Eyewitness Travel Family Guide Florida
Page 51
Guided tours The museum offers pre-scheduled tours.
Age range 6 plus
Activities The Klancke Environmental Education Complex in Tuscawilla Preserve has raised boardwalks and nature trails.
Allow 1–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The small gift shop (by the main entrance) sells mostly art books, which grown-ups might like, as well as snacks.
Restrooms In each of the three wings: West Wing, North Wing, and the Root Family Museum
Good family value? A wide range of educative and interactive exhibits make this museum a fun experience for the whole family.
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Blue Spring State Park
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Practical Information
Address 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, 32763; 386 775 3663; www.floridastateparks.org/park/Blue-Spring
Car Rent a car from Orlando.
Open 8am–sunset daily
Price $6 per vehicle & $2 per pedestrian and cyclist.
Cutting the line Arrive early – on weekends, the park often closes by noon because of the crowds.
Age range All ages
Activities Observe manatees from the boardwalk during manatee season. Interpretive programs in the afternoon; call 386 775 3773. St. Johns River Cruises (386 917 0724) offers riverboat tours.
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Near the parking and picnic areas
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Ocala National Forest
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Practical Information
Address North of Orlando between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers; 352 625 2520; www.fs.usda.gov/ocala
Car Rent a car from Ocala.
Visitor information Ocklawaha: 3199 NE Hwy 315, Silver Springs, 34488. Salt Springs: 14100 N State Hwy 19, 32134; 352 685 3070. Pittman: 45621 State Rd 19, Altoona, 32702
Open 8am–8pm most sites
Price Most sites $26–36
Cutting the line Avoid weekends and holidays.
Guided tours Check www.ocalamarion.com for tours by boat, horse, and all-terrain vehicle.
Age range All ages
Allow Half a day
Wheelchair access Limited
Restrooms At campgrounds
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Ocala Thoroughbred Farm Country
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Practical Information
Car Rent a car from Ocala.
Visitor information 112 N Magnolia Ave, Ocala, 34475; 352 438 2801; www.ocalamarion.com
Price Varies by tour and activity.
Cutting the line Choose weekdays when possible.
Guided tours Several tours, including by horse, motorbike, all-terrain vehicle, and canoe; check www.ocalamarion.com.
Age range 4 plus
Activities Horse farm tours, horse-riding, and horse shows
Allow 2–4 hours
Wheelchair access Varies, call individual tours and attractions.
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
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Practical Information
Address 18700 S County Rd 325, Cross Creek, 32640; 352 466 3672
Car Rent a car from Gainesville.
Open Park grounds: 9am–5pm daily
Price Park admission: $3 per vehicle. House tours: $10–20; under 5s free
Cutting the line Winter is busy. Fri and Sun mornings are quietest.
Guided tours Hourly tours of house and property Oct–Jul: 10am–4pm Thu–Sun; call 3524663672.
Age range 6 plus
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms In the park, adjacent to the historic site
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
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Practical Information
Address 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, 32667; 352 466 3397; www.floridastateparks.org
Car Rent a car from Gainesville.
Open 8am–sunset daily. Visitor center: 9am–4pm daily
Price $6 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
Cutting the line Avoid weekends when the University of Florida football team plays at home. The park is less crowded May–Sep.
Guided tours Walk and talk programs run Nov–Apr on alternate Thu; call 352 466 4100 for reservations.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 2 hours
Wheelchair access Limited; call 8502452157.
Restrooms At the visitor center and Lake Wauberg campgrounds
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Florida Museum of Natural History
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Practical Information
Address 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, 32611–2710; 352 846 2000; www.flmnh.ufl.edu
Car Rent a car in Gainesville.
Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 1–5pm Sun
Price Free. Butterfly Rainforest: $36–42. Parking $4 per day (cash); free on weekends and holidays
Cutting the line The museum is not usually crowded.
Guided tours Hall of Florida Fossils tours at 11:30am & 2:45pm Sat, 2:45pm Sun
Age range 4 plus
Activities Live butterfly releases at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Sat & Sun, weather permitting. Butterfly-friendly plant sale at 10am–5pm Mon–Sat & 1–5pm Sun
Allow 1–2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Restrooms Near South Florida People and Environments exhibit, and off the Central Gallery
< Practical Information: The Northeast
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
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Practical Information
Address 4732 Millhoppper Rd, Gainesville, 32653; 352 955 2008; www.floridastateparks.org
Car Rent a car in Gainesville.
Open 9am–5pm Wed–Sun
Price $4 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian or cyclist
Cutting the line Least crowded Wed–Thu from mid-afternoon on
Guided tours Guided walk with ranger at 10am every Sat; call 386 462 7905
Age range 4 plus
Activities Hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing
Allow 2 hours
Wheelchair access Yes, limited
Restrooms At the visitor center
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
The Panhandle
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Practical Information
Getting there and around Air Fly to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) (www.flypensacola.com), Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) (www.iflybeaches.com) in Panama City, Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) (www.flyvps.com) in Fort Walton Beach, and Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) (www.talgov.com/airport/AirportHome.aspx).
Car A rental car is essential to get around. Car rentals are available at all airports.
Visitor information See individual entries.
Supermarkets Publix (www.publix.com) is the premier supermarket throughout this region.
Markets Head to Palafox Market, in Pensacola (www.palafoxmarket.com), Tallahassee Downtown Market (www.downtownmarket.com), Tallahassee Farmers’ Market, north of I-10 off US 319 (www.localharvest.org/a-growers-market-M16808), Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market (Apr–Sep) in Fort Walton Beach, or Seaside Farmers’ Market in Santa Rosa Beach for fruit, meats, breads, books, art, and crafts. Most markets are open on Saturdays.
Festivals Panhandle Watermelon Festival, Chipley; 850 638 6013 (Jun). Blue Angels Air Show, National Naval Aviation Museum (Jul). Wausau Possum Festival; www.wausaupossumfestival.com (Aug). North Florida Fair, Tallahassee (Nov)
Pharmacies Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) and CVS (www.cvs.com) are the two major pharmacies in the region.
Restrooms All major attractions, shopping malls, and gas stations have public restrooms.
< Practical Inf
ormation: The Panhandle
South Walton
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Practical Information
Address Baytowne Wharf: 9300 US Hwy 98 W, Destin, 32550; www.baytownewharf.com. The Artists at Gulf Place: 40 Town Loop Center, 32459; www.artistsatgulfplace.com. Grayton Beach State Park: 357 Main Park Rd, 32459; floridastateparks.org. Eden Gardens State Park:181 Eden Gardens Rd, 32459; floridastateparks.org
Car Rent a car from Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
Open Grayton Beach State Park & Eden Gardens State Park: 8am–sunset
Prices Grayton Beach State Park & Eden Gardens State Park: $5 per vehicle. Baytowne Wharf Adventure Zone: check www.tinyurl.com/BWharfAdv.
Activities Hiking, canoeing, and kayaking in the state parks.
Good family value? South Walton combines beach fun and sightseeing for the whole family, with few expenses.
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Air Force Armament Museum
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Practical Information
Address 100 Museum Dr (State Rd 85), Eglin Air Force Base, 32542; 850 651 1808; www.afarmamentmuseum.com
Car From Fort Walton Beach
Open 9:30am–4:30pm Mon–Sat
Price Free
Age range 8 plus
Allow 2–3 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Gulf World Marine Park
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Practical Information
Address 15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, 32413; 850 234 5271; www.gulfworldmarinepark.com
Car From Fort Walton Beach
Open 9am–7pm in summer; 9:30am–4:30pm rest of the year
Price $110–20; under 4s free
Activities Kids aged 5 plus can sign up for the Swim with the Dolphins program. Check website for details.
Age range All ages
Allow 3–4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Conservatory
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Practical Information
Address 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, 32407; 850 233 1243; www.zooworldpcb.net
Car From Fort Walton Beach
Open 9:30am–4pm Mon–Sat & 11am–4pm Sun
Price $60–64; under 4s free
Activities The zoo organizes many educational animal shows; check website for schedule.
Age range 3 plus
Allow 3 hours
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Pensacola
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Practical Information
Address Pensacola 32502. Museum of Commerce: 201 E Zarragossa St; 850 595 1559. Pensacola Children’s Museum: 115, E Zarragossa St; 850 595 1559. Museum of Industry: 120 E Church St; 850 595 5985. Pensacola Museum of Art: 407 South Jefferson St; 850 432 6247; www.pensacolamuseum.org. Barkley House: 10 S Florida Blanca St; 850 595 5993, call ahead; historicpensacola.org
Bus Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) buses serve many areas, but the wait between buses can be an hour or more. It’s best to rent a car.
Visitor information Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1401 E Gregory St, 32502; 800 874 1234; www.visitpensacola.com
Open Tickets for visiting the sights in the Historic Pensacola Village can be purchased at the Tivoli High House Gift Shop (205 E Zarragossa St, 32502; 850 595 5993; 10am–4pm Tue–Sat).
Price Historic Pensacola Village: $28–32; under 4s free. An individual visit to the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum is half price on Sun.
Guided tours The village runs 1–1½-hour tours at 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm, which include the Lavalle House, the 1871 Dorr House, the 1832 Old Christ Church & the 1890 Lear-Rocheblave House. Walking tours, at 2pm, cover Zarragossa Street and the Barkley House.
Age range 6 plus
Allow 1 day
Festival Blue Angels Air Shows (Jul & Nov)
Good family value? Reasonably priced tickets, free museum visits and a walk through the historical district, all make Pensacola an exciting destination.
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
National Naval Aviation Museum
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Practical Information
Address 1750 Radford Blvd, Suite C, Naval Air Station, 32508; 850 452 3604; www.navalaviationmuseum.org
Bus ECAT bus 57.
Car Rent a car from Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport.
Open 9am–5pm daily
Price Free
Cutting the line Arrive early as seats fill up fast for the Blue Angels practice flights (Mar–Nov: 8:30am Tue–Wed). Pilots often come out afterward to shake hands and sign autographs.
Guided tours Daily 20-min trolley tours of 50 aircraft outdoors at 10 & 11am, 1 & 2pm. Self-guided tours can be downloaded from the museum’s website.
Age range 6 plus
Activities Flight Adventure Deck tour at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm Mon–Fri, in which trained volunteers introduce visitors to hands-on exhibits. Watch the practice flights, weather permitting.
Allow At least 4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Cubi Bar Café (see National Naval Aviation Museum)
Restrooms On every level
Good family value? The free museum is entertaining and watching the Blue Angels is an unforgettable experience.
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Tallahassee
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Practical Information
Address Florida State University: 600 W College Ave, 32306; www.fsu.edu. Museum of Florida History: 500 South Bronough St, 32399; www.museumoffloridahistory.com. Florida Historic Capitol Museum: 400 South Monroe St, 32399; www.flhistoriccapitol.gov. Goodwood Museum and Gardens: 1600 Miccosukee Rd, 32308; www.goodwoodmuseum.org
Car Rent a car from the Tallahassee Regional Airport.
Bus Star Metro (talgov.com) buses cover much of the city.
Visitor information Tallahassee Visitor Information Center, 106 E Jefferson St, 32301; 800 628 2866; www.visittallahassee.com
Open Museum of Florida History and Florida Historic Capitol Museum: 9am–4:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–4:30pm Sat & noon–4:30pm Sun. Goodwood Museum and Gardens: 10am–4pm Mon–Fri & 10am–2pm Sat
Prices Museum of Florida History and Florida Historic Capitol Museum: free. Goodwood Museum and Gardens: $18–24; under 3s free
Guided tours Florida State Capitol’s Welcome Center has self-guided tour brochures.
Allow 2–3 days
Restrooms In the museums and public parks
Good family value? Most attractions are free and the city offers a unique look at American history.
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Mission San Luis
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Practical Information
Address 2100 West Tennessee St, 32304; 850 245 6406; www.missionsanluis.org
Car Rent a car from Tallahassee Regional Airport.
Open 10am–4pm Tue–Sun
Price $14–20; under 6s free
Activities Choose from musket firing demonstrations (11am–noon Sat), Historical Happenings presentations, Colonial crafts for children, archaeology lab tours, historic gardening tours, blacksmithing, and historical cooking classes. Check website for schedules.
Age range 6 plus
Allow 2–3 hours
Festival Winter Solstice Celebration, a festival of Native American culture (Dec)
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Tallahassee Museum
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Practical Information
Address 3945 Museum Dr, 32310; 850 575 1636; www.tallahasseemuseum.org
Car Rent a car from Tallahassee Regional Airport.
Open 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 11am–5pm Sun
Price $30–36; under 3s free
Activities The museum offers family and youth programs; check website for schedule.
Age range All ages
Allow 4 hours
Wheelchair access Yes
Festival Jazz and Blues Festival (late Mar)
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
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Practical Information
Address 3540 Thomasville Rd, 32309; 850 487 4556; www.floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens
Car Rent a car from Tallahassee Regional Airport.
Open Gardens: 9am–5pm daily
Price $18–28; under 2s free. $6 per vehicle for parking and additional fee Jan–Apr, when gardens are in bloom
Guided tours From Jan–Apr, guided tours are offered on most Sat and Sun. A Gardens Walking Tour brochure is available at the Ranger Station.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 2–3 hours
< Practical Information: The Panhandle
Wakulla Springs State Park
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Practical Information
Address 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, 32327; 850 561 7276; www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings
Car Rent a car from Tallahassee.