St. Augustine’s Fort Matanzas is a small stone Spanish fort on a pristine island. You take a short and scenic ferry ride and a ranger-led tour — and it’s all free.
Author: Bonnie Gross
‘Springs break:’ 3 springs, 3 days; kayaking Florida’s sparkling jewels
Florida has a remarkable collection of freshwater springs, but they are no longer secrets. We visited three favorites and saw how popularity is affecting them.
After damage from 3 hurricanes, Sanibel/Captiva near normal
Sanibel has bounced back from a series of hurricanes in 2022-24. The latest reopening: the beachfront bar and restaurant, the Mucky Duck on Captiva.
Cedar Key Art Festival celebrates Old Florida, April 3-4, 2027
Like Cedar Key itself, the Cedar Key Art Festival is a slice of authentic Old Florida. This historic small town is located on an island on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Kayaking Pine Island, an Old Florida island that development skipped
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.
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka: Azaleas are at peak bloom
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
Hontoon Island: Wild island in St. Johns River reopens camping and cabins
Hontoon Island State Park is a big wild park surrounded by the St. Johns River and reachable only by boat. A free ferry operates daily. The park recently reopened its campground and rustic cabins.
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.
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.’
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
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.F or lovers of history, folks who remember the Cold War or aviation fans, it’s a fascinating trip back in time, available only during the winter season.