Colt Creek State Park is one of Florida’s newer state parks, being established in 2007 as the state’s 160th state park. It is located in Polk County, in Central Florida and is part of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.

Gatorland bills itself as the alligator capital of the world. With 110 acres, 2,000+ alligators and a myriad of other animals and shows, including an alligator wrangling show, they are probably right about their claim.

The Fun Lan is Tampa’s last old school drive-in theater and is my favorite place to catch a movie.

I’ve been to Caladesi Island a number of times now and love it each time. Caladesi Island was originally part of a larger barrier island on the Gulf Coast, but after being pummeled by hurricanes enough times, particularly in 1921 when a hurricane pass was created, cutting the barrier islands apart.

Homosassa Springs is another classic Florida day trip–one that should be near the top of your list. It has been popular since the early 1900s when passing trains would stop to let passengers take a look at the blue spring filled with exotic Florida fish and manatees.