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.
Tag: kayak
Manatee Park & the Orange River: Fort Myers kayak trail ideal for winter day
When it’s chilly, you can see dozens of manatees at this free park. Even without manatees, the Orange River is a beautiful kayak trail through Old Florida scenery.
Florida State Fair: Feb. 5-16, 2026
Who doesn’t love the Florida State Fair, its magical midway, and food that is not very good for you — which, of course, is the appeal of a state fair!
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.
Unspoiled Canaveral beaches offer solace, beauty, refuge
Canaveral National Seashore is longest undeveloped beach in Florida, 24 miles of pristine coastal sanctuary for people, birds and armadillos.
Two outstanding campgrounds add irresistable appeal to Sebastian Inlet beaches, waterways
Shut down for the past eight months for storm repairs, the popular north jetty fishing ‘pier’ reopened in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
Everglades National Park: 2026 tips for visitors
This guide will help you see wildlife and experience the essence of Everglades National Park. We offer tips, too, for more in-depth Everglades experiences too.
Favorite boardwalk reopens at Fakahatchee Strand near Everglades City
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, near Everglades City, is the biggest state park in Florida. After three years, the preserve’s Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk has fully reopened after hurricane destruction. Now you have take a 2.3 mile boardwalk hike and pass through a rare original slice of ancient cypress forest.
Long Key State Park: Natural, uncrowded Florida Keys
Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is a lovely place to spend a few hours hiking, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. There are even three primitive tent camping sites.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in winter: Best time to kayak
The Ichetucknee is the most pristine spring run in the state. It has eight major springs, crystalline water, lush jungly vegetation plus plentiful birds and wildlife. It’s a shame that most visitors only experience it as a busy tubing river. It’s a fabulous winter kayaking destination in North Florida — worth a drive!