Remote, rural and picturesque, northwest Florida rewards your long drive with sparkling springs, the beautiful Suwanee River and scenic rural roads. Two state parks with cabins and campgrounds make great bases to explore the region.
Cabins, Unique Lodging
A houseboat adventure in Everglades National Park
Renting a houseboat in Everglades National Park lets you glide into the wilderness of Whitewater Bay and experience its splendor at dawn, at sunset and marvel at its starry skies. Fishermen will love it, but even without fishing, there’s plenty to enjoy.
36 hours in Key Largo: Gilbert’s Resort and kayaking the wreck at Garden Cove
For a quick trip to the Keys, consider Gilbert’s Resort. The upgraded 1950s-era motel and tiki bar is the first lodging you reach on the road to Key Largo. Then, kayak nearby Garden Cove and discover its picturesque sunken barge, a good place to snorkel.
Lake Louisa: Nature near Orlando with great hiking and cabins
Lake Louisa State Park is a half hour from theme parks, but is a natural world with 20 miles of hiking trails and great cabins. Located on the east end of the vast Green Swamp, you’ll find wildlife, old citrus groves, hills, cypress swamps and forests.
On a budget? Key West on the cheap isn’t easy, but here are tips
It is possible to go to Key West on a budget. Here are some frugal tips on lodging, interesting budget restaurants and free places to go.
Everglades City Rod and Gun Club: Visit the past
Remarkably unchanged, this century-old hotel is on the market for $12 million. It’s a jewel in a remote town surrounded by untamed Everglades. We recently stayed in the atmospheric lodge. He loved it; she didn’t. But we agree on this: It’s an exceptional place to visit.
Ivey House in Everglades City: B&B for outdoors folks
If you’re visiting the western entrance to Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands, there is a bed and breakfast that caters specifically to kayakers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts – the Ivey House Bed and Breakfast in Everglades City.
Florida cabin rentals in state parks: ‘Comfort’ camping
One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so now is the time to book reservations for the winter. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost. Of the 21 parks in Florida with cabins, we’ve stayed in 12 of them.
