This is the go-to place for nature lovers! Discover Florida’s stunning nature destinations and natural wonders, from freshwater springs to serene beaches. Embark on unforgettable adventures to explore Florida’s natural hidden gems.
Palma Sola Botanical Park doesn’t demand attention. It quietly occupies a few acres on a corner lot in a mostly residential area across the street from Robinson Preserve. I visited on a Saturday after enjoying Perico Preserve, fully expecting a quick walk before moving on, but I found myself lingering by the pond at the…
Sometimes you just need to get out and enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather. And sometimes, when I want to do that, what I need is a nature break. That’s where nature day trips from Tampa come in handy. Within an hour or two in any direction, you’ll find shady cypress swamps, crystal-clear springs, windswept coastal preserves,…
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I love the little preserves that hide in plain sight—the ones tucked behind subdivisions or sitting quietly along a road you’ve driven a hundred times without noticing. Violet Cury Nature Preserve is one of those places. It’s small compared to the larger state parks I…
Have you ever considered visiting Florida state parks for Spring Break? When my son was school age, we did this a lot. One Spring Break we went kayak camping and stargazed through the tent mesh. Another year, we spent a canopy of ancient oaks at Highlands Hammock. Instead of thumping bass and packed crowds, we…
As a Floridian and longtime resident of Miami, hurricanes are part of life. We don’t get hit very often, but I’ve lived through my share of hurricanes and tropical storms. The first actual hurricane (not tropical storm) I witnessed was Hurricane Andrew, and that was an experience that forever changed me. Anyone who has lived…