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White sand beach and crystal clear water. Smathers beach is the best beach in key west.

The Best Beaches in Key West

Beaches in Key West aren’t the best. If you want a great beach trip, you might consider going somewhere else in Florida. But, there are a few good beaches in Key West. They’re not great, but they’re worth visiting if you have realistic expectations. Here are all of the beaches in Key West, along with…

Aerial view of beaches at Grayton Beach State Park

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…

Spring Break in Florida

Spring Break in Florida

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…

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River

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…

Everglades National Park Entrance in Florida

Everglades National Park

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…

Daytona beach, Florida, aerial view

Daytona Beach

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…

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs

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…

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

Algae Blooms in Florida

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…

A welcome sign on the beach in Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach

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…

Warm Mineral Springs in Florida with shade trees and lawn furniture

Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs is a natural hot spring, inside an ancient sinkhole. The sinkhole is filled with warm, mineral-rich, geothermally heated water. The mineral-rich water is the main attraction for most visitors because it’s thought to have numerous health benefits. My family and I love visiting Warm Mineral Springs! My favorite thing is the fascinating…

Christmas tree in Florida

Christmas 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…

Key West Fantasy Fest Costume

Key West Fantasy Fest

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…

Aerial View of Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island

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…

Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is a popular beach destination on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The park includes more than 200 acres of protected beachfront wilderness in Northeast Florida.  From the colorful shell-lined beaches to the lush green coastal forests, Amelia Island State Park is stunningly beautiful.  Most visitors come to relax on the beach, paddle the…