Ginnie Springs is a privately owned campground along the Sante Fe River in Gilchrist County known for its three springs, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, canoeing, river tubing, camping and party atmosphere.

This has been on my list for a very long time. Bok Tower Gardens consists of 250 acres of gardens with a singing tower, 205 feet tall, as it’s centerpiece.

Possibly my favorite state park. 385 acres of land (with 2,400 acres submerged underwater), 4 miles of beach, a 3 mile hiking trail . It is the most visited state park in Florida with over one million visitors per year.

Ybor City is the bar crawl capital of Tampa, but not only that, this little historic Latin neighborhood makes some of the finest cigars in the world, has music filled streets, an eclectic range of restaurants and did I mention bars? Lots and lots of bars. I mean, like a lot of them.

Something I like to do is go to these little minor league baseball games. I find they are much more enjoyable than going to see the Rays or Marlins. I don’t have to pay for parking (or deal with the headache of parking), tickets are cheap and all the seats are good.

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.

I was absolutely blown away by the diversity and quality of art I saw here–stretching from flawless Greek sculptures to clever modern art to Florida-infused masterpieces. This is a highly recommended Tampa experience.

This was a somber experience. I didn’t know quite what to expect or how I was supposed to feel.

The locals call the Museum of Science and Industry “MOSI.” As in Moe-Zee.

Ah yes. Weeki Wachee Springs, the quintessential Florida roadside attraction. This has Florida written all over it; kitschy, tacky, delightfully weird.

Welcome to DINOSAUR WORLD. Home of over 200 life size dinosaur sculptures. Paths meander throughout the grounds, sidled by low vegetation, palm trees, tall pines, and dinosaurs.

Opened in 1982, Lettuce Lake quickly became an important and diverse center for outdoor budget activities. Just $2 for a vehicle to get in, includes boardwalks over a hardwood swamp forest, wooded picnic areas, playground, a hiking trail, fitness course, and more.

The Glazer Children’s Museum boasts 170 hands-on exhibits for the kiddies, a downtown Tampa location next to other attractions, and a free admission night to boot.

Like most men, I’ve always dreamed about embarking on an African Safari. Following native guides down footpaths, stooping low in tall grass, overlooking large and dangerous animals feeding on the plain.

I found the unmarked entrance off of 52 after doubling back. It was marked only by a sign that said: “R/C Flying Field—Home of Bay City Flyers.” I pulled in and was greeted by a closed gate, luckily, there were parking spots to the left.