Shell Mound Campground (Cedar Key)

Shell mound campground is surrounded by salt marsh and wetland

The Shell Mound Campground is a very nice campground near Cedar Key. The campground is set in a beautiful location, and is a great spot for exploring the surrounding area. Location The Shell Mound Campground is located in Levy County, and is managed as a Levy County Park. The campground itself is located on County … Read more

Mosquito Bank (Key Largo)

Mosquito Bank Key Largo Sandbar

Mosquito Bank is located in the upper Keys near Key Largo. It is just offshore of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  The Mosquito Bank covers a relatively large area, and includes several sandbars and shallow areas. One part of the Mosquito Bank has a lighted navigational beacon. Note: Please be careful not to damage … Read more

Picnic Island (Florida Keys)

Aerial map showing Picnic Island, Florida Keys

Picnic Island is a small, undeveloped island and sandbar in the lower Florida Keys.  Location Picnic Island is located in the Newfound Harbor Channel, south of Little Torch Key and southeast of Ramrod Key. It is less than a mile northeast of the Little Palm Island Resort. Water around Picnic Island is shallow. Depths around … Read more

Marathon Sandbar

Grassy Key Sandbar in Marathon, Florida Keys

There are several popular sandbars in Marathon.  Each sandbar is unique and has its own vibe. The “feel” of the sandbars change dramatically based on other visitors who happen to be at the sandbar.  Like all sandbars in Florida, some of the more popular sandbars around Marathon become extremely crowded on weekends. Hundreds of boats … Read more

Sandbars in Key West

sandbar in key west, florida

Sandbars in Key West are hidden gems. The sand is like white sugar. The water is crystal clear.  When you’re all alone on a sandbar there isn’t any noise, except for the sound of the water. They’re like private desert islands.  You can often see fun and exciting marine life on sandbars, including dolphins, sharks, … Read more

Devil’s Den Spring

Devil's Den Cavern in Williston Florida

Devil’s Den Spring is a natural spring located in central Florida. It’s a unique spot because it’s located inside an underground cavern. Devil’s Den is privately owned, and is operated as a SCUBA diving and snorkeling site. Warning! Unless you plan ahead and get lucky, the cavern will probably be crowded. It may not live … Read more

Cedar Key

Sunbathing on a beach in Cedar Key, Florida

Cedar Key is a small island in Florida. It’s located in a beautiful, remote and largely undeveloped region of Florida’s central Gulf coast that is known as the “Nature Coast”. Cedar Key is a very popular destination for road trips in Florida, and is a favorite weekend getaway for Florida locals. Where is Cedar Key? The … Read more

The Best Beaches in Tampa

The beach at Egmont Key near Tampa

Many people ask about the best beaches in Tampa.  This question can be confusing because there are technically several beaches in Tampa, but they aren’t what most people expect.  Here’s how the Tampa city government website describes one popular beach in Tampa:  “Who needs to go to Clearwater to find a good beach when you … Read more

Three Sisters Spring

Manatees in Three Sisters Spring, near the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Three Sisters Spring is one of the most beautiful natural springs in Florida. It’s also one of the best places to see wild manatees in Florida. Note: The Chassahowitzka River is another excellent location to swim with manatees, and it’s relatively nearby Three Sisters Spring. If you will visit Three Sisters Spring, be sure to … Read more

Sebastian

A surfboard on the beach near the Sebastian Inlet, Florida

Sebastian is a small beach town on Florida’s east coast, along the famous US Highway 1. Unlike many other busy cities on Florida’s east coast, Sebastian still has the charm of a small beach town. Sebastian is located in Indian River County, in a quiet, laid-back section of Florida’s east coast. Sebastian is located in … Read more

Overseas Highway

7 Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway to Key West and the Florida Keys

Florida’s Overseas Highway is a world-famous scenic highway. It consists of 42 bridges which connect the Florida Keys to the Florida mainland. It’s currently the only way to reach Key West via land. The only other ways to reach Key West are by high-speed ferry, or by flying into the Key West Airport (EYW). The … Read more

Chassahowitzka River and Springs

Chassahowitzka River Campground

The Chassahowitzka River is located in the city of Homosassa on Florida’s central gulf coast. It’s located in Citrus County. Chassahowitzka River Video Tour History of Chassahowitzka River and Springs Like many springs in Florida, Chassahowitzka Springs has a fascinating history. It has attracted humans for tens of thousands of years. There are several notable … Read more

Blue Heron Bridge and Phil Foster Park

Snorkeling at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach, Florida

Note: There are several videos included below in this guide. Blue Heron Bridge is consistently ranked one of the best snorkeling and shore diving spots in Florida. Locals say it was unknown — a true hidden gem — until it was featured on the cover of Southern Diver Magazine in 1998. Its popularity exploded overnight. … Read more