Topsail Hill State Park preserves 3 miles of pristine beach, magnificent white sand dunes and sparkling coastal lakes. With lots of camping and cabin sites, it’s a gem in the Panhandle. Shut down for Hurricane isaias, Topsail Hill has now reopened.
Recent Articles
‘Florida Seafood Festival’ is the state’s oldest, Nov. 6-7 in Apalachicola
The Florida Seafood Festival celebrates Apalachicola’s vibrant fishing industry. Held at the mouth of the Apalachicola River under the shady oaks of Battery Park, this festival features fresh seafood, arts and crafts exhibits & live music.
Red Tide returns to Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach
In some the first red tide reports of the season, health alerts have been issued for areas around Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach and Panama City.
Orlando Wetlands: Perfect stop for wildlife lovers
Orlando Wetlands Park is a must-stop for birders and wildlife fans. It’s home to over 100 roseate spoonbills, 1,700 alligators and 200 species of bird. A 5,000 square foot visitor just opened with exhibits and live animals on display. The park is only 20 minutes off I-95.
Alabama Jack’s: Classic way to start a trip to Florida Keys, for sale for $4.9 million
Stopping at Alabama Jack’s, a fish shack and dive bar on a remote road between Homestead and Key Largo, has been the classic way to start a Keys trip for decades. It’s shabby, atmospheric and authentic.
Celebrate a migration miracle at fall monarch butterfly festival is Nov. 7, 2026
On their 2,000-mile fall migration, thousands of monarchs stop in Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle in October and November. A top viewing site is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a half hour south of Tallahassee. There is a monarch festival at the refuge Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration, Nov. 6-7, 2026
The Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration offers tradition like fry bread & alligator wrestling, and celebrates diverse native cultures with dancing, wildlife presentations and music.
Sebring HGTV makeover wins Emmy
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth after renovations by HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier on ‘Home Town Takeover.’ The Sebring episodes won a Daytime Emmy.
7 state parks with camping near Tampa Bay
From beach camping on a tropical island to camping on rivers in dense forests, you might be surprised by these Florida state parks with camping in the state’s second largest metropolitan area. (5th in a series)
Florida Boat Shows Calendar
With more than a million registered vessels, Florida is the Boating Capital of the Nation, so it should come as no surprise there are more than two dozen major boat shows across the state each year, including the world’s largest in-water boat show next weekend in Fort Lauderdale.
Best boardwalks in Florida provide easy access for all
Boardwalks allow everyone to explore Florida’s natural beauty, including people in wheelchairs and families with strollers. Here are 16 of our favorite boardwalks in South Florida.
Endangered right whales return to North Florida coast every winter
A Fernandina Beach family festival Nov. 7-8 raises awareness of right whales and how to help them. Endangered right whales are viewed close to shore in North Florida every winter.
Bike and Hike
Loop Road: Storied road through Everglades is full of wildlife
Loop Road is famous for being a wild place. (That once applied to the people as well as the animals.) It’s a gravel road off the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a rewarding place to explore.
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
11 enchanting Central Florida state parks with camping, cabins and ‘glamping’
Central Florida is home to a diverse selection of Florida state parks with Glamping, Cabins, RV and tent camping, Many are convenient to Disney World and Universal Studios. Check it out! @FLStateParks @FLStateParksFdn
Springs
Cool Escapes: Florida’s best springs to swim, tube, snorkel & dive
Floridians survive the heat and humidity of our brutal summers by turning to the state’s wealth of cool, clear, refreshing springs. These are our picks for the best springs in Florida.
Snorkel and Dive
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.
