Getaways to the authentic Florida
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.
This state park is so worth a drive to explore. It would take days to experience it all – a beautiful beach, a well-preserved Civil War fort, hiking, biking, wildlife, great camping.
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.
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.
The oldest Florida State Parks preserve unique places: stunning caverns, disappearing rivers, towering bluffs, lush ravines, a river with rapids. All are worth rediscovering.
The Elliott Museum has an extensive collection of antique cars, but the museum has something for everything, from wedding dresses to baseball cards.
If pitching a tent on a dreamy tropical island is your thing, then add Anclote Key to your bucket list.
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve fits my definition of a hidden paradise: A scenic kayak trail on a wild island that ends at a spectacular hidden beach or secret lagoon. This little-known state park in Stuart is accessible only by boat.
Right in the center of the historic district action, the Key West Aquarium is tiny but its historic building and informative tours make it a fun and appealing stop.
I visited Key West many times before I got around to the aquarium, but I recommend it if you set your expectations correctly.
Paddle Florida is a non-profit that organizes paddling trips each fall to spring on Florida’s greatest waterways. Carefully researched, these trips are a great source of paddling destinations. Get inspired to plan a trip!