8 Things To Know Before Your First Florida Vacation, According To A Native Floridian

A trip to Florida is always a good idea, no matter where you’re headed. From the Southern charm of the Panhandle to the international flavor of South Florida and every place in between, this state offers so much more than theme parks and sandy shores (although both are reasons to visit). I was born and raised in Florida and have traveled a good deal around the state. These tips apply to any destination and will hopefully help you break outside of the usual tourist attractions and have the sun-filled vacation of your dreams.

1. Know The Seasons

High Season

High season is typically December to April, when the weather is sunny and relatively cool. After April (the off-season) the weather becomes increasingly hot until around November, when things start to cool back down again. No matter where you are in the state, there is an influx of visitors and snowbirds during the high season, so hotel rates go up, restaurant reservations are harder to snag, and the roads, stores, and beaches are more crowded—especially during spring break.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is technically June through November, but it's a little more unpredictable due to climate change—another reason why these months are considered the off-season. You can still have an excellent time in Florida during this window, but you should be aware of the weather forecast before you travel. You can check the National Hurricane Center to see if any storms are forming in the Gulf or Atlantic and keep an eye on their predicted paths. If you are renting a house during hurricane season, check to see if there is a cancellation policy regarding hurricanes or severe weather. 

Mango Season

Yes, mango season. One upside to traveling in the off-season is that Florida’s best fruit is ripe for the picking from May to October. If you’ve never had a fresh-from-the-tree mango that's bursting with sweet and tangy juice, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest culinary experiences.

2. There's Beautiful Water Beyond The Beaches

Other than Disney World, the beach is Florida’s biggest draw—and for good reason, there are beautiful ones up and down the east and west coasts. But it’s a mistake to overlook the state’s spectacular lakes, springs, and rivers. Throughout North and Central Florida, there are sparkling, crystal clear freshwater springs for swimming, kayaking, and diving—some, like Peacock Springs, even have underwater caves to explore. At Crystal River, you can swim with manatees. 

3. Don't Let The Rain Ruin Your Plans

If you’re looking at the seven-day forecast ahead of your trip and it is showing rain every day, don’t panic. It rains almost every day in Florida, and typically just for a little while. Floridians are used to passing afternoon storms and either bring an umbrella or plan their days around them.

4. Dine Locally

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when traveling is to only dine at chain restaurants, and that is definitely the case in Florida. The state is full of fantastic local ingredients and unique dishes you’ll only find here, from conch fritters in Key West, to authentic Cubanos in Tampa and Miami, to Mayport shrimp in Jacksonville. Some areas have thriving, diverse food scenes with award-winning restaurants, like Palm Beach County. Other places have a strong immigrant population that’s influenced the local fare, like Tarpon Springs’ Greek community. Support local businesses and you’ll have more memorable meals.

5. Order The Good Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is not to be missed on your first or fifteenth trip to the Sunshine State– and some slices are better than others. But if you take away any piece of advice from this piece it should be this: real Key lime pie is more yellow than green.

6. Pack Properly

Sun exposure should be taken seriously when you’re in Florida, no matter the time of year. While you’ll probably remember to pack sunscreen, don’t forget a hat to protect your head and face. And if you’re traveling in the summer, you’ll also want a pair of flip flops for walking on the beach because the dry sand can get extremely hot.

7. Don't Be Surprised By Hidden Gems

Some of my favorite places in Florida are botanical gardens, nature preserves, and state and national parks. Plant life in Florida is tropical, lush, and totally transporting at places like the orchid-filled Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (above) in Sarasota or the historic 50-acre Leu Gardens in Orlando. You’ll find ample opportunities for bird watching along the coasts, and even an underwater coral reef park in Key Largo.

8. Make Plans To Visit Museums

Florida may not be known for its museums, but we’ve got some great ones. Art fans will love the collections at The Dali Museum (above) in Tampa Bay, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami, and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. Architecture heads will enjoy exploring the grounds of The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. And there’s the The Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, and so many others.