I grew up in Orlando, Florida. Here's 7 things tourists should know before vacationing in the Sunshine State.

• I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and attended college at Florida State University.
• While amusement parks are popular spots, there's so much more to explore in Florida.

I lived in Florida for more than two decades and I've seen tourists make a few mistakes

I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, where I spent 18 years soaking up the local charm before moving to Tallahassee for college. I've traveled all across the state — from the panhandle to the Florida Keys — for 22 years, so I've learned quite a few things.

Here are 7 things tourists should know before visiting the Sunshine State.

Amusement parks are always a fan favorite, but in my experience, locals will tell you there are other — less expensive — places to visit

Most people I meet are surprised to know that even though I grew up 25 minutes away from Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, I was not an amusement park regular. Some Florida locals suggest skipping the parks with skyrocketing admission prices in favor of other attractions that are a bit more economical.

Besides amusement parks, visitors can branch out and make a stop at some of the following attractions like airboat tours in the Everglades, beautiful golf courses, a plethora of shopping centers, and exciting nightlife.

Visit the smaller, less-crowded beaches for an authentic coastal vibe

After amusement parks, the second most popular attraction in Florida is the beach, in my opinion. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection notes there are 825 miles of beaches across the state, so feel free to explore all the smaller coastal haunts Florida has to offer.

Some of the smaller beaches like Gasparilla Island, located in Southwest Florida, have great fishing nooks and are the epitome of calm since they don't receive the same foot traffic as more popular beaches, like Daytona and South Beach.

Florida is full of natural wonders and rich history, so think about adding some adventure to your visit

With more than 80 distinct ecosystems, Florida is known for its gorgeous views and unique biodiversity. Tourists can see the manatees at local spots like Blue Spring State Park in Orange City or discover marine life at high-tech aquariums like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota.

For history buffs, I suggest visiting Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral or St. Augustine, and the Florida Keys, which sit at the very bottom of the state, have unparalleled views.

But please don't interact with the wildlife — especially the gators

According to USDA, Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the country, so it's no surprise that locals feel protective over the critters who reside there.

Tourists may be tempted to touch the sea turtles or manatees, but don't. Marine turtles, manatees, and other animals are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

I also would advise against getting too close to sharks or wandering gators. Tampa Bay local news station WTSP reported that encounters between humans and local wildlife can sometimes turn deadly.

In my opinion, Orlando and Miami aren't the only cities worth visiting in Florida

Orlando and Miami are welcoming cities with unlimited sunshine, but there are more than 400 cities, towns, and villages in Florida, each with its individual style.

Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood is a favorite of mine when I'm craving delicious Cuban food. The area is also known for its wild chickens, and the annual Strawberry Festival is 30 minutes away from Tampa in Plant City. NASCAR fans will want to stop by the Daytona International Speedway during race season, located in Daytona Beach.

Florida is a culinary melting pot with residents from all over the world, so feel free to skip the fast-food restaurants and instead opt for local favorites

After a long day of exploring one attraction after another, a quick McDonald's run and heading back to the hotel sounds relaxing — but you'll miss out on the diverse culinary scene.

Although some Floridians will deny it, the state is located in the American South and has excellent southern eats, especially in central and northern Florida. Also, the state's proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean means there are plenty of cultural cuisines to choose from.

Orlando has a neighborhood called Mills 50 — formerly called "Little Vietnam" due to the Vietnamese stores and eateries — where all the locals go to eat.

And Publix subs — or "Pub Subs"— are a Florida staple. Any naysay goes in one ear and out the other.

A PSA for the traveling spring breakers: Florida is not a free-for-all playground

Every spring, hordes of college students congregate in South Florida to revel in their youth for a week. While most Floridians understand the desire, (who wouldn't want to spend a week in Miami?) that doesn't excuse bad behavior or the influx of trash left behind after a week of partying.

From littering to disturbing the public, some visitors come to Florida to lose their inhibitions but forget that families live there. As a result, some local governments, including Miami Beach, imposed curfews and enacted new rules to curb out-of-control spring breakers.