The Best Stand Up Paddle in Florida

Before entering South Lido County Park, take a left turn on Taft Drive for the kayak launch area. Parking is available at the end of the road. Multiple companies offer kayak and stand up paddle (SUP) rentals and tours at the launch site, but feel free to bring your own. Launch your kayak or SUP b...

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 ...

Phil Foster Park has a large parking lot, but on weekends or during peak hours looking for a spot can get competitive, so leave yourself a little extra time to meet your target "in the water" time. If you're like me and you don't have your own snorkel gear, rentals are available from the Force-E ...

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...

What could be better than laying on soft sand, listening to the crashing waves, and gazing at Florida's best sun and stars?  Cape Canaveral National Seashore has 14 primitive campsites, with only two of them on the beach and the other twelve located on Mosquito Lagoon.  This park has a 40-mile st...

Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an incredible natural area that provides something for any adventure seeker to love.  The main attraction here is the beautiful headspring, which is one of the 27 first magnitude springs here in Florida.  This spring in particular maintains a cool 72 degrees f...

The Weeki Wachee River begins its 7.4-mile journey at the world famous Weeki Wachee spring. Named by the Seminole Indians who inhabited the land around the body of water in the early 1800s, Weeki Wachee means “winding river” or “little spring.” One of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs, the und...

Parking is open and free for all designated spots within the state park.At the end of the parking area, there is a gate with a large brown sign. This sign reads "St. Joseph Peninsula State Park / Wilderness Preserve Access." This is where the trail begins.The trail is easy to follow with yellow m...

Matheson Hammock is a beautiful park in the heart of one of the oldest sections of Miami, just off of Old Culter Road.  This is far off the tourist map which is mostly confined to South Beach. However, it is just 20 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from Downtown.  The park is enjoyed by many...

Cypress Spring is only accessible by water due to it being surrounded by private property, so bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, or boat to one of the many landings along Holmes Creek. The shortest and easiest way to get to the spring is to launch your vessel at Cotton Landing. From there, it is a sho...

Paddling along the St. Johns river is the perfect relaxing escape that lets you see the real Florida.  Bring your Kayak, Canoe, or SUP to explore on one of the few rivers worldwide that flows North.  Just 45 minutes from Downtown Orlando, this adventure is great for someone who either wants to se...

Silver Springs State Park is rich with history dating back to the 1500’s when it was first settled by the Timucua Indians. This area has also been explored by the Spanish and was once a settlement of the Seminole Indians.  Native American relics can be seen at the museum located in the park or wh...

Starting at Fort Maitland Park, free entrance and parking, unload your water transport unto the designated area. Be mindful of other people as this is a popular spot to unload big boats as well as small crafts. In general, it is easy to get out of the bay made by the lake on this particular spot,...

Virginia Key North Point Trails offers 8.2 of mountain bike trails ranging from novice to advanced and expert. There is a variety of cool features and bridges to ride on, overlooking the beach and Downtown Miami. The trails are constantly maintained as there are volunteers every weekend. Virginia...