Florida

This natural spring is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. The pool of water is crystal clear for swimming, scuba-diving, and jumping in from off on a cliff to the side. The water is also about 70 degrees - a perfect compliment to the hot, humid climate of Florida. A rip current in the...

The Shark Valley loop allows you to experience a peaceful bike ride and close encounters with wildlife found in the Everglades. This paved trail takes about 2-3 hours to complete and includes an observation tower with quite a view.Fill up or purchase water bottles at the Visitor Center for your a...

If you're like me then you probably spend a fair amount of time chasing the setting sun around. I visited Naples Florida this past spring and was treated to these stunning sunsets 8 out of the 10 days there. The Gulf gives us east coasters the delight of watching the sun dip out over a large body...

Camp along a 3 mile stretch of untouched old Florida. Not only is this the real southernmost point in the continental US (the Keys are islands), but you will most likely have it to yourself. Spot dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, and a ton of other birds on this awesome over nighter that is great f...

After first entering Canaveral National Seashore, this is the stop of many hiking options in the park. We walked in toward Mosquito Lagoon and found three well spaced picnic tables and two paths.A path along the lagoon that is well marked to preserve the ecology. We tried this one but it was flo...

Egmont Key Sate Park is only accessibly by boat, so be sure to book ahead if you need a ride. Several tour companies offer relatively cheap rides to and from the island, paired with snorkeling excursions at the ruins on the west side of the island.The island ferry departs from Fort De Soto State ...

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote National Parks you can visit. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, FL it is accessible via commercial ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Our family of 5 camped for two nights in the campground on Garden Key. We snorkeled, swam, explored ...

Nestled on the banks of the Santa Fe River, at the end of a long country road, six springs add a burst of clear water to the dark, winding river. These springs make up a park called "Ginnie Springs," a popular place for both locals and international visitors - and it's not just the clear water an...

Starting at Cotton Landing, you paddle about a quarter of a mile downstream until you encounter the spring run to the right/north. Another tenth of a mile or so up the run will take you to one of the most beautiful spring-fed swimming holes you will ever find. Fed by a 2nd magnitude spring, this ...

Sombrero Reef is a coral reef 8 miles offshore from Key Colony Beach. Launch your private boat from the free 33rd Street Public Boat Ramp or book a catamaran tour from Marathon. Tie your boat off on one of the 11 mooring buoys on the South side of the 142 foot Sombrero Key Lighthouse. Get your wa...

Located in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds. ...

Park across the road from the trailhead and visit the Atlantic ocean before crossing onto the Castle Windy Trail. The trail is shaded and a breeze is ever-present. There is a bench halfway down the trail that leads to Mosquito Bay and a picnic area.We saw so many islands in the lagoon that we'll ...

Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the best places in all of Florida! There are multiple trails to choose from, but if you want to see ancient oak trees in a quintessential swamp then the Ancient Hammock Trail is your best bet. The boardwalk meanders through the swampy forest and you can be o...

From the parking lot, which has a $3 entrance fee per car, you walk to the trail head and grab a small pocket sized map that does a good job of showing markers and mapping out the different path ways. This park has around 15 miles of regular trails and 25 when it's not hunting season. You can wal...

I would like to preface this adventure by saying that if you prefer to bike Shark Valley, please reference Rob Witt's adventure "Bike through Shark Valley".  Biking is certainly the best way to see the whole trail, and not spend the entire day doing it.  Hiking (really walking) this trail is a sl...

Located near Orange City, Florida, Blue Spring State Park is the largest spring on St. Johns River.  Here you can come in and rent full snorkel gear (snorkel, mask, flippers), tubes to lazy river down if that's more your style and many other activities.  At the website you can see all that the pa...