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This beach occupies one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast, and its a place for finding shells, sand dollars, gopher tortoises and, best of all, unadorned natural beauty. It reopened 14 months after severe damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Presently, it operates with limited facilities including portable restrooms.

Read More about Open again: Barefoot Beach, ‘second best beach in America,’ is wild and wonderful

Good news: One of Florida’s favorite kayak runs, Juniper Springs, is open again. It might be the most pristine spring-fed river in Florida. It’s stunningly beautiful, a narrow twisty stream, best for experienced paddlers. It had been closed since 2020.

Read More about Juniper Springs in Ocala Forest: One of the best kayaking runs is open again

This small town festival celebrates a uniquely Lake Placid product: caladiums, a colorful plant grown commercially almost nowhere else. There’ll be music, food, a car show and arts and crafts. New this year: A 1920s steam locomotive, The Sugar Express, will offer rides on a vintage train.

Read More about Local color: Lake Placid Caladium Festival, July 26-28, 2024, is about a vivid plant

It takes some chilly water to cool you off during a Florida summer day, but these spring-fed Florida rivers have that and more. These seven springs and rivers are among the most beautiful spots in Florida and are ideal locations for tubing. They’re so popular, however, you need to do your homework before going.

Read More about Best tubing in Florida: 7 beautiful springs and 2 rivers with pure white sandbars