Anclote Key Preserve State Park

The Anclote Key Lighthouse in Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is an undeveloped island, nature preserve and state park in Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico Coast. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is known for its pristine white sand beaches, excellent shelling, historical lighthouse, clear waters and diverse wildlife. The park is also known as one of the best destinations for … Read more

TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa

A crowd viewing manatees at the TECO power plant in Tampa

The Tampa Manatee Viewing Center is one of the best places to see manatees in Florida. The manatee center is located at the Big Bend Power Plant, also known as the TECO Power Plant, in Apollo Beach, Florida. During cold weather, the TECO power plant attracts countless manatees, and many other forms of wildlife. Wildlife … Read more

Grayton Beach State Park

Aerial view of beaches at Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a beautiful beachfront state park and campground in the Florida panhandle.  The park protects approximately 2,187 acres, including delicate dune lakes, pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, and a variety of natural ecosystems. What is Grayton Beach known for? Grayton Beach State Park. is known for its: Grayton Beach … Read more

Spring Break in Florida

clearwater beach florida spring break usplsh

Spring Break in Florida is amazing. The weather is often beautiful, and it’s a perfect escape from cold northern winters. This guide covers spring break in Florida, and what you should expect. Note: Many of the most popular beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast are suffering from severe red tide outbreaks. Read more about current red … Read more

Crystal River

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast.  Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida.  The small city … Read more

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Entrance in Florida

Everglades National Park is one of the most unique parks in the U.S. It’s one of only three national parks in Florida, and one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Everglades National Park is home to incredible wildlife, including: American alligator American crocodile Florida Panther Florida manatees And countless others Over one million … Read more

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida Keys, Florida

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Most visitors come to John Pennekamp while driving from Miami to Key West, or while road tripping on the Overseas Highway. Warning: Read Before Visiting John Pennekamp State Park Many folks come to John Pennekamp with unrealistic expectations about … Read more

Daytona Beach

Daytona beach, Florida, aerial view

Daytona Beach is a busy beach town on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Daytona is known for its crowded beaches, party vibes, festivals and motorsports.  Note: The terms “Daytona Beach” and “Daytona” refer to the same city. Daytona Beach is also known for being one of the few beaches in Florida where you can drive … Read more

The Best and Worst Times to Visit Florida

Convertible in front of beach in Florida during beautiful sunset

For most people there two best time periods to visit Florida: During these times the weather is ideal. Temperatures are usually warm enough for most activities, but the weather is not too hot or humid.  But, everybody’s situation is different. The best time for your situation will depend on several factors, including: The Best Time … Read more

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs is a popular spring in central Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs was once privately owned, but the spring became a Florida state park in 2008. Weeki Wachee Springs is located near Orlando and Tampa, making it a popular destination for many visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs is most famous for mermaid shows, its spring-fed … Read more

Algae Blooms in Florida

Red tide in Naples, Florida, caused by a harmful algae bloom

One of the worst parts of living in Florida is the ongoing problem with harmful algal blooms. Harmful algae blooms are extremely serious problems which threaten the state’s economy, environment and long-term future. What are Harmful Algae Blooms in Florida? A harmful algal blooms, often abbreviated as “HABs”, is an out-of-control growth of algae. Algae … Read more

Mexico Beach

A welcome sign on the beach in Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach is a quiet beachside town in the Florida Panhandle. It is a hidden gem and a last remnant of “Old Florida” in a region known as the Emerald Coast. Mexico Beach is known for its laid-back lifestyle, white sand beaches, clear waters and abundant wildlife.  Mexico Beach has a small-town feel and a … Read more

Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs in Florida with shade trees and lawn furniture

Important note: Warm Mineral Springs is currently closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Be sure to check this page for updates from the City of Northport. Warm Mineral Springs is a natural hot spring, set inside an ancient sinkhole. The sinkhole is filled with warm, mineral-rich, geothermally heated water. The water is the … Read more

Nokomis Beach

Nokomis Beach, Casey Key, Florida

Nokomis Beach is a quiet, peaceful public beach on Casey Key. The beaches and seashore are stunningly beautiful, but are less developed than other beaches in Sarasota County, like Siesta Key. Location Nokomis Beach is located at 115 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” … Read more

Christmas in Florida

Christmas tree in Florida

Florida locals and visitors celebrate Christmas in Florida with warm weather, the beach, and our own unique spin of warm weather Christmas. Here are some things to know about Christmas in Florida Weather in Florida for Christmas The weather in Florida at Christmas is usually extremely pleasant.  Temperatures are often in an ideal range, either … Read more

Key West Fantasy Fest

Key West Fantasy Fest Costume

Fantasy Fest is an annual event in Key West, held in the last week of October. Overall, the event is a wild, quirky, 10-day adult-themed costume party for grown-ups. The event has been held since 1979. Fantasy Fest is known for its eclectic spirit of creative expression, suggestive and risque costumes, body painting and adult … Read more

Anna Maria Island

Aerial View of Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island in southwest Florida, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast.  Anna Maria Island is very long and narrow. It’s approximately 7 miles long, measured from north to south. The island is only about a mile wide in its widest point, and is only a few blocks wide in some … Read more

Places With the Clearest Water in Florida

Gulf of Mexico Beach, clearest water in Florida

Where can you find the clearest water in Florida? It’s a common question! Florida’s water is extremely clear in many coastal locations around the state, including beaches in: Besides beaches there are also crystal-clear rivers, lagoons, lakes and hundreds of natural springs in Florida. Many have beautiful, clear fresh water. Here’s our guide to our … Read more