1. Shelling on the Gulf Islands National Seashore-Explore the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country, and notice the hundreds of beautiful shells that dot the beach. National Park rangers lead free programs, such as birdwatching and snorkeling. Admission is $3 per person.
2. Panhandle Butterfly House-Spread your wings and head to Navarre for a rare glimpse of local butterflies. The Florida State Butterfly, the Zebra Longwing, is here, along with the Monarch, and beautiful orange Julia. Your little ones will surely be fascinated by the fluttering creatures, and will learn a great deal about their life cycle, also. Admission is free!
3. Historic Milton-Trade in the bathing suits for a fun-filled day in historic Milton. The Downtown Historical District will transport you right back to the town’s humble beginnings as a trading post in 1825. With the Imogene Theatre, L & N Train Museum, and the Blackwater Heritage Trail, Milton will keep you very busy!
4. Zoo-Northwest Florida- Take a walk on the wildside with the 1,200 animals at this zoo in Gulf Breeze. Lemurs, giraffes, Komodo dragons, kangaroos and bears are just some of the wild creatures you’ll find here. At just $8.25 for children, and $11.50 for adults, this is one attraction you can’t afford to miss!
5. Blackwater River State Forest-As one of the largest state forests in Florida, the Blackwater River State Forest is best known for its longleaf pine/wiregrass eco-system. This system once covered more than 60 million acres, and is still the largest in the world. The forest is home to many hiking and biking trails, campsites and even equestrian trails.
Tags: attractions, beach, eco-tourism, hiking trails, state parks