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.
Tag: wildlife
Good news: Right Whale population grew a little. You might spot one on North Florida coast
GOOD NEWS for a change: Scientists recently announced the population of whales has had a slight uptick. Endangered right whales are viewed close to shore in North Florida every winter.
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.
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.
Everglades Wonder Gardens: Old-time roadside attraction reborn in Bonita Springs
Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs has survived since 1936. Now it’s a small but serene spot to enjoy glorious flora, colorful birds, gators and more. It’s located on Old 41 Road, a pocket of Old Florida that is having a renaissance.
Marineland Florida: St. Augustine site where dolphins first performed is saved again
Marineland was the original oceanarium and the first to discover you could train dolphins to perform. Now it has been saved from developers bidding on the oceanfront property in a bankruptcy auction. It’s the start of a new chapter in the property’s remarkable history.
Paynes Prairie: Bison and wild horses? Yup, in Florida
This Gainesville area state park is a vast playground for hikers and bikers, but also for bison and wild horses. There are miles of trails, great campsites and wildlife galore, including large numbers of migrating sandhill cranes that arrive in mid-November.
Myakka River State Park: One the best state parks for wildlife, hiking, kayaking & camping
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the oldest and best state parks. Folks who love outdoor recreation can do it all here — camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing.
Flamingo Lodge, a new hotel, elevates Everglades National Park outpost
The Flamingo Lodge lives up to its magnificent location on Florida Bay in Everglades National Park. Many visitors will now want to explore this end-of-the-road spot.
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Away from it all and back in time
This large state park offers great hiking and one the best campgrounds in a Florida State Park. It’s in a rural, out-of-the-way part of Central Florida where history comes alive in its 1876 cow camp.