Great Itineraries

3 Days

History and nature are the two biggest calling cards of this part of the Sunshine State. Visit Grayton Beach and Seaside and take advantage of some of Florida's finest beaches. On Day 2 drive to the capital, Tallahassee, and soak up some of the state's past. On Day 3, make a trip to nearby Wakulla Springs State Park, where you'll find one of the world's deepest springs -- perfect for sightseeing (the glass-bottom-boat ride is a must for kids) and swimming.

4 Days

Plant yourself in the Beaches of South Walton -- choose from a cabin at Grayton Beach State Park, a hotel, or a beach-house rental -- and use the area as a base of operation. The idyllic beach here will make it hard to pull yourself away to explore the area, but here are a few ideas for your to-do list. Enjoy a picnic on the grounds of the antebellum mansion at the Eden Gardens State Park, set amid moss-draped live oaks -- it'll give you a feel for the history of the area, a great photo op, and a view of the intracoastal waterway. Laze away a quiet afternoon canoeing on Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Gulf Coast. Ditch the car one day and rent a bike to explore Seaside, a "New Urbanist" model community of shops, restaurants, and gingerbread-style, tin-roof vacation homes.

5 Days

Start with the state capital, Tallahassee. Check out the local sights, including the State Capitol building, the Tallahassee Historic Trail, and Maclay Gardens State Park. Take another day to head east on Interstate 10, visiting Falling Waters State Park in the morning and then exploring the cool, dark caves of the Florida Caverns State Park in the afternoon when things heat up: you'll be amazed that such an extensive cave system exists anywhere in the Sunshine State. On Day 3, head south out of town toward Wakulla Springs State Park, where you can explore the spectacular springs either with a mask and snorkel or from inside a glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, head down to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse, to hike, swim, or have a leisurely picnic. Eventually make your way to the coast and take Highway 98 west toward Apalachicola.

In Apalachicola, spend a day wandering around the historic downtown area and the waterfront, and spend another day on St. George Island.