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

Shark Attacks in Florida

Sharks in Florida

The risk of shark attacks in Florida is extremely low. The risk of shark attack in Florida is essentially non-existent, compared to many other common risks, including: The list goes on. Of the very few bites that do occur, most are accidental, and they are almost never fatal. Most bites are because of mistaken activity. … 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

Hot Springs in Florida

Florida Hot Springs: Warm Mineral Springs

Hot springs in Florida — do they exist? Sort of. Florida is filled with thousands of natural springs, including three “Warm” springs. These are different than most hot springs around the world. They are not volcanic, and they have much lower water temperatures. They are often described as “Warm” springs, as opposed to “Hot springs”. … Read more

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

Rock Springs Run near the headspring in Kelly Park, Apopka, Florida

Kelly Park/Rock Springs is one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. The main attraction at Rocks Springs is a gorgeous natural Florida spring and spring run, which is great for tubing. I usually tell people to imagine a “natural lazy river” to set expectations. Rock Springs/Kelly Park is less than 30 miles away from … Read more

Cruises from Florida

Florida cruise ship

Cruises from Florida depart from the six major cruise ports in Florida.  All of Florida’s major cruise ports are on the east coast, except for the Port of Tampa Bay which is on the western Gulf of Mexico coast. Map of Cruise Ports in Florida List of Cruise Ports in Florida Port Name and Website … 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

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park in the Florida Panhandle

Bald Point State Park is a beautiful state park in the Florida Panhandle.  The state park protects more than 4,000 acres of pristine Florida nature, and a variety of wildlife and natural habitats. Bald Point State Park offers a mix outdoor activities and experiences, including beaches, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, wildlife viewing and … Read more

Longboat Key

Town of Longboat Key sign

Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island and small beach town on Florida’s west coast.  Longboat Key is known for its uncrowded white sand beaches, resorts, and upscale beach town living. The island of Longboat Key is long and skinny, like most barrier islands in Florida. It’s about a mile wide at its widest point, … Read more

The Best Atlantic Coast Beaches in Florida

South Beach on Florida's atlantic coast with white and and clear water

Florida’s Atlantic coast is 400 miles long, not including the Florida Keys.  There are endless sandy beaches for most of those 400 miles, which stretch from Amelia Island in the north to the Key Largo bridge in the south. Florida’s east coast beaches vary a lot.  Here are our picks for the best beaches on … Read more

Peanut Island, Florida

A beach on 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 is a cost … Read more

St. Pete Beach

St Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf Coast. St. Beach Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and convenient access to downtown St. Petersburg. It is also conveniently located near Clearwater Beach and many other beach destinations in Pinellas County.  Location St. Pete Beach is located on a … 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

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