Nature & History Adventures



🌿 Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens (Bongoland Ruins) 

📍 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd., Port Orange
📞 (386) 767‑1735 • 🌐dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org
⏰ • Open daily 8 AM – 5 PM

💲Free entry & parking



Step into history with the preserved ruins of an 1800s sugar mill surrounded by lush botanical gardens. Wander shaded pathways, discover the story of Bongoland and its quirky past, and enjoy vibrant plants and flowers throughout the grounds.

Why We Love It:
A hidden gem where history, nature, and beauty all come together. Great for families, photographers, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a peaceful escape.

🌊 Turtle Mound National Historic Site

📍 7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
📞 (386) 428-3384 • 🌐 nps.gov/cana
⏰ Open daily 6 AM – 8 PM

💲 Annual pass $45, Car load 7-day pass $25

Step into one of Florida’s oldest landmarks, a massive shell mound created by the Timucua people over 1,000 years ago. From the boardwalk trail, you’ll see panoramic views of Mosquito Lagoon, with chances to spot dolphins and manatees along the shoreline. Kayakers and anglers call this one of the best hidden fishing spots in the area, and there are scenic pull-offs for picnics, hiking, and bird-watching.

Why We Love It:
A blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Perfect for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Just note—if you venture all the way to the end of the path, there’s a section known for nude sunbathing

🌲 Ponce Preserve
📍 4401 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
📞 (386) 236‑2150 • (info@ponceinlet.org)
⏰ • Open daily • 5 AM–8 PM

💲 Free Entry and Parking

Explore nearly 41 acres of rolling forest hills, ancient dunes, and serene coastal landscapes—built around the historic Green Mound midden and a forest of towering oaks. Hike under a canopy of maritime hammock and oak corridors, climb up for a scenic lookout, and enjoy hidden workout stations along the paths. Venture one way along the trail to discover a peaceful, rarely crowded beach—perfect for moments of solitude (hint hint!). The opposite path leads you across an elevated boardwalk to the Halifax River—ideal for watching boats drift by or casting a line if you're in the mood for fishing.



Why We Love It:
A multi-terrain adventure that offers hiking, hidden beach time, river views, and little surprises like workout spots—all wrapped in tranquil, historic forest vibes.

🗼 Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

📍 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
📞 (386) 761‑1821 • (lighthouse@ponceinlet.org)
💲 Cost: Adults (12+): $6.95, Children (3–11): $1.95, Infants (0–2): Free

Step back in time at Florida’s tallest lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark rising 175 feet above the inlet. Climb the tower for sweeping Atlantic and Halifax River views, stroll through the restored keeper’s dwellings, and marvel at enormous historic Fresnel lenses—some that once guided ships off Cape Canaveral. It’s a hands-on glimpse into the daily lives of lighthouse families, maritime navigation, and 19th-century coastal living.



Why We Love It:
An engaging, educational escape for all ages—see how lighthouse families lived, climb for those breathtaking views, and stand face-to-face with enormous old lights that shaped maritime history.