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.
Tag: wildlife
Key West chickens: Noisy, colorful, just like Key West
Key West has a lot of off-beat charms, but one of my favorites has always been the chickens that you hear crowing and see strutting everywhere. But don’t feed them! It’s now against the law. Learn about the fascinating feral fowl that are part of Key West’s funky charm.
Snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park is full of easy-to-see sea life
The snorkeling trail at the park on the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County offers a volume and variety of sea life rarely seen close to shore.
Key West Aquarium is small but historic, interesting & fun
Right in the center of the historic district action, the Key West Aquarium is tiny but its historic building and informative tours make it a fun and appealing stop.
I visited Key West many times before I got around to the aquarium, but I recommend it if you set your expectations correctly.
2026 Florida sea turtle walks: It’s time to register for a fascinating encounter
Sea-turtle walks are like seeing a nature documentary in person. But you need reservations to join these night-time beach walks to watch giant sea turtles nesting. Most reservations open May 1.
Gainesville-Hawthorne: One of state’s best bike trails
Load your bikes on your carrier and head north to Old Florida. Along this bike trail, you can stop and hike a bit and maybe even see gators, wild horses or even bison in Paynes Prairie. This pretty paved trail also lets you use your gears on a hill or two.
Robbie’s Marina: Feed the tarpon; it’s the best cheap fun you can find in the Keys
Robbie’s Marina is a don’t-miss stop as you drive through the Florida Keys. Dozens of tarpon, some more than 6 feet long, gather at the dock and lunge for fish from visitors. The restaurant there, the Hungry Tarpon, is highly recommended , too.
Firefly nights at Blue Spring State Park 2026: March 13 – April 12
Fireflies in Florida? It’s a thing! Blue Spring State Park offers special viewing in spring ‘firefly season.’
Florida Keys wildlife: How to see dolphins, sea turtles, Key deer & more
Your drive down the Overseas Highway can be your own personal Florida Keys Road Trip for Animal Lovers. From endangered Key deer to colorful Key West chickens, here are eight places to delight in the animals and wildlife of the Florida Keys.
Matlacha is a delightful Gulf spot bouncing back from devastating hurricane
West of Fort Myers, Matlacha is a colorful collection of little wooden houses surrounded by good saltwater-kayak trails. It’s been more than three years, but the community is still working to recover from Hurricane Ian.
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.
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.