FL's hidden gem is the start of an incredible adventure

There's nothing quite like an afternoon spent swimming and sunbathing on an undeveloped island. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a chain of four islands only accessible by private boat or ferry, and it's a stellar hidden gem of a beach experience. There are plenty of spots for swimming, and you can enjoy incredible birdwatching here as well. It's all watched over by a circa-1887 lighthouse, which makes for a great photo op. There are several tour operators that offer service out to Anclote Key Preserve, but if you're able to take your own boat, you can camp out at the primitive campground. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the sandy shores of a quiet island... sounds pretty nice, right?

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park protects a unique ecosystem. The deep, mangrove-studded salt marshes along the coast provide a habitat for dolphins, foxes, tortoises, eagles, otters and more. Since there aren't any beaches for swimming here, the best way to experience the beauty of the marshes is by paddling out onto the water. Paddling Adventures at Werner-Boyce is the onsite boat rental. Their staff will lend you a kayak, canoe, or even a stand-up paddleboard to explore the waterways through the park. Pro tip: if you're set on swimming, Durney Key is located outside the park but is a short paddle away if you launch from Werner-Boyce.

For those who want a true taste of untouched Florida beauty, check out the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. It's 8,300 acres of pure, untamed nature. The best way to enjoy the park is by hiking along its miles of trails. There's a birding trail, a 7.3-mile-long paved multi-use trail, a 10-mile equestrian trail, and 13 miles of standard hiking trails. There's a nice little campground with showers, cabins, and bathrooms, along with playgrounds, picnic sites, and activities like horseshoes and volleyball. There's so much lush greenery to explore here, you might find yourself coming back whenever you need an escape.

Take your Pasco adventure to the next level with an excursion from American Balloons. A hot air balloon ride is a bucket-list-worthy item, and there's no better place to cross it off your list than in Florida. A balloon ride with American Balloons starts with an early morning ride above the landscapes of Pasco County, going wherever the wind takes you, and ends with a light brunch and champagne toast back at headquarters. The pilots are seasoned pros, and the whole process, from watching the balloon inflate, to floating up in the air, to the thrill of landing, is absolutely incredible.

Another way to get a birds' eye view of Florida’s wilderness is from the ropes course at TreeHoppers. Unleash your inner Tarzan as you tackle obstacles like ziplines, ropes, bridges, and more. TreeHoppers has 8 unique courses with about 100 different elements, and each course ranges in difficulty from easy (lower to the ground) to intermediate to "crazy." As you climb, crawl, zip, and balance, you'll gain a new appreciation for the forest... and get in a pretty good workout at the same time.