Getaways to the authentic Florida
The ferry to Bimini takes you to another world just 50 miles offshore from Fort Lauderdale. Whether a day trip or a week, there are many opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing or just exploring island history. I went to see how much Bimini has changed.
Snorkel, dive or ride a glass-bottom boat to view the coral reefs at what many consider Florida’s #1 state park. But there’s more than snorkeling at this Key Largo gem: We liked the kayak trails too.
A review: Flamingo Lodge has opened, and lives up to its magnificent location on Florida Bay in Everglades National Park. Many visitors will now explore this end-of-the-road spot.
We’ve spent several great days kayaking the waterways along the St. Lucie River in the Treasure Coast. Here are three kayak trails we like: St. Lucie south branch , St. Lucie Inlet Preserve and Ten Mile Creek.
Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant has reopened after four years of loving restoration and reimagining.
Myakka River State Park near Sarasota is one of the biggest, oldest and best Florida state parks, but it was clobbered by Hurricane Milton in 2024. Even so, it’s a great place for seeing wildlife and kayaking a wild and scenic river this winter. Go here for its log cabins, appealing camp sites, hiking and good bike trails too.
Updated for 2025: If you have one day or its your first visit to the Everglades, this guide will help you see wildlife and experience the essence of Everglades National Park. We offer tips, too, for more in-depth Everglades experiences.
With eight state parks, a national park, scads of history and top beaches, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach make a great base to explore northeast Florida.
The 2025 entertainment lineup includes rapper Nelly, country music star Jon Pardi, the Beach Boys and southern rockers Lynard Skynard. Tickets go on sale December 12.
Travel gear and gift ideas in all price ranges. We wouldn’t recommend anything we don’t use ourselves.
