The 12 Best Places to Visit in Florida

"I find Crystal River a sleepy, tucked-away Gulf Coast spot whose standout attribute is its striking water-based natural beauty; a clear-kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking through Hunter Springs, Jurassic Springs, and Three Sisters Springs can yield sightings of dolphins, turtles, and pelicans, and in winter you might paddle alongside migrating manatees. I’d stay at the simple, no-frills Plantation Resort on Crystal River for waterfront access to Kings Bay, and I also recommend driving about 40 minutes south to catch one of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park's legendary live mermaid shows." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines