Travel and Leisure magazine calls New Smyrna Beach “Florida’s most underrated seaside city”. We think it is “Florida’s best little beach town.”
Orlando/Central Florida
Central Florida Getaways
Things to do in Orlando and Central Florida, hiking, bicycling, kayaking and canoe, RV and tent camping, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.
Withlacoochee State Trail: This might be Florida’s best bike trail
This 46-mile paved Central Florida rail trail is a smooth, safe ride. But what makes it special is the scenery, parks & towns to explore along the way.
Firefly nights at Blue Spring State Park 2026: March 13 – April 12
Fireflies in Florida? It’s a thing! Blue Spring State Park offers special viewing in spring ‘firefly season.’
Sebring showcases downtown HGTV makeover
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth with a renovation boost by Erin and Ben Napier of HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover.’
Hontoon Island: Wild island in St. Johns River reopens camping and cabins
Hontoon Island State Park is a big wild park surrounded by the St. Johns River and reachable only by boat. A free ferry operates daily. The park recently reopened its campground and rustic cabins.
2027 Florida Strawberry Festival set for March 4-14
The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
Kayaking Blackwater Creek & Lake Norris: Splendid waterways to discover
Lake Norris & Blackwater Creek are hidden gems of the Wekiva River system near Orlando. The dwarf cypress in the lake are like a gorgeous watery bonsai garden. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Birds and beauty
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.
Kayaking Arbuckle Creek: Unexpected beauty at a bombing range
Arbuckle Creek is a gorgeous river through an ancient cypress forest. It feels remote and wild but is convenient to Orlando and South Florida. It’s a gem, full of wildlife and magnificent scenery.
Hardee Lakes Park: Reclaimed mine makes exceptional campground, scenic park
A reclaimed phosphate mine has been restored to a beautiful park in Hardee County, offering exceptional camping, boating and a dozen trails perfect for hiking, off-road bicycles and e-bikes.