| Florida is a beautiful state, graced with year-round | | | | Kennedy Space Center, are positioned on the |
| sunny skies, ocean breezes, subtropical foliage, | | | | Atlantic Flyway. The refuge is a major winter |
| and abundant wildlife. This southernmost | | | | home not only for legions of migrating birds, but |
| continental state offers a whole host of natural | | | | native sandpipers, ibises, and wood storks. Green |
| adventures on both land and water. There's | | | | turtles, whales, alligators and diamondback |
| certainly more to Florida than oranges and Walt | | | | rattlesnakes (FYI, avoid these) may be seen |
| Disney World, including luxurious Florida RV | | | | from area beaches while hiking or paddling canoe |
| camping resorts and cute Florida campgrounds to | | | | trails, or on the refuge's scenic, seven-mile Black |
| make your road trip a great success. | | | | Point Wildlife Drive. For visitors who'd like to catch |
| The northwest corner of the Sunshine State is | | | | their own dinner, shrimping, crabbing, clamming, |
| our first stop, where the Gulf of Mexico glistens, | | | | freshwater or surf-fishing and/or regulated |
| dolphins play, and sandy shores prevail. The Gulf | | | | waterfowl hunting are permitted at Merritt Island. |
| Islands National Seashore in Gulf Breeze stretches | | | | Established in 1903 by President Theodore |
| some 150 miles along the Gulf of Mexico's | | | | Roosevelt, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge |
| coastline, from Pensacola, at Florida's northwest | | | | near Sebastian on the Indian River Lagoon was |
| edge, to Davis Bayou and the barrier islands at | | | | America's very first wildlife refuge. Scores of |
| Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This national saltwater | | | | threatened native and migratory birds call the |
| treasure is a kaleidoscope of turquoise water, | | | | area home. The island has since been named a |
| bright white sand dunes, seaside marshes, | | | | National Historic Landmark, National Wilderness |
| wooded nature trails, historic fortresses and | | | | Area, and a Wetland of International Importance. |
| archaeological sites that tell the long-ago stories of | | | | Visitors who arrive by kayak, canoe, or boat tour |
| Native American inhabitants. Visitors are free to | | | | see jet-black anhingas and assorted varieties of |
| camp, hike, swim and fish on the gulf or Santa | | | | herons, egrets, ibises and terns. The lucky people |
| Rosa Sound. Birders who explore the Gulf Islands | | | | might catch a glimpse of any one of four types |
| are rewarded with sightings of blue herons, | | | | of sea turtles and endangered manatees, which |
| ospreys, egrets and brown pelicans. Beach-goers | | | | sometimes linger at Pelican's peaceful sanctuary. |
| have also been known to share the park's sandy | | | | The 1903 introduction of the island's protected |
| terrain with such "locals" as diamondback terrapins, | | | | status signaled the momentous start of the entire |
| armadillos and sea turtles. | | | | National Wildlife Refuge System. |
| Florida's huge, outdoor playground is open for all | | | | When tourists proceed west into the heart of |
| seasons and so are most Florida campgrounds | | | | Florida, they enter a land of freshwater lakes, |
| which makes this state a snowbird paradise. | | | | dense woodlands, and bubbling springs. Ocala |
| The Emerald Coast Beaches at Navarre, Fort | | | | National Forest is the southernmost national forest |
| Walton, Destin, and Santa Rosa are shining | | | | in the continental U.S. and the first such forest |
| examples of Northwest Florida's gulf coastline. | | | | established east of the Mississippi River. There are |
| These family-friendly recreation areas boast | | | | highlands, lowlands, swamps and a splendid |
| crystal-clear water, gentle surf, generous | | | | abundance of pine, cypress, and palm trees. This |
| stretches of sugar-white sand and rolling dunes, | | | | dynamic destination has much to offer, including |
| complete with shorebirds and nesting sea turtles | | | | hundreds of sparkling lakes, springs and two |
| galore. Don't miss 'em if you're in the area. | | | | major rivers - the Ocklawaha and the St. Johns - |
| Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, the site of | | | | with each offering ample opportunities for |
| Florida's only lighted tour cavern, is a Natural | | | | swimming, boating and angling. Snorkeling |
| National Landmark. The highlight at this park is | | | | enthusiasts surely can't resist the transparent |
| certainly the ranger-guided tour of Florida Caverns | | | | waters and incredible aquatic views in Ocala's chilly |
| and the explanations of its diverse calcite | | | | springs, can they? Paddling on canoe trails, |
| formations - stalagmites, stalactites, columns and | | | | horseback riding, and hiking on Florida's National |
| brimstones. But don't worry about the geological | | | | Scenic Trail are also popular pastimes. After all, |
| terminology, there won't be a test later. Of | | | | there's more than 430,000 acres to cover, so |
| course, there are cave critters to reckon with, | | | | you might want to leave yourself a little time to |
| including several species of (gasp!) bats. However, | | | | explore. And when you do, you may happen upon |
| the park also shelters some surprising species like | | | | black bears, bald eagles and other rare species |
| 200-pound alligators, snapping turtles, barred owls | | | | seldom seen outside the borders of Ocala National |
| and beavers. The budding geologists in your crew | | | | Forest. |
| should enjoy the marine fossils embedded in the | | | | Paddling canoe trails, horseback riding, and hiking |
| cave's ceilings and walls that tell a fascinating tale | | | | on Florida's National Scenic Trail are also popular |
| of Florida Caverns' ancient underwater past. When | | | | pastimes and many Florida RV camping resorts |
| it's time to ascend to the park's ground level, the | | | | offer resort packages that include these activities |
| choice of activities is delightfully well-rounded. | | | | and more with your stay at their campground. |
| Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, | | | | The wooded terrain around Lake Kissimmee in |
| horseback riding and canoeing are readily available. | | | | Lake Wales was once the homeland of Native |
| The scenery includes atypical plant life such as | | | | Americans who were drawn to the area because |
| orchids, flame azalea, columbine and assorted | | | | of its bounty of fish, plants and animals. Today's |
| wildflowers, adding a dash of color to the trip. | | | | travelers seem equally smitten, especially those |
| In north central Florida, travelers enter a world of | | | | who like to hike, ride horse, boat about or fish |
| winding rivers, chilly, freshwater springs, and | | | | Florida's third largest lake. Trophy bass are plentiful |
| refreshing, green forests. The Ichetucknee River | | | | in its waters. Keen observers spot whooping |
| at Fort White is a hot spot for tubing; a laid-back, | | | | cranes, bobcats, fox squirrels, deer and wild |
| solo alternative to whitewater rafting. Grab an | | | | turkeys along Lake Kissimmee's shoreline. |
| inner tube, recline, and shove off into a leisurely | | | | Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park invites |
| current (about 1 mph). At Ichetucknee Springs, | | | | visitors to learn first-hand about Florida's native |
| the crystal-clear river is fed by multiple springs | | | | animals in a natural setting. The park's centerpiece, |
| that supply an awesome daily influx of 233 million | | | | Homosassa Springs, is a 45-foot deep, 72?F |
| gallons of water. And tubers can't help but "chill | | | | headspring pumping millions of gallons of water per |
| out" as the river registers a bracing, year-round | | | | hour into the scenic Homosassa River. The spring |
| temperature of 72?F. Tubing excursions at | | | | itself is home to more than 30 species of fish. |
| Ichetucknee are nearly effortless since there are | | | | The adjacent wildlife park presents interactive |
| shuttle buses between approved launch and | | | | animal exhibits, an indoor nursery for baby |
| take-out points. In addition to the wonders of | | | | alligators and crocodiles, and special ranger |
| gliding past hardwood hammocks and cypress | | | | programs designed to introduce participants to |
| swamps, Ichetucknee Springs offers opportunities | | | | Florida's population of reptiles, birds and manatees. |
| for swimming, canoeing, and snorkeling, plus | | | | Visitors can almost rub elbows with gentle |
| underwater cavern dives for certified divers. | | | | manatees at the underwater observatory. |
| The highlight of Devil's Millhopper State Geological | | | | The Myakka River near Sarasota offers natural |
| Site in Gainesville is its enormous 120-foot deep | | | | adventures on one of Florida's finest "wild and |
| sinkhole, created by the collapsed ceiling of a | | | | scenic" waterways. This river meanders past |
| subterranean cavern. | | | | wetlands, hammocks, prairies and pinelands, all |
| Small streams tumble down the steep slopes of | | | | prime locations for canoeing, angling, biking and |
| the sinkhole, disappearing through crevices at the | | | | wildlife viewing. Sightings of deer, alligators, hawks, |
| bottom. Alas, the sinkhole's contents, in the form | | | | bobcats and lunker bass are common. And for |
| of seashells, sharks' teeth, and fossilized animal | | | | guests who prefer a guided tour, Myakka's |
| relics, have given geologists invaluable clues to | | | | splendor can be viewed from narrated tram and |
| Florida's natural history. Visitors are afforded | | | | airboat tours. |
| views of the sinkhole from boardwalks, stairways, | | | | Florida's southwest region offers world-renowned |
| or from a nature trail on the upper rim. The inside | | | | shelling, island getaways and glowing Gulf coast |
| of Devil's Millhopper features small streams rushing | | | | sunsets. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge |
| down its sheer walls and verdant plant growth, | | | | on Sanibel Island is the most prominent example |
| such as ferns and orchids, that resemble | | | | of enduring local conservation efforts. Founded in |
| Appalachian mountain foliage. | | | | 1945, the 6,000-acre sanctuary was formally |
| Head east on your Florida journey, and you'll be | | | | dedicated in 1978 to Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, a |
| rewarded by a region that offers lovely Atlantic | | | | political cartoonist and staunch environmentalist |
| beaches, quiet salt marshes and scores of | | | | who fought to preserve Sanibel's fragile |
| graceful shorebirds. Take Little Talbot and Big | | | | ecosystem. Wildlife Drive, a one-way, five-mile |
| Talbot Islands in Fort George, for example, just | | | | road winding through the island's bay side, grants |
| 17 miles from Jacksonville via a series of bridges. | | | | visitors a potential glimpse of nearly 400 resident |
| As close as they are to the "big city," these isles | | | | animal species. Depending on the season of arrival, |
| provide a refreshing sense of escape from | | | | refuge guests might see a colorful songbird, |
| civilization. Better yet, they offer convenient | | | | splashing otter or lounging crocodile. The |
| oceanside parking for your RV and easy | | | | informative, self-guided Wildlife Drive tour may be |
| boardwalk access to five miles of unspoiled | | | | completed on foot, by bike or vehicle. Suggested |
| Atlantic beaches. Besides exploring sandy shores, | | | | stops are marked with wooden signs and |
| flowering dunes, marshes, and maritime forests, | | | | volunteer interpreters are on hand to answer |
| Talbot's visitors quickly take to such activities as | | | | questions. |
| swimming, shelling, saltwater fishing, boating, biking, | | | | The Everglades National Park, North America's |
| or horseback riding. The Talbots shelter almost | | | | only subtropical preserve, is a 1.5 million-acre "sea |
| 200 species of birds and coastal critters; gopher | | | | of grass" at the southern tip of mainland Florida. |
| tortoises, river otters, and occasional bobcats are | | | | It's a place where Caribbean plants and animals |
| but a few of them. | | | | coexist in a curious mix of swamps filled with |
| Anastasia State Recreation Area, a barrier island | | | | cypress and mangroves, saw grass prairies, pine |
| east of St. Augustine, is one of Florida's best and | | | | and hardwood trees. One third of the park's |
| busiest coastal parks, and so we recommend | | | | acreage is actually underwater, including Florida |
| when staying at a Florida campground nearby you | | | | Bay which borders the park, much to the delight |
| make reservations in advance. It offers all the | | | | of canoeists. Drier park pursuits include biking; |
| beach blanket basics - a sandy coastline, rolling | | | | ranger-led trail walks or tram tours; and |
| waves, scenic dunes, a lagoon, tidal marshes and | | | | wildlife-watching for manatees, alligators, |
| sea meadows. It also offers chances to swim, | | | | crocodiles, elusive Florida panthers, more than 300 |
| fish, kayak, or learn the graceful art of | | | | varieties of birds, and the Everglades' most prolific |
| windsurfing. For those who simply want a little | | | | species, mosquitoes. |
| R&R, head to the designated picnic area | | | | One of the best attractions in the Florida Keys is |
| shaded by ancient, and somewhat unusual, oak | | | | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, |
| trees gradually bleached and twisted by the salty | | | | America's first undersea preserve, located in Key |
| sea winds. Don't overlook the wildflowers, nature | | | | Largo. For the marine species that live there, the |
| trails, magnolia trees and fascinating creatures to | | | | park protects and showcases the only living coral |
| behold: red-shouldered hawks, swallowtail | | | | reef in the continental United States. For those |
| butterflies, sea turtles, screech owls and | | | | smart enough to stop over, there are dazzling |
| Anastasia's own beach mouse - that make this | | | | saltwater spectacles to behold - gliding rainbows |
| place unique. | | | | of tropical fish, spiny lobsters, vibrant coral |
| Heading south you'll find Merritt Island National | | | | formations and bobbing loggerhead turtles. A |
| Wildlife Refuge in Titusville. It was established | | | | high-speed, glass-bottom catamaran is an ideal |
| almost four decades ago through a cooperative | | | | way to see the sights (narrated, too). Otherwise, |
| effort between NASA and the U.S. Fish and | | | | grab a snorkel and some fins. Scuba dive or |
| Wildlife Service. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean | | | | paddle a "spyak" (a customized kayak with a big, |
| to the east and Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River | | | | transparent viewing floor) for an even closer look. |
| to the west, this subtropical locale offers a | | | | One of Pennekamp's many masterpieces is a |
| pleasing mix of ancient oak hammocks, sandy | | | | 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium where tropical |
| dunes, salt marshes, mangroves, ocean beaches | | | | fish, sharks, snappers and groupers swim within |
| and piney woods. Merritt and its immediate | | | | inches of landlocked observers. |
| neighbors, Canaveral National Seashore and | | | | |