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Springtime in Florida brings pleasantly warm temperatures without the scorching heat of summer, making it one of the fantastic times to visit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the places to go and activities to try that make this season truly special.
Get ready for those pristine beaches, gardens bursting with blooms, the thrill of theme parks, lively events, and a whole lot more!
We’ve even thrown in some handy weather info to help you plan your springtime escapade just the way you like it.
Plan even more activities with our fun Florida bucket list.
Planning to go on a little FL road trip? Check this guide or explore all of our Florida guides for tons more recommendations.
Springtime in Florida
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve listed activities and places to go during spring in Florida starting in the heart of it all in Orlando and ending in Key West.
Disney World’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Disney in springtime means that the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (200 EPCOT Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista) is back!
During this annual colorful celebration of our natural world, visitors can explore Epcot and marvel at the beautifully landscaped gardens and topiaries.
You can also indulge in limited-time dishes and drinks inspired by cultures around the world.
There are live musical performances on select dates and special exhibits and events specifically for kids, like entertaining scavenger hunts.
The International Flower & Garden Festival is a magical way to relish in the beauty of spring, have a blast on thrilling rides like Test Track, and see your favorite Disney characters designed from shrubs!
We also have a full list of Orlando spring break recommendations you can check out.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios
Another of the most popular destinations in Florida for family-friendly fun and entertainment is Universal Studios (6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando).
Aside from its year-round thrilling rides and attractions, Universal Studios Florida also celebrates Mardi Gras each spring.
Around early February to the second week of April, the park comes alive with decorations and colorful parades complete with floats and performers that bring the spirit of New Orleans to Central Florida.
In addition to the parades, Universal Studios also hosts many concerts from top artists as well as several vendors that serve up delicious Cajun fare.
Park visitors can join in on the fun by wearing masks, collecting beads, and dancing the night away.
Southern Hill Farms in Clermont
A visit to Southern Hill Farms (16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont) during spring provides a one-of-a-kind farm experience.
In March and April, the expansive fields burst with vibrant sunflowers and blueberry blossoms that are simply divine.
Visitors are welcome to pick their own fresh blueberries, sunflowers, and peaches while enjoying the gorgeous weather and scenery.
During the weekends, there are also food trucks and live music performances that add to the fun even more.
A trip to Southern Hill Farms during the spring serves as a great and memorable activity if you have little ones or if you’re looking for a unique date idea!
Black Bear Wilderness Area
One of the best things about hiking in Florida is just how many diverse ecosystems you can come across on a single trail.
This is precisely what you’ll experience at Black Bear Wilderness Area (5298 Michigan Ave, Sanford), which is a fantastic natural area to explore during the spring.
This wilderness area has a 7-mile loop that takes you through wet prairie, hydric hammock, and cypress swamps, and along the peaceful St. Johns River.
You’ll come across a wide range of wildlife while exploring the trail, including white-tailed deer, Florida black bears, and the swallow-tailed kite.
New Smyrna Beach
There’s no question that New Smyrna Beach (210 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach), with its local shops, restaurants, and proximity to the coastline is one of the most charming East Coast towns.
The beach is unlike a lot of others in Florida since visitors can drive their car right onto it (depending on the tide).
If you’re a seasoned surfer or simply want to try your hand at the sport, this is a prime spot to do so.
You also don’t want to miss out on exploring Flagler Avenue, which is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
For a touch of history, head to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum or the New Smyrna Museum of History.
You may like our guide to other beach towns in Florida that you can enjoy.
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve in Jacksonville
A visit to the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve (12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville) offers a day full of outdoor adventure and education.
This 46,000-acre nature preserve offers an immersive escape into Florida’s ecosystems like salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.
The significance of this land dates back 6,000 years, to when the land belonged to the Timucua Tribe, which the preserve is dedicated to educating the public about.
The expansive preserve provides visitors with prime opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Expect to see birds such as cardinals, barred owls, osprey, and blue herons as well as mammals like armadillos, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.
Spring at the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is a fantastic time to get in touch with nature and dive into the historical roots of this precious land.
Tallahassee Food and Wine Festival
Held every spring since 1995, the Tallahassee Food and Wine Festival (444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee) is a foodie’s dream.
This event showcases a vast range of delectable dishes and libations from vendors around North Florida that are recognized on regional, state, and national levels.
For those who are interested in the culinary arts, educational demonstrations from both chefs and spirit experts are also conducted.
Guests can spend the weekend savoring the variety of delicious cuisine and discovering new flavors in the lively setting held at Tallahassee Community College’s intramural fields.
The Tallahassee Wine and Food Festival is a springtime tradition where you can connect with like-minded individuals who also value culinary excellence, fine wines, and spirits.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
For a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience this spring season in Florida, make your way to Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park (4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville).
The park features a huge, bright blue sinkhole that’s encircled with lush vegetation and even waterfalls that trickle down into it.
There is a half-mile trail surrounded by greenery that winds around the top of the limestone sinkhole, which descends 120 feet down.
Visitors can navigate down the boardwalk into the sinkhole and marvel at the diverse plant and animal life that utterly thrives this time of year.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park offers a brilliant way to get outside in northern Florida during spring and dive into the millions of years of geological history embedded here.
Cedar Key Arts Festival
If you’re wondering what some of the best things to do in Florida in April are, the Cedar Key Arts Festival (188 2nd St, Cedar Key) is certainly high on that list.
This is one of the oldest art fairs in Florida, where 100 skilled artists showcase their work, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts in the laid-back coastal environment of Cedar Key.
There are vendors that offer tasty food and beverages, inviting visitors to explore the local culture and support the Cedar Key Arts Center and other non-profit organizations.
The Cedar Key Arts Festival is an event that combines art, community, and the splendor of springtime on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Rainbow River in Dunnellon
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Florida is the Rainbow River, a crystal-clear body of water that extends for 6 miles from its headspring, Rainbow Spring.
Rent a tube, paddle board, or kayak at KP Hole Park (9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon), the best starting place to begin your adventure down this natural lazy river.
Springtime in Florida is a wonderful time to make this journey, as the weather is typically ideal, and the water and surrounding areas are teeming with life!
As you travel down the river, the transparent water reveals a vibrant underwater world of fish, otters, manatees, and aquatic plants.
After a peaceful and refreshing voyage down the river, you’ll end at Blue Run, where a shuttle can bring you back to KP Hole Park.
Clearwater Beach
Florida in springtime brings sunny skies, gentle breezes, and perfect temperatures for hitting the beach.
Clearwater Beach (112 S Osceola Ave, Clearwater) is on the Gulf side of the state, and it’s a truly idyllic destination that shines during this season with its powdery sand and turquoise water.
Clearwater Beach has been named America’s No. 1 Beach in the past; this spot is perfect for relaxing in the sun, swimming, and water sports like jet skiing or parasailing.
It’s no wonder why this area has been a longtime favorite among those seeking refuge this time of year from the northern states, as it provides visitors with sunshine, days filled with coastal fun, and the very best of vibes.
It’s one of our favorites!
Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo
The Florida Botanical Gardens (12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo) is another spectacular garden to visit during the spring season.
This 100-acre park has an abundance of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and even educational resources such as scavenger hunts and identification walks to promote community engagement.
Admission to the garden is free and most of the pathways throughout it are ADA compliant.
Trails wind through the gardens, showcasing native plants like bird-of-paradise, coral honeysuckle, and gardenia.
Paying a visit to the Florida Botanical Gardens during springtime offers a peaceful escape and allows guests to deepen their appreciation for our natural world.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Osprey
What could be more enchanting than exploring 45 acres of bayfront gardens featuring native flora, air plants from around the world, and history during springtime in Florida?
A trip to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (1534 Mound St, Sarasota & 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey) provides exactly that experience, with 2 separate campuses that are dedicated to botany, horticulture, historical preservation, and education.
During the spring season, the exotic plants and flowers in the gardens are in their prime and erupt into vivid color.
Enlighten the senses and stroll through themed gardens such as the Tropical Conservatory, Fern Garden, Bamboo Garden, Bromeliad Garden, and Fragrance Garden.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is undeniably passionate about the natural world and gives visitors a serene escape into a tropical waterfront oasis.
Siesta Beach
Once you step foot on Siesta Beach (948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key), you’ll quickly understand why it has been voted as one of the top beaches in the entire country.
Located on the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this beach is complete with an expansive shore of powder-white sand that’s known for its cool touch, perfect for days spent sunbathing and enjoying your favorite beach games.
The waters of the Gulf are typically warmer than the Atlantic on the eastern side of the state, offering beach-goers ideal swimming conditions during the spring months.
Be sure to stay until the evening for a breathtaking sunset that glimmers over the water, ending your day at Siesta Beach in such an unforgettable way.
Editor’s Note: We’re obsessed with Siesta Key and recommend you visit during every season!
Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green
The Sunshine State just so happens to be the state with the most golf courses, so if you love a day out on the green, Florida in spring is the place and time to get out there.
Streamsong Golf Resort (1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green) has 3 amazing courses that are secluded, and each one offers a different style of game.
The landscaping throughout the course is beautiful and thoughtfully designed, and the pleasant springtime weather in Florida makes every game an enjoyable one.
There’s an exceptional resort on the property if you’re visiting from out of town, or visitors are welcome to play for just the day if you live locally.
Streamsong Golf Resort combines world-class golfing with Florida’s natural beauty for a top-notch getaway.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
There’s nothing quite like a serene botanical garden, especially during the spring season in Florida.
Bok Tower Gardens (1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales), open since 1929, bursts into life with vibrant azaleas, camellias, and annuals this time of year.
Throughout spring, Bok Tower Gardens also puts on live concerts, workshops, and Easter events to really make the most of the season.
As you stroll through the tranquil landscapes, you’ll hear the melodious sounds of the Singing Tower, which plays at 1 and 3pm each day.
A sunny spring day at Bok Tower Gardens is an enchanting combination of art, nature, and music that makes for a perfect time alone or with someone special.
This is one of our recommendations for romantic things to do in Orlando and nearby.
Spring Training at CoolToday Park
Nothing says springtime fun like a day spent enjoying America’s favorite pastime at CoolToday Park (18800 W Villages Pkwy, North Port), the Spring Training home to the Atlanta Braves.
The warm sunshine and clear spring skies provide the perfect setting for cheering on your team before the regular season starts.
CoolToday Park was opened in 2019 and was designed to be universally accessible to all guests with accessible parking, seating, restrooms, elevators, and courtesy rides on game days.
Naples Garden Club Annual Flower Show
The Naples Garden Club Annual Flower Show (4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples) is Southwest Florida’s largest juried flower show.
Held at the Naples Botanical Garden, this event has a new theme each year and showcases mesmerizing arrangements that are crafted by locals.
This event provides patrons with the opportunity to admire and learn about a wide range of plant species and gardening techniques through live demonstrations, as well.
The Naples Flower Show is a beloved springtime tradition that offers inspiration and appreciation for the sheer artistry of gardening.
You may also like our guide to things to do in Naples.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach) is a place that honors the century-old connection between Japan and South Florida.
In the early 1900s, a recent NYU graduate named Jo Sakai returned home to Japan and organized a group of farmers to form crops in this region of Florida, which ultimately failed but led to the beautiful gardens we have today.
These gardens have been open since 1977 and aim to educate and inspire the public with the Japanese culture it presents.
The gardens were inspired by significant gardens in Japan and burst to life with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and bonsais, especially during the spring months in Florida.
There is also a museum on the property that offers further insight into Japanese culture and history.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens create an enchanting, educational, and tranquil experience for visitors to enjoy in the springtime especially as blooms fill the grounds.
SunFest in West Palm Beach
Right at the tail-end of the spring season in South Florida is SunFest (101 S Clematis St, West Palm Beach), an electrifying music and arts festival right on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway.
The festival features a wide variety of live music performances over the course of 3 days at multiple stages, from rock to hip-hop to reggae, so there’s likely to be a show here that piques your interest.
Local artists, craft vendors, and food trucks can also be found throughout the grounds if you need to fuel up or want to grab a unique souvenir.
As the largest waterfront music festival in Florida, SunFest is a significant part of the community and an incredible way to celebrate artistry in numerous forms.
You can also explore the rest of West Palm Beach and the nearby Palm Beach and find lots of interesting stuff to do there.
Miami Film Festival
The Miami Film Festival (300 SE 3rd St #100, Miami) is a 10-day cinematic extravaganza that showcases independent American and international films each spring in Florida.
Established filmmakers and budding talents present their work, and discussions as well as special events are also held to further engage film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Each of the theaters and venues at the event are wheelchair accessible and assistance can also be provided upon request.
The vibrant atmosphere of Miami makes this festival even more special, truly amplifying the magic of storytelling on the big screen.
Attending the Miami Film Festival is a must for anyone looking for an exceptional cinematic experience.
Explore our Miami bucket list guide to discover more activities in the city.
Bahia Honda State Park
For days consisting of snorkeling, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking in the sunshine, Bahia Honda State Park (36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key) is the place to be.
The park has pristine beaches with soft sand and shallow, crystalline water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling with abundant marine life.
There are coastal trails that award hikers with incredible views of the Florida Keys and miles of ocean.
Keep your eye out for wildlife such as bottle-nosed dolphins, Key deer, ghost crabs, and sandpipers.
You may also like our guide to the best state parks in Florida.
Florida Spring Weather
If you’re wondering when is spring in Florida, the timeframe may vary across the state.
In North Florida, it typically lasts from late March through June, whereas in Central Florida it runs from March to May.
South Florida tends to experience an earlier spring onset.
The Florida spring weather is very mild, with warm days and cooler mornings and evenings.
The average temperature in Florida in March ranges between 70-79 degrees F, with low temperatures staying around 56-72 degrees.
In spring, the average rainfall in FL is between 2.0 and 4.5 inches for the season, with most of the showers occurring in April.
April showers bring May flowers!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re all set for your seasonal adventure in the Sunshine State!
Share your favorite experiences from your visit to Florida in the spring in the comments below.