Everglades National Park has opened its impressive new Gulf Coast Visitor Center, a new gateway to the Gulf waters for kayakers and tour boats.
Author: Bonnie Gross
Florida Keys wildlife: How to see dolphins, sea turtles, Key deer & more
Your drive down the Overseas Highway can be your own personal Florida Keys Road Trip for Animal Lovers. From endangered Key deer to colorful Key West chickens, here are eight places to delight in the animals and wildlife of the Florida Keys.
West Lake Park kayaking: A little bit of nature hiding in Broward
West Lake provides a little bit of wildness in the middle of urban sprawl. It is of the most accessible natural places to kayak for 2 million people who live within 45 minutes of it. It is also a great place for a beginner to try out kayaking.
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.
Matlacha is a delightful Gulf spot bouncing back from devastating hurricane
West of Fort Myers, Matlacha is a colorful collection of little wooden houses surrounded by good saltwater-kayak trails. It’s been more than three years, but the community is still working to recover from Hurricane Ian.
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.
Kayaking Arbuckle Creek: Unexpected beauty at a bombing range
Arbuckle Creek is a gorgeous river through an ancient cypress forest. It feels remote and wild but is convenient to Orlando and South Florida. It’s a gem, full of wildlife and magnificent scenery.
Florida’s Loop Roads: A tale of two scenic roads, six hours apart
Florida has two beloved Loop Roads and they’re six hours apart. Each offers exquisite scenery with lots to see and do along the way. Discover them both!
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.
Bulow Creek State Park: Quick stop off I-95 or all-day adventure
Bulow Creek State Park is a lovely discovery. Just 10 minutes off I-95, it’s great for a quick picnic and to gaze at the grand old Fairchild Oak. Or you can spend the day and take a hike or scenic drive.
Koreshan State Park is Florida’s strangest historic site
Florida’s wackiness goes back to its first settlers, and Koreshan State Historic Site celebrates one of our earliest eccentrics. Thanks to this cult, though, a wooded site on the Estero River was preserved. A special moonlight tour is Feb. 7.
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.