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

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

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

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

The Best U-Pick Strawberry Farms in Florida

U-pick strawberry picking farm in Florida

There are many types of U-pick farms in Florida, but strawberries are one of the most popular.  U-pick farms are surprisingly fun and they’re a thing to do for families with kids. Strawberry picking can also be a fun date idea! Some farms are really charming and cute, although some fields are basically just drab, … Read more

Peanut Island, Florida

A beach on Peanut Island, Florida

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 … 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

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

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Entrance in Florida

Everglades National Park is one of the most unique parks in the U.S. It’s one of only three national parks in Florida, and one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Everglades National Park is home to incredible wildlife, including: American alligator American crocodile Florida Panther Florida manatees And countless others Over one million … 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

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki wachee springs state park mermaid show

Weeki Wachee Springs is a popular spring in central Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs was once privately owned, but the spring became a Florida state park in 2008. Weeki Wachee Springs is located near Orlando and Tampa, making it a popular destination for many visitors. Weeki Wachee Springs is most famous for mermaid shows, its spring-fed … Read more