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Things to do in Florida’s Panhandle, Tallahassee, Apalachicola, Pensacola, Redneck Riviera and getaways to outdoor recreation, best beaches, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, trails, places to camp, places to stay, unique restaurants, historic places, road trips and Funky Florida.

What will you see at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge this fall? There’s a flamingo who has been spotted regularly for several years; monarch butterflies migrate through as do many varied types of birds. It’s a vast place with scenic vistas and a historic lighthouse — a hidden gem in the Big Bend region.

Read More about St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a beauty for lighthouse, views, butterflies, flamingo

On their 2,000-mile fall migration, thousands of monarchs stop in Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle in October and November. A top viewing site is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a half hour south of Tallahassee. There is a monarch festival at the refuge Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. On the same day, you can also go to the nearby St. Mark’s Stone Crab Festival.

Read More about Celebrate a migration miracle at the fall Monarch Butterfly Festival

Eden Gardens State Park is 20 minutes away from the bright white Panhandle beaches. It offers a rest for the eyes amid camellias, azaleas and a handsome 1897 mansion with an interesting history. Right now, the 100 varieties of camelias are in full bloom.

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Milton has grown from the “canoe capitol” in Florida’s Panhandle into an outdoors center with eco-resorts and multiple activities. The area’s white-sand rivers are terrific to kayak or tube and there are good hiking and biking trails. Milton has an interesting historic district too.

Read More about Milton: Great cabins, camping, glamping, biking, hiking in ‘canoe capitol’

The Big Bend Scenic Byway links a big national wildlife refuge, three state parks, three historic lighthouses, one of the best beach islands in Florida and picturesque fishing towns. It winds through an area that sees fewer tourists, and offers rustic Old Florida delights at every turn–from black bears to white squirrels.

Read More about Big Bend Scenic Byway: Less-visited, much loved