My Florida Bucket List with Sailor-Sailor
đź“Ť Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach
Dress (c/o) || Similar Sandals || Handbag || Similar Earrings
I have lived in Florida for nearly 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 beaches and amusement parks, but we are more than tourist spots. With some inspiration from Sailor-Sailor, I’ve been daydreaming about all of the wonderful places to see. Here are the top eight things on my Florida bucket list.
Swim With The Manatees
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 this 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 a 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 this bucket list trip.
Spend A Long Weekend In Miami
Floridians joke that Miami practically feels like another state compared to the rest of Florida, but it’s 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. You may need to brush up on your Spanish skills, but strolling by the Art Deco hotels and never-ending nightlife sounds like a fun way to spend a long weekend.
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, if you’ve never gone to the Keys, you’re missing out. While you may want to bar hop and pay your respects to the great Ernest Hemingway, your number one priority should be to eat a slice of fresh key lime pie. This dessert is a Florida must and a personal favorite.
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). They include the Gasparilla Beach Club in Boca Grande, the Biltmore in Coral Gables, The Colony in Palm Beach, and the Don Caesar right here in St. Pete Beach.
Relive Your Childhood At Disney World
Trips to Disney World define Florida childhoods. I went for the first time in years just a few months ago. It was an entire day of nostalgia and reliving cherished memories with David and our friends. I know I said Florida is so much more besides theme parks. Sometimes, though, you need to appreciate what really put my home state on the map.
Road Trip to 30A
I fell in love with picturesque 30A a few summers ago while visiting my dear friend. 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 are the perfect destinations for a laidback summer day. Whether you choose charming Seaside or immaculate Alys Beach, you can’t go wrong.
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. 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.
If you couldn’t tell, the eternal Floridian in me loves calling this state home. Whatever you think you know about the Sunshine State can be thrown out the window because what you’ll find is 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.