Florida Rambler's most popular stories in 2023

Readers viewed our stories more than 3.5 million times during the past year, discovering new ways to enjoy Florida’s beaches, camping, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, parks and forests, and other outdoor things to do in Florida.

Of the 600+ articles on FloridaRambler.com, these were our most popular articles in 2023.

Sargassum weed on Fort Laudedale beach at low tide April 8, 2023 — Sargassum on Fort Lauderdale beach last April.

#1: Sargassum seaweed

We write about beaches, so when a 5,000-mile-wide bog of sargassum seaweed floated toward our shores, we produced weekly updates that were the most popular stories on Florida Rambler. Those updates continue into 2024.

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#2: Top 75 events, fairs, festivals

A perennial favorite of readers, our Florida festival calendar is updated monthly with major events around the state. Bubbling under the Top 10 is our Seafood Festivals calendar.

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red tide florida marco island — Red tide at its peak off SW Florida.

#3: Red tide

Florida’s Gulf coast beaches were hit by red tide this past year, prompting readers to follow our updates on beach conditions.

Spring Break in Daytona Beach — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 17

#4: Spring Break in Florida

Top destinations and things to do nearby, our Spring Break forecast with links to camping, places to stay and things to do is a popular reference guide year after year.

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#5: 6 things to do in Cedar Key

Old Florida seaside charm a long way from anywhere, attracting thousands of readers to this story throughout 2023.

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top 10 stories cedar key — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 18

Swimmer explores Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park. (Photo by Bonnie Gross) — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 19

#6: Kelly Park at Rock Springs

This story captures the experience of one of Florida’s most scenic parks. Swim here, camp here, paddle the spring run.

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Shark sculpture along snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach. Michael Scott Photography, — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 20

most popular stories snorkel pennekamp 400 Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 21

#7: Best snorkeling from shore

No need for a boat. This story tells you where you can snorkel from shore across Florida.

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#8: Where to see manatees

Chilly weather brings manatees back to springs and rivers throughout Florida. This story identifies 18 of our favorite spots.

#9: Best Florida bike trails

This story has guided readers to our 23 favorite bike trails, scenic outings for our endless summer. Find a trail near you.

The bike trail on Boca Grande, a Gulf Coast Florida island, is the best way to tour the picturesque island. (Photo: David Blasco.) — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 22

Night sky at sunset. Photo by Dick Scott, rcscottphotography.com — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 23

pellicer creek at faver-dykes state park — Florida Rambler's most popular stories of 2023 24

#10: Florida State Parks: 12 hidden gems

Some of our favorite experiences in state parks are off the beaten track. Uncrowde, pristine and full of wildlife.

Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross

Veteran journalists who worked together at Fort Lauderdale’s SunSentinel newspaper, Bonnie and Bob founded FloridaRambler.com in 2010 to explore the natural, authentic Florida, writing about their natural interests in hiking, biking, paddling, RV and tent camping, wildlife, unique lodging, dining and historic places.