We know what the big draw is in Orlando, and it’s not nature. But it should be! Even if your destination is a theme park, here are 9 natural experiences and places that are memorable additions to a visit to Central Florida
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2026-27 Florida RV Shows and Buyers Guide
RV Shows in Florida are an opportunity to view various classes and models of recreational vehicles offered by multiple dealers. Learn about RVs and find upcoming RV shows in Florida.
Discover Hobe Sound’s ‘secret’ wild beach and wildlife refuge
Secret beaches are the stuff of vacation dreams. But I found one — more than 5 miles of wild, broad unspoiled sandy shore, lined with thick native vegetation and without a condo or T-shirt shop in sight.
Stock Island: Key West’s fishy, funky, promising neighbor
Stock Island is a workaday island next to Key West with marinas, fishing and shrimp boats. It’s off the beaten path, a place where you can find great restaurants, luxe resorts and some funky charm.
Crystal River is making a comeback, and the manatees are loving it
Crystal River is the only river in Florida where you are allowed to swim with the manatees, and it’s undergoing a remarkable restoration.
17 RV parks and campgrounds you might like in the Florida Keys
RV sites in the Florida Keys are always in high demand, and camping rates are sky high. Still, there are few pleasures more suited to my tropical lifestyle than camping in the Florida Keys.
Wind-swept Huguenot Park: Pristine beach with camping on a Jacksonville sandbar
This sandy campground near Jacksonville is a beach lover’s dream.
Underwater parks: 5 Florida wet and wonderful getaways
Florida’s underwater parks preserve exceptional bodies of water, from shipwrecks to spring-fed caves. They are among the most unusual parks in the US.
Jupiter: Discover unspoiled nature near urban centers
With expansive state parks and a national wildlife refuge plus several attractive county and city facilities, Jupiter offers many excellent places to kayak, hike, bike and learn about native wildlife. Within a two hour drive of 6 million people in South Florida, it’s a good getaway for lovers of the outdoors .
Snorkeling, kayaking, camping at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Snorkel, dive or ride a glass-bottom boat to view coral reefs at what many consider Florida’s #1 state park. There’s kayaking and camping, too!
Florida State Parks photo contest: Grand Prize winners ‘Capture the Real Florida’
This year’s Grand Prize winners of Florida State Parks annual photo contest captured some amazing moments in our state parks.
11 ways to enjoy Palm Beach island history, beauty & recreation
The island of Palm Beach is the exclusive winter home of billionaires. For the rest of us, it’s a fun place to gawk at mansions and their ficus hedges sculpted into works of art. The town is full of history, too, from Henry Flagler to JFK to Donald Trump.