I know what you’re thinking, FL doesn’t have a ‘spring’. The thermometer goes straight from the 50’s to the 90’s overnight, but hear me out! We can still enjoy some springtime activities before the waves of tourists and heat reach us. Here are a few of my favorite ways to experience spring in the sunshine state.

~ Botanical Gardens

Spring is the perfect time to view the newly blooming flowers before it gets too hot to be outside and away from water for longer than 20 minutes. Florida has an abundance of botanical gardens of all sizes for us to enjoy. If you plan to bring your camera, check out my post on creative floral photography before you go.

My recommendations: Ormond Beach Memorial Garden, Leu Gardens, Sunken Gardens, Ravine Gardens State Park, Sugar Mill Gardens, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Cedar Woods Lake and Gardens, McKee Botanical Garden, Bok Tower Gardens.

~ The Springs

Who is surprised to see this recommendation?! Once the weather warms up, the springs start to fill up with kids and giant floats again. Enjoy them now before the summer crowds. The options for fun at the springs are endless; kayak, snorkel, hike, scuba, freedive, swim, hunt for shark teeth or have a picnic.

My recommendations: All of them! Check out this map.

~ Butterfly Watch

Butterfly gardens are a fantastic way to experience an abundance of butterflies at once. This is how I capture almost all of my butterfly photos as the butterflies here aren’t shy and wont fly away if you get close. They are happy to pose for you while eating or resting.

My recommendations: Florida Museum of Natural History, Lukas Nursery (you can feed butterflies here!), Butterfly World, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

~ U-Pick Flower Patch

Nothing like wandering through fields of flowers or getting to cut down your own sunflowers. This is a wonderful Mother’s Day memory to make with your mother or your own children. There aren’t many in the state, but the photos and memories are worth the trip.

My recommendations: Sunshine Ranch, Sledd’s, or click this link to find a farm near you

~ U-Pick Fruit or Vegetable Farm

There seem to be crops available for picking in Florida almost year-round. Just check what’s in season. U-pick farms are a fun way to spend the day and then test out new recipes with your produce. You can make jelly, jams, juice and even wine, depending on what you pick. Eating fruit right off the tree is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures.

My recommendations: Vo-LaSalle Farms, Southern Hills Farms, Ever After Farms, DeLand Blueberries, Meadors Blueberry Farm, Artisan Acres, Far Reach Ranch, Pappy's Patch U-Pick or click this link to find a farm near you.

~ Aquarium

I love a good airconditioned aquarium to break up outdoor activities on a hot or rainy day. I’ve been to several and am always surprised at the unique exhibits, like the light-up moon bay touch tank at the Florida Aquarium.

My recommendations: The Florida Aquarium, Sea World, Sea Life, Marine Science Center, St Augustine Aquarium.