Getty Images / Douglas Rissing
Getty Images / Douglas RissingFlorida is a great place, and people flock to here from all over. But, did you know that Florida has one of the world's best travel spots? So, if you don't want to fly to Europe or anywhere else in the world to get a thrilling travel experience, you're in luck. You can save some cash and avoid long airplane rides by vacationing right here in Florida.
The new study comes from CNN. In it, they list a bounty of great places to travel in the world. They call these the "best places to visit." In total, CNN Travel picked 24 places to consider traveling to in 2024. They note that, "International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and the United States issued a record number of passports. And if you visited any popular destination over the summer, you'd probably argue it was more crowded than ever." Because of that, CNN chose areas that they say are "still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors." Not a bad idea.
Only a few U.S. areas made the list, which is why seeing Michigan on here is even more special. For example, some of the international hotspots include Turkey's Black Sea coast, Angola and South Korea.
So, which Florida area is one of the world's best travel spots? Florida's freshwater springs. "How would you like to immerse in water clear as gin any day of the year?" CNN asks. They add, "These pristine natural pools provide stable temps and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more." CNN also recommends Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs and Ginnie Springs. So, there you have it. One of the world's best travel destinations is right here. Find the full list of great places in the world to visit here.
Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.
If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.
As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.
If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."
Source
This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.
