April marks the annual return of sargassum seaweed to our beaches, and watch your step — the seaweed may be carrying Portuguese man o’ war ashore, as I found out while at the beach this morning.
Recent Articles
Best beaches in the Florida Keys and Key West
Beaches may be rare in the Florida Keys, but they do exist. You just have to know where to go.
7 of 10 top U.S. beaches are in Florida & Hawaii, says ‘Dr. Beach’
This year’s No. 1 beach is in the Hawaiian islands, but Nos. 2, 3 and 6 are in Florida, according to FIU professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach” for his annual rankings.
Snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park is full of easy-to-see sea life
The snorkeling trail at the park on the Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County offers a volume and variety of sea life rarely seen close to shore.
Key West Seaport: One of the best scenic walks in Key West and full of stories
Many people miss it, sticking to Duval Street, but one of the most scenic strolls in Key West — and a top freebie — is the harbor walk along Key West Bight, also known as the Historic Key West Seaport.
Micanopy, setting for Old Florida movie, is base for nature- and history-filled getaway
Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville, but it feels far away — like a small town in a Florida long gone. That’s why it was site for filming of ‘A Land Remembered,” a beloved Florida family saga.
U-pick farms: Even in May and June, some crops are ready
Perhaps you think Florida only produces fruit in winter. Not so. Summer is the time to pick blueberries at Rooney’s Front Porch Farm in Live Oak and Shadrick’s in Pinetta, blackberries at Sweet Berry Farms in Williston and lemons at Camellia Groves in Winter Haven. Some farms have fields of sunflowers in May and June. Check with the individual farms in our guide.
Fort Clinch: Worth a drive to explore Amelia Island park with all sorts of fun
This state park is so worth a drive to explore. It would take days to experience it all – a beautiful beach, a well-preserved Civil War fort, hiking, biking, wildlife, great camping.
Hutchinson Island’s House of Refuge: Beautiful beach site is window to past
The historic Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge couldn’t be in a prettier spot. It tells the story of a wild Florida of tall ships and pioneers. It’s one-of-a-kind, the last surviving refuge for shipwrecked sailors. There’s even a shipwreck to snorkel here.
Florida’s oldest state parks: Hidden gems may surprise you
The oldest Florida State Parks preserve unique places: stunning caverns, disappearing rivers, towering bluffs, lush ravines, a river with rapids. All are worth rediscovering.
Camping
Talbot Islands a grand collection of preserves and plantations, beaches to back country
Stunning beaches, historic forts and plantations, backcountry kayaking, biking and hiking, all accessible from a shady, sandy campground.
Best Beaches
7 of 10 top U.S. beaches are in Florida & Hawaii, says ‘Dr. Beach’
This year’s No. 1 beach is in the Hawaiian islands, but Nos. 2, 3 and 6 are in Florida, according to FIU professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach” for his annual rankings.
Biking and Hiking Trails
Gold Head Branch State Park: Unsung treasure with cabins, camping
Gold Head Branch State Park has long been on my radar, a small dot on the map with a curious name in the middle of nowhere — yet close enough to Gainesville to be a camping option on game weekends. (We found dozens of campsite and cabin openings for every game this year.)
Go Snorkeling!
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West hidden gem
Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.
Florida Keys
Robbie’s Marina: Feed the tarpon; it’s the best cheap fun you can find in the Keys
Robbie’s Marina is a don’t-miss stop as you drive through the Florida Keys. Dozens of tarpon, some more than 6 feet long, gather at the dock and lunge for fish from visitors. The restaurant there, the Hungry Tarpon, is highly recommended , too.
