Florida’s farms, ranches, and vineyards invite visitors to sample the bounty and beauty of the Sunshine State with a host of agritourism offerings. Check out the Florida Agritourism Association for more information and to download the app.
For a truly memorable Florida experience, explore the hidden treasures among the rural areas of the state by touring or staying at a farm or ranch.
The captivating sights, sounds, scents, and flavors distinguish these destinations from the beaches and other attractions of the Sunshine State, leaving visitors with a sense of well-being and enlightenment after immersing themselves in the plant life, animals, and down-to-earth farming community.
Agritourism has surged in popularity as more visitors seek the authentic experience of rural living, connecting with the source of their food and witnessing a way of life unlike their own.
Florida, with its thriving citrus and cattle industries and expansive land areas suitable for growing anything from vegetables to honey to salt, is an ideal location for this trend.
The state’s year-round warm climate ensures content animals, ranging from pigs to alpacas, whether raised for livestock or kept as sanctuary pets. Welcoming farmers and farm enthusiasts are eager to offer tours, share their knowledge, and introduce guests to the joys of berry picking, chicken feeding, and horseback riding in national parks neighboring their properties.
Whether it’s a day trip, weekend getaway, or an extended stay, Florida offers numerous farming and agricultural attractions to delight visitors and potentially entice return visits.
During spring, family-friendly you-pick berry farms provide ample fun and a stockpile of fresh fruit, with strawberries and blueberries that can be frozen and preserved for months.
Across the state, various dairy farms like central Florida’s Dakin Dairy Farms welcome guests with tours, marketplaces, cafe experiences, petting zoos, and year-round seasonal events.
Moreover, Florida boasts popular vineyards and wineries that host traditional grape stomping sessions, harvest festivals, guided tours, and wine tastings.
Animal enthusiasts can explore potbellied pig sanctuaries and exotic animal rescues statewide, as well as small, humane farms supplying local restaurants with meat and poultry raised on-site.
Ocala, renowned as Florida’s Horse Country, features numerous horse ranches and farms offering tours, horseback rides, workshops, overnight accommodations, and family-friendly activities.
For a genuine farm-to-table encounter, select farms throughout the state cater to groups and special events, providing tours of their grounds and farming methods, culminating in a delectable meal prepared from garden-fresh ingredients.
Establishments like Kai Kai Farm in Indiantown and Paradise Farms in Homestead seamlessly blend educational tours with culinary showcases, creating enduring memories for visitors to cherish.
For those seeking a deeper connection with Florida’s land, animals, and welcoming farm owners, some farms offer charming bed-and-breakfast or cabin rental options.