Situated between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida, Lake City is an underrated family travel destination. From crystal-clear springs to miles of hiking trails to rich history, here are four reasons to take a family trip to this often-overlooked destination.
Water Adventures
Lake City is home to the famous Ichetuknee Springs State Park, a series of springs known for its turquoise waters and tubing adventures. Head to the park to drift down the river on a tube or kayak the waters while surrounded by greenery and native wildlife.
Olustee © Columbia County Tourism Development Council
Rich History and Culture
Founded in 1821, Lake City features preserved buildings from the 19th century. In the charming downtown area, several streets are lined with historic structures and boutiques. While there, visit Columbia County Historical Museum to learn about the region’s past. On Marion Street, look for The Blanche Hotel, constructed in 1902, that hosted guests like Al Capone and Johnny Cash. Just outside Lake City, head to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, the site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle, where kids can see reenactments and meet historical figures.
Stephen Foster State Park © Columbia County Tourism Development Council
Family-Friendly Activities
Lake City is called Lake City for a reason. Families can go fishing on one of its many lakes to reel in a variety of fish. Or, families who prefer a trek can hike through one of several state parks in the area, including Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park on the banks of the Suwannee River and Big Shoals State Park. Thrill seekers can even take a sightseeing helicopter tour to see Lake City and the surrounding area from new heights.
O’Leno State Park © Columbia County Tourism Development Council
Natural Beauty
In addition to beautiful lakes, Lake City is home to lush forests, clear springs, and hiking and horseback-riding trails. The city is also just minutes from the Suwannee River, made famous by Stephen Foster, who has a park dedicated to him, his songs and the culture of the region in nearby White Springs.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Nov 22, 2023New Hilton Report Shows What All Ages Want from Travel
Trying to plan a multigen trip? You may anticipate trouble finding a travel destination, activities and more to appeal to every member of your crew. However, a new report from Hilton found there are certain experiences all travelers want right now, regardless of generation.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Multigenerational
Nov 21, 202310 Resorts & Hotels Around the World with Festive Celebrations 2023, Part 2
With the holiday season upon us, resorts all over the world pull out all the stops to bring the joy of the holidays to family travelers of all ages. Here are five more resorts to check out this holiday season:
Multigenerational
Nov 17, 2023Perfect Holiday Gifts for Travelers on Etsy
When searching for unique gifts for family travelers, Etsy is a good place to begin. A marketplace of online shops owned by craftspeople and collectors, Etsy is filled with handcrafted works in all mediums, often one-of-a-kind or custom-made. It’s like an open studio, a place to share the latest creations directly to people who appreciate handcrafted things.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Cruising
Nov 16, 2023Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Asia with New Itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for offering an impressive assortment of itineraries letting family travelers visit practically every corner of the globe, but one part of the world has been missing for the past few years: Asia. Luckily, that is finally changing as the line returns to the region for the first time in three years.
ShareThis