The Travelers’ Field Guide to Florida
Discover Florida’s Hidden Gems and Unique Attractions
Florida is more than theme parks and palm trees. From quiet Gulf Coast beaches and colorful Art Deco streets to hidden freshwater springs and quirky roadside stops, the Sunshine State is full of surprises. Explore small towns, historic sites, and offbeat adventures that show a different side of Florida—one that feels both unexpected and unforgettable.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
Florida Travel Resources
The Travelers’ Field Guide is here to give you a feel for Florida — from hidden gems to favorite local stops — but sometimes it helps to have a few more tools in your back pocket. These statewide resources can round out your planning: Visit Florida for trip ideas, Florida State Parks for maps and camping info, Florida Scenic Highways for road trip inspiration, the Division of Historical Resources for cultural highlights, Fresh From Florida for farm-fresh finds, and statewide event calendars to keep up with festivals and happenings.
Visit Florida
https://www.visitflorida.com
The state’s official tourism site, with trip ideas, regional guides, and itineraries.
Florida State Parks
https://www.floridastateparks.org
Details on parks, camping, springs, and outdoor recreation across the state.
Florida Scenic Highways
https://floridascenichighways.com
Information on designated scenic drives, from coastal routes to historic inland byways.
Florida Division of Historical Resources
https://dos.fl.gov/historical
A statewide hub for historic sites, landmarks, and cultural heritage programs.
Florida Festivals & Events Calendar
https://www.visitflorida.com/events
A roundup of festivals, fairs, concerts, and seasonal celebrations happening statewide.
Fresh From Florida
https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com
A guide to farm-fresh produce, farmers markets, U-pick farms, and seasonal crops.
Florida Craft Beer Trail (Brewers Guild)
https://floridabrewersguild.org
Maps and info on breweries, taprooms, and festivals throughout the state.
Amtrak – Florida Travel
https://www.amtrak.com
Schedules and station details for rail travel in and out of Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.