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.

Google Maps
1. Copp Winery & Brewery
Copp Winery & Brewery, 11 NE 4th Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
TripAdvisor/KarlWSchm
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.
2. Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
TripAdvisor/Geoff5151
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.
3. Bluefield Estate Winery
Bluefield Estate Winery, 22 NE, Co Rd 234, Gainesville, FL 32641, USA
Facebook/Bluefield Estate Winery
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.

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4. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
TripAdvisor/Don P.
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.
5. Dakotah Vineyards & Winery
Facebook/Dakotah Winery
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.
6. Steinhatchee Falls
Steinhatchee Falls, Steinhatchee, FL 32359, USA
flickr/Kelly Verdeck
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:
7. Falling Creek Falls
Falling Creek Falls, Florida 32055, USA
Wikipedia/PansophicBias
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:
8. San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Facebook/San Sebastian Winery
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.

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.

 

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Best Day Trips in Florida

Jennifer Young | April 07, 2022

What are five of the best waterfall hikes in Florida that belong on everyone's outdoor bucket list?

Florida is home to numerous trails, including several that feature beautiful waterfalls. Listed below are five of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Florida. You'll want to explore them all.

1. Falling Waters Wiregrass to Terrace Trail

The Falling Waters Wiregrass to Terrace Trail is located within Falling Waters State Park near Chipley. It's a 1.2-mile, out-and-back trail that's mostly used for hiking, running, and camping. This scenic trail, which has an easy level of difficulty, is accessible all year long.

2. Naples Botanical Garden Lakes Loop

Located at Naples Botanical Garden is the Naples Botanical Garden Lakes Loop. This easy trail, which is 1.9 miles long, is a popular spot for walking and birding. It's perfect for using no matter the time of year.

3. Steinhatchee Falls Trail

The Steinhatchee Falls Trail is located within the Lower Steinhatchee Conservation Area near Steinhatchee. It's a 0.4-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy level of difficulty. Most people enjoy using the Steinhatchee Falls Trail for morning or afternoon walks.

4. Swamp Forest Loop

The Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is home to the Swamp Forest Loop, a 2.2-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. Throughout the years, this trail has become a popular spot for mountain biking, in addition to hiking and walking. It's also accessible year round.

5. Cedar Lakes Woods Garden Loop

Located at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is the Cedar Lakes Woods Garden Loop. This 0.6-mile loop trail has an easy rating of difficulty and is mostly used for walking and birding. This is a beautiful trail to experience at any time of the year.

What's one of the best day trips in Florida that shouldn't be missed?

Have you been wanting to take a break from your normal everyday routine? If so, there's no better way to do this than by taking a day trip. There are many wonderful places in Florida that are perfect for a day trip. One place in particular is St. Augustine. Located in St. Johns County, this historic city, which is believed to be the oldest city in the United States, offers everything from a gator farm to a winery. St. Augustine is also home to several amazing restaurants and beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy. Don't forget to add St. Augustine to your bucket list! You'll love exploring this historic city that offers something for everyone.

 

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