Florida Caverns takes its name from the beautiful Florida Cavern tour cave. Equal in beauty to such famous sites as Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns, the caves at Florida Caverns State Park contain dazzling formation of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, rimstones, flowstones and draperies.
These fragile formations are composed of calcite, a mineral dissolved from limestone rock when surface water containing carbonic acid percolates through the rock into the caves. As this mineral-charged water encounters the air inside the caves, layers of calcite are deposited. The creation of these stunning formations often take tens of thousands of years, and even the slightest disturbance by humans can destroy these delicate natural wonders.
People also may adversely affect a variety of animals that visit or dwell within the caves. The endangered gray bat, found in some caves, is easily disturbed by human voices or lights. If awakened during the winter months, hibernating bats expend valuable energy which they otherwise need to survive. Caves inhabited by gray bats receive special legal protection under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Florida Cavern is the only developed "tour cave" in the park. Florida Park Service permits are required to enter all other caves in the park. Some of the caves which require permits for entry are open for scientific research only. For the protection of the unique and sensitive resources which are found in these caves, visitors are asked to respect the off-limits status of these caves.
Although the caverns are the focal point of this Florida state park, the 1,300-acre grounds also boast a wide variety of plants, animals and other natural resources. American beech, Southern Magnolia, white oak and dogwood trees are prominent throughout the park, along with a number of plants that are also found in the southern Appalachian Mountains of north Georgia. During your visit, be sure to look for such wildflowers as the Atamasco Lily that starts blooming in January, and the Lyre-leaf Sage which flowers in March. Culumbine and Mayapple also make their appearance in March. Yellow Leafcup dazzles the eye in June and the Cardinal Flower displays until frost. Woodpeckers, barred owls, beavers, alligators, rare Barbour's map turtles and alligator snapping turtles also inhabit the area.
The pristine Chipola River flows underground in the park at the river sink and reappears several hundred feet downstream, thereby forming a natural bridge. In the early 1900s, loggers cut a ditch across this natural bridge to float logs downstream ACTIVITIES:
Other available activities:
The scenic Chipola River is a favorite spot for picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing. Hiking and horseback riding trails are available. Equestrian facilities, group and individual campsites, shower and restroom facilities are nearby. Guided cavern tours and an audio-visual program are offered to interpret the caverns and other natural features of the park.
The guided cave tours are provided daily for a fee. Golfing is available at the Florida Caverns Golf Course. Information may be obtained by calling (850) 482-4257. For more information, contact: Florida Caverns State Park 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida 32446 (850) 482-9598
Visit the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist. Come see why the Michelin Guide gave us the only "Three Star Rating on Florida's West "Coast!
The Salvador Dalí Museum is the permanent home of the world's most comprehensive collection of the renowned Spanish artist's work. Compiled by the A. Reynolds Morse and Eleanor Morse over a 45-year period, it is celebrated for its 96 oil paintings.
With oils spanning from 1917 through 1970, the collection provides an excellent overview of Dalí's major themes and symbols. Characterized by its diversity, it includes the Impressionist and Cubist styles of his early period, abstract work from his transition to Surrealism, the famous surrealist canvases for which he is best known, and examples of his preoccupation with religion and science during his classic period.
In addition to the 96 oil paintings, the collection includes over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures and objects d'art, and an extensive archival library. Periodic rotations of the collection and special exhibitions allow museum goers to view new work on repeat visits.
The museum, in it’s current state, will be open for another few years until their new museum opens in 2011. The new structure will be bigger, with more works of art, and the building itself will be a work of art based on Dali’s unique approach to art. With Dali's surrealistic art you can take a number of meanings from each piece and apply them to your own life. Living in metaphor is something Dali does very well.
The Museum store remains open 1/2 hour after closing on the following days:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
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Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center
727-363-5100
~ Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center ~ "Truly what Florida is all about..."
Imagine…It’s All Here!The Sirata Beach and Conference Center is truly a tropical island paradise.Located on 13 acres of sugary white, privately owned beachfront directly on the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and breathtaking golden sunsets, there is no need to go anywhere else!
Enjoy our unspoiled beach, three beachfront pools (heated when necessary), two whirlpools, and three great places all on one resort: The Compass Grille, a casual restaurant offering ‘Floribbean’ fresh dining for breakfast, lunch & dinner; Rum Runners Bar & Grille, for beachfront or poolside drinks and food; and, Harry’s Beach Bar, truly a local institution and the place to be seen.We would also be remiss if we didn’t mention our Lobby Lounge, for a more intimate late night gathering and our hidden treasure, The Sea Breeze Trading Company, for memorabilia and sundries.
Our resort has more than 380 rooms of which 170 are suites, all at affordable rates.Choose from a variety of guest rooms with kitchenettes, refrigerators, and family style suites.On site amenities include a fitness center, Captain Dave’s wave runners, paddle boats, and even a children’s play area.With so much on property, you won’t have to leave.In case you do, we have full concierge services.
We also offer 14 meeting rooms in 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outddor function space, and have award winning weddings, and on-property specialists to make memories of a lifetime.
~ Come and enjoy the friends you have yet to meet! ~
Florida Cavern is the only developed "tour cave" in the park. Florida Park Service permits are required to enter all other caves in the park. Some of the caves which require permits for entry are open for scientific research only. For the protection of the unique and sensitive resources which are found in these caves, visitors are asked to respect the off-limits status of these caves. 
Other available activities: 
