While you might not immediately think of waterfalls when you think of exploring Florida, you'll be pleasantly surprised what is hidden throughout the state, and you can view lots of them on the following day trip in Florida! What if we leveled up the entire waterfall experience and added some of Florida's best wineries and vineyards? Sounds like one of the best day trips in Florida, if we do say so ourselves.
The entire Florida Wine & Waterfalls Day Trip below takes about 6.5 hours to complete in terms of travel time, so if you're feeling like you want to stretch it out over a weekend, that is entirely up to you. Depending on how long you want to stay at each location, it might make for the perfect weekend adventure with friends. Before doing anything else, don't forget to take a look at this map for directions to these wineries and waterfalls near me, which are also some of the best day trips in Florida.
We’re kicking this party off right with a stop at Copp Winery & Brewery near Crystal River, Florida. Interestingly, this is the only winery and brewery in Citrus County. Come try both the beer and wine, all made on-site, and enjoy a few snacks before you begin your road trip.
A little bit of wine, a little bit of waterfalls—that’s how this trip will go. Head on over to Rainbow Springs State Park for one of the most beautiful waterfalls around. Sure, this might be a man-made waterfall, but it’s been a hit since the 1930s and it's easy to understand why.
A family-owned winery smack dab in the middle of north central Florida is the next stop on this trip. Bluefield Estate Winery bottles all of their wines onsite and specializes in sweet muscadine and blueberry wines. This winery has stunning views of the vineyards, and it's the perfect place to relax and grab your bearings before heading off to the next waterfall.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a beautifully unique spot in Florida that is filled with lots of natural wonder. This state park has been around since the mid 1800s, with people visiting even well before it was a state park. It is best to visit Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park right after a heavy rainfall so you can see the waterfall in all of her glory.
Editor's Note: Dakotah Vineyards & Winery is permanently closed.
Next stop, Cheifland, Florida to visit one of the best hidden gem wineries in the state. Dakotah Vineyards & Winery has quite the variety of wines offered onsite, and guess what…you can sample all nine of them for free!! With a mix of sweet table wines to ports, and even a dry chardonnay or merlot, you might just want to sit and try them all.
While you might not see gargantuan waterfalls here (sorry Niagara Falls fans), Steinhatchee Falls in Florida is still impressive in its own right. Steinhatchee Falls includes more than 1,700 acres of protected land tract in Florida, which means hitting a few trails and walking off that wine is a good idea. You’ll find a nice blend of swamps, forest, pine, and mixed hardwood throughout this area. Check out this small-but-mighty FL waterfall, courtesy of YouTuber Abom Adventures:
One of the gems within the area, and the last waterfall of our trip, Falling Creek Falls is quite a beauty. When water levels are normal in the county, the waterfall is over 10 feet high, flowing under Falling Creek Road and down a deep ravine until it disappears entirely underground. How cool is that? For reference, On The Move captured this amazing video of the falls:
What starts with wine, ends with wine. Is that a famous quote? If not, it definitely should be. We’ve finally reached our final stop on this unique day trip and it couldn’t be more perfect. San Sebastian Winery features such a wonderful mix of wines, you will be in heaven. As Florida’s second-largest winery, you can take a complimentary tour any day of the week and sample wines when you are finished.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to gather up some friends and hit the road to discover these "waterfalls near me?" Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. As always, because this day trip involves both wineries and driving, be sure to have a designated driver with you.
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Did you know that this isn't the only road trip we offer in Florida? If you're looking for more excuses to hit the road, take a look at this deliciously epic 3-day restaurant road trip.
One of the most enjoyable family holiday traditions involves everyone piling into a car and driving around in search of the best Christmas lights in FL. The best part of it all is that Florida is filled with incredible light displays no matter where you are in the state. In fact, some of the best holiday lights might be right in your own backyard - try these drive-through Christmas lights on for size! Check out some of the best Christmas displays in Florida in one solid list:
The Holiday Fantasy of Lights features three miles of animated holiday displays and gorgeous illuminated trees. More than 30,000 cars are expected to drive through this popular display in Tradewinds Park. The event is open nightly through the holidays.
2. Festival of Lights, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs
Visitors to this event can choose between a bigger event that includes caroling and marshmallow roasting or a quick drive-through experience, depending on which night they choose to visit. The event runs throughout the month of December. This is one Christmas light show in Florida you will regret missing!
3. The Wonderland Of Lights, Auburndale
In Auburndale, Florida runs from the end of November through the beginning of January. With a new venue this year, guests will be able to enjoy a mile of holiday lights, plus tons more entertainment and food. We love this Christmas lights drive-thru in Florida year after year. You can never go wrong!
4. Magic of Lights, Daytona
Drive-through Christmas lights display at night
The Daytona International Speedway transforms into a winter wonderland every year with one and a half miles of innovative light displays. The event takes place from dusk until 10:00 p.m. from November through the holidays. Get ready to enter on the racetrack with this one! Drive-thru Christmas lights are literal in this sense.
5. Sowell's North Pole Christmas Light Display, Milton
This local family-owned event runs every evening from now through the end of December. The event features half a million twinkling lights, and visitors can ride a miniature train through the lights for a small additional fee. This little display makes Christmas in Florida a true treasure.
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6. Jax Illuminations, Jacksonville
This magical Holiday drive-thru in FL is over a mile long and features more than half a million lights synchronized to cheerful holiday music. This Florida Christmas light drive-thru event runs from November through December.
Have you visited any of these displays before? What are your favorite drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Florida? Are there any drive-thru light shows that we missed? Make sure to share with us in the comments section! We'd love to hear about new and up-and-coming displays that will illuminate the Florida skies.
Christmas lights make a wonderful road trip. Check out this road trip itinerary featuring several must-visit destinations. Just don't forget the road trip snacks before you go!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
