Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day

National Plan for Vacation Day is the perfect excuse to set your sights on an adventure in the untamed beauty of wild Florida. Now is the time to plan your 2025 travels, as National Plan for Vacation Day reminds us of the importance of stepping away from work to recharge, explore, and have unforgettable experiences.
While the Sunshine State is famous for its theme parks and sandy beaches, another side begs to be explored. Florida’s wild side offers a diverse range of natural attractions, from state parks to clear springs to thriving wildlife reserves.
If you’re looking to recharge, reconnect, and experience the wonder of nature, here are some of the best wild Florida vacations for you to experience this year.
1. Discover Pristine Beauty at Myakka River State Park
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Located just outside Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who crave adventure. The park’s namesake river winds through miles of unspoiled wetlands, hammocks, and prairies, offering endless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, or an airboat ride to catch glimpses of alligators soaking in the sun.
Tip: Visit in the cooler months to avoid the heat and maximize wildlife viewing!
Don’t forget your binoculars—Myakka is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Check out the Wings Over Florida program, a self-driven activity with bird lists available at the ranger station, perfect for exploring Florida’s natural beauty. From November through mid-April, a bird naturalist is often at the Birdwalk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. most days—call the ranger station at 941-361-6511 to confirm their schedule.
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed experience, this park delivers.
Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit the Ringling Museum in Sarasota for art and history.
- Stroll through the vibrant Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
- Explore Little Sarasota Bay for coastal wildlife viewing and kayaking.
2. Swim in the Vibrant Waters of Rainbow Springs State Park
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Located near Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs State Park is vibrant with natural beauty. Famous for its crystal-clear springs, this park offers an exciting escape into wild Florida. Visitors can swim in the refreshing, spring-fed waters, which stay a cool 72 degrees year-round, or rent a kayak or tube to ply the beautiful (and popular!) Rainbow River.
Tip: Arrive early—Rainbow River State Park fills quickly during warmer months.
The park is filled with scenic trails, from shaded garden paths adorned with azaleas and leading past waterfalls to nature trails through oak hammocks and sandhill ecosystems. With seven miles of unpaved trails, adventurers can get off the beaten path and soak in the river views and check out historic phosphate pit overlooks.
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Things to Do Nearby:
- Hike, bike, or ride horseback through the scenic trails of Goethe State Forest.
- Discover Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, home to diverse plant communities and the location of the largest battle of the Second Seminole War, led by Chief Halpata Tastanaki.
- Visit Dunnellon’s charming historic district for shopping and dining.
3. Go Wild at Everglades National Park
Photo by Tandem Stills + Motion
No list of Florida nature spots would be complete without mentioning the Everglades National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that immerses you in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Tip: Take a tour with someone who knows the terrain—you’ll learn so much!
From mangrove tunnels to slow-moving freshwater sloughs, the Everglades are home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the Florida panther, manatees, and over 300 bird species. Adventurers can explore on foot via the Anhinga Trail, hire a kayak to paddle the vast estuaries, or take a guided swamp buggy tour for a closer look at this Florida wildlife adventure.
Photo by Tandem Stills + Motion
Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit Shark Valley for breathtaking views from a 65-foot observation tower.
- Stop at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center for an in-depth look at Everglades ecology.
- Embark on an adventure at Big Cypress National Preserve, an expansive haven of swamps, wildlife, and scenic trails.
4. Paddle Through a Coastal Paradise Along the Great Calusa Blueway
Photo by George McKenzie Jr
For an unforgettable paddling adventure, head to the Great Calusa Blueway located in Southwest Florida near Fort Myers. This 190-mile network of marked paddling trails winds through coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove islands, offering some of the best kayaking opportunities in the state.
Tip: Check the tides before you set out—the currents can vary, and timing your trip can make for smoother paddling.
The Blueway is perfect for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and herons. Bring a fishing pole if you want to cast your line—these waters are alive with fish.
Photo by George McKenzie Jr
Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit Lovers Key State Park for more kayaking and uncrowded beaches.
- Explore Sanibel Island, famous for its shell-covered shores.
- Stop by the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for incredible wildlife viewing.
5. Explore the Wonders of Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Located in Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers a treasure chest of outdoor adventures. Spanning over 10,500 acres, this is the perfect spot to bask in wild Florida.
Start your visit with a scenic boat tour along the Loxahatchee River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Trapper Nelson, the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” and can even visit his historic homestead. Adventure seekers can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through the winding waterways, spotting wildlife like alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
Tip: Don’t forget to try geocaching in the park—it’s a fun way to explore and discover hidden treasures.
The park also offers camping, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ranger-led programs for the whole family.
Photo by Sara Sheehy
Things to Do Nearby:
- Visit Blowing Rocks Preserve for its unique limestone formations along the coast.
- Explore Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum for a mix of history and incredible views.
- Check out downtown Stuart for charming shops, dining, and waterfront fun.
Make the Most of National Plan for Vacation Day
Make this National Plan for Vacation Day the spark that ignites your next adventure. By exploring Florida’s wild treasures, you’re not only reconnecting with nature but also supporting the preservation of these wild places for generations to come.
Florida offers endless reasons to explore, relax, and rediscover adventure. Start planning now and see where the Sunshine State’s wild heart will take you.