Getaways to the authentic Florida
Stories about Florida trails, hiking trails, bicycle trails, rail trails, walking trails, equestrian trails, off-road vehicle trails, nature trails, mountain biking trails, boardwalk trails.
St. Petersburg is full of Old Florida treasures, from a beautiful brick 1927 comfort station next to the new bayfront pier to the Sunken Gardens, a cherished roadside attraction complete with a flock of flamingoes. St. Pete has grown younger and livelier, but it retains much of its original charm.
With expansive state parks and a national wildlife refuge plus several attractive county and city facilities, Jupiter offers many excellent places to kayak, hike, bike and learn about native wildlife. Within a two hour drive of 6 million people in South Florida, it’s a good getaway for lovers of the outdoors .
Topsail Hill State Park preserves 3 miles of pristine beach, magnificent white sand dunes and sparkling coastal lakes. With lots of camping and cabin sites, it’s a gem in the Panhandle. The park is one targeted for development by the state with the addition of a 350-room hotel.
All trails closed for months from last year’s hurricanes reopened this week. Twenty minutes off I-4 between Orlando and Tampa, this little-known wildlife preserve has been called “a free safari.” There are several shady trails for summer visitors.
All bicyclists love traffic-free paved paths with great views. In traffic-choked South Florida, the Miami Beachwalk is as good as it gets — a recently completed paved path offering nine miles hugging the beach with views of the Atlantic Ocean and not a single intersection.
The historic lighthouse at the tip of this charming Old Florida island has finally reopened after last year’s double-hurricane hit. Boca Grande is a favorite among the rich and famous. It’s beautiful and makes a satisfying daytrip, especially on a bike.
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk bike trail is a delightful bike ride. A trip to Old Florida, it has vintage buildings, casual beachfront eateries and great views.
When driving I-95, you can travel five minutes off the highway and find romantic ruins, have a picnic and a walk through the woods in this Flagler County state park. In minutes, you feel like you’re in another world.
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, an Audubon Society preserve, takes you on a hike via boardwalk with good wildlife viewing and exquisite scenery. In summer, you might get a peak at the rare ghost orchid blooming.
Hikers should discover the Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve, one of several sites located on Florida’s “central highlands,” a beautiful, hilly landscape with many appealing trails.