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The Sunshine State is the ideal escape from the nationwide cold streak. From sand dunes to salt marshes to mangrove forests, Florida’s variety of outdoor environments are endless. It’s time to trade icicles for popsicles and start exploring Florida’s winter getaways.

More than ever, travelers are looking to their travel advisor for trustworthy information that will guide them in a safe, fun and comfortable way. VISIT FLORIDA has your back! Through the e-Learning program, Florida Travel Pro, you can easily click and share vetted information with your clients - everything from itinerary ideas to images, videos and insider tips.

For a taste of what you can begin recommending to your clients, check out some of Florida’s hidden gems.

HIDDEN GEMS

Looking for a place your clients can wiggle their toes in the soft white sand? Between Pensacola and Destin, you’ll find Navarre, an excellent base from which to discover what Northwest Florida has to offer. For a look into the natural wonders of the Sunshine State, The Gulf Islands National Seashore boasts four species of sea turtles plus eight miles of undeveloped beaches.

The Gulf Islands National Shore

To the east, visit Walton County’s coastal dune lakes – the largest concentration of these freshwater marvels in the world. To the north, your clients can paddle a canoe on the Blackwater River near Milton or hike the Florida National Scenic Trail in the Blackwater River State Forest.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike will adore Flagler Beach on Florida’s east coast, with miles of undeveloped coastline. Traveling north on A1A through North Peninsula State Park, they’ll pass through prime Florida scrub-jay habitat, and the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oaks in the south at Bulow Creek State Park. Plus, 3,000-acre Graham Swamp Conservation Area is a haven for deer, fox and wading birds.

Does their bucket list include swimming with manatees? Then Crystal River — located about 90 minutes north of Tampa, on the west coast of Florida – is the place to visit. Head to King’s Bay and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which was created to protect the endangered West Indian Manatee. This is the only place in the world where you can legally swim with these gentle giants. Pre-Columbian Native American mounds, middens and a plaza area can be explored at Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

Perfect for travelers seeking wide open spaces, Wakulla Springs State Park, located just south of Tallahassee, is home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Its sapphire waters are home to manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform. Book a stay at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs for easy access to these wild adventures.

Wakulla Springs, Tallahassee

Your clients should keep their eyes peeled when kayaking Amelia Island's salt marshes; the experience offers the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, otters, rays and other fish. Float with the current and tour the 40,000-acre, beginner-friendly nature preserve.

NATURE WALKS

Henderson Beach State Park, a nature preserve on a protected strip of the Emerald Coast, is family-friend location for bicycling, fishing, birdwatching and swimming. With more than a mile of scenic shoreline and rolling white sand dunes on the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson Beach is the perfect location for relaxing or being active. A “must do” is the nature trail, where your clients will see the last remaining coastal scrub area in Destin or scope out the wildlife!

Henderson State Park, Destin

Bordering Joe’s Bayou on Choctawhatchee Bay, Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk offers access to the bayou and a large fishing pier, plus a peek at wetlands. In need of more nature? The nature trail includes a raised boardwalk overlooking marsh grasses, royal fern, muscadine and cattails.

Florida just gained its 175th state park! Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park near Gainesville covers more than 1,250 square miles. Whichever of the state parks your clients explore, there will be hundreds of clear, 72-degree spring waters and waterfalls, award-winning beaches and mysterious caves at their disposal.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Gainesville

Want an easier, more accessible way of sharing these concepts with your clients? Enroll in the Florida Travel Pro program and start sending shareable content just a click away. Our essential modules help you learn everything from the basics to the beaches and beyond. Plus, with our three new specialty chapters focusing on Ecotourism, Road trips and LBGTQ+ —selling Florida has never been easier.

Manatee at Crystal River

Poe Springs, Gainesville

Amelia Island