RVing the Sunshine State

Florida is a must see destination during the cold and snowy months of winter in the upper United States. Mild temperatures and clear blue skies are the hallmark of winter in the Sunshine State.

There's so much to see and do throughout the state. If you're interested in exploring 'Old' Florida, there are some great sites to visit. For hikers, Sebring, in the southwest region of Florida, is a great place to stop. This area has been preserved in its pre-European state and is home to all the Florida inland plant ecosystems with eight short and easy hikes to see them all.

McLarty Treasure Museum, in Sebastian Inlet, is on the east coast of the state and exhibits the history of the Spanish treasure ships that sank in the hurricane of 1715. You'll marvel at what life was like before the industrial revolution, electricity and other modern conveniences.

Saint Augustine, Florida's oldest city, is the perfect stop to explore old Florida. Just south of Saint Augustine is Washington Oaks State Gardens with world-class Gardens, an exotic beach and hiking trails that allow you to explore several ecosystems.

The Ximenez-Fatio House was built in 1798 and is made out of native coquina and reflects both the Spanish and English architecture styles. This house is on the National Register of Historic Places and the perfect way to see what life was like in an early 19th century inn.

The Colonial Spanish Quarters is a living history museum in Saint Augustine with costume-bearing interpreters relive a time when the city was an outpost of the Spanish Empire. Below Saint Augustine, in Volusia County, be sure and visit Smyrna Dunes Park and Beach (New Smyrna Beach). This park is home to a variety of animals, birds, reptiles, marine life and vegetation with three miles of elevated wooden walks, picnic areas, pavilions and an observation tower where you can view the beautiful dunes. It's also a great area to fish and surf and you can even drive your RV on the beach!

A little north and west of Tampa is Ocala and Silver Springs which is the world's largest clear artesian spring and the state's oldest public attraction. Silver Springs was the site of movies like Tarzan, James Bond and the TV show, Sea Hunt. It's also where you can explore the depths of the spring aboard their beautiful glass bottom boats.

A stop in Lake Wales is a must to experience the Bok Tower Gardens. This true sanctuary is located on the top of the highest hill in central Florida and contains a glorious sounding Carillon.

Nearby in Palatka you'll find the Ravine State Gardens with trails that provide visitors with images of being in the Smokey Mountains, an African Jungle, a Japanese Garden and a Cedar Forest in California.

Further down the east coast of Florida you'll love Fort Pierce and Heathcote Gardens, Beaches and Mangrove Matties Restaurant. It's also close to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute which has wonderful and enlightening educational tours.

Just a short drive south from Fort Pierce is Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Stuart, Florida) rated one of the top parks in the state. Here you can park your RV under the beautiful Australian Whispering Pines. Be on the lookout for deer and a fishing pole is a must here too. Gilbert's Bar Museum and Rotties (in nearby Jensen Beach) are two spots to enjoy a delicious meal.

Wintertime is perfect weather for picnics, swimming, surfing, shrimping, clamming, crabbing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, camping and enjoying nature and Sebastian Inlet State Park is home to all of these activities. RV sites overlook the inlet which stretches from Melbourne and Sebastian to Vero Beach. You'll also want to visit the McLarty Museum which is full of treasures found on the beach.

Traveling across the state and down the west coast side you will find a number of beautiful attractions. Fort Myers Beach is home to Lovers Key State Park which has an intricate network of waterways between the Mangrove Islands. Experience this region while canoeing or kayaking and don't forget to bring your fishing pole. This area is also known for its beautiful shells which can be found all along the beach.

A little further south of Fort Myers is Naples and the Caribbean Gardens. This zoo features a boat tour among the Monkey Islands and Lion, Tiger, Leopard and Cougar sections. Kids will enjoy the playground and you won't want to miss the alligator feeding.

North of Fort Myers and Naples is Tampa and Sarasota where there are numerous places to visit, camp and enjoy the Florida winter. You'll want to visit Siesta Key Beach and RV Park for its six mile long and 100 yard deep beach. The sand is so white and so soft! There's also Fort De Soto Park, Shell Key, Egmont Key, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the list goes on.

Florida is a great state to spend wintertime with friends, family and enjoy the experience of cruising through the Sunshine State in your RV.