Florida

Deerfield Beach, Florida

Deerfield Beach

Deerfield Beach is a classic Florida beach town.  The relatively small city is known for its sandy beaches and quiet way of life compared to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other cities along Florida’s Atlantic coastline. Deerfield Beach is a “Blue Wave” beach with very nice golden sand and clear blue water. Underwater Camera Live Beach…

Nesting sea turtles Florida

Sea Turtles in Florida

5 species of sea turtles in Florida: All of Florida’s sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. Sea turtles and their nests are protected by law, including the Endangered Species Act. It’s illegal to harass or disturb sea turtles, nests or hatchlings. To report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or an injured, dead or…

disappearing island florida, near new smyrna beach and the ponce inlet

Disappearing Island

Disappearing Island is a large, popular sandbar in Florida’s Ponce Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach. Why is it called Disappearing Island? Disappearing Island got its name because it “disappears” at high tide, and is only visible during low tides. During high tide, the Disappearing Island sandbar is submerged underwater.  The water level and depth varies…

Navarre Beach, Florida, beach umbrellas, as seen from a beachfront hotel.

Navarre Beach

Navarre is a hidden gem, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Beaches in Navarre are quieter and less crowded than other Florida beaches so it feels like a peaceful getaway. Navarre offers a blend of beauty, relaxation, nature and adventure.

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida is world-class! There are thousands of miles of coastline and waterways in Florida – lakes, rivers, fresh water, salt water, brackish tidal zones, inland, coastal, offshore and everything in between. The entire state is filled with fishing spots and a huge variety of conditions and places to catch fish. Because fishing in Florida…

dog friendly beach in florida

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state.  Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs.  Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…

Florida whale watching tour

Whales in Florida

Many people are surprised to learn that there are whales in Florida! Most people assume that whales live in cold northern waters – which is partially true. But, they also live in warmer ocean regions, including the Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Florida Whale Species According to marine biologists at NOAA and the…

Blue Hole Spring inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida

The Best Springs in Florida

Beaches and theme parks get a lot of tourist attention, but if you ask me, Florida’s springs are the best part of our state. They are absolutely beautiful and I love exploring them. Here are some of my favorite springs in Florida. Florida Spring Maps and Guides Florida’s springs are located throughout the state. There…

Seaside, Florida town sign

Seaside

Seaside is a small beach town in the Florida panhandle, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Seaside is known for its white-sand beaches, beautiful turquoise water and charming small-town feel. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of New Urbanism and for being the filming location for The Truman Show. Seaside has charming…

Town of Longboat Key sign

Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island and small beach town on Florida’s west coast.  Longboat Key is known for its uncrowded white sand beaches, resorts, and upscale beach town living. The island of Longboat Key is long and skinny, like most barrier islands in Florida. It’s about a mile wide at its widest point,…

Beautiful white sand beach and clear water in Naples, Florida

Naples

Note: Naples was heavily affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Some attractions, including the Naples Pier, may be partially closed. Naples has also been heavily affected by the 2023 red tide outbreak, affecting beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. Naples is an upscale beach town and coastal city in Southwest Florida.  Naples is known for its…

Beach access, Treasure Island, Florida

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a small beach town in Pinellas County, Florida. Treasure Island is a popular tourist destination known for its retro style, long white sandy beaches and convenient location near St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. Treasure Island is also known for having a more residential, laid-back feel than other nearby beach towns, and for…

Pass a Grille Beach, Florida. A wooden boardwalk gives access to the beach, one of the best beaches in Florida.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille beach is my favorite beach near St Pete! The sand is soft, white and excellent. The water is often crystal-clear. The town is super cute, and it has a perfect laid-back beach town vibe. There are some things that could be better about Pass-a-Grille, but overall it’s an excellent beach. Pass-a-Grille Beach is one…

The Anclote Key Lighthouse in Anclote Key Preserve State Park

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…