Lovers Key State Park is a treasure in Fort Myers Beach. You can kayak a mangrove-lined trail and stroll an unspoiled 2.5 mile beach. The park has recovered from Hurricane Milton and its devastating storm surge a year ago.
Tag: kayak
Suwannee, one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, offers comfy screened camping on platforms
Not only is the Suwannee a stunning wild river worth exploring for its beauty, it also offers five unusual river camps accessible only by boat. The camps have screened, covered camping platforms with electricity and a central bathhouse with hot water. The free river camps provide comfy conditions for multi-day trips.
Cayo Costa: A wild island with spectacular beach you can visit by boat
Cayo Costa, a wild island with nine miles of pristine beach, can be reached for day trips and there are two companies that offer cruises. The lucky few who visit can explore a slice of paradise.
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!
Chill spring anchors this shady park with swimming, campground, kayaking near Tampa Bay
Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a small 160-acre preserve with a fabulous swimming hole and shady campground along the Alafia River.
Bulow Plantation Ruins: 5 minutes off I-95 for romantic ruins, picnic & walk
When driving I-95, you can travel five minutes off the highway and find romantic ruins, have a picnic and a walk through the woods in this Flagler County state park. In minutes, you feel like you’re in another world.
Fort De Soto Campground: Hard to get. Worth the trouble.
Nearly half of the 236 campsites at Fort DeSoto are waterfront, allowing you to launch a kayak from your back yard. And while these sites are hard to get, the price is right.
Hillsborough River State Park offers historic charm, shady campground, lots to do outdoors
Hillsborough River State Park has been closed since October after getting slammed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Rainbow River gushes with pure spring water; it’s like kayaking in an aquarium
Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River are among Florida’s top tubing and kayaking spots. People love this waterway because of the pure, clear water and spectacular natural setting. In winter, it’s a peaceful place to kayak and perhaps see otters. In summer, it’s full of tubes floating through a cool paradise.
Best kayaking in Florida: Our 17 favorite kayak spots
This is your first step in planning adventures for the coming cooler weather. We’ve paddled dozens of Florida waterways and here’s our pick for the best places to kayak by region plus a few “unsung” favorites we recommend you discover.
Peace River: Canoeing here is a special Florida adventure
The Peace River in Arcadia has been a beloved paddling destination for decades. It’s an easy, tranquil paddle and it’s also outright gorgeous. It’s a great river for groups, families and beginners.
Indian Key: Favorite Florida Keys kayak trail to historic island
If you’ve ever dreamed about exploring a deserted tropical island, here’s your chance: Take your kayak down to the Florida Keys and paddle out to Indian Key State Park to explore jungly ruins and snorkel a rocky shoreline.