The Golden Isles are one of the crown jewels of Georgia. Not only do they offer stunning scenery, but they are also full of history. One prime example of this is Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. This fort is one of our favorite spots to explore.
Historical sites, especially forts, are some of the best places to visit with kids. Our kids love to run around and explore the wide open spaces. They are interesting because sometimes the sites are really well preserved (like Fort Clinch and Castillo de San Marcos), other times a replica for the fort has been erected (like Fort Caroline), and other times the sites are mere fragments of what they once were- like Fort Frederica.
If it’s gone…is it still worth the visit? In a word, yes. Join us as we show you just how amazing the ruins of Fort Frederica are!
History of Fort Frederica
During colonial times, the land between South Carolina and Florida (now known as Georgia), served as a battle ground for Britain and Spain. The British, Scottish and Germans banded together to build a fortified town to help ward off the Spanish.
In 1736, Fort Frederica was established by James Oglethorpe (the same dude that founded Savannah) to protect the colony of Georgia. The fort was named for Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales. Frederica served as a military outpost and allowed the Frederica River to be closely monitored.
In 1742, Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba swarmed St. Simons Island. Oglethorpe’s troops attacked the Spanish in a battle that would later be known as the “Battle of Bloody Marsh.” The victory solidified that Britain controlled the region.
The Brits would control the fort and town until the armies were disbanded. With no troops in the area, there was no reason to stay. The fortification became a ghost town and disintegrated into ruins. Today, only a few fireplaces, foundations of buildings, and a portion of the coquina fort remain. In 1936, the fort was declared a protected site and later, in 1945, it became a National Monument.
Fort Frederica National Monument; Today
As mentioned above, the fort and town that was once known as Fort Frederica, is all but gone, today. All that is left is a few fireplaces, building foundations, fragments of a barracks, and a part of a coquina fort. The kids enjoyed storming the old fort and pretended to shoot cannonballs at passing boats.
It really is a shame that the area wasn’t better preserved. A lot of it is left for interpretation. There are display boards throughout the property that help you activate your imagination. There are also street signs to help you visualize how the town was laid out.
One cool part about the national monument is that it is still being excavated. On our most recent visit to the fort, we got to witness a crew doing a dig.
To us, the most exciting part of the site was the wide open spaces and shady Spanish moss draped trees. The kids love having the freedom to just get out and run.
What is there to do at Fort Frederica National Monument?
Although the site is mostly ruins, there’s actually quite a bit do do and see. Plan on spending about an hour to roam the grounds. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the history of the fort and the Golden Isles.
There is a scavenger hunt that helps to guide you around the site.
Explore the gardens
Walk the ancient streets
Visit the old coquina fort
Enjoy a picnic
Fort Frederica Visiting Information
Physical Address:
6515 Frederica Rd,
St Simons Island, GA 31522
Is Fort Frederica National Monument Worth the Visit?
If you are looking for a day trip from Jax, or if you’re already in the Golden Isles, then yes, Fort Frederica is worth the trip. We wouldn’t make the trip just to see the fort though.
The historical factor is pretty cool, and it’s definitely a neat experience.
What is there to do Nearby?
Beaches-St. Simons Island is home to some pretty awesome beaches that are easily accessible.
Wesley Gardens- These impeccable gardens are located right across the street from the fort. We love to enjoy a picnic fort amongst the azaleas.
King and Prince Resort
St Simons Island Lighthouse
Neptune Fun Zone Park (water park)
Search for the Spirit Trees
Mallery Park
While you’re exploring the Golden Isles, we strongly suggest you also visit Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and one of our favorite water parks- Summer Waves.
If you’re planning out a full-fledge tour of the Golden Isles, be sure to add Cumberland Island National Seashore to your itinerary. The ferry for this unique island leaves from St. Marys, Georgia, just 50 miles south.
If you’re driving I-95 through southeastern Georgia, be sure to make a detour at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an education and rehabilitation facility centered around sea turtles. The Center uses interactive exhibits to help educate the public on how to protect sea turtles. It is one of the few “turtle hospitals” in the United States providing care for injured and sick sea turtles (terrapins and turtles).
The Learning Center
Smiley’s favorite part of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center was the Learning Center. The Learning Center is one large room that is loaded with interactive exhibits. There were puzzles, microscopes, lift & reads, a scavenger hunt, and even a video game! Every square foot of the Learning Center was covered with information about sea turtles, how to protect them, and conservation.
The Treatment Room
Watching the medical team care for the sick and injured turtles was one of the highlights of our trip. In the main building, there is a large viewing window that overlooks the operation room. A vet-tech narrated what the veterinarian was doing during his procedure. It was really neat to see the medical team in action!
I was way more intrigued by this viewing area than Smiley was. I watched as the vet cemented a turtle’s shell back together while she toyed around with microscopes.
The Hospital Pavilion
Just behind the main building is the Hospital Pavilion where you can visit with the sea turtle patients. The Hospital Pavilion has large pools surrounding an elevated platform. Here they receive the care and rest they need in order to get better.
The goal is to care for these creatures until they are capable of surviving on their own. Once they are well, they are released back into the ocean with trackers.
Fun Fact: As of 2021, the center has cared for and released more than 600 sea turtles back into the ocean.
The sea turtles needed care for a variety of reasons- all of which were human related activity. Some got tangled in fishing lines or crab traps and ended up with severely damaged flippers. Some of the turtles had eaten trash and suffered intestinal damage. Many had shell damage caused by boats or boat propellers. It devastating to know that all of these injuries could have been prevented.
Plan Your Visit
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island, about 15 minutes off of I-95.
Visitors learn about conservation through interactive exhibits including games, puzzles, videos, and microscopes.
Be sure to stop by the hospital to wish the patients a speedy recovery.
There is a viewing area where you can watch the medical team perform procedures on sick and/or injured sea turtles.
About Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s barrier islands. The island was once a vacation haven for the rich and famous. In 1886, it was purchased by a group of wealthy families as a private retreat. Members of the Jekyll Island Club included the Rockefellers, Morgans, Cranes, and Goulds and represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The Club closed in 1942 and Jekyll Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947. The island was converted to a state park.
Although the island is no longer a state park, there is still a visitors fee of $8.00 per day. The fee grants visitors access to all of the island’s public areas such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, nature centers, and more.
Jekyll Island is also home to historical homes, the iconic Driftwood Beach, and Summer Waves Water Park.
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Are you cruising out of Jacksonville, Florida? There are plenty of things for cruisers to do in Jacksonville, near the cruise port. Our city is the largest city in the United States, square milage-wise which means that everything is spread out. You’ll either want to have a car or have to rely on Uber to get around because our public transportation system isn’t the greatest.
The cruise port is located in the northern part of Jacksonville, north of downtown, and relatively close to the airport. The closest hotel to the port is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites, but there are plenty of options near the airport.
Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville
Shopping
The closest shopping to the cruise port is the River City Marketplace, which is just under 9 miles away. Here you’ll find a wide range of stores where you can pick up anything you may need before your trip. There is a Walmart here along with clothing stores, makeup stores, etc.
Beaches
The cruise port is located in an industrial area, so you’ll have to drive a few miles east to hit the beaches. Nearby beaches include:
Huguenot Park
Honestly, this is the beach that we frequent the most. During the spring and summer months, you can find us here at least 2 days a week. You’re able to drive on the beach, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with kids or if you are bringing along a bunch of stuff.
Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.
Blackrock/Boneyard Beach
Shhh, this is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets! This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!
Our Guide to Blackrock Beach will help you find this hidden gem and give you all the info you’ll need to plan your trip.
Little Talbot Island State Park
This park has 5 miles of premier beaches and 3 miles of biking trails. It’s a little more of a drive to get there (compared to Huguenot) but it’s worth it! A long boardwalk empties out onto a spectacular beach that is a bit less crowded than Huguenot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about looking for cars when you’re walking out to the water.
History
Jacksonville is full of historical sites for visitors to explore. A quick Google search would tell you that Yellow Bluff Fort and the El Faro Memorial are both located very close to the cruise port. I promise you, you’ll regret taking the time to visit Yellow Bluff Fort. Honestly, it’s just a grouping of earthworks (man-made mounds) that are remnants of an encampment from the Civil War. I’m a history nerd and I found it boring.
We suggest visitingKingsley Plantation, instead. The plantation is located several miles down the road from the cruise port, but it is worth the visit. The property belonged to Zephaniah Kingsley who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres, most of which has been overtaken by mother nature. The owner’s house was built between 1797 and 1798 and is the oldest surviving plantation home in the state. There are 25 slave cabins that are still remarkably pretty well intact.
Across the river, you’ll find Fort Caroline, a site that memorializes the short-lived French presence. Although the fort is a replica, it’s still a pretty neat place to visit. There are a handful of trails nearby that are great if you love spending time outdoors. Just down the road is the Ribault Monument which commemorates the 1562 landing of Jean Ribault near the mouth of the St. Johns River.
Zoo
The zoo is located just a couple of miles away from the cruise port, making it easily accessible to cruisers. If we had a few hours to kill before our ship pulled out, this is where we will spend our time.
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens.
Food
If you’re looking to grab a bite nearby, the closest place to eat to the cruise port is Wendy’s. There are plenty of other options at the River City Marketplace, less than 10 miles away.
Some of our local favorites include:
Palm’s Fish Camp– Great seafood, pizza, and incredible drinks. Green Papaya– Delicious Thai Food. New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar– A great seafood menu and a wonderful brunch menu, as well. Happy Taco Feliz- This food truck has an incredible selection of authentic Mexican food. FujiYama– The best Japanese and sushi in the area.
But wait, there’s more!
There’s plenty of stuff to do in the River City! From wildlife sanctuaries to art museums, we have it all. We have plenty of more suggestions in our 10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville article if you have a bit more time and are able to venture further away from the cruise terminal
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Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina. This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.
What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?
We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park. From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!
Water Park with slides and a splash area
Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
Lake
Swimming
Kayaking
Canoeing
Paddle Boarding
Pedal Boating
Fishing
Inflatable Obstacle Course
Gem Mining
Putt Putt Golf
Laser Tag
Zip Line
Hiking Trails
Playground
Jump Pillow & Pad
Planned Activities
The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.
The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast. Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.
The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch. It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM. They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.
Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern. Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.
The Attractions
Water Park– The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area. There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.
Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub. The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax. Rental cabanas line the pool area. The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.
Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.
Obstacle Course- New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake. Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!
Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining. Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.
Putt Putt Golf- Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf? The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.
Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.
Zip Line- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!
Hiking Trails- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.
Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.
Jumping Pillow & Pad- While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours. And yes, grown ups can jump, too.
Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park. These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!
Our Experience
We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be. We were super impressed!
The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake. We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat. I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard. I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!
We really enjoyed swimming at the lake. Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock. It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.
Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities. We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day. We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts. Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake. Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.
Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented. We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.
Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?
Address:
182 Jellystone Pkwy Bostic, NC 28018
Day Trips from Jellystone
There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park. Here are some of our favorites:
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Cumberland Island is one of the places that I will never grow tired of visiting. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests. It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.
The island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.
Getting to Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat. There is a ferry that leaves from St. Marys, Georgia. The Cumberland Queen Ferry runs three times a day from March to September and twice a day from October through November. During the months of January and February, the ferry runs twice a day but only leaves Mondays through Thursdays.
The National Park Service limits the number of visitors to 300 per day. Campers may remain on the island for up to one week.
Getting Around Cumberland Island
Coleman Avenue, Cumberland Island
Plan on doing a lot of walking while visiting the island! There are no paved roads or trails on the island and the use of vehicles on the island is limited to private residents, contractors, and National Park employees.
One way many visitors choose to get around Cumberland Island is by bicycle. Bikes are allowed on the ferry for a $10 fee, but space is limited. You can also rent bikes on the island for $16/day. Bikes are only permitted on certain parts of the islands (you’ll see signs). Several spots on the island are hard difficult to navigate by bike because of the thick sand.
On our most recent visit, we hiked just over 7 miles and we stuck to just the southern tip of the island!
What is there to See on the Island?
The Ice House Museum was once one of the original Carnegie service buildings. Today the small museum houses original artifacts (and replicas) from the island’s prehistoric, colonial, early-American, and Gilded Era history.
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
The crown jewel of Cumberland Island are the Dungeness ruins. James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) first built a hunting lodge on the island in 1736. He named the lodge Dungeness.
Afterwards, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene acquired 11,000 acres of the island in exchange for a bad debt. He moved to the island with his wife, Catharine Littlefield Greene. After his death, she built a four-story tabby mansion over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the British, who occupied the island, used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818, Major General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee, came to the island and stayed in the Greene house until his death later that year. He was buried in the Greene-Miller cemetery. The home was abandoned during the Civil War and later burned to the ground.
Light-Horse Harry Lee's grave stone
In the 1880s, the property switched hands again when it was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He built a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds which he also called Dungeness. After his death, in 1886, his wife Lucy continued to live in the mansion and built other estates on the island for her children including Greyfield, Plum Orchard, and the Stafford Plantation. The Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 and the home was burned down in 1959.
The historic district comprises of the main house, servants quarters, utility buildings, laundries, cisterns, and other structures like the Nathanael Greene home.
Nathanael Greene's House, Cumberland Island
The beach on Cumberland Island is absolutely stunning! There is sixteen miles of white sand that wild horses roam alongside sea turtles and horseshoe crabs.
While most day-visitors tend to stick to the south end of the island, there are other sites on the island. These include Greyfield (now the Greyfield Inn), and Plum Orchard.
The 5-6 hour long “The Lands and Legacies Tour” will take you to the north end of the island and visit sites such as Plum Orchard and The Settlement where John F. Kennedy Jr got married in the First African Baptist Church.
Things to Know Before Visiting...
There are no stores and very few amenities on the island. You’ll need to pack in and pack out everything that you’ll need for a day trip. Pack in and pack out means that you’ll need to take it with you when you arrive, and take it with you when you leave. Even garbage cans are hard to come by on the island!
Make sure to pack plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need- especially during the hot months!), and lots of food and snacks. You’ll be surprised at how hungry you’ll get doing all of that hiking or biking!
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
To answer your question; yes, there are bathrooms on the island! There are 4 bathrooms available on the south tip of the island. You will find one at the Sea Camp Dock, one in the Historic District, one near Sea Camp Campground, and one by the Greene-Miller cemetery.
The Horses of Cumberland Island
Perhaps even more famous than some of the humans that have inhabited the island are the wild horses that now call this paradise home. Horses have lived on Cumberland Island since the 1500s. They were left behind when the homes and plantations on the island were abandoned.
Cumberland has the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast that is not managed- no food, water, veterinary care, or population control.
Staying Overnight
Camping
Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance with a limit of staying up to 7 consecutive nights. Sea Camp is the most developed campground on the island. It is located half mile from Sea Camp Dock. There are four additional campgrounds on the island. A permit is required to camp.
Upscale Lodging
Thomas and Lucy Carnegie built Greyfield for their daughter, Margaret. The home was converted to an in in 1962 by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson. The Greyfield Inn is the epitome of sophisticated, Southern charm.
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking) Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal. First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails! Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest. Insect Repellant Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need! Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags,a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
Florida Springs Packing List- Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.
Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.
In order to make the most out of your visit, you need to pack a few essentials, plan accordingly, and be prepared to totally unwind. Our Florida Springs Packing List will help ensure you bring along the essentials!
Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.
In fact, the springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.
Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.
Our kids love floating down the spring runs. The current slowly takes you from the launching point to the ending point. Once you get used to the cold water, it is extremely relaxing! Of course, you can paddleboard, kayak or canoe on top of the water to avoid getting wet, all together!
Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours that give you a unique view of the springs and the animals that inhabit them.
As I stated above, the springs are a year-round attraction in Florida. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs. Since the water is a constant 72 degrees, it is warmer than the nearby rivers. Blue Spring seems to be a favorite for the West Indian Manatees. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020!
The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months.
If you’re brave, you can swim year round. The water temperature is the same all year. Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter. We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next. As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park
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Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.
Most of the natural springs in Florida are in the north and central regions- meaning that they make for great day trips from Orlando, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville.
Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.
What is there to do at the springs?
Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.
The springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.
Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.
Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours.
13 Best Florida Springs to Visit with Kids
Three Sisters Springs- Crystal River, Florida
This park is home to absolutely crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clean that you can see straight through it! Three Sister Springs is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Due to the high population of manatees, there are no motorized water vessels allowed inside of the park.
If you want to view the springs without getting wet, you can walk along the boardwalk at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers 57 acres of wetlands to explore.
Weeki Wachee Springs- Weeki Wachee, Florida
You won’t believe what makes this State Park so famous. Mermaids. Yes, mermaids! Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the world-famous mermaid show! The mermaids have been entertaining guests since 1947.
While you can kayak and canoe at the springs, swimming is not permitted. Don’t fret because the park is also home to Buccaneer Bay. Buccaneer Bay has white sandy beaches and water slides! If water slides aren’t your thing, you could also take a riverboat cruise.
Oh, and another cool thing about these springs? Weeki Wachee Springs has a bottom so deep that it has yet to be found!
Experienced divers can also explore the freshwater cave system that is the deepest in all of North America.
Ichetucknee Springs- Fort White, Florida
Ichetucknee Springs is one of the most well-known springs in the state. The Ichetucknee River is the ultimate place to grab an inner tube and simply let the current take you away. This no-frills adventure is fun for all ages. This is also a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
The park is also home to Blue Hole Spring. Trust me, this is natural Florida at its finest!
The main spring (a.k.a. the Ichetucknee Head Spring) has been deemed a national natural landmark and is home to many of Florida’s most precious wildlife species.
Wakulla Springs- Wakulla Springs, Florida
Wakulla Springs State Park is located just 15 minutes south of Tallahassee. This is the deepest and largest freshwater spring in the world! After being featured in classic movies such as “Tarzan” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon” this spring became a popular tourist attraction.
This is the place to spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Experienced scuba divers can explore the system of underground caves. Be sure to take the famous river cruise during your visit!
It has also been deemed a National Natural Landmark and a National Archaeological and Historic District.
Ginnie Springs- High Springs, Florida
Like Ichetucknee, Ginnie Springs are some of the most popular in the state. This is pure, natural Florida! The park boasts magnificently clear turquoise water that entices visitors to dive in. Snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting are all popular here. To make things even easier, you can rent the equipment on-site!
Experienced divers can check out the caves.
Drinking is allowed at Ginnie Springs because it is privately owned, unlike other popular springs which are city or Florida State Parks. This means that it does tend to draw a more party-type crowd.
Madison Blue Springs- Lee, Florida
Voted the #1 swimming hole in the country by USA Today, Madison Blue Springs is considered to be one of the best springs in Florida. Head about 70 miles east of Tallahassee to this stunning blue, clear, freshwater spring. This popular swimming hole is 25 feet deep and 82 feet wide. You can hop on a raft to enjoy a float down the 150-foot run, or you can hop on a paddleboard or canoe to experience the springs from the water’s surface.
Like Three Sisters Springs, this is the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive. If you’re an experienced diver, you can even hit up some underwater caves!
Rainbow Springs- Dunnellon, Florida
Rainbow Springs is 90 miles northwest of Orlando making them the perfect spot for a day trip! These springs are more than 10,000 years old, making them one of the oldest and largest in the state! Native Floridians regularly visited these sapphire waters believing that they had healing powers. And, perhaps they do? The only way to find out is to get your toes wet!
Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular haven for tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping. There is a gigantic swimming area with white sand. The park is also home to nature trails that are surrounded by man-made waterfalls and natural gardens.
Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs- Altoona, Florida
Tucked away in the Ocala National Forest is Alexander Springs. This is one of the best places for families to visit because it is relatively shallow, gradient slow, slope eases swimmers into the stunning water.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. This is also a great spot for hiking and camping.
Silver Springs, Silver Springs, Florida
Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for a unique view of the spring’s creatures, including manatees! Or, hop in the water for a bit of swimming and snorkeling.
You can also rent a kayak or a canoe onsite if you’d like to add to the fun!
The Silver Springs is located in Ocala National Forest and are a notable archeological site. Be on the lookout for fossils!
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day, as capacity is limited!
Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs- High Springs, Florida
Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’ youngest state parks. Located just 25 miles south of Lake City, this park is ideal for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and paddling. The park also has hiking trails.
This park is so much fun that it often fills up to capacity (okay…the fact that the park is smaller may have something to do with that, too). Plan on getting there very early or go late in the afternoon. Gilchrist Blue is considered to be one of Florida’s greatest hidden gems! If the park is full, we recommend heading to nearby Ginnie Springs. Ginnie Springs is larger so it is less likely to reach capacity.
Blue Spring- Orange City, Florida
Blue Spring is a state park located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatee. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees, year-round, making it a safe haven for West Indian manatee. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.
This place is great for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also trails that you can hike or bike.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs- De Leon Springs, Florida
De Leon Springs State Parkis AMAZING! The site is a former plantation and fancy schmancy hotel. There are remnants of both periods of the properties history on the ground. De Leon Springs was one of the first eco-parks in the state of Florida. There are hiking trail, kayak and canoe rentals, and a swimming area.
The park is famous for its Old Sugar Mill Restaurant. People come from all around to make their own pancakes at the griddle-topped tables. It’s a super fun experience!
Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest
Salt Springs- Fort McCoy, Florida
Salt Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest. Most of the swimming area is actually quite shallow- once you get away from the entrance area. The park also permits floats, which makes the springs extra fun for kids! We found a cove across from the entranceway and it was the ideal spot for our littles. The closer you get to the spring vent, the deeper- and rockier- the water gets.
Are there alligators in the springs?
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
Dealing with the Crowds
The springs get packed on holidays, weekends, and summer months. In fact, several springs often reach capacity early in the day. Plan accordingly. You may want to consider camping, if it is available, or staying at an Airbnb close to the springs so you can get there early.
For the least crowds, go during the off-season or shoulder season such as October or April.
You know, I have to admit; I didn’t think I’d enjoy the Seattle Great Wheel as much as I did. I’ve never been one for heights, or rides involving heights, but I caved and rode my first Ferris wheel when I was in London. Ferris wheels, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the London Eye, are a great way to get a birds-eye-view of the city.
The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.
The look at the Wheel from the pier
What Can I Expect from the Ride?
The Seattle Great Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each carries eight passengers (with the exception of the luxury VIP gondola). This means that you could potentially share your gondola with another group. We visited on a busy day and they did not pair us up with anyone else.
The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.
Wheel Light Shows
Did you know the wheel is covered in half a million LED lights? Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening until 10 PM there is a colorful light show on the wheel. On game nights and holidays, there are special themed light shows.
View from Seattle Great Wheel
Cost of the Seattle Great Wheel
Tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 & up); $12 for seniors (65+); $9 for kids (ages 3-9); and anyone age 2 or younger rides for free.
Do you want to know all of the best Disney FastPass Secrets? Of course, you do! Nobody in their right mind wants to spend their entire visit to the park waiting in line. Walt Disney World is one of the best vacation spots (for all ages!), but let’s face it, the lines are terrible!
Visitors often talk about visiting during the “off-season” however, at Disney, there’s really no such thing anymore. Thanks to all of the year-round events that the parks host, people flock to the parks by the thousands each and every day!
So how does one navigate the 4 massive parks with over 60+ rides and attractions? Well, you use the FastPass, of course! These Disney FastPass Secrets will help you plan your trip and maximize your time in the park.
Our Disney FastPass Secrets will help you navigate the lines, reduce your wait time, and make the most out of your next Disney World trip!
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
What is FastPass+?
With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! Yes, free! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.
We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.
How Do You Get FastPass+?
Once you purchase your park tickets, or if you have an annual pass, you can set up your FastPasses. You can use the My Disney Experience app, or the My Disney Experience section of the Disney World website. You can also hit up one of the kiosks in the parks.
Our First Family Ride at Disney- The Mad Tea Party!
When Can You Book FastPass+?
You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly! The time slots become available at 7 AM EST so set your alarm!
Disney FastPass Secrets
Book Your FastPass For the Busiest Time of the Day
One of the best secrets to Disney FastPasses is knowing when to use the pass. The best time to use your FastPasses is when the park is the busiest. Makes sense, right? More people in the park = longer wait times. The best window of time to book your FastPasses is from 10 AM to 3 PM when the park is hoppin’.
The lines before 10 AM won’t be too outrageous since the park is just opening. They also decrease after 3 PM when people head back to their hotels to escape the crowds of hot Florida heat.
Pick the Most Popular Rides First!
Obviously, FastPasses for the most popular rides are going to get snagged first. Booking the hardest rides first is a quick and easy Fastpass secret that people may not even think of. The most popular rides, right now, are Frozen Ever After, Flight of Passage, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Slinky Dog Dash.
Book your FastPass for these rides later in the day– chances are, there will be more FastPasses available.
If you are dying to ride one of these rides, and don’t have a FastPass, you should plan on spending at least an hour waiting in line.
Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride
Use Single Rider To Save Your Disney Fastpasses For Other Attractions
If you can’t resist some of the big kid/adult rides that your toddler or kid can’t go on- don’t worry, Disney has a plan! They have a system called Rider Switch Passes. See a cast member at one of the qualifying rides and they’ll hand you a Rider Switch Pass. Basically, one grown-up waits in line and goes on the ride while the other grown-up hangs out with the kids. Once, they’ve exited the ride, you pass off the kids and they hand you the pass. You get to ride the ride without having to wait in line again! Holla!
If just one of you wants to ride one of these rides, some rides offer a single rider line. Basically, you’ll fill in any empty seats on the ride. There are 4 rides in Disney World that offer single rider lines. They are Expedition Everest, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run.
This is also a great option if you don’t mind splitting up with your group! You and your travel companions can all do this, ride the ride with some random person, and meet back up!
Refresh Your App To See If Your Desired Fastpass Comes Available
If there’s a ride you must do or a princess you must meet but can’t find a Fastpass for it, don’t give up. People cancel their Fastpasses because their kids are having a meltdown, or decide they want to ride another ride, or change their mind for a plethora or reasons. The minute someone forfeits their FastPass, it becomes available for someone else to snag. That someone could be you!
Just keep refreshing the app!
Check the morning of your visit (since people modify their selections the night before or even early that morning!). Also check after 10 AM because people may decide to alter their plans.
Think Things Out
When you pre-arrange your FastPasses, you’ll want to make sure they are near each other. Do yourself a favor and scope out a park map before you book your passes. If you’re hitting up Space Mountain at noon and then Splash Mountain at 1:15, you’re going to have to haul ass from Tomorrowland clear across the park to Frontierland.
It would make so much more sense to cluster rides like Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin together.
Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Character Meet & Greets also make a great trio!
Not Everyone in Your Group Needs to Use the Same FastPasses
Anyone over the age of 13 can manage their own FastPasses. If half of your group wants to ride Splash Mountain, and the other half wants to take it easy on Pirates of the Caribbean, you can choose which people will use which FastPasses.
Be Smart About How You Use your FastPass
Remember, you only get 3 FastPasses that you can pre-book (more on why I say “Pre-book” in a minute). Think of these 3 FastPasses as a precious gift. For the love of God, do not waste them on silly things like parades, fireworks, or unpopular rides. It’s not that Dumbo, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, It’s a Small World, and the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor aren’t great attractions, because they are… they just aren’t worth using a FastPass for.
You Don’t Need to be at your Ride at the Exact Time You’ve Rserved Your Spot
Your FastPass window is actually an hour-long. This means you can arrive at the ride or attraction any time within that hour long window and be let in.
If you’re early for everything, like me, you can arrive 5 minutes before your FastPass window opens. Or…if you’re one of those people who is late for everything, you can arrive 15 minutes after your window. This comes in handy if you’re fighting over what rides to use your FastPass on and you have to bolt across the park to get from one ride to another.
Too Cool for School
You Won’t Lose Your FastPass
Okay, so say you didn’t listen to my advice and you booked FastPasses on opposite sides of the park from one another in a short time window. Then, theoretically, you didn’t make it to the second ride. Don’t freak out, if you miss your FastPass window (and the grace period), you can hop back on to the app and there will be a new pass available for you tto book.
You Don’t HAVE to Use Your FastPass
If you get to a ride that you have a FastPass for and the wait is only 15 minutes, you can always pull up the app and cancel your FastPasses. Or, if you have a MagicBand, just don’t scan it! Once you’re in the line, ditch your reservation and pick something else.
The Biggest Secret, EVER!!!
What if I told you that you actually can get more than 3 free FastPasses? If you book your 3 Fastpass for early in the day, you can book another once you’ve tapped your MagicBand for the last one.
While you’re in line, open up the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone and book that 4th Fastpass! After you tap your band for your 4th ride, you can book a 5th FP, and so on. This Disney Fastpass secret will lead you to “unlimited” Fastpass possibilities for the rest of the day!
Amazing, right????
Another option is to stay at Club Level in certain Disney World resorts. You can pay $50 a day to get three more FastPasses. This will give you a 90-day window to book 6 FastPasses per day.
Research the Tiers for Rides
Did you know Disney rides are ranked into tiers? Rides that are in Tier 1 are the most popular and in demand, and typically the harder to FastPass for. Tier 2 rides and attractions are essentially everything else. When you pre-book your 3 Fastpasses, only one of them can be for a Tier 1 attraction.
Fortunately, Magic Kingdom doesn’t use this system so all of the rides are fair game. However, the other parks do, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Tier 1 Rides By Park
Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey
Epcot: Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, and Test Rack
Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Toy Story Mania!, Slinky Dog Dash, and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Book your #1 choice for first thing in the morning and then set up all other passes for the peak period of 10 AM to 3PM.
Don’t forget, you can actually book a 4th, 5th, and 6th FastPass! Once you’ve used your FastPass on a Tier 1 Ride, you can book another!
Meeting Our Hero!
Wrapping Up Our Disney FastPass Secrets
We hope that these Disney FastPass Secrets will help you maintain your sanity and save you tons of time during your next trip to Disney World. After all, who wants to waste their time standing around in lines? And for the love of God, if you haven’t already done so- download the My Disney Experience App. If you keep refreshing it, it’s a total game changer!
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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitterfor more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!
Nobody in their right mind wants to spend their entire visit to Disney waiting in line. Unfortunately, long lines are a part of visiting the park. For some rides, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the line can be longer than 3 hours! There are some rides you should use a FastPass on to avoid standing around, twiddling your thumbs in the hot Florida heat.
What is FastPass+?
With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! Yes, free! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.
We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.
Our Family at Disney World
How Do You Get FastPass+?
Once you purchase your park tickets, or if you have an annual pass, you can set up your FastPasses. You can use the My Disney Experience app, or the My Disney Experience section of the Disney World website. You can also hit up one of the kiosks in the parks.
When Can You Book FastPass+?
You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly! The time slots become available at 7 AM EST so set your alarm!
In Line at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rides You Should Use a FastPass On
Obviously, FastPasses for the most popular rides are going to get snagged first. Booking the hardest rides first is a quick and easy Fastpass secret that people may not even think of.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic Disney roller coaster that is gentle enough that younger kids can ride it (and feel totally cool for doing so!). The line for the attraction is mostly outdoors which gets awfully hot in the Florida heat. If you want to check out this family-friendly coaster, you may want to grab a FastPass.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Climb aboard a flying pirate ship and venture off to Neverland with Peter Pan. This classic Disney tale comes to life as you fly to the home of the Lost Boys. Since there is no height requirement, this classic ride is popular with families.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Since this is a newer attraction, it draws a larger crowd. In fact, people will wait for hours to hop on the Snow White inspired roller coaster. The ride is super smooth and totally fun! Its thrill level is somewhere between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the infamous Space Mountain.
Space Mountain
This indoor coaster takes you on a high-speed journey into the deepest, darkest reaches of outer space. It’s not deliberately scary but it’s dark, fast, and jerky- which makes it a bit more terrifying. Part of the line is indoors and has interactive features throughout, which makes the lines bearable- but you’ll still probably want to snag a FastPass for this popular ride.
Splash Mountain
It’s pretty obvious why this water ride is popular with visitors! Each day hundreds of people flock to Splash Mountain to escape the hot, humid, Florida climate. The lines for this ride tend to be long, but the thrilling drop at the end makes it worth the wait. If you don’t use a FastPass for this ride, make it one of your first stops in the morning to avoid long lines.
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