Things to Do

Florida stone crab

Stone Crabbing

Stone crabbing in Florida is a way of life! Stone crabs in Florida are a local delicacy, and are one of the most popular seafoods in Florida. They have delicious meat, which is tender and sweet.  Stone Crab Season The stone crab season in Florida is from October 15th until May 1st, although it can…

Tent camping on the beach in Florida, Everglades National Park

Beach Camping in Florida

Camping on the beach in Florida is usually prohibited. It’s almost never possible to pitch a tent on the sand, except for a few specific locations around the state. However, there are numerous places for beachfront campgrounds, including both private campgrounds, state parks, national parks and county parks. Note: Be warned! Where primitive beach camping…

Sand Castle Competition Sanding Ovations in Florida

Sand Sculpting

Sand sculpture competitions in Florida are amazing, and are worth visiting! The Basics of Sand Sculpting There are a number of sand sculpting events in Florida, spread around the state. They are usually in the fall, winter and spring. Most of the festivals last for 1-2 weeks, and have festivals around the events. Activities and…

Scuba diving the Christ of the Abyss statue dive site in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Scuba Diving in Florida

Florida’s scuba diving sites are incredible, and diverse: Note: Never dive beyond your skills, training or ability level. Exercise extreme caution and appropriate safety measures at all times. Many people have died in Florida’s dive sites – the danger is real, and should never be underestimated. Some freshwater dive sites in Florida are accessible and…

Beach photo shoot tips from Florida photographer

Beach Photo Shoots

Beach photos are always my favorite souvenirs.  Here are some of my tips to get the best results from a beach photo shoot – whether you take your own photos, or while working with a photographer. Professional photo shoots  Whenever possible, I think it’s a great investment to hire a professional photographer to take beach…

A dive boat from the National Park Service, scuba diving in Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida

National Parks in Florida

There are three major national parks in Florida, along with eight other parks which are administered by the U.S. National Park Service. The three major national parks in Florida are: Besides the three national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates eight other parks in Florida, giving Florida 11 national parks in total.  Other…

Nesting sea turtles Florida

Sea Turtles in Florida

5 species of sea turtles in Florida: All of Florida’s sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. Sea turtles and their nests are protected by law, including the Endangered Species Act. It’s illegal to harass or disturb sea turtles, nests or hatchlings. To report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or an injured, dead or…

Morikami Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida

Morikami Japanese Garden

Morikami Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Delray Beach. The gardens are a peaceful escape and a cultural treasure – they are about more than just plants.  Morikami Gardens is a monument to Japanese culture, spread across 16 acres. As you wander around the property, you’ll find two museum buildings that…

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…

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…

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…

swimming with manatees in florida

Crystal River

Crystal River is a small waterfront city on Florida’s central Gulf coast.  Crystal River is known for its nature, beautiful natural springs, manatee tours, cute historic downtown area and water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Location The city of Crystal River is located on Florida’s gulf coast in western central Florida.  The small city…

Everglades National Park Entrance in Florida

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of the most unique parks in the U.S. It’s one of only three national parks in Florida, and one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Everglades National Park is home to incredible wildlife, including: American alligator American crocodile Florida Panther Florida manatees And countless others Over one million…