Getaways to the authentic Florida
The picturesque 8-mile sand road in Vero Beach takes you past historic landmarks, including the first US wildlife refuge and a pioneer homestead overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You can walk, bicycle on fat-tire bikes or drive it slowly. This is an original section of A1A.
Florida’s wackiness goes back to its first settlers, and Koreshan State Historic Site celebrates one of our earliest eccentrics. Thanks to this cult, though, a wooded site on the Estero River was preserved. A special moonlight tour is Feb. 7.
You can kayak to your own little island, and it’s not hard. The Indian River Lagoon has dozens of spoil islands where you can picnic, explore or even camp. You don’t need reservations and some islands are only minutes off shore.
Pirates sail into Tampa Bay this month to kick off the first Pirate Festival of 2026.
Four of my favorite stops in the Keys are a little hard to find, and that’s part of their charm. They’re off the Overseas Highway in neighborhoods — and they’re worth discovering.
The best campgrounds in South Florida for family adventures can be found in these six public parks.
The East Central Regional Rail Trail deserves a catchier name because it’s a great bike trail – long, smooth, scenic and well-supported with signage and amenities. It travels through one of the most rural areas of Florida with miles of paved path without an intersection.
This week and next week will see the biggest crowds at Florida’s major Spring Break destinations.
The first National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island, is a good place near Vero Beach to see wildlife, learn a little history and immerse in the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon.
Boat shows in Port Charlotte, St. Pete, Daytona, Stuart, Naples and Jacksonville are all on tap in January. Even more shows set for February, March and April.