These Florida destinations offer over-the-top holiday lights and decorations in quaint Old Florida settings. Several of the displays continue into the new year.
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Honeymoon Island: Spectacular natural beach with charming Old Florida history
Honeymoon Island in Dunedin has a big, natural beach where you can get away from people, but also offers a cafe and bikes and kayaks to rent. Its history involves actual honeymooners drawn here during the Great Depression in a real estate scheme.
Unspoiled Canaveral beaches offer solace, beauty, refuge
Canaveral National Seashore is longest undeveloped beach in Florida, 24 miles of pristine coastal sanctuary for people, birds and armadillos.
Springs and wildlife make the Chaz a special kayak trail
Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida’s premier kayaking rivers.
Pinellas Trail: Treasured bike trail from St. Pete north
The Pinellas Trail is a long, well-marked paved bicycle trail that connects St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs along Florida’s Gulf coast.
Two outstanding campgrounds add irresistable appeal to Sebastian Inlet beaches, waterways
Shut down for the past eight months for storm repairs, the popular north jetty fishing ‘pier’ reopened in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
Everglades National Park: 2026 tips for visitors
This guide will help you see wildlife and experience the essence of Everglades National Park. We offer tips, too, for more in-depth Everglades experiences too.
Everglades Wonder Gardens: Old-time roadside attraction reborn in Bonita Springs
Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs has survived since 1936. Now it’s a small but serene spot to enjoy glorious flora, colorful birds, gators and more. It’s located on Old 41 Road, a pocket of Old Florida that is having a renaissance.
10 free days in national parks in 2026
In 2026, there will be more free days in the national parks, including Memorial Day and Independence Day Weekend.
Favorite boardwalk reopens at Fakahatchee Strand near Everglades City
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, near Everglades City, is the biggest state park in Florida. After three years, the preserve’s Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk has fully reopened after hurricane destruction. Now you have take a 2.3 mile boardwalk hike and pass through a rare original slice of ancient cypress forest.