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
Caladesi Island is pristine beach and cool kayak destinaton
Caladesi Island State Park is again named one of the best beaches — #3 in America. The island off Dunedin is a perfect kayak destination too.
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.
Tiki bars you’ll love in the Florida Keys
If you want to savor the flavor of the Florida Keys, spend a little time at a tiki bar. Our favorites profiled here are unpretentious waterfront spots where you’ll get good fresh fish, fried everything and a big serving of Keys atmosphere.
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.
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.
Best Beaches
11 outstanding outdoor things to do in Amelia Island
With eight state parks, a national park, scads of history and top beaches, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach make a great base to explore northeast Florida.
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.
