Articles

Navarre Beach, Florida, beach umbrellas, as seen from a beachfront hotel.

Navarre Beach

Navarre is a hidden gem, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Beaches in Navarre are quieter and less crowded than other Florida beaches so it feels like a peaceful getaway. Navarre offers a blend of beauty, relaxation, nature and adventure.

Florida cruise ship

Cruises from Florida

Cruises from Florida depart from the six major cruise ports in Florida.  All of Florida’s major cruise ports are on the east coast, except for the Port of Tampa Bay which is on the western Gulf of Mexico coast. Map of Cruise Ports in Florida List of Cruise Ports in Florida Port Name and Website…

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida

Fishing in Florida is world-class! There are thousands of miles of coastline and waterways in Florida – lakes, rivers, fresh water, salt water, brackish tidal zones, inland, coastal, offshore and everything in between. The entire state is filled with fishing spots and a huge variety of conditions and places to catch fish. Because fishing in Florida…

dog friendly beach in florida

Dog Friendly Beaches in Florida

Although there are hundreds of miles of beaches in Florida, dog-friendly beaches are pretty rare. This map shows some dog beaches I’ve found, which are scattered around the state.  Dog Beach Rules Dog rules vary widely for beaches that allow dogs.  Some beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, while others allow only leashed dogs, usually…

Florida whale watching tour

Whales in Florida

Many people are surprised to learn that there are whales in Florida! Most people assume that whales live in cold northern waters – which is partially true. But, they also live in warmer ocean regions, including the Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Florida Whale Species According to marine biologists at NOAA and the…

Hurricane season in Florida: Hurricane storm clouds over a Florida beach

Hurricane Season in Florida

Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1st to November 30th. You may also hear this referred to as the “North Atlantic” Hurricane Season. Hurricanes can occur before or after this window, as well. What month has the most hurricanes in Florida? August, September and October are the months with the most hurricanes in Florida….

Blue Hole Spring inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida

The Best Springs in Florida

Beaches and theme parks get a lot of tourist attention, but if you ask me, Florida’s springs are the best part of our state. They are absolutely beautiful and I love exploring them. Here are some of my favorite springs in Florida. Florida Spring Maps and Guides Florida’s springs are located throughout the state. There…

Beautiful sandy beaches in the Florida Panhandle town of Apalachicola with beach house vacation rentals in the background

Apalachicola

Apalachicola is a small town in the Florida panhandle, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. Apalachicola is known for its interesting history, fresh seafood and pristine natural surroundings on the Apalachicola River. Apalachicola is a nice day trip from Tallahassee, which is located approximately 75 miles to the northeast. Apalachicola is a very small town,…

Bald Point State Park in the Florida Panhandle

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park is a beautiful state park in the Florida Panhandle.  The state park protects more than 4,000 acres of pristine Florida nature, and a variety of wildlife and natural habitats. Bald Point State Park offers a mix outdoor activities and experiences, including beaches, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, wildlife viewing and…

Madeira Beach, Florida

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast.  Madeira Beach is known for its long, beautiful sandy beaches and its most popular attraction, Johns Pass Village. Johns Pass Village is a lively waterfront boardwalk with a variety of shops, restaurants, activities, boat tours and more. It’s also the site…

Seaside, Florida town sign

Seaside

Seaside is a small beach town in the Florida panhandle, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Seaside is known for its white-sand beaches, beautiful turquoise water and charming small-town feel. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of New Urbanism and for being the filming location for The Truman Show. Seaside has charming…

Town of Longboat Key sign

Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island and small beach town on Florida’s west coast.  Longboat Key is known for its uncrowded white sand beaches, resorts, and upscale beach town living. The island of Longboat Key is long and skinny, like most barrier islands in Florida. It’s about a mile wide at its widest point,…

Beautiful white sand beach and clear water in Naples, Florida

Naples

Note: Naples was heavily affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Some attractions, including the Naples Pier, may be partially closed. Naples has also been heavily affected by the 2023 red tide outbreak, affecting beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. Naples is an upscale beach town and coastal city in Southwest Florida.  Naples is known for its…

Beach access, Treasure Island, Florida

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a small beach town in Pinellas County, Florida. Treasure Island is a popular tourist destination known for its retro style, long white sandy beaches and convenient location near St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. Treasure Island is also known for having a more residential, laid-back feel than other nearby beach towns, and for…

St Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a small beach town on Florida’s central Gulf Coast. St. Beach Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and convenient access to downtown St. Petersburg. It is also conveniently located near Clearwater Beach and many other beach destinations in Pinellas County.  Location St. Pete Beach is located on a…

Pass a Grille Beach, Florida. A wooden boardwalk gives access to the beach, one of the best beaches in Florida.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille beach is my favorite beach near St Pete! The sand is soft, white and excellent. The water is often crystal-clear. The town is super cute, and it has a perfect laid-back beach town vibe. There are some things that could be better about Pass-a-Grille, but overall it’s an excellent beach. Pass-a-Grille Beach is one…