Florida is expanding its reservations pilot program for day-use admission at select state parks in an effort to reduce long lines of cars outside park gates when those parks reach capacity.
Recent Articles
Goodrich Seafood & historic national park site make Oak Hill worth discovering
Driving U.S. 1 north of Titusville, you would never know Oak Hill even existed. But this gateway to the Mosquito Lagoon is worth finding. There’s fascinating history, a great fishing pier and the sort of atmospheric, out-of-the-way waterfront seafood shack that we love to discover.
Hurricane threat diminishes as strong El Niño emerges
Forecasters continue to ease their predictions for the 2026 hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin as an El Niño develops in the Pacific Ocean, heating up the Pacific but having a calming affect over the Atlantic, according to hurricane researchers at Colorado State University.
Fort Pierce breathes new life into Old Florida
Fort Pierce engages you in its history, home of the famed “Highwaymen” artists and the scene of a gunfight that rocked its downtown.
Today’s Seaweed Snapshot
Massive amounts of Sargassum seaweed are washing up on Florida beaches, carried by the Gulf Stream along the coast and pushed ashore by currents and sea breezes.
A mango taste test inspired by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Mango Festival
The Fairchild Tropical Garden Mango Festival is June 13-14, 2026. For fanatics, it’s a delight. We attended in 2024 and brought home four unusual varieties for our own mango taste test.
Blowing Rocks Preserve: Dramatic beach in Jupiter is unique
Craggy limestone rocks form a dramatic beach-scape, far different from the usual sandy beach. At the right time, waves crash into the rocks, spurting water 50 feet into the air.
Bike trails make Sanibel Island a favorite destination for cyclists
Sanibel is more famous for its beaches and seashells, but it’s a great place to explore by bike. With more than 25 miles of bicycle trails, Sanibel’s hidden beaches, pioneer cemetery and quiet neighborhoods open up to you.
Anastasia State Park seduces. Stunning beach, shady campground.
‘Glamping’ bungalows are now being offered at this outstanding oceanfront park near St. Augustine.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples ranks #6 in nation after hurricane recovery
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has superb white sand, clear water and is ranked #6 in the US. Facilities are still recovering from damages from 2024 hurricanes, but the beach is as spectacular as ever.
Best Beaches
Ten getaways for Florida’s hot summer
Florida summers are hotter than ever, but there are advantages to travel then — lower rates, fewer people, inviting waters. We picked our 10 favorite destinations for hot weather.
Camping
Fort DeSoto Park: Tampa Bay treasure delivers top beaches, camping, historic site, more
There are few parks in Florida with as much to offer as Pinellas County’s Fort DeSoto Park: Camping, beaches, kayaking, biking, a dog beach and a history lesson too.
Biking and Hiking Trails
Gainesville-Hawthorne: One of state’s best bike trails
Load your bikes on your carrier and head north to Old Florida. Along this bike trail, you can stop and hike a bit and maybe even see gators, wild horses or even bison in Paynes Prairie. This pretty paved trail also lets you use your gears on a hill or two.
Go Snorkeling!
John D. MacArthur Beach Park: Perfect blend of kayaking, snorkeling, beach
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has almost two miles of beach, lined with sand dunes covered with native vegetation. A summer treat: There can be good snorkeling from the beach.
Florida’s Panhandle
Apalachicola & St. George Island: Delightful town; spectacular beach
Theare are so many things to do in Apalachicola, a charming, walkable small town full of history, good food & shops. It’s 20 minutes from the splendid beach on St. George Island.
