The weather is absolutely perfect right now and if you're in the mood to do some exploring some old Florida ruins rather than sitting on the beach, there's some options. OnlyInYourState took a look at several walking paths that explore ruins of old Florida, back before rent was 2 grand a month and some a-hole from New York tried to pick a fight with you at the car wash. Not sure why those people bring their horrible attitudes with them when they come down here. It's 80 degrees and sunny in the winter - why are you so mad?
Now this list is for people who want to get out and explore, away from the crowds. If you want to chill on a beach - away from the crowds, check out: Top 10 Florida Beaches To Avoid The Crowds
Anyway, if you want to stay local, there's always the Koreshan Park to explore. Read the history, those people were truly messed in the head.
Anyway, you ready to get out there and explore? Stash the flip flops and grab the shoes, you're gonna be doing some walking. And I'm putting addresses on here because there's some driving involved. If you're like me, you've seen all the local stuff so it's time to see more of Florida.
Let's check out 7 Old Florida Ruins You Can Explore This Weekend
Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
Judging by the map it looks like the drive there is about as far away as a trip to Disney World. It's an old Native American site dating back around 1600 years. There's temple mounds, platform mounds, burial mounds, and a plaza.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Ormond Beach
This one's even further away and is on the east coast. It's the site of an old plantation and its sugar mill. Burned down by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War.
Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West
Here's one that I've been to. We took the Key West Express down there and went exploring. It's interesting to see how plant life has taken this old Civil War-era fortification. It's a popular spot for yoga and wedding photos.
Egmont Key State Park, St. Petersburg
This one's much closer. You can be there from SWFL in less than 2 hours. It's the remnants of old Fort Dade, which was built in the early 1900s.
Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, Marianna
This ones on the panhandle. This old bridge carries a ghost story. A young woman buried nearby is said to haunt the bridge, either as a female figure on the bridge itself or a ball of light that travels around the surrounding swamp. After the drive it's also a bit of a walk but it looks super creepy.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden, Port Orange
Up near Daytona Beach so you may want to sit this one out for now since it's bike week over there. I hear during bike week they have girls wrestle in cole slaw. Sounds amazing. Anyhoo - this is the ruins of a short lived amusement park called Bongoland.
Indian Key State Historic Site, Islamorada
Next time you drive through the keys, instead of stopping at Robbies like EVERY OTHER TOURIST, check out this out of the way spot. I mean, clearly you need to make a friend with a boat first. It's an island. During the Second Seminole War, an Indian raid on the island in 1840 left 13 people dead. The other 70 inhabitants escaped, but the Indians burned down all of Indian Key’s buildings.
