Author: Hayden Dunsel

Hayden Dunsel is a Florida-based travel writer, editor and photojournalist. Hayden's work is often featured in leading publications, including national and international news organizations.
Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Florida.  Famous for white sand beaches and turquoise waters, it spans 385 acres and has more than 4 miles of beaches for visitors to enjoy.  In addition to its pristine beaches, Honeymoon Island State Park has several miles of unspoiled wilderness with…

The swimming beach at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, Florida

Beaches in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks and Greek culture. But, the beaches in Tarpon Springs are also very nice, and are worth visiting! In fact, Tarpon Springs’ beach at Fred Howard Park is the northernmost beach in Pinellas County’s mainland. It marks the first of many beautiful beaches along Florida’s central Gulf…

A statue of a sponge fisherman in the historic sponge docks, Tarpon Springs, Florida

Things To Do in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem in Florida’s nature coast. It’s conveniently located near several of the largest cities in Florida, and is a great alternative to the stereotypical list of “Things to do in Florida”. Tarpon Springs is a fantastic weekend getaway for Florida locals who want to explore an interesting place, or a…

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is a small coastal town on Florida’s central Gulf of Mexico coast. Tarpon Springs is known for many unique elements, including its: Historic sponge docks Cute, historic downtown area Fascinating sponge diving history Large population of Greek-American residents Strong influence of Greek culture Tarpon Springs has more than 51 miles of waterfront, mostly consisting…

The beach at Neptune Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville

Neptune Beach

Neptune Beach is a small beach town in northeastern Florida. The city covers approximately 7 square miles and has fewer than 7,000 residents. The small city of Neptune Beach experienced steady growth for many years but has recently seen a decrease in its number of new residents. Location Neptune Beach is part of the Jacksonville…

Bonita Beach in Bonita Springs, Florida

Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs is a small coastal city located in southwest Florida, on Florida’s gulf coast.  Because of its location in southwest Florida, Bonita Springs is especially popular among people who want to explore Florida’s beautiful beaches, coastline, nature and outdoors.  Bonita Springs is a sleepy town, but it’s a popular destination for tourists, snowbird residents…

marco island, florida

Marco Island

Marco Island is a beautiful island and city in southwest Florida.  Marco Island is well known for its beautiful beaches and wealthy residents. It is a popular destination for vacationers, retirees and people who move to Florida from around the U.S.  The tight-knit island community has large and enthusiastic communities of golfers, sailors, and fishermen…

An aerial photo of Jupiter, Florida, one of the best beach towns in Florida

Jupiter

Jupiter is one of the best small beach towns in Florida. Jupiter is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear blue water, miles of waterways and the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Jupiter is a lovely place to visit, and residents say the area offers an extremely high-quality of life for those who live there. Location…

Aerial view of St. Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine

St. Augustine is a small beach town on Florida’s northeastern coast.  St. Augustine is known for its elegant European architecture, its cute city streets and its massive, historic stone fort, Castillo de San Marcos. Location  St. Augustine is located on the northeastern coast of Florida, approximately 40 miles south of Jacksonville and approximately 122 miles…

Silver Springs State Park Aerial Photo

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is a 4000-acre recreational paradise in Central Florida. The park includes Silver Spring, the Silver River, and surrounding forest areas. Visitors come to experience its gorgeous blue springs and famous glass bottom boats. Location Silver Springs State Park is located in Silver Springs, Florida, just outside of Ocala National Forest.  Silver…

aerial photo of the villages, florida

The Villages

The Villages® is one of the largest retirement communities in Florida.  All combined The Villages cover more than 80 square miles, which is equivalent to more than 51,200 acres. Amazingly, The Villages is still growing, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. Most people imagine The Villages as a single block of…

Kayaking Oleta River State Park near Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park is a beautiful state park, and one of the best things to do near Miami.  Oleta River State Park offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from relaxing beach days to heart-pumping mountain biking adventures. Oleta River State Park is an extremely popular spot in Miami for both visitors and locals,…

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is one of the best state parks in Florida. It is a favorite spot for nature lovers and water activities.  Blue Springs State Park offers a wide variety of things to do, including: Tubing Swimming Manatee viewing Birdwatching Wildlife viewing Hiking Scuba diving Kayaking and canoeing Picnicking There are full-service facilities…

Sanlando Springs near Orlando

Sanlando Springs

Sanlando Springs is a natural spring near Orlando, in central Florida.  In the past Sanlando Springs was a major regional attraction. For much of the 1900s, Sanlando Springs was one of the most popular things to do near Orlando. Natural springs were especially in the summertime when they were the only refuges from the hot…

Treehouse Spring, Santa Fe River, Florida

Treehouse Spring

Treehouse Spring is a spring near High Springs, Florida. It’s one of many springs on the Santa Fe River, and is designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring.  Treehouse Spring was once a first magnitude spring, but has suffered from reduced water flow in recent years.  The water flow in Treehouse Spring is drastically reduced because…

Poe Springs

Poe Springs

Poe Springs is a lovely spring near Gainesville and the town of High Springs. Poe Springs is set inside Poe Springs Park, alongside the Santa Fe River. It’s a favorite local spot for swimming, picnicking and family gatherings. Poe Springs Park provides Santa Fe River access via Poe Springs run, and also via a separate boat…

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the best springs in Florida. The spring’s water is clean and incredibly clear.  The bottom is mostly sand, with some exposed limestone and areas of aquatic grasses, which are important for the springs’ water quality and environmental health.  Alexander Springs is one of 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is…

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs is one of the most beautiful springs in Florida. The water is crystal clear and the surrounding environment is beautiful.  There are many things to do in Rainbow Springs, including kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, picnicking, and more. Rainbow Springs forms the headwaters of the beautiful Rainbow River, which flows from north to south, and…