Scuba Diving in Florida

Scuba diving the Christ of the Abyss statue dive site in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Florida’s scuba diving sites are incredible, and diverse: Note: Never dive beyond your skills, training or ability level. Exercise extreme caution and appropriate safety measures at all times. Many people have died in Florida’s dive sites – the danger is real, and should never be underestimated. Some freshwater dive sites in Florida are accessible and … Read more

National Parks in Florida

A dive boat from the National Park Service, scuba diving in Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida

There are three major national parks in Florida, along with eight other parks which are administered by the U.S. National Park Service. The three major national parks in Florida are: Besides the three national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates eight other parks in Florida, giving Florida 11 national parks in total.  Other … Read more

Deerfield Beach

Deerfield Beach, Florida

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 … Read more

Sea Turtles in Florida

Nesting sea turtles 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 … Read more

Morikami Japanese Garden

Morikami Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida

Morikami Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Delray Beach. The gardens are a peaceful escape and a cultural treasure – they are about more than just plants.  Morikami Gardens is a monument to Japanese culture, spread across 16 acres. As you wander around the property, you’ll find two museum buildings that … Read more

Disappearing Island

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

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 … Read more

Navarre Beach

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

Navarre is a small beach town in the Florida Panhandle. Navarre is famous for its uncrowded white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which are a beautiful, emerald green. Navarre is also known for its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, which we love. Every time we visit we’re shocked at how laid-back it is compared to other … Read more

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 … Read more

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

dog friendly beach 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 … Read more

Whales in Florida

Florida whale watching tour

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 … Read more

The Best Springs in Florida

Blue Hole Spring inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 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 … Read more

Things to Do in West Palm Beach and Nearby

West Palm Beach, Florida Aerial View

West Palm Beach is one of my favorite places in Florida. The region is beautiful and there are a bunch of fun things to do. Here are our favorite things to do in West Palm Beach and nearby. Clematis Street Clematis Street is one of the best places to visit – it’s basically the heart … Read more

Seaside

Seaside, Florida town sign

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 … Read more

Longboat Key

Town of Longboat Key sign

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, … Read more

The Best Beaches in the Florida Panhandle

Aerial view of clear water and white sand beach in the Florida Panhandle at Pensacola Beach

There are about 150 miles of almost continuous beaches in the Florida panhandle.  White sand beaches and crystal clear water stretch almost continuously from Port St. Joe to Perdido Key at the Alabama state line. The beaches keep going after that, but we’re only talking about Florida’s panhandle beaches. What is the best beach in … Read more

The Best Atlantic Coast Beaches in Florida

South Beach on Florida's atlantic coast with white and and clear water

Florida’s Atlantic coast is 400 miles long, not including the Florida Keys.  There are endless sandy beaches for most of those 400 miles, which stretch from Amelia Island in the north to the Key Largo bridge in the south. Florida’s east coast beaches vary a lot.  Here are our picks for the best beaches on … Read more

Naples

Beautiful white sand beach and clear water in Naples, Florida

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 … Read more

Peanut Island, Florida

A beach on Peanut Island, Florida

Peanut Island is a small island in Florida’s Lake Worth Lagoon. It’s located in a beautiful area, between Riviera Beach, Singer Island and Palm Beach. Read about other things to do in Palm Beach County Peanut Island is a county park, and is open to the public. Admission is free, although there is a cost … Read more