Florida is a dreamy destination that has it all: pristine beaches, incredible nature, and even the magical Disney World. The state inherited its nickname, "The Sunshine State," due to its warm temperatures and sunny days, and come springtime, the weather is idyllic and less sweltering than in the hot, sticky summer months. Plus, with fewer crowds, Florida in spring is all the more appealing.
What also makes the Sunshine State so splendid in spring is its various events, as well as the many activities to try. With that in mind, here's a list of the best ways to celebrate spring in Florida, from Floridian festivals to awesome attractions and places to explore.
10 Attend Florida Strawberry Festival
- When: March 2-12, 2023
Can there be anything more symbolic to celebrate spring than the Florida Strawberry Festival? The event has been held annually since the 1930s and has always served one purpose - to bring the Sunshine State communities together to celebrate the harvest.
Fulfilled with joy, delicious food, plenty of entertainment opportunities, and music, the Florida Strawberry Festival can't be missed. In fact, this year, organizers compiled a great program inviting numerous bands and singers. Train, Walker Hayes, Ludacris, and Wayne Newton are only a few of them.
9 Explore The Everglades National Park
- When: all year round, but spring entails more comfortable weather
The Everglades National Park is one of the best places in Florida to spend a relaxing day in nature. It is the third-largest park in the country and is home to many endangered species like the American crocodile, West Indian manatee, and Snail kite. While many animals found in the Everglades are present year-round, springtime is a nice season to explore their terrains, as the weather is a little more comfortable than in summer.
Covering around 1.5 million acres, the Everglades also provide plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. So, if one wants to see its gators in their natural habitat while exploring the spectacular hiking trails, spring is a great time, especially in the dry season (which lasts from November until April). That's when one can expect fewer mosquitoes and an abundance of wildlife.
8 Vibe At Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival
- When: March 11-12, 2023
Are any jazz and R&B lovers out there? If one of them, one should head to the Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival! The event takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and this year, it will celebrate its 16th anniversary.
Great atmosphere, live music, a marketplace with local handicrafts, and endless food stalls selling delicacies; the festival has everything to ensure visitors have a great time! This spring, the festival has an excellent list of performers, some of which are Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, Sean Paul, and Keyshia Cole.
7 Go Sunbathing At Clearwater Beach
- When: all year round, but spring offers great weather
Florida is indeed a vacation paradise with numerous pristine destinations on the coast, but if the best just has to be chosen, that would be Clearwater Beach, which is worthy of a visit, especially in spring.
Known for its white-sand beaches, emerald waters, exceptional dining options, and a plethora of water activities, Clearwater Beach is a place visitors can't miss during their trip to Florida. So, if one is dreaming of worry-free days on the beach, spring with fewer crowds is an excellent time to enjoy it to the fullest!
6 Spend A Day At Florida's Botanical Gardens
- When: all year round, but spring is when many of the gardens' flowers are in bloom
Beautiful beaches aren't the only trademark of Florida. The state is home to magnificent botanical gardens that amaze visitors with their natural diversity.
McKee Botanical Gardens, Selby Gardens Downtown, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden are only some of the best botanical gardens in Florida that travelers should add to their springtime itinerary.
5 Have Fun At Walt Disney World
- When: From March 1, 2023
Wondering what is the best time to visit Disney World? There can be no wrong time, but spring is especially magnificent for one particular reason. From March to July, Disney World holds the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and the whole amusement park transforms into a magical garden with flowers blooming on every corner. To immerse oneself fully in the atmosphere, plan a trip before or after Easter and Spring Break to avoid crowds.
4 Try Delicious Food At Grant BBQ Festival
- When: April 14-16, 2023
Spring is also a great time for visiting local festivals, and once travelers are in Florida, they must not miss a chance to pop by Grant BBQ Festival. As one can guess from the event's name, the festival offers a wide variety of BBQ dishes to any taste. In addition to that, visitors will be able to purchase some local products and handicrafts, as well as see the exhibition of classic, old-school cars.
3 Don't Miss The Daytona 500 NASCAR Race!
- When: Mid to end of February (annually)
If travelers want to enrich their leisure time in Florida, they should definitely visit the Daytona 500 race! This grand event brings together people not only from the U.S. but from the whole world. The "Great American Race" usually takes place around mid to the end of February (typically around the 19th or 20th), but prior to that, visitors can find plenty of exciting venues for race fans.
2 Go Dolphin Watching
- When: all year round, but spring typically offers good weather and fewer crowds
Florida has many things to do, plenty of which are off-the-beaten-path activities that visitors may not even think about - and one of them is dolphin watching. Yes, one can join a boat tour to see these gorgeous creatures in their natural habitat. Some of the best destinations for this activity are Clearwater, Marco Island, and Panama City Beach.
1 Go Shopping At The Winter Park Farmers' Market
- When: every Saturday morning, 8 AM - 1 PM
Every Saturday morning, people have a chance to visit one of the best open-air markets in Florida. Located in Central Park West Meadow, the Winter Park Farmers' Market is a popular place for buying high-quality local products, veggies, fruits, and plants.