Northwest Florida

Northwest Florida Getaways

Things to do in Northwest Florida, Gainesville, Lake City and getaways to outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, trails, canoeing, kayaking, trails, RV and tent camping, places to stay, places to eat, road trips and Funky Florida.

Monarch butterfly by Kenneth Dwain Harrelson
Big Bend, Florida Wildlife, Historic, Northwest Florida, The Panhandle

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a beauty for lighthouse, views, butterflies, flamingo

What will you see at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge this fall? There’s a flamingo who has been spotted regularly for several years; monarch butterflies migrate through as do many varied types of birds. It’s a vast place with scenic vistas and a historic lighthouse — a hidden gem in the Big Bend region.

Suwanee rocky bluffs
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Camping in Florida, Florida's Springs, Northwest Florida

Suwannee, one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, offers comfy screened camping on platforms

Not only is the Suwannee a stunning wild river worth exploring for its beauty, it also offers five unusual river camps accessible only by boat. The camps have screened, covered camping platforms with electricity and a central bathhouse with hot water. The free river camps provide comfy conditions for multi-day trips.