Southeast Florida

Things to do in Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Stuart and getaways to outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, trails, canoeing, kayaking, places to camp, places to stay, unique restaurants, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.

Everglades, Historic, Southeast Florida

Tours open for season of historic Nike missile base in Everglades National Park

by Bonnie Gross

In the middle of Everglades National Park is the best preserved Nike missile base in South Florida, a relic of the Cold War and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Today it reminds us of those days of John F. Kennedy, fallout shelters and Bob Dylan protest songs.

Snorkeling the Mandalay wreck at Biscayne National Park

Snorkeling, Southeast Florida

Snorkel a shipwreck at Biscayne National Park

by Bonnie Gross

Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater. Boat trips to shipwrecks, reefs and islands are the best way to see this park. The shipwreck snorkel tour often goes to the wreck of the Mandalay, which has a fascinating story.

Funky, Southeast Florida, Unique eats

Knaus Berry Farm: Beloved sweet spot in Homestead re-opens Oct. 30, 2018

by Bonnie Gross

The true sign of fall in South Florida: Lines start forming at Knaus Berry Farms. This 50-year-old institution south of Miami has generations of devoted fans. It’s a good stop for an Everglades trip or a day exploring the Redland.

Everglades, Festivals, Southeast Florida

Seminoles’ American Indian Arts Celebration: Nov. 2 – 3, 2018

by Bonnie Gross

The festival offers tradition — fry bread and alligator wrestling — but also celebrates the diversity of native cultures. Entertainers include the high energy Native Pride Dancers from Minnesota.

Beaches, Snorkeling, Southeast Florida

Snorkeling in Florida: Where to explore from shore

by Bonnie Gross

Snorkeling in South Florida doesn’t require a boat. Here are some great places where you can snorkel and see fish and other sea creatures right from the beach.

Anhinga chicks at Everglades National Park. (Photo: David Blasco)

Birding, Everglades, Southeast Florida

‘Super colony’ of birds nests in Everglades: You can’t see them, but visit anyway

by Bonnie Gross

2018 is an exceptional one for nesting birds in Everglades National Park. Two super colonies– more than 25,000 birds clustered together– are nesting in the park for the first time since the 1940s. We couldn’t resist a visit. And while you can’t reach the super colonies, there is much to see on a spring visit.

Kayaking past the fishing pier in the lagoon area of Oleta River State Park. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Beaches, Bike & Hike, Kayak & Canoe, Lodging, Southeast Florida

Oleta River State Park feels like island getaway in Miami urban sprawl

by Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross

This Miami state park, 10 minutes from sprawling Aventura Mall, is a remarkable island of green where you can kayak, mountain bike, picnic and enjoy a sandy beach. There are even rustic cabins to rent.

What Alligator Alley is named for: This fellow was cruising along at the viewing tower at the MM 35 rest stop. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Everglades, Scenic drives in Florida, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida

Alligator Alley: ‘Boring’ road can be a gateway to Everglades experiences

by Bonnie Gross

Crossing the state on Alligator Alley? Here are tips on a how to spend 15 minutes, a half hour or a half day exploring the Everglades from I-75. This mile marker guide helps you decide where to stop and what to do along the way.