Last minute day trips near FSU you can take to spice up your Spring Break

As a student one of our biggest desires in life is the ability and opportunity to travel to and experience new places. Whether you’ve seen a lot of the world, or hardly any yet, new experiences and environments will always be something held in high demand. Unfortunately, traveling takes money and time, which we often lack.

Being broke and in college does not have to hinder your ability to travel! Here are five places that are three and a half hours or less away for Florida State University’s campus. Perfect for day trips that won’t eat away your weekend, your bank account and still leave you all day Sunday to study for that Calc 2 exam at 8am Monday morning.

Seaside

If you are in the mood for a beautiful little utopian city, look no further. Seaside is approximately two and a half hours away from FSU, a half hour from Panama City Beach and a sure way to spend a Saturday. This little beachside town is complete with grandiose architecture, yummy food truck food, sweet art shoppes and miles of white sandy beach. Don’t forget to pick up an infamous ’30A’ sticker while you’re there!

For a good restaurant, hit up The Red Bar. For a good dessert restaurant, check out La Crema.

Marianna

Marianna is the closest destination on our list. At a mere hour and fifteen minutes away, you can visit Florida’s caves at the Florida Caverns state park. Fall in love with a bat, admire the natural art of stalagmites and complete a few hikes around the park while there. You’d be surprised how quickly time will go by as you take your tour through Florida’s rare and unusual caves.

For a popular, local restaurant, try out The Wharf.

St. Augustine

As much as traveling is supposed to be a break from anything and everything education, St. Augustine would have to be the exception. This historic little city is the nation’s oldest settlement, and it definitely has not lost its charm with the years. Founded in 1565 by the Spaniards, St. Augustine is home to a plethora of historical entities, including the Fountain of Youth, the Masonry Fort and the St. Augustine Distillery Company (the city’s first legal distillery since Prohibition). St. Augustine is around two hours and fifteen minutes away from FSU.

For a traditional and cultural meal, go to the Columbia Restaurant. Sample some of the famous sangria, and pick up a packet of mix from the gift shop to make your own at home!

Vortex Springs

Check out these Springs only an hour and forty-five minutes from campus in Ponce de Leon, Florida. The cool, 68 degree water is the perfect remedy for the Florida sun, and the perfect pause from classes. Take diving classes, zip line into the water, hike the nature trails or just lay out and get a tan. Vortex is the perfect picnic area, bring a group of friends and make an event out of your day with a trip to the Springs.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

Possibly one of the most unique experiences you will ever have will be at this preserve. Located on “The Oaks Farm” in Chipley, Florida, just an hour and a half from Florida State, the Seacrest Wolf Preserve is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. As an educational approach to wolf conservation and preservation, the Wold Preserve allows you into the wolf enclosures, getting you a rare, hands-on opportunity to connect with the wolves. The goal of the preserve is to educate individuals about the importance and elegance of wolves, and the scary threat of their extinction. Check out the gift shop, or consider donating to cause while you’re there.

While we’re all budgeting our money and time, fit in an out of town day trip to remind you of all the world has to offer us. Traveling keeps the heart young and the mind fresh, and really, who doesn’t need to get away from Tallahassee every now and then?