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…
What is the best beach in Florida? We get this question all the time, it’s kind of an impossible question. There are literally thousands of beautiful beaches in Florida, all with different characteristics. We did our best to narrow the options into a short list of the best beaches in Florida — our favorites. The…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
Florida’s water is crystal clear in many beaches throughout the state, including: Besides beaches, there is also clear water in Florida’s natural springs, rivers, lakes and waterways. Here’s our guide to our favorite beaches in Florida with clear water. Note: Even the clearest water can be murky when conditions are bad. And, even extremely murky…
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…
Christmas in Florida is magical. It doesn’t usually snow in Florida, but we’ve got our own unique style of holiday spirit. One of the best parts about Christmas in Florida is the amazing and unique array of Christmas lights. Here are our picks for the best Christmas lights in Florida. Note: We tried to ensure…
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida. The state park has so much to offer: a historic Cape Florida lighthouse, beautiful beaches, amazing location near Miami, history and more. For all of these reasons and more, the state park is one of the best things to do…
Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks and Greek culture. But, the beaches in Tarpon Springs are also very nice, and are worth visiting! In fact, Tarpon Springs’ beach at Fred Howard Park is the northernmost beach in Pinellas County’s mainland. It marks the first of many beautiful beaches along Florida’s central Gulf…
Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem in Florida’s nature coast. It’s conveniently located near several of the largest cities in Florida, and is a great alternative to the stereotypical list of “Things to do in Florida”. Tarpon Springs is a fantastic weekend getaway for Florida locals who want to explore an interesting place, or a…