Remote, rural and picturesque, northwest Florida rewards your long drive with sparkling springs, the beautiful Suwanee River and scenic rural roads. This state park’s cabins make a great base to explore the region.
Recent Articles
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs: Wild, wonderful and off the beaten track
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs occupies one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast.
Juniper Springs in Ocala Forest: Shady kayak run on pristine spring-fed stream
One of Florida’s favorite kayak runs, Juniper Springs, is popular in summer because it’s largely shaded and the water is 72 degrees. It might be the most pristine spring-fed river in Florida. It’s best for experienced paddlers.
6 coolest places to visit in Florida for epic summer fun
It’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to seal yourself in air conditioning for the summer. You can enjoy the natural and authentic Florida — and stay cool in the process.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Beaches that wow, rare old forts in Panhandle
Florida Panhandle’s greatest treasure might be Gulf Islands National Seashore, with an unspoiled barrier island, sand as white as snow and a rare Civil War fort whose spooky spaces you can wander.
Tomoka State Park: Gateway to the Ormond Scenic Loop
Hidden among the tidal marshes, Tomoka State Park offers a shady campground, miles of paddle trails, biking and hiking, and a productive fishery.
Summer adventure: Taking a Brightline train for a Miami getaway
Freed from traffic and parking woes, exploring downtown Miami on a summer getaway is appealing because of the excellent cool museums for steamy afternoons.
Canaveral National Seashore: Unspoiled beauty, solace for miles and miles
Canaveral National Seashore is longest undeveloped beach in Florida, 24 miles of pristine coastal sanctuary for people, birds and armadillos. Canaveral National Seashore is quiet and peaceful and you can always find your place in the sand.
Old Seven Mile Bridge: One of a kind; worth seeing on drive down the Keys
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.
St. Pete’s world-class museums are a treat for hot summer afternoons
Here’s a great destination for hot summer weekends. New museums in St. Petersburg – each built to house extraordinary private collections – make this a Florida city with lots to do indoors. At least one museum has a summer pricebreak on tickets.
Florida Keys and Key West
Spiny lobster mini season July 29-30; Regular season starts August 6.
Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the Keys for lobster mini-season before commercial fisherman set out their traps. Tips on catching (permits required), cooking and eating Florida lobster.
Springs
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park: Cool springs, comfy cabins, kayak the Suwannee
Remote, rural and picturesque, northwest Florida rewards your long drive with sparkling springs, the beautiful Suwanee River and scenic rural roads. This state park’s cabins make a great base to explore the region.
Best Beaches
Dramatic Washington Oaks beach is lined with sculpted rocks
Florida has miles of beaches, but nothing like the Washington Oaks State Park beach, lined with coquina rocks that wind and surf have turned into sculpture. It’s located in Flagler Beach, where the sand looks like it has been sprinkled with cinnamon.
Go Snorkeling!
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West hidden gem
Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.
Florida’s Panhandle
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: Towering dunes, perfect beach, rare lakes
Topsail Hill State Park preserves 3 miles of pristine beach, magnificent white sand dunes and sparkling coastal lakes. With lots of camping and cabin sites, it’s a gem in the Panhandle. The park is one targeted for development by the state with the addition of a 350-room hotel.
