A Virginia Key kayak outing offers an amazing combo – views of the Miami skyline rising out of Biscayne Bay in one direction, mangrove lagoons with shore birds in the other. An extra treat: It’s the best way to see the old Miami Marine Stadium.
Historic Florida
McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach: Water lily heaven
McKee Jungle Garden was a popular 1940s roadside attraction. Today, the Vero Beach garden is smaller but known for water lilies and its historic buildings. It’s a beautiful place!
St. Augustine Pirate Museum: Fun for history lovers and kids
St. Augustine Pirate Museum offers rare, authentic artifacts; it’s a real museum. But it injects of dose of Disney and interactive exhibits to make it fun for kids.
Stiltsville: Now you can see it by boat on tours from Deering Estate
Folks have been fascinated with Stiltsville since the first shack went up in Biscayne Bay a mile from land in the 1930s. The iconic houses have been hard to visit if you didn’t own a boat. Now Biscayne National Park and a non-profit partner offer regular boat tours that tell the Stiltsville story and take you close to the houses.
Secret Kennedy Bunker on Peanut Island: Hidden treasure closed
The Kennedy Bunker, a Cold War fallout shelter build for JFK in 1961, will close after its Oct. 22 tours. The non-profit that has managed the facility has lost its lease with Palm Beach County after several years of conflict. The county has not determined the future of the facility. The last tours are Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22.
10 things to do in St. Augustine for nature & history lovers
With charm, history and the beauty of nearby natural areas, this special destination offers visitors a long list of adventures. St. Augustine’s appeal starts with two key assets: The historic district with its shady brick lanes and well-preserved buildings and the natural beauty of a region with wide hard-packed beaches, extensive wildlife and lots of nearby parks.
Pigeon Key: Island on Seven Mile Bridge has scenery, history
As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, you pass the little green island with yellow cottages and palm trees surrounded by dazzling blue water. Stop and visit: Pigeon Key is one of a kind. It offers fascinating history, tropical beauty, even great snorkeling.
Mount Dora: Eight big weekend festivals plus year-round charm
Mount Dora is a historic town that has figured out how to keep people visiting: Maximize the natural beauty and develop big arts, crafts and antique festivals.
Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island
Egmont Key is romantic, remote and historic. Located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat, it is home to an intriguing fort, gopher tortoises, beautiful beaches and more. But be prepared before you go.
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.
