Florida Rambler | Getaways to the authentic Florida

I’m always on the lookout for affordable camping in nice public parks, and I found a real gem in Central Florida. Love the lakes. Love all the trails. Love the campsite. $25/night.

Honeymoon Island has a big, natural beach where you can get away from people, but also offers a cafe, bikes and kayaks to rent and a playground. Recently, the beautiful sandspit beach that extends miles north split in two! Erosion has connected the Gulf to the Intracoastal, and it’s still shifting. Don’t worry: There are still miles of beach to walk.

Boardwalks allow everyone to explore Florida’s natural beauty, including people in wheelchairs and families with strollers. Here are 16 of our favorite boardwalks in South Florida.

Free days in national parks come six times a year and they’re a good deal. Some Florida national parks now charge $25 and $35 for admission.

Florida’s wackiness goes back to its first settlers, and Koreshan State Historic Site celebrates one of our earliest eccentrics. Thanks to this cult leader, though, a lovely wooded site on the Estero River was preserved through the years for us to enjoy.

We know what the big draw is in Orlando, and it’s not nature. But it should be! Even if your destination is a theme park, here are 9 natural experiences and places that are memorable additions to a visit to Central Florida

The Dora Canal could be the prettiest one mile you’ll paddle in Florida. The waterway connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in Tavares, just west of Mount Dora.

I love to discover and share new places to kayak, and Prairie Creek near Punta Gorda is a scenic, pristine stream full of birds and wildlife. It’s just the sort of place that makes me love to paddle.

Comprehensive guide to Florida’s craft breweries, next-gen neighborhood taverns for sipping suds, playing games and meeting new friends.

Punta Gorda is a surprising small town on the Gulf Coast between Naples and Tampa. It has big waterfront views along Charlotte Harbor, a historic district and a charming downtown. It’s a good base for kayakers, with several options nearby.

Meteorologists predict 23 named storms of which five will become Category 3 or stronger.

The Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Florida’s west coast, gets you close to alligators, cypress swamps and Everglades scenery. It also offers outstanding stops along the way, particularly the Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon is a must-stop on the Overseas Highway. Its history and scenic beauty make it a great place to walk or bike. The bridge ends at Pigeon Key, which you can tour to learn its fascinating story.

In the wild and watery world of southwest Florida, Collier-Seminole State Park near Naples draws people who love the natural Florida for camping, hiking and paddling.

However you choose to explore Cumberland Island, the island spreads its magic and its history out like the long limbs of its great live oaks, inviting you to come for an unforgettable experience.

International Dark Skies Week is April 2-8, 2024, but you can gaze at the stars around any New Moon. We recommend these 12 campgrounds for the best experience. #DarkSkyWeek #DiscoverTheNight

There’s a good reason Boca Grande is a favorite among the rich and famous: It’s beautiful, unspoiled and preserves the charm of Old Florida. It makes a satisfying daytrip, especially on a bike. Another plus: The historic lighthouse at the southern tip just reopened 16 months after being slammed by Hurricane Ian.