Treasure Island

Beach access, Treasure Island, Florida

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 … Read more

Pass-a-Grille Beach

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

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 … Read more

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

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

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

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

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 … 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

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

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 … Read more

The Best Christmas Lights in Florida

Christmas lights in Florida at St. Petersburg's Enchanted Christmas Event

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 … Read more