Florida summers are hotter than ever, but there are advantages to travel then — lower rates, fewer people, inviting waters. We picked our 10 favorite destinations for hot weather.
Recent Articles
Best beaches in the Florida Keys and Key West
Beaches may be rare in the Florida Keys, but they do exist. You just have to know where to go.
7 of 10 top U.S. beaches are in Florida & Hawaii, says ‘Dr. Beach’
This year’s No. 1 beach is in the Hawaiian islands, but Nos. 2, 3 and 6 are in Florida, according to FIU professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach” for his annual rankings.
Snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park is full of easy-to-see sea life
The snorkeling trail at the park on the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County offers a volume and variety of sea life rarely seen close to shore.
Key West Seaport: One of the best scenic walks in Key West and full of stories
Many people miss it, sticking to Duval Street, but one of the most scenic strolls in Key West — and a top freebie — is the harbor walk along Key West Bight, also known as the Historic Key West Seaport.
U-pick farms: Even in May and June, some crops are ready
Perhaps you think Florida only produces fruit in winter. Not so. Summer is the time to pick blueberries at Rooney’s Front Porch Farm in Live Oak and Shadrick’s in Pinetta, blackberries at Sweet Berry Farms in Williston and lemons at Camellia Groves in Winter Haven. Some farms have fields of sunflowers in May and June. Check with the individual farms in our guide.
11 remarkable state parks in the Florida Keys
Here are 11 stops you can make on a Florida Keys trip if you’re looking to discover someplace new. We offer visitor info and insider tips.
Six things not to miss at McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach
McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach is a gem to discover. Once a top roadside attraction, go for its water lilies, Old Florida buildings and gorgeous vistas.
Hutchinson Island’s House of Refuge: Beautiful beach site is window to past
The historic Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge couldn’t be in a prettier spot. It tells the story of a wild Florida of tall ships and pioneers. It’s one-of-a-kind, the last surviving refuge for shipwrecked sailors. There’s even a shipwreck to snorkel here.
Florida’s oldest state parks: Hidden gems may surprise you
The oldest Florida State Parks preserve unique places: stunning caverns, disappearing rivers, towering bluffs, lush ravines, a river with rapids. All are worth rediscovering.
Hutchinson Island’s Elliott Museum: For old car lovers — and everyone else
The Elliott Museum has an extensive collection of antique cars, but the museum has something for everything, from wedding dresses to baseball cards.
A mango taste test inspired by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Mango Festival
The Fairchild Tropical Garden Mango Festival is June 13-14, 2026. For fanatics, it’s a delight. We attended in 2024 and brought home four unusual varieties for our own mango taste test.