Florida
Florida, a state known for it’s beautiful coastline and tropical climate, has a lot more to offer than amusement parks and nightclubs. Travelers can find tranquility among the natural springs concentrated in central and northern Florida, solitude at the white sand beaches along the panhandle, and a laid back beach vibe throughout the keys. The hot and wet conditions support a wide array of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, panthers, bears, raccoons, armadillos, lizards, chickens (invasive in Key West), and many more. Florida’s city population is balanced by the vast amount of natural conservation and empty land, making it a great spot for mobile living.
Recommendations
Jupiter & Stewart
Jupiter, located on the southeastern corner of Florida, offers sandy white beaches, turquoise blue ocean, and riverbed recreation. Here, you can take a step into nature while remaining close to modern town amenities.
Water Activities
Paddle the Loxahatchee River
Abundant wildlife viewings including manatees, turtles, alligators, birds, and more!
Jupiter Outdoor Center offers kayak, paddle board, and canoe rentals (we rented a tandem kayak)
You can launch your own vessel from Riverbend Park, more info on the paddle route here
A manatee and her baby along the Loxahatchee RiverHikes
Halpatiokee Multi-use Route
Distance: 1.7 mi
Elevation: 13 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: nice loop around park, water views, option to add on to route, popular area for mountain biking
Austin walking with his parents at Halpatiokee parkPoints of Interest
Every Sunday 1-4 pm
Free music on the waterfront state
Walk the boardwalk, shop the strip, or grab a bite to eat after!
Waterfront Stage, Downtown StuartKey Largo & The Upper Keys
Key Largo is the first step into paradise. Here, travelers are encourage to adapt a “Keys” mindset focused on conservation and preservation of the natural world. Activities center around the water including boating, paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Return to land in time to enjoy happy hour while watching the sunset.
Eateries/Drinkeries
Snooks Bayside Restaurant and Tiki Bar - enjoy a tropical drink while walking sunset at the tiki bar, happy hour 4-6 M-F
Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory - enjoy a slice of key lime pie in their serenity garden, or grab a whole pie to go
Sunset At Snooks Bayside Restaurant and Tiki BarWater Activities
Kayaking At John PennekampRelax by the calm waters before heading to Key West
Dog friendly 2 miles loop around the park
Golden Orb Trail at Long Key State ParkKey West
Key West is the southernmost point of the contiguous US. It’s easy to experience island living once you land here, as you can park and walk or bike all over town. Be sure to enjoy fresh fish and a vibrant cocktail here, after enjoying a day out on the water or at the beach. Keep an eye out for wild chickens around the downtown streets and invasive iguana in the trees.
Eateries/Drinkeries
Eaton Street Seaford Market - stop here for a freshly grilled or fried seafood meal (we recommend the Key West pink shrimp basket). Order at the counter and sit outside, or opt to buy fresh fish from the market to bring home
Moondog Cafe - best know for it’s key lime pie with burnt meringue, come here just for dessert or for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Schooner Wharf Bar - a must stop along the historic harbor walk, enjoy a tropical drink and live music at almost all times of day
Key West Pink Shrimp at Eaton Street Seafood Market
Key Lime Pie from Moondog Cafe
Painkillers at Schooner Wharf BarPoints of Interest
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - spend the day relaxing on one of the best beaches in Key West, then explore the historic fort and easy walking trails, entry fee required
Higgs Beach - swim or snorkel the calm waters or enjoy the pickleball courts, parking is easy and free
Duval Street and Historic Harbor Walk - head here for unlimited food, bar, gallery, and live music options
Higgs BeachNorth Miami Beach
Miami beach is famous for it’s clear waters, lively music and club scene, and art culture. North Miami Beach offers public access to the beach and the boardwalk. Boon-docking here is generally accepted and free in overnight parking lots.
Miami Beach Boardwalk - spans from North Beach to South Beach. Can walk, bike or skate! 
Haulover Park - dog beach & dog park along south beach, nude beach is located along north beach
Haulover Park - pump track & skate park
Route 30A is more than a road along the Florida Panhandle. The route exemplifies why you take the scenic route, to slow down, experience community, and find joy. 30A wraps around the panhandle in two regions, though Walton County (Rosemary to Grayton Beach) and Gulf County (Cape San Blas to Apalachicola). The area’s are separated by many miles and time zones (eastern vs central). Both are worth the stop when passing by.
Route 30A
Eateries/Drinkeries
Walton County 30A
30A Airstream Food Trucks - centrally located in the town of Seaside, you’ll find dozens of airstream food trucks. Enjoy your food in their picnic area or on the nearby beach! The Red Bar - an iconic bar and restaurant from the 70s known for it’s music and decor. This spot in Grayton Beach burned down in 2019, however they built it to model the original, we were there for the Gulf County 30A
Lynn's Quality Oysters - fresh seafood with a great sunset view from their deck. We recommend the oysters and steamed shrimp
Indian Pass Trading Post - best known for their baked or raw oystersPoints of Interest
Walton County 30A
Seaside Beach - a wonderful place to walk the emerald coast or to sit and enjoy the sunset
Panama City Beach Sports Complex - between both 30As, you'll find one of the best skate parks we've visited, good to all levelsGulf County 30A
Cape San Blas - beaches are dog friendly south of the state beach, we parked at Cape Palms Parks
Apalachicola - great town to walk through, shop, or grab a biteSt. Augustine
St. Augustine is a town surrounded by history (see Castillo de San Marcos). Head over to St. Augustine beach to experience a laid back surfer town. Visit our friend Sean at Stir It Up for a bite to eat and a fresh smoothie.
Stir It Up - a casual beach side spot with healthy and delicious options
Boardwalk to St. Augustine BeachSt. Pete
St. Petersburg is a lively mix of arts, culture, and community. Head to central avenue to experience restaurants and breweries, or visit the pier and nearby waterfront park to relax (dolphins frequently play in the bay waters).
Boon-docking is common here. It’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with other like minded individuals.
Eateries/Drinkeries
Green Bench Brewing Co. - a great spot to enjoy a beer and play a round of cards, look out for their events as they had Wednesday movie nights over the holidays. Check out their second location Webb’s City Cellar next door that focuses on mixed culture fermentation
Colony Grill - this pizza joint began in the northeast (near my hometown) and spread to a few locations farther south. Their menu is simple and their pizza is tasty, especially when you’re a far way from a NY slice
Green Bench Brewing Co, seasonal amber alePoints of Interest
Vinoy Park - a great place to relax close to the St. Pete PierDolphins swimming nearby the St. Pete Pier, the pier is a great place to walk or roller skate
Maximo Park, a great spot to open up the van for the day and relax. There's a disc golf course availableBig Cypress National Preserve
Sitting as the northern neighbor to the Everglades, Big Cypress National Preserve connects freshwater wetlands to marine estuaries. The visitors center and walking paths are easily assessable by car when driving along Floridas southern route 41 through the preserve. Choose to stroll boardwalk paths, canoe the wetlands, or camp below one of America’s darkest skies.
Hike
Kirby Shorter Roadside Park Boardwalk
Distance: 0.8 mi
Elevation: 0 ft
Route Type: out & back
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: an easy boardwalk stroll through the wetlands.
Cypress Trees Along Kirby Shorter BoardwalkCastillo De San Marcos
Located in St. Augustine, Castillo De San Marcos is the oldest fort in the continental US. It was built when Florida was under Spain in the late 1600s. It was later acquired by the British, then the Americans following the revolutionary war. Admission is included with an annual national park pass.
Rampart
CourtyardEverglades National Park
The Everglades harbor some of Florida’s fiercest wildlife. Many opt to walk boardwalk paths through the wetlands. Travel to the end of the park to kayak among the crocs and gators,
Hike
Distance: 0.8 mi
Elevation: 0 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: an accessible boardwalk path close to entrance, abdundant wildlife (alligators, turkey vultures, turtles, etc), be prepared for direct sunlight
Anhinga Trail, BoardwalkGulf Islands National Seashore
The Gulf Island shores are a place of serenity along the panhandle of Florida. Experience the calming blue-green waters, tranquil white beaches, and diverse coastal marshes along this national seashore.
Austin Waiting For Waves at Gulf Islands
Sunset Behind Austin Sitting on Van Morrison Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Alexander Springs is one of four springs in the Ocala National Forest. Set in a secluded forest, you’ll find a natural spring perfect to kayak, paddle board, snorkel, scuba dive, or swim. Like most springs in Florida, the water temperature is a constant 72°F and crystal clear in the sunlight.
Other springs in the Ocala National Forest include Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, and Silver Glen Springs. Any would be a good choice to enjoy a day in the water!
Water Activities
Launch from Alexander Springs, $13/person or $34/night at campground
Current moves downstream from here, be prepared to paddle back
We used out 2 person inflatable paddle board
Can launch for free from the CR 455 bridge, paddle upstream towards springs to drift back
Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board rentals are available at Alexander Springs launch
Paddle Boarding & Snorkling, Between Springs Launch and BridgeCampground
Location: nestled in the Ocala National Forest
Highlights: many spots back into trees, spots can be walking distance from launch, free hot showers, potable water and dump station, pet friendly campground
Austin and Obie, Outside Restroom FacilitiesBlue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is best know for the hundreds of manatees that winter in the warm springs. The park features a day use area and a campground (we did not stay). The park is more frequented than other springs nearby due to the platforms and boardwalk to observe the manatees. The park may temporary close for entrance when it reaches capacity. You can launch from the day use area, however the manatee area is blocked off from watercraft. Admission is $6/vehicle
Fish at Blue Springs
Manatees at Blue SpringsKelly Park/Rock Springs
Kelly Park and Rock Springs is a great spots to enjoy nature. Walk upstream towards the cave to begin your float or snorkel down a “natural lazy river” then play in the spring below. The park features hiking trails accessible from the day use and campground areas.
Water Activities
Tube/Snorkel Run
Follow concrete path upstream to entry point
Float on your tub or grab your snorkel to float down the stream
Temperature ranges from 68 - 72 degrees F year round
No kayaks/paddle boards allowed at rock springs, launch from Camp Joy or King’s Landing to access route
Rock Springs Swimming Hole, Entry PointHikes
Kelly Park Rock Springs Yellow Trail
Distance: 2.3 mi
Elevation: 82 ft
Route Type: loop
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: an easy loop in the forest around the spring
Note: no dogs allowed
Deer on Yellow Loop Trail
Campground
Location: Kelly Park/Rock Springs, walking distance to lazy river and spring
Highlights: woodsy spots, large bathhouse with included hot showers, abundant wildlife including deer, turkey, raccoons, squirrels, etc
Note: no dogs allowed (we kept Obie in the van)
Camping With Our Friends @chiphitstheroad Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park is a secluded spring located on the western side of Florida. The park features a boardwalk along the paddle route that leads to the Suwannee River. The swimming hole is a constant 72°F, which draws manatees to it’s waters in wintertime. We visited on an overcast and gloomy day. Be sure to be respectful of the manatees when enjoying outdoor recreation here.
Swimming Hole at Springs, Manatees in the Water in the Wintertime
BoardwalkCampground
Location: walking distance to swimming hole and boardwalk
Highlights: clean facilities with hot showers, natural orange trees seen in campground, pet friendly
Camping Spot 10