It’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to seal yourself in air conditioning for the summer. You can enjoy the natural and authentic Florida — and stay cool in the process.
Tag: summer outings
Swimming and tubing is summer treat at Blue Spring State Park; day-pass reservations now required
Blue Spring, a popular place for swimming and tubing, now requires day-pass reservations. In winter, it’s where to see manatees in a natural setting.
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs: Wild, wonderful and off the beaten track
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs occupies one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast.
Juniper Springs in Ocala Forest: Shady kayak run on pristine spring-fed stream
One of Florida’s favorite kayak runs, Juniper Springs, is popular in summer because it’s largely shaded and the water is 72 degrees. It might be the most pristine spring-fed river in Florida. It’s best for experienced paddlers.
For your Florida bucket list: A nighttime bioluminescence kayak trip is a summer thrill
On dark summer nights in the Mosquito Lagoon near Titusville and Cocoa, the water glows from bioluminescent plankton. Kayak tours help visitors see the spectacular light show.
Spiny lobster mini season July 29-30; Regular season starts August 6.
Snorkelers and scuba divers flock to the Keys for lobster mini-season before commercial fisherman set out their traps. Tips on catching (permits required), cooking and eating Florida lobster.
Lake Placid Caladium Festival, July 24-26, 2026
This small town festival celebrates a uniquely Lake Placid product: caladiums, a colorful plant grown commercially almost nowhere else. There’ll be music, food, a car show, arts and crafts and tours bus of caladium fields.
Caladesi Island is pristine beach and cool kayak destinaton
Caladesi Island State Park is again named one of the best beaches — #3 in America. The island off Dunedin is a perfect kayak destination too.
Tiki bars you’ll love in the Florida Keys
If you want to savor the flavor of the Florida Keys, spend a little time at a tiki bar. Our favorites profiled here are unpretentious waterfront spots where you’ll get good fresh fish, fried everything and a big serving of Keys atmosphere.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples ranks #6 in nation after hurricane recovery
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has superb white sand, clear water and is ranked #6 in the US. Facilities are still recovering from damages from 2024 hurricanes, but the beach is as spectacular as ever.