These weekend getaways are for people who want to explore new destinations where they can hike, bike, paddle and experience historic sites. We picked our favorites from years of exploring Florida.
Tag: Jupiter
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 .
Jupiter Lighthouse: Food, fun and five ways to enjoy historic site
Jupiter Lighthouse offers a spectacular view, an interesting history, plus great spots nearby to kayak, hike or relax for a waterfront lunch.
Blowing Rocks Preserve: Dramatic beach in Jupiter is unique
Craggy limestone rocks form a dramatic beach-scape, far different from the usual sandy beach. At the right time, waves crash into the rocks, spurting water 50 feet into the air.
Off-the-beaten-path getaways: Nine Old Florida towns make great bases
As you plan your Florida travels, here are nine towns that I’ve found make great bases for exploring. Each puts you in the center of outstanding places to hike, bike, kayak and explore history. Each is surrounded by natural beauty.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park: A Florida treasure
Jonathan Dickinson State park can keep a lover of the outdoors busy for days with hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, wildlife watching and soaking up the natural beauty. The park has been the site of ongoing protests of a state proposal to build a hotel and golf courses there.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter: Florida wildlife in a free park-like setting
Animal lovers and particularly families will enjoy this free wildlife sanctuary. Located in a green and shaded setting, it showcases native critters from panthers and black bears to bald eagles and otters.
Ten best kayaking spots in South Florida
Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties are one big sprawling city. Yet there are waterways everywhere and a few great places to kayak or canoe. You just have to know where to go.
Riverbend Park in Jupiter: Trails ideal for family biking, outstanding kayaking
Natural beauty makes Riverbend Park a delightful place to explore. Its 10 miles of bike trails are particularly suited to family bicycle outings. It’s also the site of a historic battleground and is where you launch for kayaking the Loxahatchee River.
Loxahatchee River: Kayak a wild, scenic river in South Florida
Within an hour’s drive of the urban tangle of South Florida, one of Florida’s two nationally designated “wild and scenic” rivers meanders through a spectacularly lovely cypress swamp. Kayak trips range from an hour or two to a strenuous all-day adventure.