A bike ride along the Gulf of Mexico lets you ogle the garden-like estates of Naples mansion-owners and stop at pocket parks that give you access to their perfect beaches.
Author: Bonnie Gross
Wellington’s Peaceful Waters: Top birding spot, close to two good nature hikes
Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is an outstanding birding site and a particularly good destination for nature-starved folks from Broward and Palm Beach counties. It’s also close to two good places for 3-mile-long walks in natural settings.
Ten Thousand Islands: Sandfly Island is perfect ‘intro’ kayak trail
You can explore the wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast with this short kayak trail to an uninhabited island full of history. It’s the perfect “starter” kayak trail for an area full of paddling possibilities.
Canoe or kayak Everglades National Park: Coot Bay and Mud Lake trail
Our Everglades National Park paddle on the Coot Bay/Mud Lake trail offered two hours of gorgeous scenery through magical mangrove tunnels. It also required about two hours of hard paddling against the wind.
Old Cutler Trail: Bike path along beautiful road passes iconic Miami parks and gardens
This paved trail in Coral Gables lets you experience one of Miami’s most beautiful public spaces — Old Cutler Road. It passes several special gardens and parks and is shaded by historic ficus trees, It’s a delightful way to experience one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami.
Biking in Broward: Markham Park trail follows Everglades levee
I’m always looking for scenic, traffic-free bike trails near my Fort Lauderdale home, and this one is good if you like a challenge.
Seminole Inn: A charming survivor of Old Florida
The Seminole Inn in Indiantown is way off the beaten path, which may be why it’s fun to discover its Southern style home cooking and charming atmosphere.
Kayak Everglades National Park: The best way to experience it
Kayaks and canoes are one of the best ways to surround yourself in the Everglades. Here’s a guide to the trails in the national park.
Camping at the Dry Tortugas National Park: So worth the trouble
In honor of the 100th birthday of US national parks, here’s a park that deserves to be on your must-see list. We loved camping at Dry Tortugas National Park off the Florida Keys. It takes some time, money and effort, but, wow, does it pay off.
Buster Island Loop kayak trail: A challenge in Lake Kissimmee State Park
It’s rare in Florida to find a loop trail for kayaks and this one, with three lakes, two creeks and a canal, is a challenge. The 11-mile trail circles the state park.