So, I’ve established two things about Florida so far (1) the Florida Keys can be a destination for hikers, and (2) this state has a lot of forts. As much as I love Disney, I didn’t see a single theme park while I was there. So, yes, there are a lot of off-the-beaten-path destinations in Florida, and there is hiking to be had for those us of that love seeing nature. But just what IS nature like in the home of Disney World? I imagined lots of swamps, with beaches on the edges, but it turns out (unsurprisingly), that the nature of Florida is really complex, with a variety of ecosystems (or groups of plants and animals associated with certain environmental conditions) to enjoy. Here are some of the ecosystems that I got to explore in Florida.
Ecosystems of Florida
Sea Island Flatwoods in Fort Caroline NM, Jacksonville
(c) ABR 2016
Palmetto Forests in Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville
(c) ABR 2016
Hardwook Hammock on Windly Key, Florida Keys
(c) ABR 2016
Sandy Beaches in the Dry Tortugas NP
(c) ABR 2016
Cypress Forest in Big Cypress National Preserve
(c) ABR 2016
Bay Head in a Grass River of the Everglades NP
(c) ABR 2016
Pinelands of the Everglades NP
(c) ABR 2016
Mangroves of the Everglades NP
(c) ABR 2016
Megan Johnson!
I love this! I’ll definitely be back. My boyfriend is from Florida and we’re going to visit in October and I can’t wait to see more of it!
waitingforrain28
You’re gonna have a great time. It is an amazing state. Not alot of mountains, of course, but we make due. 😛
Megan Johnson!
I’d say the beaches and springs make up for it haha
waitingforrain28
True!
2traveldads
We’re heading to the Everglades next month. Thank you for getting me excited for our trip!
waitingforrain28
No problem! I loved the Evergaldes so much. 😛
Brianne Miers
This post is a great reminder about how important it is to get away from the tourist spots, so you can experience the true beauty of a destination. I took a tour of Everglades NP, but it looks like there’s a lot more of Florida that I need to explore.
waitingforrain28
I was blown away by everything that I saw out there. It was just amazing. Definitely wasn’t expecting it all.
Diana Villa
My daughter loves nature and all those places in FL look amazing for her to explore, thanks for sharing 😀
waitingforrain28
She will enjoy it, I am sure. 🙂
Ivonne
How beautiful! Certainly a place I would love to discover!
waitingforrain28
Awesome! I hope that you can make it out there someday.
interNationalcaty
I lived in Florida all my life and last year was the first time I went to the Everglades. I did the airboat. However, I plan to do more nature walk. Next time you are back, check out Oleta Park. I think you will like it
waitingforrain28
That’s pretty common, I think. My husband had never been to the Grand Canyon until after we met even though he lived in AZ his whole life. XD And thanks! If I get the chance to visit again, I will definitely check that out.
Meg
Love the pics – I love visiting Florida – last time I was there we visited the Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale beaches – so many pretty sights!
waitingforrain28
Thanks! And yes, Florida is amazing!
Andrea R Warren (@WaldorfFries)
I grew up in s. Fl only a few minutes from the Everglades. My family still lives there, and it is a great place to visit. The Keys are one of my favorites to visit too. Thanks for taking me down memory lane:)
waitingforrain28
So glad that I could. <3 It is a beautiful area.
chavamazal
This looks beautiful. I’ve only been to Jacksonville, but I want to return to Florida and see the more beautiful spots.
waitingforrain28
I hope that you can! It is such a cool state. I had no idea.
Amber
This are pretty photos! I’ve only been to Orlando so far.
waitingforrain28
Thanks! Orlando is the one place that I missed!
Lulle.Beaumiroir
Wow, I had no idea that Florida was so diverse in terms of ecosystems. I kind of thought it was all wetlands…
Beaumiroir
waitingforrain28
Me too! I was really surprised and enchanted. 😀
Jessica
It is so nice to see other things about Florida besides Disney World. Florida is such a beautiful state! Great pictures that you took and you captured the beauty of the nature in Florida.
waitingforrain28
I agree. I always see the same things about it, but it has so much to offer. It was crazy!
Whitney
I have lived in Jacksonville all my life and ha enjoy been to the Sea Island flatlands. I will put it on my list for a summer outing. Thanks
waitingforrain28
No problem! I think you will enjoy it for sure.
Mommy Travels
Florida is great. I was lucky enough to live there for 2 years.
waitingforrain28
Neat! I bet you saw a lot of great stuff. 🙂
The Editor
I thought Florida is all about beaches, but these are beautiful! And more exciting I believe 🙂
-blairvillanueva
waitingforrain28
I agree. I get a little tired of beaches after a while, myself. I know some people could spend forever on the beach, but I need some variation.
@PettigrewReview
Beautiful photos. I’ve been to Florida a few times and always love it there.
http://misspettigrewreview.com/
waitingforrain28
<3 It is wonderful.
theblissfullyexhaustedmama
I’d love to visit Florida again! I’ve only been to Tampa and Orlando but I’d love to see the nature side of the State.
waitingforrain28
I hope that I can in the future. It was amazing. Tampa and Orlando were the cities I missed!
Alessandra
I love all these ideas! Like you, I always try to find the off the beaten path activities and you really inspired me to check those out next time I’m in Florida.
waitingforrain28
Awesome! I hope you get to see some of it, because it was really an amazing, eye-opening experience.
M
I first read about this in a Nancy Drew book. The Florida Keys are indeed so beautiful and I love that it is untouched by any new structures. Perfect work of nature.
waitingforrain28
Sadly, the Florida Keys do have alot of buildings on them. It does kind of take away some of the allure, I think, but it remains beautiful.
teachinglife2016
I love Florida and live there for six months in the winter. It has so much history to learn and see. Lots of adventures to explore.
waitingforrain28
I agree! Florida is a really amazing place.