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

Important note: Warm Mineral Springs is currently closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Be sure to check this page for updates from the City of Northport. Warm Mineral Springs is a natural hot spring, set inside an ancient sinkhole. The sinkhole is filled with warm, mineral-rich, geothermally heated water. The water is the … 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

Anna Maria Island

Aerial View of Anna Maria Island, Florida

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 … 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

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park near Miami

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 … Read more

Beaches in Tarpon Springs

The swimming beach at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, Florida

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 … Read more

Things To Do in Tarpon Springs

A statue of a sponge fisherman in the historic sponge docks, Tarpon Springs, Florida

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 … Read more

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs is a small coastal town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast. Tarpon Springs is known for many unique elements, including its: Historic sponge docks Cute, historic downtown area Fascinating sponge diving history Large population of Greek-American residents Strong influence of Greek culture Tarpon Springs has more than 51 miles of waterfront, mostly consisting … Read more

Neptune Beach

The beach at Neptune Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville

Neptune Beach is a small beach town in northeastern Florida. The city covers approximately 7 square miles and has fewer than 7,000 residents. The small city of Neptune Beach experienced steady growth for many years but has recently seen a decrease in its number of new residents. Location Neptune Beach is part of the Jacksonville … Read more

Saint Augustine

Aerial view of St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a small beach town on Florida’s northeastern coast.  St. Augustine is known for its elegant European architecture, its cute city streets and its massive, historic stone fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Location  St. Augustine is located on the northeastern coast of Florida, approximately 40 miles south of Jacksonville and approximately 122 miles … Read more

The Villages

aerial photo of the villages, florida

The Villages® is one of the largest retirement communities in Florida.  All combined The Villages cover more than 80 square miles, which is equivalent to more than 51,200 acres. Amazingly, The Villages is still growing, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. Most people imagine The Villages as a single block of … Read more

Oleta River State Park

Kayaking Oleta River State Park near Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park is a beautiful state park, and one of the best things to do near Miami.  Oleta River State Park offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from relaxing beach days to heart-pumping mountain biking adventures. Oleta River State Park is an extremely popular spot in Miami for both visitors and locals, … Read more