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

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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

Trail at Myakka River State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.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.

Woman walks the bird walk at Myakka River State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.Photo by Sara Sheehy

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed experience, this park delivers.

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2. Swim in the Vibrant Waters of Rainbow Springs State Park

Swimming hole at Rainbow Springs State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.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.

Paddlers on the Rainbow River at Rainbow Springs State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.Photo by Sara Sheehy

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3. Go Wild at Everglades National Park

Ranger leads visitors on a tour at Everglades National Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.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.

Nature photographer at Everglades National Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.Photo by Tandem Stills + Motion

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4. Paddle Through a Coastal Paradise Along the Great Calusa Blueway

Paddling on the Great Calusa Blueway. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.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.

Paddling on the Great Calusa Blueway. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.Photo by George McKenzie Jr

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5. Explore the Wonders of Jonathan Dickinson State Park

The Florida Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.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.

Sunset at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for National Plan for Vacation Day.Photo by Sara Sheehy

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Make the Most of National Plan for Vacation Day

Men go paddling in Live Wildly t-shirts. Plan Your Ultimate Wild Florida Vacation for 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.