The Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile long paddling trail through the Gulf Coast waters around Fort Myers. It’s not designed to be through-paddled, but it IS designed to be Florida’s best kayak trail.
Recent Articles
Where to see Manatees in Florida: 18 spots to visit
With Florida’s first chill, the manatees are returning to springs and rivers. Here are a few locations where you have a good chance of admiring these charming creatures — and even kayaking with them.
January 2026 manatee festivals in Crystal River & Orange City
Manatee festivals celebrate Florida’s beloved manatee in January in Crystal River and Orange City. The family events include good spots to view manatees.
Our favorite way to visit the historic Mai-Kai restaurant: Come for happy hour; see the gardens
Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant reopened in 2024 after 4 years of loving restoration and reimagining. You don’t have to save it for a special-occasion outing.
St. Lucie River: Beautiful kayak trail deserves discovery
The St. Lucie River is not a well-known kayaking destination — and it should be. It’s wild and gorgeous — a jungly forest of old live oaks thick with airplants and Spanish moss. After paddling about two hours, you reach a remote area where you can picnic and take a hike.
When visiting Disney, consider these 6 outstanding public campgrounds
The best camping near Disney World and Universal Studios can be found in affordable public parks within an hour’s drive of the Magic Kingdom. These campgrounds offer scenic beauty, abundant wildlife and a mega-menu of outdoor recreation.
A backpacker’s dream: Dispersed camping in Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest covers more than 600 square miles of Central Florida, and all of it is open to dispersed, primitive camping.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park: A serene spot to learn about Florida’s past
A peaceful park shaded by magnificent live oaks is a good place to soak up some Florida history. If you take the time to go through the visitor center and walk the battlefield, you’ll find it also tells a thought-provoking story.
Garden in West Palm Beach is a hidden treasure
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens are a gorgeous hidden gem often confused with the Norton Museum. You don’t have to love sculpture or rare palms to delight in this eye candy.
‘Tis the season for houseguests; ideas on places to go with Florida visitors
Where to take your Florida visitors? From gardens to boat tours to boardwalks, we have some tips on outings with specific places to consider.
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.