On dark summer nights in the Mosquito Lagoon near Titusville and Cocoa, the water glows from bioluminescent plankton. Kayak tours help visitors see the spectacular light show.
Recent Articles
11 remarkable state parks in the Florida Keys
Here are 11 stops you can make on a Florida Keys trip if you’re looking to discover someplace new. We offer visitor info and insider tips.
Day visitors need reservations to visit these Florida State Parks this summer
Florida is expanding its reservations pilot program for day-use admission at select state parks in an effort to reduce long lines of cars outside park gates when those parks reach capacity.
Florida A1A: Best section for superb views & intriguing history
Florida A1A stretches the whole length of the state’s Atlantic coast. But the can’t-miss part is this 30 miles in Northeast Florida. Here are the best stops along that route, some you might miss without our tips.
Caladesi Island is pristine beach and cool kayak destinaton
Caladesi Island State Park is again named one of the best beaches — #3 in America. The island off Dunedin is a perfect kayak destination too.
Goodrich Seafood & historic national park site make Oak Hill worth discovering
Driving U.S. 1 north of Titusville, you would never know Oak Hill even existed. But this gateway to the Mosquito Lagoon is worth finding. There’s fascinating history, a great fishing pier and the sort of atmospheric, out-of-the-way waterfront seafood shack that we love to discover.
Six excellent day trips to fascinating Florida islands
You can’t beat a day exploring an island. Here are six alluring ones — historic, scenic, each unique in some way.
Tiki bars you’ll love in the Florida Keys
If you want to savor the flavor of the Florida Keys, spend a little time at a tiki bar. Our favorites profiled here are unpretentious waterfront spots where you’ll get good fresh fish, fried everything and a big serving of Keys atmosphere.
Florida lobster mini season is July 29-30
Snorkelers and scuba divers look forward to lobster mini season all year. We offer hot tips on catching, cooking and eating Florida lobster.
6 ways to experience Key West, Hemingway style
Ernest Hemingway ended up in Key West like many others — by accident. He came for a day and stayed for a decade.
Best Beaches
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples ranks #6 in nation after hurricane recovery
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has superb white sand, clear water and is ranked #6 in the US. Facilities are still recovering from damages from 2024 hurricanes, but the beach is as spectacular as ever.
Camping
Fort DeSoto Park: Tampa Bay treasure delivers top beaches, camping, historic site, more
There are few parks in Florida with as much to offer as Pinellas County’s Fort DeSoto Park: Camping, beaches, kayaking, biking, a dog beach and a history lesson too.
Biking and Hiking Trails
Our favorite Florida bike trails: 23 of the best
Florida bike trails offer great scenery and local flavor. Here are 23 great bike trails we’ve tried and recommend all over the state.
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
Apalachicola & St. George Island: Delightful town; spectacular beach
Theare are so many things to do in Apalachicola, a charming, walkable small town full of history, good food & shops. It’s 20 minutes from the splendid beach on St. George Island.
