Gwen Barrett, Lifestyle Co-Editor; Destiny Johnson, News Co-Editor
Traveling Safely
This year, indoor places aren’t exactly ideal places to visit when trying to be safe due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Luckily, the great outdoors are almost never closed and are just as exciting! In this article, we will provide you with a few places in nature that allow you to socially distance and we’ll even suggest what you should pack!
Hiking in Belleview
This trailhead offers not only walking/running trails but also mountain biking trails. The experience is indescribable! Encounters with beautiful birds and other friendly wildlife are very common. This trailhead offers trails for both beginners, intermediates and experts.
Located: 3080 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480
For this trip you should pack:
- Water
- Hat
- Bug spray
- Snacks ( nothing too heavy)
- Sunscreen
- Map (digital or physical)
Blue springs State Park
This National Park is known for its crystal clear waters and its manatees! This park is open to the public and is a popular destination; however there are plenty of walkways and free space to roam about. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suits because certain areas in the park allow swimming and, knowing Florida, it’s going to be hot outside!
Location: 2100 French Ave, Orange city, Fl 32763
What you should Pack:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks/meal
- Bathing suit
- Towels
Ichetucknee Tubing Center
Not far from Blue Springs is the Ichetucknee tubing center, where you can go swimming, tubing or kayaking! It’s a great way to relax or get a workout depending on what activity you choose to do.
Location: 7354 Elim Church rd, Fort White, Fl 32038
What you should Pack:
- Dry sealed phone/camera bags
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Bring your own Tube/ Kayak or bring cash to rent one
Drive-Through Safari
You might be the type of person who loves to see animals and if you are, you can safely do it at the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park! You can drive the 85 acres of land in the comfort and safety of your own car.
Location: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739.
What you should Pack:
- Water Bottles
- Snacks (Make sure you DON’T feed the animals!!!)
- A Camera (If you have one)
- A journal so you can write down this memory
Santa Rosa Beach
Almost everyone in Florida loves the beach, which explains why many of them are very crowded. What if I told you that there was a medium-sized beach hidden from the busy crowds? May I present, Santa Rosa Beach! With bright white sand and clear waters, you are sure to be able to stay socially distanced while having a blast!
Location: 223 Juniper St, Santa Rosa Beach, Fl 32459
What you should pack:
- Refreshments
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Snacks
- Umbrella and folding chairs
- Towels
- Boogie board/ surfboard
Destination Backyard
You don’t necessarily have to leave your home to enjoy the outdoors, if you have a backyard! You can camp in a tent, hammock, or if you have one, your trampoline!
To make it feel like you’re camping in the wild, you can set some rules. For instance, you’re only allowed to go inside the house when you have to use the bathroom!
Location: Your House!
What you should Pack:
- Hot dogs & Hotdog Buns
- S’mores ingredients
- Flashlights
- Chairs to sit in
- Bug Repellent
- Tent/Hammock
- Water
- Blankets/Pillows
If you are using a campfire, be sure to be safe around the fire and smoke and always listen to your parent(s) or guardian(s).
We hope you try out some of Florida’s natural wonders and don’t forget to have fun while being safe!
Resources:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/drive-through-safari-park-wild-fl/
Wow! This was very informative and so many places that I hadn’t heard about! I will be using this tour guide for my next visit to Florida. Thank you for sharing!
Happy to help!
yes thank you!