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.
Southeast Florida
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Discovering 100-year-old Vero Beach, Driftwood Inn
This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops. In 2019, it celebrates its 100th birthday.
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Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter: Florida wildlife in a free park-like setting
Animal lovers and particularly families will enjoy this free wildlife sanctuary. Located in a green and shaded setting, it showcases native critters from panthers and black bears to bald eagles and otters.
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Loxahatchee River: Kayak a wild, scenic river in South Florida
Within an hour’s drive of the urban tangle of South Florida, one of Florida’s two nationally designated “wild and scenic” rivers meanders through a spectacularly lovely cypress swamp. Recently, Jupiter Outdoor Center re-opened the kayak and canoe rental operation in Riverbend Park, allowing visitors to paddle the best section of the river.
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Jan. 18-20, 2019: Homestead Rodeo, where wild west meets the south in the tropics
Homestead rodeo is the southernmost rodeo in the continental United States. You may be surprised to learn that Florida has a rich history of rodeos in its small towns.
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Tours open for season of historic Nike missile base in Everglades National Park
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.
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Snorkel a shipwreck at Biscayne National Park
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.
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Where to take South Florida visitors for a taste of nature
Holiday houseguests? If you’re lucky, they love the outdoors and you can take them on any and every authentic adventure that Florida Rambler covers. But what if your guests like their nature a little tamer? Here are recommendations for daytrips in southeast Florida that are my go-to spots for visitors.
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Knaus Berry Farm: Beloved sweet spot in Homestead re-opens Oct. 30, 2018
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.
