If you are looking less for nature, and more for an adrenaline
rush, then you will have to head over to WonderWorks, an
all-encompassing center for scientific exhibits, rides, coasters, and even laser tag! Take a ride on the Wonder Coaster, a
virtual reality cyber-ride that tosses and turns you through
your choice of adventure. VIP tickets are less than $40;
WonderWorks is an inexpensive way to have fun with the
whole family.
Reaching more for a combination of nature’s beauty and
a heart-racing activity? Swim with dolphins! Panama City
Beach is known to have some of the highest concentrations
of bottlenose dolphins on the coasts of Florida. Bottlenose
dolphins live in groups of 10 or more in their community,
called pods, and are consistently seen along the shores of
Panama. They have the second largest encephalization
(closest relation in size of brain mass to body mass), compared to humans, which explains the deeply-rooted history
of dolphins’ intelligence levels.
Swim with these beautiful animals by participating in the
famous Dolphin Tour. There are a wide range of tours to
choose from, depending on what kind of package you are
looking for, and even some available on Shell Island. Get up
close and personal with these animals and you will see why
they are so popular among Floridians.
Wakulla Springs
A highly recommended pastime in Florida is visiting one of
the many springs this state has to offer. There are over 30
first-magnitude springs statewide, and more than 150 second-magnitude springs to follow. One of the larger springs
worth visiting is Wakulla Springs, in Wakulla County, Florida. Make your way to the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs
State Park in Crawfordville, where you will find one of the
largest springs in the world. Pushing out nearly 300 million
gallons of water a day, the pool is 315 feet in diameter and
the vent alone is an estimated 82 feet wide. The vent leads
out to a major network of caves and this area is one of the
most explored aquatic cave systems in the world. Wakulla
Springs is all freshwater, and features a plethora of nature
trails for taking beautiful fall and winter walks.
When the water is clear, there are tours available to take
on glass-bottom boats, a favorite activity for locals. Along
the trails and during the tours, be on the lookout for alligators, turtles, deer, and manatees. Extend your trip by making a reservation at the Wakulla Springs Lodge. Nicknamed
“North Florida’s Castle,” the lodge features 27 rooms and
rich history within the park, as its location is in the center
of Wakulla Springs. Fine dining with a full-service menu is
available at the lodge, where the chef is serving up everything from southern fried chicken to bacon-wrapped quail
and crab cake dinners.
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