Pine Island isn’t a beach resort, and that’s part of its charm. Visit it for pristine waters to kayak, explore a fascinating Calusa indian site or stay in a 100-year-old lodge.
Recent Articles
Firefly nights at Blue Spring State Park 2026: March 13 – April 12
Fireflies in Florida? It’s a thing! Blue Spring State Park offers special viewing in spring ‘firefly season.’
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka: Azaleas are at peak bloom; special event March 7
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
10 things to do in Naples to experience its natural beauty
Naples has among the most beautiful beaches in the US, but there’s more to see and do there, including shady boardwalks, gardens & kayak trails.
Florida Strawberry Festival runs through March 8
The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: Free, wild & five minutes off I-75
Next time you travel Florida’s Gulf Coast on I-75, take a five minutes detour in Fort Myers to discover a magnificent slice of old Florida – a 1.2 mile boardwalk through an unspoiled cypress swamp called Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. It’s free!
Princess Place: 6 reasons to go off-the-beaten track to discover this preserve
Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County is a big, scenic park with miles of hiking, excellent tent camping, affordable cabins and a historic buiding with an intriguing story. It’s an off-the-beaten-path discovery for your Florida adventure
Gamble Rogers State Park: Oceanfront campground celebrating song and sea
Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area is an oceanfront jewel with a beachfront campground, backcountry paddle trails and prime viewing for whales who spend the winter off-shore.
Tour Nike missile base deep in Everglades National Park
The historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park is a well-preserved relic of the 1960s Cold War. On March 7, join in a festival celebrating the Nike site and its era.
Now open: Everglades Visitor Center, gateway to Gulf waters by kayak and boat
Everglades National Park has opened its impressive new Gulf Coast Visitor Center, a new gateway to the Gulf waters for kayakers and tour boats.
Best Beaches
10 things to do in Naples to experience its natural beauty
Naples has among the most beautiful beaches in the US, but there’s more to see and do there, including shady boardwalks, gardens & kayak trails.
Best Camping
Hardee Lakes Park: Reclaimed mine makes exceptional campground, scenic park
A reclaimed phosphate mine has been restored to a beautiful park in Hardee County, offering exceptional camping, boating and a dozen trails perfect for hiking, off-road bicycles and e-bikes.
Everglades
Tour Nike missile base deep in Everglades National Park
The historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park is a well-preserved relic of the 1960s Cold War. On March 7, join in a festival celebrating the Nike site and its era.
Florida Gardens
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka: Azaleas are at peak bloom; special event March 7
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
Tampa Bay Getaways
Tampa Thai temple: Exceptional Sunday market & brunch
An open-air Thai brunch and market draws throngs every Sunday morning to this beautiful waterfront temple in Tampa. The food is very good and moderately priced. The exotic gold-trimmed temple is worth visiting just because it’s beautiful, set among shady live oak trees decorated with orchids.
Central Florida
Kayak to your own tiny paradise: Exploring spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon
You can kayak to your own little island, and it’s not hard. The Indian River Lagoon has dozens of spoil islands where you can picnic, explore or even camp. You don’t need reservations and some islands are only minutes off shore.
Northeast Florida
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka: Azaleas are at peak bloom; special event March 7
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
Northwest Florida
Springs and wildlife make the Chaz a special kayak trail
Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida’s premier kayaking rivers.
