OUTSIDE THE BOX DAY TRIPS AND GETAWAYS (FROM MIAMI)

Off the beaten path places in Florida you probably haven’t been to

Florida may be flat, but it’s anything but boring. Known for its endless beaches and of course Disney World, those in the know can tell you that that is really only the beginning.

I’ve categorized fun adventures according to how far they are from us locals in Miami, but in reality, these are great places for anyone visiting in Florida. You may view some options as an overnight stay, and others just for a day drive, just in time for a quick getaway during winter break.

Jupiter seems to float between the Atlantic Ocean and the Loxahatchee River, both providing a wealth of fun things to do here with a most gorgeous backdrop.The two stops I’ve included are just 5 minutes from each other.

Jupiter Lighthouse- The orangey-red building sticks out from the horizon, and mixed with the blue sky, it’s beautifully reminiscent of sunset. The building was constructed before the Civil War- 1860! After climbing the 105 steps, you’ll see the view of the inlet and the ocean further in the distance. The enormity of the single Ficus altissima by the entrance, plus the height of the tower is stunning. The vibe here is calm, overall relaxing, spliced with a bit of history.

Florida Lighthouses for Kids
is a great way to get kids excited about one of my favorite things!

Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter (not the one in North Carolina!)- you cannot be prepared for what you will see here. First you walk through a green pathway with an arch of trees above you, reminiscent of a secret garden. Then, you’ll go up the stairs leading to a long beach covered in black sand. To the right you will spot the extra element of surprise-amazing Anastasia limestone rock formations which truly make you feel like you’ve been transported to another continent. This type of limestone is found underground and underwater throughout Florida but it rarely emerges the way you can see it here. If the water and weather permit, get close enough to see the shells, and fossils that came together to form the rock. Take off your shoes, walk, take pictures, get lost in the moment, and just soak it all in.

F is for Florida is a great book as you prepare to drive even further through Florida.

McKee Botanical Gardens

Vero Beach

Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects” Lego exhibit (showing until April 25) is awesome, and there are so many paths leading to sculptures that are hidden within the park. Just imagining the time, patience and creativity it took to create each sculpture is mesmerizing. This park is flush with gorgeous trees, beautiful water lilies, bright orchids and more. We actually kept getting lost within the gardens but that was part of the fun. The “Grand Central” Stickwork Sculpture is like walking through a birds’ nest. It is nothing short of whimsical. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a great path that is made to get you to the Scorpion Shipwreck which is a super cool area just for them.

This Lego on the go case and Sean Kenney’s Cool Creations
will keep them building, imagining and creating even on long car rides!

The Dali Museum

Saint Petersburg

The architecture of the building itself is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The way the light enters the building, and the view through it is just amazing. The permanent collection will walk you through the story of Salvador Dali and his work through a historical lens. Van Gogh Alive, showing until April 11, is a digital art exhibit exploring the history of Van Gogh’s life. Set on a variety of different screens--including the floor and on the walls-- you will feel like you are actually a part of his works. As you stand in the room, the views around you change. His painting will make your heart happy as music and great quotes help tell the story of what you are looking at. You’ll forget that there are other people next to you since you are so immersed in it.

The museum is small and cozy, yet you see so much. The food at the museum’s Cafe Gala is excellent, and features Spanish inspired food, as Dali was from Spain. Make sure to check out the amazing gift shop on your way out, and buy some souvenirs to bring back home.

This coloring book will introduce your kids to the work they will see at the museum. They’ll get so excited to recognize the work and will definitely enjoy the experience more!

Dinosaur World

Plant City

This cute & quirky park is great for the younger kids and a perfect road trip stop. If your kids love dinosaurs, like mine do, they will absolutely love this. It’s an actual park full of life size dinosaurs that you walk through. They also have Dino Gem Mining where you get to keep anything you find. Don’t forget to stop by their gift shop full of amazing dinosaur souvenirs.

Sticker books and pocket activity packs like these will keep kids entertained and get them in the dino mood!

Snowcat Ridge

Dade City

For tickets and date availability check the website,
but it’s open on weekends

This winter wonderland is located in Dade City, which is pretty much in the middle of Florida, far from anything specific. 40 minutes from Tampa and about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Disney, this is a perfect place to top off a trip to one of Florida’s main theme parks.

For snow tubing you can choose from single, tandem or family. We did them all and for sure the family one was the most fun, since we were all together. It’s fast and on a very high incline! Check out the holiday market and food vendors that sell tea, hot chocolate and pretzels. Also, they sell s’mores kits and have mini fire pits everywhere. There’s even an igloo (winterized dome) where you can play with real snow inside. If you’re in the mood to pull out your fave winter gear, this is the perfect excuse!

Matching winter hats will make the pictures even cuter!

How far are you willing to drive before it becomes an overnight destination? At what point does it become a road trip? This trip was inspired by you- my readers and clients. I wanted to explore and find some off the beaten path places for you. I love road trips, because you’ll stop at places you would have never visited before and once you’re in the car, driving a bit out of the way is no big deal. So...Put together a group of cousins, friends, or just your family and get on the road!!!

Have you been somewhere in Florida
that is totally out of the ordinary?

Photo Credit: Koparazzi

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if there are any specific topics you’d like to explore even further.