Expect rowdy crowds in Daytona, Clearwater and Key West. A tamer scene is likely in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Fort Myers. Where’s this year’s top spot?
Recent Articles
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
State parks are free this weekend; we pick the 10 best
Florida State Parks are free from Feb. 13-16 in honor of President’s Day. Here are our favorites. No other state has won as many awards for the quality of its state parks, so choosing these wasn’t easy.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Birds and beauty
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.
Everglades Seafood Festival on tap this weekend, Feb. 13-15
The Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City brings fresh local seafood, country music, carnival rides and arts and crafts to this historic outpost on the edge of the Everglades.
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 13-15, 2026
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
Six romantic things to do for lovers of Old Florida & nature
If you love the outdoors and unspoiled Florida, these ideas for romantic things to do are for you. They’re inspired by Valentine’s Day, but can be enjoyed any day you and your sweetheart want a special experience.
Florida State Fair: Feb. 5-16, 2026
Who doesn’t love the Florida State Fair, its magical midway, and food that is not very good for you — which, of course, is the appeal of a state fair!
Deering Estate is a hidden treasure; here are 6 things we love
Deering Estate is a serene spot in South Dade with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, a fascinating tour of a castle-like home and a beautiful shoreline for kayaking in Biscayne Bay.
Emerson Point Preserve: Four reasons to discover this jewel in Palmetto
Emerson Point Preserve is an exceptional county park, off the beaten path on the southern end of Tampa Bay. There is excellent hiking and kayaking, and the real gem is the Portavant temple mound.
Florida Keys
Bike the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail on safe & scenic sections
The bike trail down the Florida Keys — the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail — is not complete, but here are four sections that offer scenic and safe rides.
Southeast 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.
Everglades
Tamiami Trail: Scenic drive exploring Everglades
I’ve driven the Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Naples through the Everglades, dozens of times. Here are the best stops to get close to alligators and Everglades scenery. The Tamiami Trail links Miami and Florida’s and offers outstanding stops along the way.
Southwest Florida
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
Tampa Bay Getaways
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
Central Florida
Kayaking Blackwater Creek & Lake Norris: Splendid waterways to discover
Lake Norris & Blackwater Creek are hidden gems of the Wekiva River system near Orlando. The dwarf cypress in the lake are like a gorgeous watery bonsai garden. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty.
Northeast Florida
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 13-15, 2026
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
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.
