. Even in Tampa Bay, Cuban culture is weaved into who we are and that all started in Miami’s Little Havana. I may need to brush up on my Spanish skills, but strolling by the Art Deco hotels and never ending night life sounds like a fun way to spend a long weekend.
Take A Day Trip to Cedar Key
Florida, especially along the coast, has so many small towns that are dripping in southern charm and off the beaten path. For me, the first town that comes to mind is Cedar Key, here on the Gulf Coast. The pace will feel slower, the seafood will be world class, and it’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world for a few hours. After Saint Augustine, it’s actually Florida’s second oldest town, so you 100% know how rich the history will be here.
Revisit Apalachicola And The Forgotten Coast
Just a quick scenic drive from Florida State University, I would often take a road trip down the Forgotten Coast to Apalachicola to enjoy the day. Sadly, I haven’t been back since and it calls my name. Again, this is another small southern town, but with a completely unique feeling. This stretch of Florida is called the forgotten for some pretty obvious reasons. While cities like Tallahassee and Panama City grew for tourists, the towns in this part of the state are still quiet and free of tacky tourist shops.
Visit Brooke On 30A
I fell in love with picturesque 30A a few summers ago while visiting my dear friend Brooke. The towns that make up this stretch of Gulf Coast highway are prime examples of southern living at its best. It’s called the Emerald Coast for a reason. Impossibly colorful waters and pristine white sand beaches is the perfect destination for a laidback summer day. Whether you choose charming Seaside or immaculate Alys Beach, you can’t go wrong.
Take David To Disney World
Florida childhoods are defined by trips to Disney World. It has been years since I visited the Happiest Place on Earth, but I want to bring David along for the ride. I’m ready to experience an entire day of nostalgia and relive cherished memories. I know I said Florida is so much more beside theme parks. Sometimes, though, you need to appreciate what really put my home state on the map.
Stay At Some Bucket List Hotels
Since Florida history is almost entirely rooted in escaping the cold winter weather, some simply impeccable resorts have been built in the process. I have a specific bucket list of just hotels in the state I want to visit (or revisit). Right now they include the Gasparilla Beach Club in Boca Grande, the Fountainbleau on Miami Beach (you may have seen recently on Mrs. Maisel), The Colony in Palm Beach, and the Don Caesar right here in St. Pete Beach.
If you couldn’t tell, the eternal Floridian in me is beyond thrilled to be home. Whatever you think you know about the Sunshine State can go be thrown out the window because what you’ll find is a so unexpected. Join me on my bucket list and if you have any suggestions, be sure to let me know!
Love from Florida,
Katie
Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.
