A little over a week ago, my parents and I returned from our annual vacation to Florida. We had spent three days adventuring the Florida Keys, and we spent the remainder of the week with my great uncle in Lady Lake. The drive from our hotel in Key Largo to Lady Lake was five hours, and for much of that time I found myself texting my best friend. At one point, she told me that it was “too bad I wasn’t going to Disney.” This message brought a smile to my face. I in no way felt my Florida vacation was lacking because I wasn’t staying in Disney World.

It seems tourists often become so memorized by Disney World, that they forget there’s an entire state outside of the theme park. That entire state has so many mystical things to offer. Disney World is pretty magical, but so are white powder sands of Miami Beach, vibrant sunsets at Mallory Square, and adventurous kayaking trips around the mangroves of Key Largo.

I have visited Florida close to twenty times. Though I have stayed in Disney, few of my fondest memories involve it. To me the most captivating things in Florida come from nature. My most recent stay in Key Largo is a prime example of this. From coral beaches tangled with mangroves, to lukewarm turquoise waters, everything there just made me feel as starry-eyed as a six-year-old on Christmas. My parents and I spent the days wading in the bay outside of our resort, where it was teeming with marine life. We came across starfish, hermit crabs, sea sponges, and brain coral just to name a few. During this time I felt so in tune with nature, and so grateful for the gifts that the state of Florida so freely gives.

If you find yourself planning a trip to Disney, I’d suggest spending a day outside of the park. Otherwise you may be missing out on a chance to see beautiful wildlife and learn interesting history. When you spend time outside of major tourist attractions, you come to appreciate a place as it truly is. And my appreciation of Florida is one that will hold a special place in my heart forever.