You've probably heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, a collection of the most impressive works of human ingenuity across the world from ancient times (or natural wonders, too). Those are great and all, but we think that when it comes to wonders, there's no need to look outside of Florida! For our wonders (it was difficult to choose just seven, let's be honest here), we chose natural as well as man-made wonders, most of them with a rich history to boot. After much consideration, here were our final choices for some of the best wonders in Florida:

1. The Florida Reef

The Florida Reef is the third-largest barrier reef in the world, and the only living one in the continental United States. The reef, which is also called the "Florida Keys Reef Tract" or the "Great Florida Reef", is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It's truly incredible and is much-deserving of multiple visits.

2. Gulf Islands National Seashore

With pristine white sands, emerald waters, and endless blue skies, this stretch of well-preserved beaches, trails, and forts in Northwest Florida is something everyone should see for themselves at least once. Or twice. Or ten times.

3. Fort Jefferson

At the time it was being built, Fort Jefferson was one of the largest forts ever constructed. It was under construction for 30 years, but never finished. Nonetheless, it is still the largest masonry structure in the Americas. It is now part of Dry Tortugas National Park, located just west of Key West. The fort and its incredible surroundings have become a beautiful and popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

4. Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park, in Central Florida, is one of Florida's oldest attractions, as well as one of the biggest springs in the world. You've got to see it to believe it!

Address: 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Silver Springs, Florida, 34488

5. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, which literally means "big water", is the seventh-largest freshwater lake in the entire country. The lake spans an impressive 730 square miles, but its average depth is only about nine feet. Great for swimming, not for diving!

6. Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is the largest freshwater pool in the United States, pumping in 820,000 gallons of fresh, clear spring water from the aquifer, where it returns once drained (sometimes daily). It was completed in 1924, with coral structures designed to make it look like the Italian city of Venice. The beautiful surroundings, complete with breathtaking waterfalls and grottos, make this a unique swimming and staying experience. It is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places at the time of this writing.

Address: 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134

7. Devil's Den

Devil's Den is a karst window (basically a collapsed cave over an underground river) in Williston. Not only is it a stunning sight to behold, but remains of prehistoric humans and animals have been found in one of the passages within the cave! Cool!

Address:

5390 Northeast 180th Avenue, Williston, Florida, 32696

Have you seen any of these wonders in Florida for yourself? What places would you have chosen? Please let us know in the comments! If you're craving more awesome things to see and do in the Sunshine State, you can't miss this article.