old florida tour

12 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old Florida

Discover 12 must-visit places in Old Florida that showcase the state's history and natural beauty.

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While most outsiders know Florida for its theme parks and popular beaches, there's a whole other side of our state that most visitors never see. If you ask most native Floridians, they'll tell you this -- "Old Florida" -- is the best part. The parts of our state that predate all of the big-name attractions that draw the tourists, are often referred to as Old Florida. And there are still many places in the state where this spirit still lives; this is the Florida to which Hemingway referred. Here are 12 of the best places to visit in Old Florida:

1. Cedar Key

This town near North Central Florida is a delightful slice of Old Florida. Visitors love the natural beauty and slower pace of this town. Cedar Key is perhaps most famous for its clams, so make sure to try out a few local restaurants.

2. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park , located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, is a treasured piece of Florida’s history and a natural oasis. It's also home to this stunning hotel, built in 1937.

3. Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest

This scenic spot, with its crystal-clear water and historic millhouse, is one of the oldest and most popular campsites in the region. Read more about Juniper Springs in this feature .

4. Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, Dade City

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village sits on 16 acres and takes an in-depth look at Florida history, with living history exhibits and an annual festival with Civil War reenactments. Read more about Dade City, the town in which the museum is located, in this article .

This historic fishing village on Sarasota Bay is as authentic as it gets. You'll love the unique charm of this coastal community.

6. St. Augustine

We couldn't write this list without including St. Augustine , which is not only the oldest city in the state, but the whole country. This town has over 450 years of history, with plenty of fun shopping and dining experiences, too.

7. Bok Tower, Lake Wales

Bok Tower truly is one of the most marvelous places in The Sunshine State; registered as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, this contemplative garden and bird sanctuary is practically straight out of a Tolkien novel.

8. The Freezer, Homosassa

The Freezer is a hidden gem located in Homosassa with a real Old Florida feel. Meals are served in to-go boxes with plastic forks, but no one complains. Probably because this is some of the best seafood in town. Bring cash and a big appetite for this adorable tiki bar.

9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Although its popularity peaked in the 1960s, we love the unique way this park celebrates the natural beauty of Florida’s springs. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is absolutely unforgettable Florida fun -- and you can even swim with manatees there!

10. Cap's Place Island Restaurant, Lighthouse Point.

Cap's Place is a longstanding landmark in South Florida and basically a time machine back to Old Florida. Broward County's oldest restaurant was a speakeasy and casino in the 1920s, which explains why it sits on a little island. You have to take Cap's motor launch from their dock to reach the restaurant, which only adds to its unique charm.

11. Apalachicola

This fishing village in Northwest Florida is famous for some of the best seafood in the country, especially oysters. You'll fall in love with the rustic charm of Apalachicola .

12. The Yearling Restaurant, Cross Creek

The Yearling Restaurant specializes in "Cracker Cuisine" (like frog legs and alligator), but the unique atmosphere is what has kept visitors coming out to this countryside gem since 1952. If you love Old Florida, you absolutely must visit this iconic restaurant.

Have you visited any of these places? Where do you think are the best places to visit in Old Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

And for more Florida fun, be sure to check out our Ultimate Florida Bucket List !

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We Bet You Didn’t Know That Florida Was Home To One Of The Only Legal Places To Swim With Manatees In North America

Crystal River in Florida offers a unique opportunity to swim with manatees under supervised conditions.

Florida can lay claim to a lot of things - weird and wonderful things at that. We're talking about being one of the few places you'll see a Key Deer habitat, one of the smallest deer in North America. Or how about the fact that it's the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico?! Pretty cool stuff, right? But there's another thing that Florida can claim that nobody else can - it's home to being able to have a supervised swim with manatees in Florida . If I've piqued your curiosity, read on if this is an experience you'd like to check off your bucket list. It's one of the coolest animal encounters in Florida.

Crystal River is along the western coast of Florida.

Crystal River is a delightful coastal city where guests can legally swim supervised with manatees in Florida.

Many people might not realize that Crystal Springs is considered to be the Manatee Capital of the World!

Kings Bay in Crystal River is fed by springs that stay the same temperature year-round - between 72 and 74 degrees. This means that come wintertime, manatees in Florida flock to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to stay comfortable in the warm waters.

Every year, between 500-1000 manatees, come to Crystal River to escape cold waters. In addition, up to 100 manatees remain in the area throughout the year as well.

Visitors can swim with manatees in Crystal River. This spot in Florida is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with these lovely animals that are sometimes referred to as sea cows.

So, if you want to know, "Can I swim with manatees in Florida?", the answer is yes! This is both a responsibility and a privilege and Crystal River takes swimming with manatees very seriously.

In-water guides are trained to make sure that this beloved species is treated with care and kindness in the water.

All swimmers who participate in these manatees in Florida tours will be led through instructions before even entering the water - everyone needs to learn their “Manatee Manners” before swimming.

Guests looking to take these year-round manatee tours can find touring companies who operate with a special use permit. Even if you don’t want to swim with manatees but just want to see some up close, you can head over to the boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Refuge in Crystal River.

Have you ever been to Crystal River before? Did you ever swim with manatees there? If so, feel free to share your experience in the following comments section. I also encourage you to check out Discover Crystal River for more information that'll help you plan your memorable excursion. You can book this incredible experience swimming with manatees in Florida directly at TripAdvisor.

Aside from getting to swim with manatees in Crystal River, how about checking more experiences on your bucket list when you're in Florida? For ideas, take a look at this piece about Florida bucket list destinations.

The Abandoned Stilt House Community In Florida Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America

Stiltsville is an abandoned community of wooden stilt houses in Biscayne Bay, Florida, with a unique and fascinating history.

Off the coast of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County is an eerie abandoned place with a most unique history. Stiltsville, located just one mile south of Cape Florida, is a community of wooden structures that sit abandoned ten feet above the water. Albeit a dangerous one, these historic houses have a fascinating vantage point, seemingly floating above Biscayne Bay’s shallow water. But what's more fascinating is the history of these unique stilt houses in Florida and where they sit today.

Floating above Biscayne Bay, there is a community of wooden stilt houses that date back to the 1930s. At first glance, as far as creepy places in Florida go, the structures seem pretty benign.

Stiltsville in Florida started back in 1930 when “Crawfish Eddie Walker” built the very first shack on stilts above the water.

With time, more buildings were constructed, and eventually, the area became one of the most fascinating places in America.

Because Stiltsville was only accessible by water, many people weren’t able to get a chance to visit, making it one of the most exclusive areas in South Florida.

Today, they're a little more rundown than they used to be.

However, there were stories of illegal gambling and alcohol, which led to several police raids over the years.

When the community of wood houses was at its peak in the 1960s, there were 27 structures in total. However, hurricanes, fires, and other natural disasters have wreaked havoc on the area, leaving only seven of the buildings still standing.

While the structures can still be seen by boat by anyone in the area, public access to the structures is by permit only, due to the ownership by the National Park Service and management by the Stiltsville Trust.

As you can see, they're not easy to reach!

While there are no haunted rumors surrounding these stilt houses off the Florida coast (that we know of), their decrepit state certainly lends an eerie air to them! Unfortunately, due to their condition, staying in one of these abandoned houses isn't a possibility. However, you can have a similar lofted experience on land at this boho treehouse in Orlando - without worrying about waves or currents!

What do you think about Stiltsville? Have you ever visited in person? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! Or if you're looking for more information about these houses and how to pay a visit, check out the official National Parks Service website.

For more abandoned places in Florida, check out these eerie places that nature is reclaiming .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/abandoned-places-2-fl/

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101 BEST FLORIDA ROAD TRIPS

By   Mike Miller  Updated July 15, 2023

The Florida road trips, and scenic drives you will learn about on this website are the best way to enjoy and experience the real Old Florida out on the back roads.

Road Trips  are all about the scenery and driving routes.  They go through interesting places where you can stop if you'd like or drive on through.  Each of our road trip pages include driving maps.

These trips are designed to take you off congested highways including interstates.  We make sure, however, that your route is on paved roads not too far from restaurants and food, gas stations, and rest rooms.

Our focus is on on tree canopied routes through historic old towns and rural scenic countryside.  Some of the routes are designated Florida Scenic Highways or Byways by the Florida Department of Transportation.  

FLORIDA REGIONAL ROAD TRIPS THROUGH SMALL TOWNS

We have divided Florida into 8 regions, and each regional web page has a listing of recommended day trips. Each regional web page also has it's own interactive Google Florida state map focused on the region.

Northwest Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Pensacola to DeFuniak Springs on US-90 2.  DeFuniak Springs to Seaside 3.  Pensacola to Seaside on US-98 4.  Panama City Beach to Grayton Beach on Highway 30A 5.  Chattahoochee Loop through Sneads and Marianna 6.  Big Bend Scenic Hwy from Apalachicola to St Marks

North Central Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Quincy to Gainesville on US-90 2.  Panama City to Carrabelle on US-98 3.  Gainesville to Cedar Key on SR-24 4.  Gainesville to Micanopy and McIntosh on US-441 5.  Micanopy to Cross Creek on CR-346 and CR-325 6.  Cross Creek to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Grave 7.  White Springs to Suwannee along the Suwannee River 8.  Big Bend Scenic Highway from Apalachicola to St Marks

Northeast Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Fernandina Beach to St Augustine Beach on SR-A1A 2.  Jacksonville to Spuds on SR-13 along St Johns River 3.  Korona to Atlantic Ocean at Highbridge Road 4.  Highbridge Road to St Augustine on SR-A1A 5.  Orange Park to Crescent City on US-17 6.  Nature Drive North of St Johns River and Jacksonville 7.  Satsuma Loop through Welaka and Crescent City

Central East Florida Road Trips & Scenic Drives

1.  Anderson Drive from Highbridge to Ormond Beach 2.  South Daytona Beach to Ponce Inlet on S Atlantic Ave 3.  New Smyrna Beach to Edgewater along Halifax River 4.  Oak Hill through Kennedy Space Center to Titusville 5.  Williams Point thru Cocoa/Rockledge on Indian River 6.  Merritt Island to Georgianna on South Tropical Trail 7.  Pineda Causeway to Mathers Bridge on S Tropical Trail 8.  Indialantic to Sebastian Inlet on SR-A1A 9.  Wabasso Beach to Vero Beach on Jungle Trail 10. Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach along the Indian River 11. New Smyrna Beach Pioneer Trail Shortcut

Central Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Maitland to Orlando through Winter Park 2.  Lake Buena Vista to Windermere on SR-535 3.  Orlando to Winter Haven on US-17 4.  Orlando to Mount Dora on US-441 5.  Clermont to Lake Wales on US-27 6.  Lake Wales to Lake Placid on US-27 7.  Mount Dora to Groveland on SR-19 8.  Winter Haven to Wauchula on US-17 9.  Lake Wales to Frostproof on Scenic Highway 17 10. Polk City to Auburndale on CR-557 and CR-559 11. Mount Dora to Altoona to Villages and Return 12. Lake Griffin Scenic Loop via Lady Lake and Weirsdale 13. Yalaha Scenic Loop from Howey in the Hills 14. Mount Dora to Melrose through Ocala National Forest 15. Mount Dora to Cross Creek, Micanopy, and McIntosh 16. Mount Dora to St Leo through Dade City 17. Lake Apopka Loop via Apopka, Montverde, Howey 18. Emeralda Island Scenic Loop west of Eustis 19. Haines Creek Lock between Lakes Griffin and Eustis 20. Fort Gates Ferry Drive across St Johns River 21. Green Mountain Scenic Byway around Lake Apopka 22. Sugarloaf Mountain Loop near Montverde and Ferndale 23. On Top Of The World near Ocala to Melrose

Central West Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Bushnell to Floral City through Istachatta 2.  Inverness to Crystal River on SR-44 3.  Weeki Wachee Springs, Aripeka, Hudson on CR-595 4.  Holiday, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Dunedin 4.  New Port Richey-Tarpon Springs west of US-19 5.  Gospel Island - Inverness & Lake Tsala Apopka 6.  Gobbler's Drive - Floral City & Lake Tsala Apopka

Southwest Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Port Charlotte to Boca Grande thru Placida on CR-771 2.  Fort Myers to Iona on McGregor Boulevard 3.  LaBelle to Immokalee on SR-29 4.  LaBelle, Alva, Olga along the Caloosahatchee River 5.  Cape Coral to Matlacha and Pine Island 6.  Vanderbilt Beach to Port Royal through Old Naples 7.  Fifth Avenue Historic District in Old Naples 8.  Naples to Chokoloskee through Everglades City 9.  Naples to Miami on Tamiami Trail - US-41 10. Naples to Fort Myers Beach along the Gulf of Mexico

Southeast Florida Road Trips and Scenic Drives

1.  Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach along the Indian River 2.  Jupiter to Hobe Sound via Jupiter Island on the Ocean 3.  Jupiter to North Palm Beach on SR-A1A 4.  Palm Beach to Lake Worth Inlet among the mansions 5.  Palm Beach to Boynton Beach on SR-A1A 6.  Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale on SR-A1A 7.  Coconut Grove to Goulds on Old Cutler Road 8.  Miami to Fort Myers - Belle Glade, Clewiston, LaBelle 9.  Martin County Scenic Highway west of Stuart

STATE WIDE FLORIDA ROAD TRIPS

Some trips cross several regions of the state and many actually go from coast to coast.  These trips focus on staying on one highway - usually a lesser traveled one - and show you a part of Florida you would never see if you stay on the Interstates.

Fort Gates Ferry Across the St Johns River

Scenic Drives Along Florida Rivers

Old Florida Towns on the Indian River Lagoon

Old Florida Towns on the Forgotten Coast

Old Florida Towns on the St Johns River

Old Florida Places on the Suwannee River

Old Florida Towns US-1/SR-A1A, Fernandina-Key West

Old Florida Towns on Scenic Highway 17

Old Florida Towns on US-17 South of I-4

Old Florida Towns on US-17 Georgia to Punta Gorda

Old Florida Towns on SR-19 Groveland to Palatka

Old Florida Towns on SR-20 Niceville to Flagler Beach

Old Florida Towns on US-27 Georgia to Miami

Old Florida Towns on US-41 Georgia to Tampa

Old Florida Towns on SR-44 Crystal River to New Smyrna

Old Florida Towns on SR-60 Clearwater to Vero Beach

Old Florida Towns on SR-70 Bradenton to Fort Pierce

Old Florida Towns on SR-80 Fort Myers to Palm Beach

Old Florida Towns on US-90 Pensacola to Jax Beach

Old Florida Towns on US-301 Georgia to Sarasota

Road Trip Maytown Road from Osteen to Oak Hill

Road Trips on the East-West Highways

Road Trips on the North-South Highways

Florida Cracker Trail

Espanola Florida and the Old Brick Road

Florida Scenic Highway 30A

Old Spanish Trail

Florida Solo Travel For Women

Road Trips on the East-West Highways With Maps

Road Trips on the North-South Highways With Maps

FLORIDA TOWNS for information on hundreds of towns along with histories and Google interactive maps.

BEST FLORIDA ROAD TRIP CARS for the ones I've owned and driven on more than 2,000,000 miles of road trips.

Drive an electric car on your Florida road trips? Here are some Florida hotels with charging stations.

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Florida for Boomers

Guide to Florida Retirement Communities and Condos

Where to Find That Vintage, “Old Florida” Feeling

by Andrew Selby | Updated: April 29, 2023

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One of the first things people learn when moving to Florida is that all of the most popular tourist destinations actually do a pretty bad job of demonstrating the laid back lifestyle that Florida used to be known for.

Hence the birth of the “Old Florida” concept.

Back before tourism was such a big business, Florida was known for a slower pace of life with small towns and family owned shoppes and restaurants. But that Old Florida tradition still lives on today, you just have to know where to look for it.

Here are some of our favorite destinations that offer the perfect version of that Old Florida experience!

Follow the Sun to Dunedin

Located west of Tampa and just north of Clearwater, Dunedin offers residents the perfect hybrid lifestyle that allows them to be close to the big city action, but also far enough removed that they can find some peace and quiet as well.

As one of the oldest cities along the West Coast of Florida, there is a fantastic amount of history that exists here, and more to come as the locals are continually improving their quality of life with world-class dining options.

Like many of the small coastal towns in Florida, Dunedin has its share of unique shops full of interesting items. As you stroll through the area, you can always find something interesting at  The Spice & Tea Exchange , and The Celtic Shop of Dunedin .

Whether you are looking to grab some BBQ from  The Dunedin Smokehouse , enjoy fresh seafood from  Lucky Lobster , or sip on a pint and order a bite to eat at  Clear Sky Draught Haus , your inner foodie can’t help but appreciate the variety and quality it will find in Dunedin.

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Laid Back Beachfront Living – New Smyrna Beach

The Old Florida experience is definitely alive and well in beautifully laid-back New Smyrna Beach located along the Atlantic Coast of Central Florida. Located about an hour east of Orlando and just south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna offers residents close proximity to the bigger Florida cities without all of the hustle and bustle.

Most of the things to do in New Smyrna revolve around the 13 miles of beaches that are known for having some of the best surfing in all of Florida. There is also a thriving local art community with tons of local artists selling their work in little shops right along the beach.

In addition to the lure of the surf bum lifestyle, New Smyrna also boasts a rich history. You might want to spend a few hours checking out their Sugar Mill Ruins that will really take you back in time.

When it comes to food, it’s all about the casual eateries in New Smyrna Beach. Local operations like The Breakers sell food right along the beach. Then there are the awesome pulled pork nachos at Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen & Bar . Don’t worry, collared shirts and ties aren’t required for great food at either of these spots!

If you find yourself in this area, be sure to swing by and check out Venetian Bay:

Perfectly situated in Central Florida’s favorite beach town, New Smyrna Beach, Venetian Bay (A Geosam Capital development) offers World Class Resort-Style amenities to its residents. Play a round of golf on the 18-Hole Championship golf course, spend a day with your family at the Beach and Swim Club, enjoy a relaxing day at the World Class Spa, stay active by joining the on-site fitness center or walking and biking on the miles of beautiful trails.

Residents also enjoy dining at the onsite restaurants. Residents sense a feeling of belonging. Variety is well defined at Venetian Bay with wide spread appeal.  You’ll discover luxury estates in gated private communities; semi-custom homes; mid-sized single-family homes and duplexes; maintenance free luxury townhomes and apartment homes.  With prices ranging from the $300k's to over $1 million, there really is something for everyone at Venetian Bay.

The Island Paradise – Cedar Key

Small, quiet, and located right on the Gulf of Mexico, the island of Cedar Key represents everything that you think of when you hear the term “Old Florida.”

One of the coolest things to do while you are in Cedar Key is to tour the island by plane with Marvin Franks . Marvin will take you up in his white and blue 1950 Cessna 170A and give you a 20 minute tour that is full of absolutely breathtaking views of the entire island and surrounding areas.

When you get hungry on an island in the Gulf of Mexico, seafood is going to be on the menu just about everywhere you go. Places like Tony’s Seafood Restaurant , Big Deck Raw Bar , and Steamers Clam Bar & Grill are all located right on the island and all serve fantastic tasting seafood in a casual environment.

If you find yourself in this area, be sure to go check out the Villages of Citrus Hills:

Located less than an hour from The Villages, the Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single-family homes and maintenance-free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities. Villages of Citrus Hills offers a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from.

Upscale Old Florida Charm – Fernandina Beach

On the east coast of northern Florida is where you will find Amelia Island. And on Amelia Island is where you will find the fabulous beach town of Fernandina Beach .

This is one of the more upscale towns in our Old Florida collection, so if you are looking for an option that has a few excellent golf destinations, this is the choice for you. In addition to all of the excellent golf courses, there are also tons of boutique shops where local artists are able to sell their creations.

If you’re looking to grab a casual bite to eat in Fernandina Beach, one of the most unique options is Timoti’s Seafood Shack . This is a super-casual spot with picnic table dining and take-out containers, but the food quality is unbelievable.

For a more formal option that still won’t break your budget, getting tapas from Espana is always a fun option. Just about everything on the menu here is absolutely fantastic. And since it’s all tapas, you can order a few different choices and try them all!

And for a bit of history, don't forget to hit the oldest bar in Florida, The Palace Saloon (pictured above). If nothing else, at least visit their website and scroll down and read about the history of it, it's pretty cool!

If you find yourself in this area, be sure to check out Del Webb Wildlight:

Experience a new level of retirement living at Del Webb Wildlight. This distinctive active adult community is located 20 minutes away from downtown Fernandina, Amelia Island beaches, and downtown Jacksonville. Del Webb Wildlight provides unique opportunities centered around signature resort-style amenities hosted by a full-time lifestyle director to ensure you stay active.

The Gateway to the Keys – Key Largo

As the very first option along that famous stretch of islands known as the Florida Keys , Key Largo offers the perfect combination of close proximity to the mainland with a laid-back island vibe. Much like many of the islands further south into the Caribbean, life moves just a little bit slower in the Keys.

Lounging around for most of the day is the optimal way to pass the time in Key Largo. But if you do feel the need to be active, it also happens to be one of the best scuba diving locations in the entire world. There are literally dozens of ancient shipwrecks to explore throughout the Keys.

With its perfect location almost as far south as you can get without leaving the country, restaurants in Key Largo definitely have a bias towards local seafood. Some of the best spots in town include Key Largo Fisheries , Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen , and The Fish House .

Over to you…

Know a great place to experience that “old Florida” feeling? Let us know in the comments down below!

Reader Interactions

September 22, 2023 at 9:13 am

The Fanlew community in Jefferson represents the true North Florida history.

April 29, 2023 at 8:23 am

Yankee Town is old Florida at its best!

January 20, 2023 at 12:12 pm

High Springs and Micanopy are cool small Florida towns too.

January 19, 2023 at 10:22 pm

Apalachicola still has an old Florida vibe. Very much off the beaten track. Only Highway 98 in and out., and we do have moss on oaks, river and beaches.

May 1, 2023 at 1:47 pm

Deborah you are so right! My husband and I have spent years following the coastlines around Florida, as well as crisscrossing the state, all of the Keys and the Panhandle towns. The first time we saw Apalachicola area, we were both blown away. YES, IT IS OLD FLORIDA. We loved it,. and planned to come back to that area. Sadly, I lost my husband before we made our move. Apalachicola remains my favorite.

January 18, 2023 at 5:22 pm

Homasassa Springs is Old Florida at its best. Don’t miss the fresh shrimp at The Freezer on the riverfront.

August 23, 2022 at 2:38 pm

Check out Crystal River and Inglis ,Yankee town area where Elvis filmed follow that dream. You will be transported back in time to a more peaceful historic Florida that time has forgotten !

June 26, 2022 at 8:12 pm

Floral City, Inverness and Crystal River. All have an old Florida vibe!

June 26, 2022 at 2:01 pm

You can have all the moss on my oak trees…in Bartow.

May 6, 2022 at 9:53 am

Matlacha and Pine Island west of Cape Coral

January 16, 2022 at 3:33 pm

Boca Grande is quintessential Old Florida at its best. Nicely styled old world laid back feel with well dressed understated crowd.

August 16, 2021 at 1:39 pm

I’ve stayed in Cocoa Beach when there were only two motels there, 60 years ago. You could drive and park on the beach. There was no such thing as parking meters to pay to park to go to the beach……..That was old Florida.

August 16, 2021 at 1:14 pm

Old Florida waterfront living is what I’m looking for for a seasonal rental

August 16, 2021 at 12:02 pm

I would definitely add Mount Dora & Cassadaga just because of it’s funky paranormal vibe.

August 16, 2021 at 11:40 am

What about Bokeelia?

August 15, 2021 at 1:18 pm

Stuart, Venice, Mount Dora to name a few more.

August 14, 2021 at 8:36 pm

These are wonderful recommendations. I’m wondering if there are any towns in Florida left that still have Moss hanging from the trees. I want to live somewhere where there’s Moss hanging on the trees!

August 17, 2021 at 9:48 am

I believe we saw those trees when we visited Dunedin. Hadn’t seen anything like that before.

June 26, 2022 at 5:43 pm

Floral city still does It reminds me of the movie The Headless Horseman

June 30, 2022 at 8:26 pm

St. Augustine is where the tree moss is plentiful.

April 29, 2023 at 9:43 am

Amelia island has beautiful trees with hanging moss

January 29, 2023 at 10:16 am

Micanopy and any towns around Gainesville

August 14, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Bagdad Fl is much more “old Florida” than anything in the article!

August 14, 2021 at 3:24 pm

Winter Garden was such a nice place to visit. Walking on the street, browsing in the shops and eating at local eateries.

August 14, 2021 at 1:13 pm

Palm Coast, Florida looks nice.

August 14, 2021 at 12:10 pm

Clearwater used to be that way back in the 1960’s. I was born in Tampa and my Godparents lived on the beach in Clearwater. I miss going to their house.

June 13, 2022 at 10:13 am

“Used to be” is right. My Grandparents retired to Largo in the sixties after deciding that the west coast of Florida was less crowded than the east coast. Pinellas County in the sixties was a developing area. I lived with my Grandparents from 1968-1971, graduating from Largo HS and St Petersburg Jr College. It was a wonderful place to live at that time.

When I returned for my 50th high school reunion in 2019, I found the Clearwater/Largo area to be a much different place than I remembered. It was still nice, but the laid back ambience was gone.

April 29, 2023 at 9:26 am

all of florida used to be like that in the 60s and 70s even south beach miami they rolled the sidewalks up when the sun went down.

August 14, 2021 at 11:49 am

This is what I’ve been looking for. Thank you so much for featuring this appealing option. While I love all inclusive areas, as they are beautiful, I long for that old Florida appeal.

August 14, 2021 at 10:01 am

Stuart, Florida

August 14, 2021 at 9:45 am

Arcadia Florida is also very old Florida the town main Street has antique shops , an old fashioned ice cream Parlor and the old theater turned museum is fun to check out.

August 14, 2021 at 9:11 am

Do you want to see real old Florida go to Quincy Florida rich in history just north of Tallahassee Garson County

Cedar Key is a marvellous place, used to ride my motorcycle there every winter several times, affordable living and certainly less hustle and bustle.

August 14, 2021 at 8:59 am

Anna Maria Island.

January 18, 2023 at 5:47 pm

And Cortez near Anna Maria Island. One of the last fishing villages left in FL.

August 14, 2021 at 8:29 am

August 15, 2021 at 1:16 pm

Love Venice! We were there yesterday!

August 16, 2021 at 5:15 pm

Englewood also

July 27, 2021 at 10:27 am

Welaka is really old Florida! For now

May 24, 2021 at 6:24 am

You forgot Brooksville, FL

June 3, 2018 at 12:31 pm

Though I certainly understand the appeal of beach communities, there is certainly a vibrant old Florida feel in communities like Lake Placid. Give us a look sometime. It has fishing, hiking, boating, good restaurants and affordable living.

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Old florida attractions offer time-honored charms.

Take a tour of Old Florida with hidden gems, surprising shows and more at these unique Sunshine State attractions.

In the late 1940s, Sir Winston Churchill watched a cockatoo pedal a bicycle across a high wire at Miami ’s historic Jungle Island . And today, audiences can still watch the same charming feat, which opens this ever-popular attraction’s world-famous Winged Wonders bird show . Florida’s hidden corners, back roads and traditional favorites are packed with unique experiences that Floridians and visitors alike continue to cherish today, as they did decades ago. One-on-one experiences with kangaroos, lemurs from Madagascar, reptiles, camels and other hand-raised exotic animals remain popular at Jungle Island. The three animal shows smartly blend elements of nostalgia with edu-tainment about the environment and quirky photo ops. Regular promotions at the animal park include Buy a Day, Get a Year and special events such as the Spooktacular Halloween Weekend and traditional Easter Eggstravaganza . In Fort Myers , the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Gardens were the second homes of the two great inventors who got “sand in their shoes,” just like Damon Runyon, the writer who coined that phrase about falling in love with South Florida. Today, the estates host hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, and even the occasional destination wedding in the gardens.

Kids (and even teens) are often fascinated by Edison’s Laboratory , one of Old Florida's attractions that is filled with the original apparatus and equipment that Edison used to conduct his rubber research. The Estates Museum galleries are filled with Edison and Ford artifacts, including an original working light bulb and phonographs. Throughout the year, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer free admission for numerous groups including teachers, fathers and veterans on special days.  The Overseas Highway to Key West was originally dubbed the “Over-Sea Railway” and widely heralded as “The Eighth Wonder of the Manmade World.” Originally completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and leads to many “off the beaten path” attractions. One of them, the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center has 2.5 miles of trails and wooden walkways crisscrossing the hammock. It’s home to remnants of pirate ships and a 600-year-old dugout canoe. At the Nature Center, an informative exhibit on the life cycle of sea turtles includes a rare giant leatherback carapace on display. Also on-site is the Marathon Wild Bird Center , which nurses injured pelicans, cormorants, egrets and other birds back to health. From November through April, the guided trolley tours are a refreshing way to explore the expansive property. Further south through the Middle Keys on the Overseas Highway, which was named an All-American Road in 2009 by the Department of Transportation, is the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge, the ultimate Old Florida attraction. Under the National Scenic Byways program, roads can be recognized as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. Best of all, a stroll on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, which runs parallel to the new Seven Mile Bridge, is free every day. Another old favorite, the glass-bottom boat, was invented in Central Florida ’s original tourist spot, Silver Springs and became an instant sensation. At Silver Springs, visitors can still glimpse the Old Florida that enthralled Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in nearby Cross Creek . Today, the attraction includes a petting zoo, carousel and the same glass-bottom boat rides that first became popular more than 130 years ago. Visitors can buy an All-Access Silver Pass, or the all new All-Access Platinum Pass, which includes entry for a year, a free wild waters pass, free parking, free concerts, Festival of Lights and more. Parking is only $8 for non-pass holders, and a daily ticket still gets you a grand view of unspoiled Florida beauty from those glass-bottom boats peering into the crystal clear springs. On the other side of the spectrum, The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach is grander than many European palaces. A National Historic Landmark completed in 1902, this 100,000-square-foot mansion features world-class art from the Gilded Age. Today, it hosts high tea in the Cafe des Beaux-Arts from the day after Thanksgiving through the Saturday before Easter. Classical music recitals are held each January and February. During Grandparents Day on Sept. 8, the Flagler Museum offers special activity guides to all kids. Activities include making scrapbook pages, conducting special grandparent interviews and having a family photo taken in front of the Flagler’s private Railcar No. 91. Across the state, an 100-foot mural depicting the Gulf floor gives visitors to the Destin History & Fishing Museum the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibits within the 4,000 square-foot exhibit space include historic photographs and artifacts of early Destin & the Fishing Industry; and the Famous Fish Wall Shark Tank & Reef Ecosystem featuring 75 mounts of locally caught fish in Destin, which is renowned as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” A large collection of antique fishing rods and reels is on display, including one that belonged to Ernest Hemingway and is constructed of split bamboo with an original Penn Reel. It is also home of the oldest seine fishing boat still in existence, The Primrose , which was built in 1925. Adjacent to the property, the original Destin Post Office offers an alternate glimpse into the past. Florida’s original attraction, St. Augustine , continues to beckon folks much as it did in the 1500s, when Ponce de León first landed on and named Florida in 1513. Today, the town is known for Castillo de San Marcos , Flagler College , the Lightner Museum , historic reenactments, costumed interpreters, gourmet restaurants and the St. Augustine Lighthouse that ensures safe navigation of its shores. One of the most economical ways to see the attractions is to purchase a trolley ticket, which allows three days of unlimited travel to interesting spots throughout the town. Many of Florida’s original attractions remain alluring today. Along with our spectacular beaches, these heritage locations continue to draw visitors and locals every day – and offer deals that make sure all curious and fun-loving parties get to see this side of the Sunshine State.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Florida Keys

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Home » Things To Do » Florida Attractions » 9 Old Florida Attractions That Continue To Spark New Memories

9 Old Florida Attractions That Continue To Spark New Memories

Last Updated on May 31, 2024

It’s easy to keep kids entertained no matter where you travel in Florida, especially in the heyday of Old Florida Attractions. Tourism is Florida’s largest industry. Starting in the late 19th century, people traveled to Florida to ride glass-bottom boats, watch mermaids, and interact with the out-of-the-ordinary, exotic environment.

Although the majority of these unique roadside attractions no longer exist, many are still thriving and are a great option to create family memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are a few of our favorite Authentic Florida family-friendly Old Florida Attractions:

1. Cypress Gardens (Polk County)

Many people don’t realize that LEGOLAND® Florida has made an incredible commitment to preserving the integrity of “Florida’s First Theme Park” — the historic and enchanting  Cypress Gardens . LEGOLAND® Florida restored the beautiful botanical gardens to pristine condition. The collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, has been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. Still standing guard in the garden is the vast Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939.

In addition, LEGOLAND® Florida retains the garden’s main attraction: daily water ski shows, which now feature swashbuckling LEGO® pirates.

Cypress Gardens is preserved as one of 14 zones within the Resort. It’s important to note that admission is not available without a ticket to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. They offer great annual pass options for Florida Residents.

2. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (St. Johns County)

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late 19th Century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and soon became a quintessential Florida attraction. Today it functions as a modern zoo serving the public and the scientific community with educational shows and exhibits, important research, and worldwide conservation efforts.

Alligator Farm is an Old Florida Attraction that is the longest continuously running attraction. The Alligator Farm’s history as an attraction and an accredited zoo is nearly as exciting as zipping across the Alligator Lagoon on Crocodile Crossing, the park’s thrilling zip-line attraction.

Keep in mind, Alligator Farm is a hop, skip, and jump from downtown St. Augustine, America’s Oldest City. St. Augustine’s rich history is well chronicled by the landmarks that bear witness to the various occupations. The assortment of historical attractions such as the fortress-like Castillo de San Marcos and the fabled Fountain of Youth brings history to life, shedding light on its captivating and colorful past.

3. Silver Springs (Marion County)

Located in Northwest Central Florida’s Marion County, Ocala is an adventurer’s paradise and home to an Old Florida Attraction, Silver Springs State Park .

Visitors will enjoy a nostalgic tour of “old Florida” in a vintage glass-bottom boat. Boat captains share the history and ecological features while everyone views the bubbly springs and wonders below.

Those who want to be on their own should consider a kayak paddle of the Ft. King Waterway. This adventure provides a two-mile loop over the springs and past Ross Allen Island. It’s a chance to step back in time while you admire the alligators, otters, manatees, and even the non-native rhesus macaque monkeys brought in years ago that still swing from tree to tree.

Signage warns people not to feed the monkeys and to avoid interaction that might elicit an aggressive response. Just obey the warnings and there’s nothing to worry about. If you feel at all uneasy, stick with the glass bottom boat experience.

4. Gatorland (Osceola County)

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment.  Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park recently celebrated its 70 th  Anniversary.  

Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters.  

Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

5. Crystal River, Three Sisters, and Homosassa Springs (Citrus County)

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, north of Tampa and west of Orlando, is Citrus County . It is the world’s largest natural winter refuge for the West Indian Manatee. It’s no wonder it’s known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.” The manatees are attracted to the area because of its abundance of freshwater springs.

These “gentle giants” congregate near the springs, especially during the winter (November until March). They seek the warmer spring water when Gulf water temperatures dip below 68 degrees. Often called “gentle giants” these slow-moving, 1,000-pound, 10-foot long, grayish-brown creatures are related to the elephant, as evidenced by their thick, leathery wrinkled skin.

According to manatee expert and U.S. Geological Survey research biologist Bob Bonde, “Citrus County draws an average of 1,000 manatees per year, and with a total Florida population just exceeding 6,000, that makes the area a significant draw for winter migrating herds.”

The area’s abundance of freshwater springs offers many places where visitors can observe manatees. Crystal River Kings Bay draws the largest aggregation of manatees, especially at the King’s Spring known as the Key Hole; or Hunter Springs, a local county park that provides a walkway for viewing. The emerald blue-green Three Sisters Springs has surrounding boardwalks for viewing manatees in crystal water and the  Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park  offers an underwater observatory.

Even when the manatees are not in abundance, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day.

6. Flamingo Gardens (Broward County)

Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre Botanical Garden and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary. The Flamingo Gardens botanical gardens in Fort Lauderdale, (Davie) Florida, feature over 3000 species of rare & exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees. Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife including alligators, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks, and of course, flamingos!

​​Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida. Originally founded by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as an orange grove, the nonprofit botanical garden is home to 18 “Champion” trees, the largest trees of their species, including the largest tree in Florida.

The centerpiece of the gardens is a natural hammock of 200-year-old Live Oaks dripping with species orchids and epiphytes. Here sits the historic Wray Home Museum, built in 1933 by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as a weekend retreat. It is the oldest residence in Broward County west of University Drive. The building was restored in 1991 to depict a typical South Florida country home of the 1930s.

Specialized botanical gardens, including a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, Croton Garden, and Bromeliad Garden dot the main Arboretum. 

7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota County)

Sarasota Jungle Gardens features acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows throughout the day.

Established in 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to native and exotic animals, including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, free-roaming flamingos, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, crocodiles and other reptiles.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to interact with and experience the animals, many of which found their home at Sarasota Jungle Gardens through approved private donations.

8. Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla County)

Located just 30 minutes south of Tallahassee, a true Florida adventure awaits you and your family. Wakulla Springs State Park is the origin of the Wakulla River, which flows nine miles south joining the St. Marks River, then running an additional five miles and finally dumping into the Gulf of Mexico at the Apalachee Bay.

Over 200-300 million gallons of water per day pour out of the Wakulla Spring. It is home to the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world. The Spring is also home to the deepest and most extensive underwater cave system.

The actual Wakulla Springs preserve area is incredible, and many movies have been shot there. These include Tarzan and The Creature from the Black Lagoon .

Edward Ball, an early conservationist, and visionary purchased the property in 1934 and preserved the habitat. Later, he built the Wakulla Springs Lodge in Mediterranean revival architecture with 27 spacious rooms.

The lobby’s ceiling has beautifully painted wood beams with Florida wildlife and art. There are also marble checker tables, a huge fireplace, and “Old Joe,” a stuffed 11 ft. alligator that lived in the park. The Lodge has a dining room, with delicious baked grouper stuffed with crabmeat, fried chicken, and their famous navy bean soup. The kids will love it and so will you.

9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Hernando County)

Wherever you are on the Adventure Coast, you’ll also find plenty to do and see. The area embodies everything Florida – from kitsch to the natural outdoors. There are beautiful mermaids, endearing manatees, and emerald green rolling hills dotted by farms and rural living. Located an hour west of Orlando, Weeki Wachee Springs is known around the world for its mermaids. Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has captivated families and children with its underwater mermaid performances.

Former Navy man Newton Perry created this roadside attraction that later became part of the Florida State Park system. Perry’s concept of beautiful mermaids performing underwater while intermittently taking breaths through slim air tubes became an instant hit for audiences. Rigorous training, elaborate (fish-tailed) costumes, and a choreographed ballet is set to music against the backdrop of clear natural spring waters.

A first-magnitude spring bubbles up from the Florida aquifer providing an incredible fishbowl stage. Guests sit in a glass theatre as mermaids perform their synchronized underwater shows. They also have special mermaid shows (especially around the holidays) that are extra festive and fun.

After the show, kids can also meet a Weeki Wachee mermaid in person. In addition to the mermaid shows, there is also a riverboat cruise, animal show, and Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park.

One pleasant surprise, this “old Florida” attraction still remains one of the best bargains in Florida.

Here are a few other articles you may enjoy:

• Rick Kilby’s 5 Favorite “Old Florida” Roadside Attractions
• A Day Trip to Florida’s Kitschy Adventure Coast
• Historic Richloam General Store Celebrates its 100-Year Anniversary
• A Road Trip to 5 Vintage General Stores in Florida
• 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida
• The 20 Best Historic Hotels in Florida
• Put the Florida Mermaid Trail in Brooksville on Your Bucket List
• Making Mermaid Statues: Follow the Tails

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Florida boat tours: Nine authentic ways to enjoy the scenery

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: July 5, 2024

Visitors have been taking scenic boat tours of Florida waterways ever since there were visitors to Florida.

The state’s very first tourist attraction, Silver Springs in Ocala, began its famous glass-bottom boat tours almost 150 years ago.

Clearly, they were on to something; — there are few better ways to see the state’s beauty than on a Florida boat tour. With 1,800 miles of coastline and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, you’ll never run out of places to cruise.

There are dozens of boat tours in Florida, but here are nine that stand out for their history or the special experience they offer. In many cases, these boat tours use vessels that look just like the originals.

How many of them have you taken?

Silver Springs: Oldest glass-bottom boat tour in Florida

People have been gazing into the clear water of Silver Springs through glass-bottom boats for almost 150 years, making the Ocala spring the oldest tourist attraction in Florida. It started in the 1870s when an entrepreneur fixed a piece of glass in the bottom of a rowboat. Tourists flocked here to see what was then the largest artesian spring in the world, and Silver Springs became a big money-making attraction.

By 2013, however, Silver Springs’ success as a tourist attraction had faded. The state took it over and opened the new Silver Springs State Park. Fortunately, the traditional glass-bottom boat tours continue.

While the spring no longer pumps enough water to be first in the world, it is still a stunning sight. You can still see the bottom through 20 or 30 feet of water the color of a swimming pool. Visitors often see wildlife — alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons plus large fish — in and around the clear water.

There’s an inexpensive 30-minute tour — $13 for adults and $12 for adults and kids 6 to 12 and it’s offered 365 days a year.

The Silver River and its spring are worth more than a half hour tour, however, so you should consider the 90-minute River Boat Tour, which is offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $25 adults; $20 seniors and children; 5 and under free.

The best way to the Silver River, though, is by kayak,  The Silver River is, without question, one of the prettiest rivers to kayak in Florida. (Here’s more on the Silver Springs kayak trail .)

• Silver Springs Glass-Bottom Boats
• 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
• Silver Springs
• 352-236-7148

Central Florida’s historic Florida boat tour in Winter Park

Long before Mickey Mouse came to Orlando, folks were enjoying “jungle cruises” in Orlando. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours started taking visitors through the lakes and canals of the Winter Park chain in 1938.

The boats only hold 18 people and they do not have canopies because the narrow canals that connect the Winter Park chain of lakes go under bridges that are only inches above your head.

This is your classic Florida tourist experience, complete with the corny guide telling the same groan-worthy jokes on every cruise. But it has been around for more than 80 years for a reason – spectacular scenery you’ll only see this way.  

Be sure to bring hats and sunscreen on this friendly, intimate one-hour tour. Tours leave hourly; $16 adults; $8 children.

• Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours
• 312 E. Morse Blvd.
• Winter Park
• 407-644-4056

The noisiest Florida boat tour: Everglades airboats

I have mixed feelings about airboats. When I’m out hiking or paddling, I resent the mosquito-buzz drone of the boats and, used wrong, they do environmental damage. But, like driving cars on Daytona Beach , airboats have been a part of visiting Florida for almost 100 years.

Invented by Alexander Graham Bell, airboats first came to Florida in the 1920s. Airboat tours take you into roadless areas to see wildlife, but a big part of the experience is the wind, noise and thrilling speed. There are no airboat rides within Everglades National Park , but there are plenty of options throughout South and Central Florida.

Two long-time airboat operators:

•  Cooperstown Airboats (in business since 1945) on the Tamiami Trail near the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park.   As of 2022, tours are $26 adults; $15 children 11 to 6.
• AirBoat Rides at Midway (operating since the 1930s) east of Orlando in Christmas. As of 2022, tours are $40 adults (including tax.)

St. Augustine historic boat tour

A hundred years ago, Henry Flagler was bringing Florida’s first tourists to St. Augustine on his train and hosting them at his grand Ponce De Leon Hotel, which is now Flagler College. To amuse his guests, Flagler arranged for some locals, Captain Frank Usina and his wife, to offer oyster roasts. Pretty soon, Usina was transporting visitors by boat around St. Augustine’s waters.

A century later, his descendants are still doing that. The hour-and-15-minute scenic cruise, operated by the fourth generation of the Usina family, sails under St. Augustine’s much photographed Bridge of Lions and in front of the Castillo De San Marcos, past salt marshes with wading birds and out to the lighthouse. Sightings of dolphins are common. 

As of 2023, prices are $22.50 adults; $10.75 children 4-12.

• Scenic Cruise St. Augustine
• St. Augustine Municipal Marina
• 111 Avenida Menendez
• St Augustine
• 904-824-1806

Fort Lauderdale’s classic Florida boat tour, the Jungle Queen

The Jungle Queen Riverboat has been plying the waterways of Fort Lauderdale for more than 50 years – and I think some of their jokes are that old too.

When I worked at the Sun Sentinel’s old offices on the New River in the 1980s, I would leave work as the evening Jungle Queen tour came by at the same time every day. Over the loud speaker I would hear the same words, which went something like this: “Here in Venice of America, some people go to work by boat, some people go to school by boat and, do you see that building on your left? Some people go to jail by boat. That, ladies and gentleman, is the Broward County Jail, right on prime waterfront property.”  I would mouth the unchanging words along with the tour guide as I walked to my car.

Still, I love the Jungle Queen, precisely because it is old and corny. I tell guests to skip the cruises with meals and take the sightseeing tour, where you’ll get a little local history and some great views of my town.

As of 2023, tickets range from $31 for adults for the sightseeing cruise to $70 for adults for barbecue dinner with entertainment on the Jungle Queen’s island.

With recent visitors to us in Fort Lauderdale, we took the Carrie B , which has been around for fewer years but tours much of the same route. We liked how to Carrie B went through Port Everglades and out into the ocean for a brief view.

• Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise 
• Bahia Mar Yachting Center
• 801 Seabreeze Blvd.
• Fort Lauderdale
• 954-462-5596.

The Florida boat tour that is a Key West tradition: sunset boat tours

As early the 1960s, hippies in Key West had turned  watching the daily sunset into a celebration on Mallory Square. Sunset cruises weren’t far behind.

The Key West Historic Seaport has more than a dozen sunset cruises available. You’ll want to search reviews on TripAdvisor to see which one matches your style and pocketbook. Some are priced for splurges or special occasions; others have a higher volume/lower price model.

A few examples:

• The yacht called the Party Cat promotes itself as the least expensive sunset cruise. Beer and soft drinks are included plus music and dancing.
• The pirate-themed Jolly II Rover schooner has jaunty red sails and is BYOB. It’s a two-hour tour.
• The Key West Cocktail Cruise offers a cruise with cocktails, champagne or craft beer and wine at differing price points.
• Argo Navis   a newer addition to Key West, is a luxury catamaran with a smaller capacity. 
• Schooner America 2.0 is a tall ship that serves champagne, wine, beer and hors d’oeurves for $104 per person.

Tarpon Springs: Florida boat tours to see island, dolphins

The Greeks came to Tarpon Springs to dive for sponges, but by the 1920s, some sponging boats began taking visitors out for tours. The sponges are long gone, but the Greek heritage and boat tours live on.

One of the best things to do from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is take a boat tour, and it offers several delights.

First you see the Anclote River and hear a little Tarpon Springs history. Then you head into Gulf waters and spot dolphins.

A few miles out, on some tours you stop on Anclote Key, a pristine white-sand barrier island reachable only by boat. Anclote Key is a state park with an 1887 lighthouse. The tours give visitors a half hour to enjoy Anclote’s perfect sandy beaches — you’ll wish you could stay. Visiting the lighthouse is not part of the tour.

There are several types of cruises, with prices starting around $27.

• Spongeorama Cruiselines
• 510 Dodecanese Blvd.
• Tarpon Springs
• 727-943-2164

Key Largo’s African Queen, the real deal

This boat tour is more about the boat than the tour. The African Queen boat, the actual steamboat used in the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, has been beautifully restored to take visitors on Key Largo cruises.

Cruises are pricey but intimate — $60 for adults in 2023, so this one is best for true fans yearning to sit exactly where Hepburn and Bogart did. The boat is licensed to take just six passengers at a time and the canal cruise is about 90 minutes long.

• The African Queen
• U.S. Hwy 1 at mile marker 100, Holiday Inn Docks
• Key Largo, FL
• 305-451-8080

Wakulla Springs and “The Black Lagoon”

One of the largest springs in the world and the deepest in Florida, Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee has a rich history. There are mastodon bones in the bottom of the river, archeological sites along its shores and it was also the setting for several early Tarzan movies starring Johnny Weissmuller, as well as “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

Boat tours started here in the late 1800s. The guide on today’s boat tour in Edward Ball Wakulla Spring State Park tells you stories of the mysterious spring (its source has never been located) while pointing out wildlife, which is plentiful. Ancient bald cypress trees line the picturesque river.

The boat tour is a two-mile loop that takes 45 minutes to an hour and at $8 for adults in 2022, it’s the best bargain you’ll find for Florida boat tours.  The water rarely achieves the aquamarine clarity it once had, but when it does — usually in late winter or early spring – Wakulla Spring brings out its glass bottom boat for special tours.

• Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 
• 465 Wakulla Park Drive
• Wakulla Springs, 32327
• 850-561-7276

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Friday 30th of August 2019

One of my favorite cruises is on the Dora Canal in near Mount Dora. This beautiful one mile stretch is a nesting area for wading birds, hawks and many other breeds. In the spring all the baby birds are squawking and the activity is amazing. There are many alligators too. You can get a boat at the Mount Dora Hotel, and there is at least one other competing tour company. If you're particularly intrepid, you can launch a canoe in Lake Eustis or Lake Dora and paddle, but there is a lot of boat traffic.

Bonnie Gross

Saturday 31st of August 2019

Great suggestions, Sue. I had read about the Dora Canal in the past but haven't been on it. It's nice to have new travel experiences to add to future trips!

Saturday 24th of August 2019

The oldest and only remaining early circa boat from Silver Springs is the 'Princess Donna' from 1934. She's also the oldest USCG inspected commercial boat running tours in the state of Florida. Located in Bokeelia, FL running nature tours on Jug Creek. oldfloridaboattour.com Check it out for a real piece of history.

Peter Rider

Wednesday 14th of August 2019

At Jiggs Landing, Ward Lake a great river tour up the Braden River to Linger Lodge and back is offered. Lots of birds, etc. They use an electric tour boat. Captain Brando gives a good guided tour.

Peter: What a great suggestion. I'd love to do this outing this winter! I assume this the tour operator. I'm putting this on my to-do list. (also looks like a nice kayak paddle too!)

Dave Cannon

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

4 for me. Winter Park, Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Argo Navis. The last one on the 4th of July. Sunset, dinner, and fireworks. The same good folks that sail the Schooner Hindu out of Key West in the cool months are behind the Argo Navis. My brother in law and his son.

Thanks, Dave. The schooner Hindu is a beauty. I've admired it on the docks many times; even googled it before to learn more about it.

Very helpful. My spouse and I won't do airboat tours, however, because airboats are so incredibly noisy and so wrong in nature settings. Not sure that because they've been around for 100 years justifies supporting them now.

Yes. I'm not pro-airboat either; this is really the only place on our site where we mention them. We have a popular Everglades guide and as a result, I have had readers contact me about airboats and I've expressed my views. At least one wrote back after her family's trip to tell me they really liked the airboat tour and had talked to the operator about steps they take to be environmentally conscious. Thanks for your comment and for visiting our site.

This post includes affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a modest commission if a purchase is made. This revenue directly supports the creation of original content for your enjoyment.

Explore Captivating St. Augustine

Visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, showcasing rich history and the warm Florida sunshine. Discover the wonders of this remarkable destination, renowned for its sandy beaches, awe-inspiring architecture, and profound influence on our nation’s heritage. Historic Tours of America invites you to embark on a journey through time, immersing yourself in the stories and treasures that have shaped St. Augustine into the vibrant city it is today.

Discover St. Augustine's Hidden Gems

Climb aboard Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine, and let us be your guide to the Ancient City’s wonders. Our immersive 90-minute tour takes you on a captivating adventure, from the site where Ponce de Leon first set foot ashore to unique attractions like the renowned Alligator Farm. With the freedom to hop on and off the trolley at your leisure, you can delve deeper into the city’s hidden gems and linger at your favorite stops.

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Our knowledgeable and entertaining local conductors are the heart and soul of the tour. Drawing from their passion for history and a knack for storytelling, they bring St. Augustine’s rich heritage to life. Discover the tales of the city’s first settlers, experience the enduring Spanish influence that permeates its streets, and marvel at iconic landmarks like the formidable Castillo de San Marcos Fort—the oldest European fort of its kind still standing. From the architectural marvels of The Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College, to the charm of the oldest wooden schoolhouse, every corner of St. Augustine holds a story waiting to be told.

We not only celebrate St. Augustine's past but also work tirelessly to preserve its landmarks for future generations

At Historic Tours of America, we recognize the importance of safeguarding these cultural treasures, ensuring that they continue to inspire and educate. By choosing our tours, you become a part of our mission to support the local community and preserve the historical fabric of this extraordinary city.

Embark on a spine-chilling journey through the shadowy realms of St. Augustine’s haunted history with Ghosts & Gravestones Tours. Step aboard the Trolley of the Doomed and prepare to be captivated by your Ghost Host’s mesmerizing tales of misfortune and paranormal encounters. As the ancient city unfolds before you, you’ll discover the secrets of Tolomato Cemetery, where apparitions roam the sacred grounds long after nightfall. Keep a watchful eye while passing the old City Gates, as the spirit of young Elizabeth, a victim of yellow fever, may wave from beyond. Experience an up-close encounter with the town’s most haunted building, the infamous Old Jail. This eerie site, listed on the Florida and National Register of Haunted Places, has witnessed countless documented paranormal activities. Uncover all these mysteries and more.

Join us in St. Augustine, where history comes alive and unforgettable memories are made. Experience the magic of this timeless destination, from the sun-drenched beaches to the awe-inspiring monuments, and uncover the secrets that have shaped St. Augustine’s place in American history. Historic Tours of America is honored to showcase the beauty and significance of St. Augustine, and we invite you to be a part of this extraordinary journey.

Choose Your Tickets

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in St. Augustine and still see the best first!

1-Day Trolley

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop On & Off at 22 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Open air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• FREE Admission to St. Augustine History Museum
• FREE Beach Shuttle to Alligator Farm and the Beach
• Complimentary hotel shuttle service

Ghosts & Gravestones

• Explore the darker side of the Nation’s Oldest City
• Hear accounts of long gone residents still seen in numerous locations
• Discover the secrets of the Tolomato Cemetery
• Bring your camera and potentially capture something unworldly through the Old Jail’s famous and ominous windows
• Exclusive nighttime experience inside of Potter’s Wax Museum’s Chamber of Horrors
• Visit Cromwell’s Parlour of Paranormal Curiosities

The Old Jail After Dark

• Participate in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides
• Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment
• Learn the darker side of the Old Jail and the spirits that refused to move on
• Maximum group size of 12 people per investigation
• As seen on Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits

Nights of Lights

• Experience over 3 million lights adorning every corner of the city’s historic district.
• Complimentary magical viewing glasses for an enhanced, fully-immersive holiday experience.
• Enjoy caroling to holiday favorites with friends and family.
• Complimentary sugar cookies and warm apple cider.

2-Day Trolley

• 2 consecutive days of free unlimited re-boarding

Ghost Town Trolley Tour

• Drive by and hear of St. Augustine’s most haunted sites including the Old Jail, City Gates, and Huguenot Cemetery.
• Live narrated tour by our talented Ghost Hosts.
• Stories come from years of research, personal accounts and real-life paranormal experiences.
• Open-air trolleys, perfect for taking pictures.

Potter’s Wax Museum

• Home to more than 160 different wax figures
• Collection includes people who’ve played an important part in history
• Offers an entertaining time for adults and children of all ages
• Stand next to Tiger Woods, Jack Sparrow, Elvis and Harry Potter
• See Princess Diana, Ponce de Leon and many of Potter's original figures
• The Old Jail

• Take a tour of the maximum security cells
• Meet Sheriff Joe Perry who’ll fill you in on how executions were held in the gallows
• Take a walk through the men’s and women’s cells
• See where the warden and his family lived just footsteps away
• St. Augustine History Museum

• Visit our Spanish sunken treasure room
• Explore how St. Augustine and Florida grew under the Spanish
• Hear stories about Indians, Spanish Galleons and Pirates of the Revolutionary War
• More than 400 years of history is on display
• Oldest Store Museum Experience

• See the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living
• Meet the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen
• Step back in time and discover the best time-saving miracles from 1900
• Live actors! Over 100,000 essential items!

Discover Amazing Tours in St. Augustine

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Step back in time and explore st. augustine culture.

Groups, Charters & Weddings

Plan an unforgettable experience for your group event with Historic Tours of America.

Groups & Charters

• Enjoy discounted rates
• Custom design your rental
• Private tour guide provided for charters
• Combine a rental with attractions
• Bring your guests to your event on time
• Ride in classic St. Augustine style
• Personalize your trolley ride
• Be treated to a red-carpet experience!

Hometown Pass

Locals receive Free Admission!

Included* with Your St. Augustine Hometown Pass:

• Old Town Trolley Tours
• Potter’s Wax Museum

Our Free Hometown Pass is the best way to entertain visiting friends and family!

All residents of St. Johns County can take advantage of some of our tours and attractions for FREE when accompanied by an adult full-fare paid guest.* It’s Simple, Fast & Best of all… Free!

• Map & Guide
• Request Visitor's Info

Old Town Trolley Tours

Hosting a narrated tour of St. Augustine with 22 stops throughout the historic district.

At the Old Jail. 167 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084

View Google Map

Old Town Trolley Tours offers visitors a fully narrated tour of St. Augustine and a convenient way to get around downtown, with 22 stops along the way.

The Old Town Trolley Tour route encompasses seven miles of fascinating history as recounted by one of Old Town Trolley's highly-trained and certified tour guides/conductors. The tour provides an excellent overview of St. Augustine, and free parking available at the Old Town Trolley Welcome Centers makes it easy to get around town without the hassle of searching for parking.

One full loop takes about an hour and a half to complete. Trolleys depart every 20 minutes, so it's easy to hop off at a stop and hop back on without a long wait.

Discounted attraction packages to other St. Augustine attractions can be purchased at the Old Jail and all the other Old Town Trolley ticket depots throughout town. Free parking is available at the Old Jail at 167 San Marco Ave.

The trolley tickets are good for one day of sightseeing, and a ticket for a second consecutive day is available for a nominal fee.

The trolley ticket includes free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum, complimentary shuttle service to most local hotels, and Beach Bus service to St. Augustine Beach.

The last trolley tour of the day goes out at 4:30 p.m.

Old Town Trolleys welcome service animals, those trained to provide specific tasks. No other pets are allowed on the trolleys.

For more information about their accessibility services, click here. 

Specialty Tours

Ghosts & gravestones tour.

Departing nightly at 8 p.m. from 27 San Marco Avenue, the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tours invite guests on a spooky adventure to experience St. Augustine's darker side. A "Ghost Host" will chauffeur attendees to some of St. Augustine's most famous haunted spots, entertaining them with tales of the strange, creepy, and tragic sides of the city's history.

This special tour is also the only ghost tour in town that offers guests access to the Old Jail and The Chamber of Horrors at Potter's Wax Museum. This tour is rated PG13 and may be scary for younger kids, so parental discretion is advised. For more information, and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Ghost Town Trolley Tour

A haunting journey around the spookiest locations in St. Augustine, the Ghost Town Trolley Tour travels through the Ancient City for an hour. The hosts may or may not be ghosts and do provide lively tales about the people who lived here and those who may have never left. 

The stories include historical facts, descriptions of paranormal experiences, and personal accounts. The open-air trolley passes by the City Gate, Huguenot Cemetery, and the Old Jail  — one of the most haunted buildings in St. Augustine.   For more information, and to purchase tickets please click here.

Old Jail After Dark

Old Town Trolleys now offers a special 10-person tour of the Old Jail after sunset. Visitors can use the latest equipment to participate in paranormal investigations. The Old Jail is recognized as one of the more haunted places in St. Augustine, and the stories of these ghosts are not usually happy ones. This tour is limited to ten, allowing guests a more intimate experience and the opportunity to hear the stories and use the equipment to seek spirits and communicate with them. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Wedding Trolley

Old Town Trolley Tours also offers charters on its special wedding trolley. For information about a private charter, please go here .

Restaurants nearby

Dunkin' Donuts — Uptown

Alms + Fare

Subway: Historic

Cortesse's Bistro

Places to Stay nearby

Hilton Garden Inn -- Historic District

Holiday Inn St. Augustine

Best Western Historical Inn

Admission | Ticket Prices

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Old Florida Boat Tours

Come See The Real Florida

Join an expert guide on unforgettable tours

Discover Old Florida Boat Tours

Our Mission

At Old Florida Boat Tours, our mission is to provide our customers with unforgettable experiences and to promote sustainable tourism practices. We aim to create a positive impact on the environment and local communities while showcasing the beauty and diversity of the places we visit.

Capt. Josh Greer is a 5th generation native of Florida. His passion for everything outdoors in Florida can't be hidden. He has hunted and fished all over Florida and fought to keep our waters safe and clean. Come enjoy a day on the water with a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. 

We offer private boat tours for groups up to 6 people. Tours are based on the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. All of our tours are designed to be fun, educational, and environmentally responsible.

Explore the Best The Peace River Has To Offer

4 hour morning tour- $400.

6 Passenger Maximum

4 Hour Afternoon Tour- $400

All Tours include ice and water in cooler. If you want food that can be arranged prior to tour.

Questions? Bookings?

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Sheriff shares 11-year-old boy's mugshot accused of threatening mass shooting

by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National Desk

A sheriff in Florida is making an example of an 11-year-old boy who allegedly made a hit list and planned to commit a school shooting.

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he has a message for the child, his parents, as well as any other kids who want to "disrupt" schools, waste police resources, and cause chaos in the community.

"Since parents -- you don't want to raise your kids, I'm going to start raising them. Everytime we make an arrest, your kid's photo is going to be put out there. And if I can do it, I'm going to perp walk your kid so that everybody can see what your kid's up to," he wrote on social media Monday.

The post included the child's full name -- Carlo "Kingston" Dorelli -- and a mugshot of the boy, who Chitwood said was charged with making a written threat of a mass shooting -- a felony.

A photo of the boy's arsenal of weapons -- such as "a bunch of airsoft rifles, pistols and fake ammunition," as well as knives, swords and other weapons" -- appeared alongside the mug.

"You can expect video coming up next," Chitwood added.

Staying true to his promise, Chitwood later shared footage of the child wearing a set of handcuffs behind his back as authorities escorted him to a cell. The video also showed authorities shackling his feet together before he is locked in the cell.

"Do you have any questions?" he is asked.

"no, sir," the child answers..

Chitwood said the child is a Creekside Middle School student who made threats to carry out a school shooting at either Creekside or Silver Sands Middle School.

"He had written a list of names and targets,"Chitwood said. "He says it was all a joke."

Chitwood said it's no laughing matter.

The video prompted a stream of reactions on social media, with many residents praising Chitwood, calling on him to publicly identify the parents, as well -- or press charges against them.

Others questioned the sheriff’s decision, saying the 11-year-old is just a child, and that the weight of the responsibility should fall on his parents.

____________

EDITOR'S NOTE : The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Florida sheriff releases mug shot of 11-year-old charged with making school shooting threat

A Florida sheriff released the mug shot and video of an 11-year-old child charged with a felony for allegedly making a written threat of a mass shooting.

The release came just days after the sheriff said he would start releasing the mug shots of students who are arrested for making school shooting threats; two teenagers and the 11-year-old child were taken into custody within the last few days.

"Since parents, you don't want to raise your kids, I'm gonna start raising them," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at a news conference Friday. "Every time we make an arrest, your kids' photo is going to be put out there and if I can do it, I'm gonna perp walk your kid so that everybody can see what your kid's up to."

On Monday, the sheriff's office announced the arrest of the 11-year-old Creekside Middle School student who allegedly threatened to commit a school shooting and had a "written list of people he claimed he would kill," authorities said.

The boy, of Port Orange, is accused of showing off "several weapons" during a video chat with friends and threatening to commit the shooting at Creekside or Silver Sands Middle School, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Detectives were alerted through Fortify Florida, which allows people to make anonymous reports of suspicious activity to law enforcement and school officials.

The sheriff’s office released the child’s name, mug shot and a video of him being escorted into the jail. NBC News is not naming the child or showing his picture because he is a minor.

In the video, the child is handcuffed behind his back as deputies take him inside the jail. He's then cuffed around his ankles as he's told to wait in a holding cell until deputies can gather some paperwork.

"Do you have any questions?" the deputy asks.

"No, sir," the boy responds.

Authorities searched the child's room and allegedly found a large number of airsoft rifles, pistols and fake ammunition along with knives, swords and other weapons, the news release states. The alleged list of targets was also recovered.

The child told deputies that the threat was a joke, according to the news release.

Sheriff Chitwood said it's no laughing matter.

"Go talk to the families who have lost a loved one in a school shooting. These little knuckleheads think it’s funny. Go talk to those parents and see how funny this is. It’s not," he said at Friday's news conference.

The sheriff said that upward of 54 tips had recently been reported through Fortify Florida, and investigators and school districts "have been running around the clock to investigate these tips which are all turning out to be false."

He said the situation was "absolutely out of control" and that it was costing investigators thousands of dollars.

"We’re gonna have a poster out, I’m gonna show you every kid that’s been arrested and where they go to school. And from there on out, we’re going to publicly shame them and their parents," the sheriff told reporters. "So parents, do your job. Don’t let Sheriff Chitwood raise our kids. This is absolutely ridiculous."

The 11-year-old's arrest came days after two Heritage Middle School students were taken into custody . The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Friday that two teenagers, ages 13 and 14, allegedly posted threats on TikTok and Instagram. They were both charged with felony making written threats to kill.

Volusia County Schools said in a joint statement with the sheriff's office that "safety is the number one priority" and that every possible threat is thoroughly investigated.

"Any students or individuals found responsible for making threats or spreading false information will face serious consequences. This includes disciplinary actions at the school level, such as suspension or expulsion, as well as potential legal action, including arrest," the statement read. "We need the continued support of our parents and community members to reinforce the seriousness of these offenses to your children."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

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Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine 4.6

St. Augustine Tours

Get ready to #VacayYourWay with Old Town Trolley in St. Augustine! Treat yourself to the relaxing vacation you deserve, whether you’re a history buff, a sightseer, or an adventurous family. From the Castillo de San Marcos to the Fountain of Youth and everywhere in between, see the best of the Ancient City with live narration from our friendly and knowledgeable guides.

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop On & Off at 22 Old Town Trolley Stops
• You may start your tour at any of our convenient stops
• Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Winner 2024
• Open air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Fully Narrated Tour of St. Augustine
• More than 100 Points of Interest
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
• FREE Admission to St. Augustine History Museum
• FREE Beach Shuttle to Alligator Farm and the Beach
• Complimentary hotel shuttle service

• Celebrating 31 Years!
• Experience over 3 million lights adorning every corner of the city’s historic district
• Complimentary magical viewing glasses for an enhanced, fully-immersive holiday experience
• Enjoy caroling to holiday favorites with friends and family
• Complimentary sugar cookies and warm apple cider
• Open air sightseeing, perfect for taking pictures
• Reserved private seating
• Reservation system eliminates long lines – Book today! Sell outs are common

• 2 consecutive days of free unlimited re-boarding

Prepare yourself for a Frightseeing Adventure like none other as your resident Ghost Host shares tales both true and truly unnerving of the city’s tumultuous past. Discover the secrets of the Tolomato Cemetery and the apparition seen playing on the sacred grounds after dark. Could it be the spirit of five-year-old James or is it the Ghost Bride, still waiting for her walk down the aisle. Be sure to keep a watchful eye while passing by the  old City Gates . You might catch a glimpse of Elizabeth, a child victim of the yellow fever, waving to passersby.

• 1 hour and 20-minute narrated tour by our talented ghost hosts
• Stories come from years of research, personal accounts and hauntingly real-life experiences
• Exclusive nighttime experience inside of Potter’s Wax Museum’s Chamber of Horrors
• Enter the town's most haunted building, the Old Jail, for an up close and personal encounter
• Visit Cromwell's Parlour of Paranormal Curiosities
• As Seen on The Today Show, Sci-Fi Channel and Travel Channel

DO YOU BELIEVE? Take a HAUNTINGLY fun journey with our costumed Ghost Hosts on this unique and eerily entertaining hour-long riding tour of the Nation’s Oldest City! Hear about St. Augustine’s most haunted sites aboard our open-air trolleys, perfect for taking pictures. Our stories come from years of research, personal accounts, and real-life paranormal experiences. Goosebumps are likely, nightmares doubtful. Reserve your spot now on St. Augustine’s favorite family-friendly ghost tour!

• Drive by and hear of St. Augustine’s most haunted sites including the Old Jail, City Gates, and Huguenot Cemetery.
• Live narrated tour by our talented Ghost Hosts.
• Stories come from years of research, personal accounts and real-life paranormal experiences.
• Open-air trolleys, perfect for taking pictures.
• 100% satisfaction guarantee.

• Participate in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides
• Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment
• Learn the darker side of the Old Jail and the spirits that refused to move on
• Maximum group size of 12 people per investigation
• As seen on Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits

• Take a tour of the maximum security cells
• Meet Sheriff Joe Perry who’ll fill you in on how executions were held in the gallows
• Take a walk through the men’s and women’s cells
• See where the warden and his family lived just footsteps away

• Potter’s Wax Museum is home to more than 160 different wax figures
• The museum’s collection includes people who’ve played an important part in history
• Potter’s Wax Museum offers an entertaining time for adults and children of all ages

• See the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living
• Meet the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen
• Step back in time and discover the best time-saving miracles from 1900
• Live Actors! Over 100,000 Essential Items!

• Visit our Spanish sunken treasure room
• Explore how St. Augustine and Florida grew under the Spanish
• Hear fascinating stories about the Indians, the Spanish Galleons and the Pirates of the Revolutionary War
• More than 400 years of history is on display

• Admission to The Old Jail
• Admission to Oldest Store Museum Experience
• Admission to St. Augustine History Museum
• Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day

• 2-Day S!ng Out Loud Festival General Admission Ticket ($314.19 Value)*
• Old Town Trolley Tour of St. Augustine*
• Potter’s Wax Museum Admission*
• Old Jail Museum Admission*
• St. Augustine History Museum Admission*
• Oldest Store Museum Experience Admission*
• Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Admission*
• Pirate & Treasure Museum Admission*

• 2-Day S!ng Out Loud Festival General Admission PLUS Ticket ($617.63 Value)
• Early entry access to exclusive GA+ air-conditioned lounge with bar and food for purchase
• Air-conditioned restrooms
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11-year-old port orange student appears in court after alleged school shooting threat.

The judge found probable cause to keep him in custody for 21 days.

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An 11-year-old charged with making a school threat joined court via Zoom for his first appearance Tuesday. The judge found probable cause to keep him in custody for 21 days.

This comes after deputies said he had airsoft rifles, fake ammunition, knives, swords and even an alleged hit list.

While the boy's attorney says it was all a joke and the guns were fake, the state argued there were real weapons found in his room.

The Port Orange student is now facing a felony charge. Criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas said his age can be used to his advantage.

"They're not mature enough to understand the severity and the consequences of the crime," said Rivas. "That's something that could be used for mitigation. And when I talk about mitigation, it's reducing the sentencing."

Rivas adds that, in most cases, children this age are never convicted.

"We don't want to tarnish their future the rest of their life," said Rivas. "So the idea behind the juvenile system is to be able to rehabilitate them."

In the case of the Port Orange student, he likely won't be allowed to have any weapons in the house.

"The parents are going to be imposed like, 'Hey, you can't have any firearms in the house,'" said Rivas. "You know, again, it all comes back to a mental health evaluation. You know, why does this child have this obsession with all these guns, whether they're fake or not?"

Rivas says the boy will also undergo a mental health evaluation to determine the best way to help him move forward.

Once the 11-year-old is released from the detention center, the district will have to decide where he goes from there, whether it be back on campus, which is unlikely, to an alternative school or enroll him in an online learning program.

Florida sheriff fed up with school shooting hoaxes posts boy's mugshot to social media

• Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE — A Florida sheriff fed up with a spate of false school shooting threats is taking a new tactic to try get through to students and their parents: He’s posting the mugshot of any offender on social media.

Law enforcement officials in Florida and across the country have seen a wave of school shooting hoaxes recently, including in the wake of the deadly attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, that killed two students and two teachers .

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Florida’s Atlantic Coast said he’s tired of the hoaxes targeting students, disrupting schools and sapping law enforcement resources. In social media posts Monday, Chitwood warned parents that if their kids are arrested for making these threats, he’ll make sure the public knows.

“Since parents, you don’t want to raise your kids, I’m going to start raising them,” Chitwood said. “Every time we make an arrest, your kid’s photo is going to be put out there. And if I can do it, I’m going to perp walk your kid so that everybody can see what your kid’s up to.”

Chitwood made the announcement in a video highlighting the arrest of an 11-year-boy who was taken into custody for allegedly threatening to carry out a school shooting at Creekside or Silver Sands Middle School in Volusia County. Chitwood posted the boy’s full name and mugshot to his Facebook page.

In the video, which had more than 270,000 views on Facebook as of Monday afternoon, the camera pans across a conference table covered in airsoft guns, pistols, fake ammunition, knives and swords that law enforcement officers claim the boy was “showing off” to other students.

Later, the video cuts to officers letting the boy out of a squad car and leading him handcuffed into a secure facility, dressed in a blue flannel button-down shirt, black sweatpants and slip-on sandals. The boy’s face is fully visible at multiples points in the video.

“Right this way, young man,” an officer tells the boy, his hands shackled behind his back.

The boy is led into an empty cell, with metal cuffs around his wrists and ankles, before an officer closes the door and locks him inside.

“Do you have any questions?” the officer asks as he bolts the door.

“No sir,” the boy replies.

The video prompted a stream of reactions on social media, with many residents praising Chitwood, calling on him to publicly identify the parents as well — or press charges against them.

Others questioned the sheriff’s decision, saying the 11-year-old is just a child, and that the weight of the responsibility should fall on his parents.

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Under Florida law, juvenile court records are generally exempt from public release — but not if the child is charged with a felony, as in this case.

Law enforcement officials across Florida have been tracking a stream of threats in the weeks since the 2024-2025 school year began. In Broward County, home to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, officials said last week they had already arrested nine students , ages 11 to 15, for making threats since August.

“For my parents, to the kids who are getting ready for school, I’m going to say this again,” Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said at a news conference. “Nothing about this is a laughing or joking matter.”

“Parents, students, it’s not a game,” he added.

By KATE PAYNE, Associated Press/Report for America

Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Our teams in over 100 countries tell the world's stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting.

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