Explore expansive caverns in Florida's Panhandle!

The Florida Caverns State Park is a nice change of scenery from the beach if it's too cold to swim or you want an escape from the heat.  From Destin, it's about an easy hour and 45-minute drive, making it a full day trip.

While you wait for your tour, you can head to the playground and nice picnic area (just ask a ranger where to drive from the museum parking lot).

The tours last approximately an hour and will take you through various well-lit chambers as your guide tells you about the history and points out interesting features (I thought the stalactites and stalagmites were the most beautiful of any cave system I've seen).  While you can stand up for most of the tour, there are points you'll need to duck and squat to get to the next chamber so be prepared.  Masks are required.

Cool air, the sound of dripping water, a visual array of mystifying stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and draperies - this is what greets visitors when they explore the otherworldly depths of Florida Caverns.

Tips:

Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year BUT note that cave tours are not available Tuesday through Thursday or on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Tours: Tickets must be bought on-site; arrive early for a shorter wait.

Temperature: Cave temps stay at 65 degrees year-round but humidity is so high that it feels warmer.  Still, you'll likely want to bring a light jacket.

Bathrooms: there is a bathroom at the museum or the playground area.  Go to the bathroom before your tour!