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.
Tag: wildlife
Tamiami Trail: Scenic drive exploring Everglades
I’ve driven the Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Naples through the Everglades, dozens of times. Here are the best stops to get close to alligators and Everglades scenery. The Tamiami Trail links Miami and Florida’s and offers outstanding stops along the way.
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.
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.