The Cape Florida lighthouse, the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, is more natural than it has been for decades. Enjoy the terrific beach, tropical hammock, tour the historic lighthouse ande dine at restaurants with great views.
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Shark Valley at Everglades National Park: Great bike trail; terrific wildlife
One of the best ways to see Florida’s Everglades is via the Tamiami Trail to the Shark Valley entrance, home to a terrific bike trail and abundant wildlife. Visitors have been reporting outstanding wildlife viewing during holiday visits.
Hugh Taylor Birch Park in Fort Lauderdale: My favorite Florida state park
This state park holds a special place in my heart. In urban South Florida, it preserves a sliver of the natural splendor once all around. There’s a lot to do here: beach, biking, shaded picnics, Intracoastal views. When visiting, a perfect day includes a stop to nearby Bonnet House.
Oleta River State Park feels like island getaway in Miami urban sprawl
This Miami state park is a remarkable island of green where you can kayak, mountain bike, picnic and enjoy a sandy beach. It’s the largest urban park in Florida.
Best Southwest Florida camping is in public parks, forest preserves and remote islands
The best Southwest Florida camping can be found in public parks, beaches and forests where the costs are low and experience is wild.
Is camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness a magical experience?
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is more of a natural experience than you might expect in a land of fantasy and magic. But it’s not cheap.
Dunedin: Delightful biking, breweries, beaches and historic downtown
In Dunedin, we love bicycling the Pinellas Trail, but this charming Tampa Bay area town has more to offer, with eight breweries plus great restaurants and coffee shops in its walkable historic downtown. Twenty minutes away are two excellent state parks with award-winning beaches. Plus it’s a great place to catch a Spring Training game.
Free things to do in Key West: Fun without breaking your budget
No doubt about it: Key West is expensive. But despite its small size, Key West is packed with things to do and see — and some are even free. Here are 10 places to go where you’ll soak up Key West culture without opening your wallet.
Fort Matanzas: St. Augustine’s charming free fort
St. Augustine’s Fort Matanzas is a small stone Spanish fort on a pristine island. You take a short and scenic ferry ride and a ranger-led tour — and it’s all free.
Ponce Inlet: A delightful outdoor oasis near Daytona Beach
Ponce Inlet is a calm ocean-front town at the tip of a barrier island. It has free parking, the tallest lighthouse in Florida (which you can tour) plus parks, a beach and places to eat fresh seafood.
‘Springs break:’ 3 springs, 3 days; kayaking Florida’s sparkling jewels
Florida has a remarkable collection of freshwater springs, but they are no longer secrets. We visited three favorites and saw how popularity is affecting them.
After damage from 3 hurricanes, Sanibel/Captiva near normal
Sanibel has bounced back from a series of hurricanes in 2022-24. The latest reopening: the beachfront bar and restaurant, the Mucky Duck on Captiva.