Myakka River State Park near Sarasota is one of the biggest, oldest and best Florida state parks, but it was clobbered by Hurricane Milton in 2024. Even so, it’s a great place for seeing wildlife and kayaking a wild and scenic river this winter. Go here for its log cabins, appealing camp sites, hiking and good bike trails too.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Getaways
Things to do in Tampa Bay, including St. Petersburg, Sarasota and the wider Tampa Bay area, RV and tent camping, kayaking, beaches, festivals.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: Kayak to stilt houses, hike to small springs
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in New Port Richey is not well known outside its area. But it’s a good place to kayak both to see springs in the park and to paddle into the Gulf to see historic stilt houses.
Egmont Key: 5 things I love about it
Egmont Key is romantic, remote and historic. Located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat, it is home to an intriguing fort, gopher tortoises, beautiful beaches and more.