Natural and historic gems are only a cheap flight to Florida away

When people think of Florida, beachfront condos, spring break and of course Disney World and over-the-top theme parks are often the first things that come to mind. But in truth, the state offers much more for those looking for an educational or adventurous trip.

With destinations like St. Augustine, the oldest European-established city in the U.S., and some of the world's wildest areas in the Everglades, Florida vacations offer something for those looking for a unique getaway. And with major airports in Miami, Orlando and the Tampa area, cheap flights to Florida can be easy to come by. Package that with a car rental to check out one or more of these destinations.

St. Augustine: Nicknamed the Ancient City, this city just south of Jacksonville was founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 and has been occupied ever since. Visitors can get a taste of classic Spanish architecture and visit Castillo San Marcos, a fort that the Spanish occupants began construction on in 1672. With its iconic black-and-white swirl design, the nearby St. Augustine Lighthouse is also a popular destination.

The Everglades: A complex system of forests, swamps and marine environments, this vast area of subtropical wetlands is one of the more unique natural areas in the world. Everglades National Park is the nation's third biggest and is home to panthers, crocodiles and manatees and features a 99-mile canoe trail.

Key West: The southern-most point in the United States, this historic island boasts traces of Cuban and Spanish culture, among others. Visitors can check out the island's unique architecture and visit the house where Ernest Hemingway lived while he wrote "A Farewell to Arms." Legend has it that the author took in cats with more than five toes and that's how their descendants can be identified.

Ybor City: This neighborhood in Tampa was founded in the late 19th century by cigar manufacturers and has since become a cultural and historic hotspot. With its many restaurants and galleries, it's a must stop for someone looking to get a taste of the culture in the Tampa area.

Interested in checking out these destinations? Check out a travel site like Travelocity.com for cheap flights and other travel options for your trip to the Sunshine State.

Courtesy of ARAcontent