With its maddening crowds and door buster sales, Black Friday is known to be a time when shoppers shuffle around malls like zombies. Following the trend created by outdoor retailer REI and its #optoutside movement, avoid the day-after-Thanksgiving frenzy and go explore Florida’s beautiful natural landscapes and make memories with your loved ones instead. From hiking and biking to overnight camping adventures and flamingo sightings, here are our favorite outdoor activities in Florida that are better than Black Friday shopping.
Soak up the fall foliage at Torreya State Park
One of the best places to catch a glimpse of fall foliage in Florida, Torreya State Park is home to high bluffs that overlook the Apalachicola River. It’s a scenic area to explore and get a dose of nature, where you can even spot the leaves changing color in November. Nature enthusiasts can admire the extremely rare species of Torreya trees, hike the scenic trails or go on an overnight camping adventure.
Go camping at St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is nestled on one of the most beautiful barrier islands in Florida, considered a nature lovers paradise. You’ll have a backdrop of sugar white sand and crystal clear waters while choosing from an array of outdoor adventures. Named the “World’s Best Beach” by Travel Magazine, spend a weekend paddling around the Grand Lagoon, fishing off the pier and spotting herons and white-tailed deer along the Gator Lake Trail and Button Bush Marsh Overlook.
Have a riverside picnic at Hillsborough River State Park
A postcard-perfect state park in Thonotosassa near Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park is not only a peaceful escape from everyday life but offers an impressive collection of Class II rapids. Set up a picnic in one of the shady areas and soak in the picturesque natural setting that surrounds you, as this park is also great for a day of kayaking, biking, or hiking through the seven miles of scenic trails.
Admire the waterfalls in Rainbow Springs State Park
One of the only places in Florida to see a cascading waterfall, Rainbow Springs State Park is a historic landmark that dates back 10,000 years. Home to the fourth largest spring in Florida, this park is great for a day out in nature where you can paddle past the moss-draped cypress trees and spot river otters. If you prefer to explore on land, hike the nature trails through winding paths past an array of colorful gardens to discover the waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Visit the bright pink beauties at Flamingo Gardens
Home to some of Florida’s pink-hued flamingos, Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a 60-acre oasis situated a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. A tropical setting that is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, here you’ll find some of the last naturally occurring jungle in South Florida. Explore the 25,000 square foot free-flight aviary, take a narrated tram through the rainforest, or visit the black bear, river otter and bobcat habitats.
Catch a glimpse of the roaming bison in Paynes Prairie Preserve
A perfect place for those who truly want to get away from it all, Paynes Prairie Preserve in Micanopy is home to large expanses of untouched wilderness. Boasting an array of diverse habitats and wildlife with over 20,000 acres of ecosystems, the highlight of this area is spotting wild horses and bison roaming the beautiful vistas. Take an afternoon to explore the area, where you can go hiking, biking or horseback riding.
Paddle through Ichetucknee Springs State Park
An excellent choice for a day of paddling, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a North Florida gem that was declared a National Natural Landmark. Hop in a kayak or canoe to see wading birds, manatees and river otters, or take a scenic stroll through the miles of nature trails that wrap around the park. Set up a picnic and admire the crystalline spring fed-waters and towering live oak and cypress trees.
Visit the manatees at Blue Springs State Park
One of the most popular parks for spotting the West Indian manatee population in their natural habitat, Blue Springs State Park is a beautiful park that spans 2,600 acres. Watch as hundreds of these gentle giants graze the waters past the pedestrian-friendly boardwalk and take the self-guided tour through the variety of unique viewing platforms as you appreciate the beauty of this ecological wonder.
Hike the trails in Ocala National Forest
The weather in Florida is cooler in November, which means it’s the perfect time for a hiking excursion through the Ocala National Forest. With over 360,000 acres of land, this area is considered one of the best hiking spots in the state, where you can meander through the pine scrub forest to spot diverse wildlife and take in the quiet beauty of the landscape dotted with thick palmettos, towering oak hammocks and sandy scrubs.
Cross the canopy walkway in Myakka River State Park
Those looking for some real adventure can head to Myakka River State Park for the weekend, where its 58 square miles of wilderness preserve offers a chance to spot deer, bobcat, red-shouldered hawks and cottontail rabbits in their natural habitat. Cross the popular boardwalk and canopy walkway, or sign up to be one of the only 30 visitors allowed per day to visit the “Deep Hole”, a 200-foot wide sinkhole where an impressive amount of alligators mysteriously like to congregate.
Find your zen at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Escape the shopping crowds and find your zen at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, where you’ll feel like you’ve traveled across the world with its serene landscapes and beautifully manicured gardens. One of the most culturally rich attractions in Florida, here you can spend a day exploring the Japanese art displays, experiencing an authentic tea ceremony, and taking a stroll through the colorful gardens to admire the bonsai collection and hidden waterfall.
Bike through J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A 6,300-acre refuge that covers almost half of the island in Sanibel, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to experience some of Florida’s unique wildlife. Bike or through the scenic trails to see a variety of birds, from herons to cuckoos and ospreys, while those who prefer to appreciate the wildlife from their car can drive or hop on the open-air tram and explore the popular Wildlife Drive.
*Due to the effects of Hurricane Ian, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will be CLOSED until further notice.
